paris city tour guide

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Venice food tours, st. mark’s basilica, murano & burano, gondola tours, doge’s palace, st. peter’s basilica, st. peter's dome, sistine chapel, raphael rooms, private tours, pompeii from rome, cooking classes, colosseum underground, paris food tours, eiffel tower, statue of liberty, nyc food tours, metropolitan museum (met), central park, last supper, lake como from milan, windsor castle, westminster abbey, tower of london, harry potter, changing of the guard, vegas shows, the grand canyon, uffizi gallery, tuscan wine tours, statue of david, florence food tours, florence duomo, accademia gallery, sagrada familia, montserrat from barcelona, casa batllo, barcelona food tours, barcelona boat tours, athens food tours, rijksmuseum tours, amsterdam food tours, amalfi coast, water & boat tours, sorrento boat tours, capri boat tours, the best paris tours, book tours to the eiffel tower, louvre, versailles, the catacombs, and so much more.

The Eiffel Tower is the city's most iconic monument and one of the most difficult to visit during peak travel seasons. Is it worth it? 100%! You can find different Eiffel Tower tours and experiences that will make your visit easy and include additional options like a Seine River cruise, elevator access, and summit access. The Louvre is arguably the world's greatest museum. It is home to 25% of all Da Vinci paintings, including the famous Mona Lisa. The museum began restricting access in 2023 to make your visit more enjoyable, so booking ahead is critical. You can choose from our small group, semi-private, and private tours, and book in advance before tickets run out! Versailles is a town 22km or 14 miles from Paris which originally was home to a hunting lodge that became Europe's most recognizable palace. Its evolution took place over a few centuries, with each French King making their own mark but none more than Louis XIV. The palace is a must-see attraction and worth at least a day of your attention. You can go it alone, but ticket lines are among the worst in Europe. Joining one of our below tours will not only help you skip the line but take the guesswork out of your visit. The Paris Catacombs are one of the most incredible works of civil engineering in Europe. An estimated six million skeletons are arranged not only in an orderly manner but organized beautifully. The ossuary is one of Paris' most saught after attractions and the line to get tickets reflects that. Joining a tour is an excellent way to save time standing around and learn about this incredible feat of engineering. The Parisii tribe founded Paris in the 3rd century B.C. The city of light's position on the Seine River caused it to grow into one of Europe’s most important cities. It became the capital of France in 987 A.D. The city has been built up, torn down, and rebuilt over and over resulting in some of Europe's most iconic monuments.

Headed to Paris and nervous about getting tickets for the city's mega-monuments? We run tours and activities all over Paris and work with many other local companies to ensure you can experience Paris' great attractions during your next visit without waiting in unnecessary lines. Below you'll find Paris' best tours of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, Paris Catacombs, culinary tours, and day trips to Champagne, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, and more! The Eiffel Tower is the city's most iconic monument and one of the most difficult to visit during peak travel seasons. Is it worth it? 100%! You can find different Eiffel Tower tours and experiences that will make your visit easy and include additional options like a Seine River cruise, elevator access, and summit access. The Louvre is arguably the world's greatest museum. It is home to 25% of all Da Vinci paintings, including the famous Mona Lisa. The museum began restricting access in 2023 to make your visit more enjoyable, so booking ahead is critical. You can choose from our small group, semi-private, and private tours, and book in advance before tickets run out! Versailles is a town 22km or 14 miles from Paris which originally was home to a hunting lodge that became Europe's most recognizable palace. Its evolution took place over a few centuries, with each French King making their own mark but none more than Louis XIV. The palace is a must-see attraction and worth at least a day of your attention. You can go it alone, but ticket lines are among the worst in Europe. Joining one of our below tours will not only help you skip the line but take the guesswork out of your visit. The Paris Catacombs are one of the most incredible works of civil engineering in Europe. An estimated six million skeletons are arranged not only in an orderly manner but organized beautifully. The ossuary is one of Paris' most saught after attractions and the line to get tickets reflects that. Joining a tour is an excellent way to save time standing around and learn about this incredible feat of engineering. The Parisii tribe founded Paris in the 3rd century B.C. The city of light's position on the Seine River caused it to grow into one of Europe’s most important cities. It became the capital of France in 987 A.D. The city has been built up, torn down, and rebuilt over and over resulting in some of Europe's most iconic monuments.

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Skip the line

Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

( 481 ) as low as $88.66

Skip the Line

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before

( 414 ) From: $83.95

Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

See the Mona Lisa, Sacre-Coeur, and Moulin Rouge with organized transportation and an expert guide

( 252 ) as low as $125.54

Premium Access Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine River Cruise

Fulfill your bucket-list dream of viewing the City of Lights from the best spot in the city

( 91 ) as low as $79.34

Guided Tour

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

Get your steps in to the second floor before taking the elevator to the summit for epic Paris views

( 120 ) as low as $44.52

Semi-Private Louvre Tour with Mona Lisa

See the World's greatest art with a friendly English speaking guide and max group size of six!

( 149 ) From: $139.95

Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access

Skip the line and gain exclusive access to secret parts of the Catacombs

( 114 ) From: $98.51

Louvre at Closing Time Tour with Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo

See the best of the Louvre with fewer crowds and a passionate guide on this late afternoon tour

( 204 ) From: $78.35

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Guided Tour of the Palace of Versailles with Priority Access in a Small Group (transportation included 1-15)

Small groups or private tours. Discover the Palace of Versailles with a guided tour of the King’s Grand Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Take a walk in the French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. Departure and return by minibus to the Pullman hotel in Paris.

The 7 Best Private Guided Tours of Paris 🇫🇷 [2024 Reviews]

Don't leave paris without a guided tour to see the city like a local.

Paris is one of the most popular spots four tourism in the world, and it’s really no wonder why. The European capital has one of the most impressive, interesting backgrounds in history, art, architecture, and so much more.

However, because of this there’s also a ton of attractions to check out which can make it difficult if you’re doing all the sightseeing and planning on your own.

Not to mention, there are just a ton of guided tours of Paris which can make it hard to pick which are worth going on! That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to find you the top Paris city tours out there.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Private Tours of Paris

Quick answer: the 7 best rated city of paris tours for 2024.

• Paris in a Day: Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise & Louvre
• 6-Hour Private Custom Tour of Paris
• Paris Your Perfect Day in the City Custom Private Tour
• Exclusive Private Paris Tour by Citroen 2CV
• Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Paris Private Tour
• Paris City Tour with Private Friendly Guide and all Must-See Sites
• Tuktuk in Paris © Private City Tour

Private Tours of Paris Reviews

1. paris in a day: montmartre, eiffel tower, seine river cruise & louvre.

• Departure:  Anvers, 75018 Paris
• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes:  Skip the Line Eiffel Tower tickets (non-guided), licensed English-speaking guide, small groups (maximum of 15), Skip the Line Louvre tickets, 1 hour Seine River Cruise (flexible ticket), Montmartre guided neighborhood walk, food & drinks
• Other: Convenient way to see big attractions located all across the city

This is one of the most popular Paris city tours out there, as it covers some of the biggest attractions in the city. Not only that, but it allows you to see them in the most convenient way possible: without having to wait in lines and having your own personal tour guide to teach you about everything!

At 9 hours long, the Paris in a Day: Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise & Louvre tour is not one to miss!

Start out with the rest of your small group and guide at Montmartre hill. You’ll all meet here, and as the groups are never more than 15 people, it’s much easier to see more places. Take the funicular to Sacre-Coeur Basilica, which is incredibly stunning – both inside and out!

From here, you’ll see some of the most impressive views of this sprawling city! The winding streets surrounding it are quite fascinating in themselves, so you’ll make a few stops along the way. First, at a local vineyard, artist hot-spot Place du Tertre, and a reconstructed windmill!

Next, head to Ile de la Cite, or Island on the Seine , is literally an island in the middle of the river in the city center. It once served as a fortress in the 4 th century, but also was inhabited by the Parisii , which is where the city gets its name!

Notre Dame towers over the island, and while it’s not currently open to the public, it’s also quite a sight to see.

Next up is the legendary Louvre! This museum is absolutely massive, and really impossible to see everything in just a day. However, you will be able to see some of the most famous works, including da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

After taking a brief subway ride to Le Trocadero, you and your group will be standing in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Plaza. This is one of the best viewpoints of the tower, as it’s far and high enough to admire it in its entirety and oftentimes doesn’t have many crowds.

Your guide will also provide you with a skip-the-line ticket to head up to the second floor of the tower, along with a 1-hour Seine River cruise perfect for watching the sun set!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. 6-hour private custom tour of paris.

• Departure: Hotel pickup drop off included
• Duration: 6 hours
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM
• Includes: Hotel pickup, private tour, transportation
• Other: Completely customizable

Perhaps you’re looking for a tour that is fully customizable that you can design exactly what you want to see. Or just go with the tour guides recommendations.

Either way, the Paris Private Custom Guided Tour is for you! At 6 hours long, it’s perfect if you have a full day to see all the sights that Paris is known for. We loved the enthusiasm of the tour guide, it was obvious she really knew the history of Paris and was proud of it!

After being picked up from you hotel, you will start your journey of this beautiful city. if yppu go with the recommended tour, your first stop is at the iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll have plenty of time to stop and awe and take some photos while your guide tells you all about how it came to be.

Next up is the Place de La Concorde, which was once used for a much darker purpose than today but now one of the most beautiful places in Paris.

You’ll continue cruising to see the Ecole Militaire, or the “Military School” complex which was originally founded in the 1700’s by King Louis XV. Currently, it’s used for a variety of military training and has quite a complex history that your guide will fill you in on.

You can’t miss Champs-Elysees which is probably the most famous ave in the world that ends with the Arc de Triomphe.

Ride over Pont Alexandre III, which is without a doubt one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Check out both the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, where you’ll learn about its rich art history.

Keep in mind you can completely customize your tour!

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. paris your perfect day in the city custom private tour.

• Departure: Hotel pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Paris city limits
• Duration:  7 hours or 3.5 hours (depending on selection)
• Departure Time: Variety Available
• Includes: Private guide, customized tour planning services, public transport costs (including taxis and Paris’ historic metro), certified guide for museum available on request
• Other: Custom tour allows you to plan according to what you’re specifically interested in

Something that can be a turn-off for many people when it comes to tours, is the lack of ability to customize them. Well, that’s not the case here, with the Paris Your Perfect Day in the City Custom Private Tour !

You can add in sights from the most popular attractions to hidden gems to make this experience personalized just for you!

Ranging from a tour of 3.5 hours to 7 hours, it’s also a great way to be able to fit in with the rest of your schedule. Not to mention, hotel pickup and drop-off is also offered, so you never have to worry about transportation!

Starting out early in the morning, you’ll meet your guide at your hotel and finalize the plan for the day before heading out!

You can make specific requests to your guide, and they will make it possible while telling you anecdotes and taking you the “local” way through the city. If you prefer, you can also let them just pick the attractions and hidden wonders, which is also a great option if you don’t have any specific ideas.

These guides know the city incredibly well as they are locals and have a lot of knowledge about the history. You can tell just how much they know, as they do not have a script.

It genuinely feels like a Parisian friend is just taking you to the best spots they know, while telling you all about the history and how they relate to today’s current times.

This means also, that when you’re hungry, you can ask the guide to stop where they’ll make recommendations to the best dining spots around. Or perhaps you’d just like to stop for some of the best coffee in Paris. Again, whatever suits you best!

3. Exclusive Private Paris Tour by Citroen 2CV

• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure Time: 9:30 AM
• Includes: Private guide, transport by private vehicle, break at Ladurée, hot beverage (coffee or Ladurée tea), traditional sweet French treat at Ladurée Treat, gratuities
• Other: Unique way of seeing city with a Citroen 2CV

Are you on the hunt for the most creative way to see Paris? Perhaps you want to go on a sightseeing tour but don’t like the idea of traveling in a bulky bus getting stopped up in traffic all the time. Whatever the case may be, we have the solution with the Exclusive Private Paris Tour by Citroen 2CV .

Introduced at the 1948 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile, the 2CV is a classically “Parisian” vehicle is an absolute legend. For this tour, you’re going to enjoy a private tour in the Citroen Deux Chevaux, which is perfect for weaving in-and-out of traffic and a fantastic way to see the city!

You’ll meet your driver either on Champs-Elysees or at your city center hotel. Hop into this vintage beauty, while your driver heads out towards the main sights. The Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret, and of course, the Eiffel Tower!

We loved the insider tips the driver provides, which makes it more fun to go check different places later on. The driver guide is super friendly and knowledgeable, so if you have any questions feel free to ask them.

You’ll make a stop for a sweet little dessert (various options available, but the éclair is our recommendation!), along with a hot beverage at the famous Laduree tea room. It’s been around for over a hundred years, and has been a pastry shop since 1871, thanks to Baron Haussmann!

After you fuel up, you’ll meet your guide outside to continue seeing the sights. You’ll drive by Place Vendome and the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens.

4. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Paris Private Tour

• Departure: Café La Colonnade, 154 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
• Includes:  Private tour, tour guide, 1 local drink/tasting, transportation
• Other: Compact tour packs a lot into a short amount of time. Great way to see city from a “local’s” perspective

Are you looking for a tour that’s a bit shorter but still covers a lot of Paris’ best? This walking tour is just that, but lets you experience the city like a local.

On the Highlights & Hidden Gems with Locals: Best of Paris Private Tour , you’ll get to see some of the biggest landmarks, while visiting some secret spots that most non-Parisians don’t get to see.

You and the rest of your group will meet your guide at a central location and start off by walking to the Musee du Louvre and Palais Royale. The Louvre is more than iconic, with some of the world’s most famous pieces of art.

However, the building itself also has a long and eventful history that your guide will tell you all about. The Jardin du Palais Royal used to be the residence of King Louis XIV, and is still decked out in enormous sculptures.

We hope you’ve worked up an appetite with all that walking, because you’ll then be doing some delicious bread-tasting! We all know that French baguettes are delicious, but they taste even better freshly-made in an early 20 th -century wooden oven!

Galerie Vivienne is a stunning passage, along with the Passage Choiseul. The covered passages date to the early 1800’s, and house the Theatre des Bouffes-Parisiens.

Next, check out the Palais Garnier, charmingly-dubbed the “Baroque Wedding Cake”. After seeing the architecture in person, you’ll clearly see why it’s earned this nickname.

Next, stop at Galeries Lafayette, which one of the city’s most popular department stores. The goal is the rooftop, however, where you’ll take in some breathtaking views of the European capital.

After, stop at La Madeleine Greek temple and then Place de La Concorde. Here, you’ll get to see the notorious Obelisk and the dark history behind this square.

Next, hear about how the Grand Palais and Petit Palais’ various exhibitions and histories as well. One of the highlights is crossing Pont Alexandre III stunning guilded bridge, and take in views of the Eiffel Tower and cross Pont de L’Alma.

5. Paris City Tour with Private Friendly Guide and all Must-See Sites

• Departure: Hotel pick up in Paris
• Duration: 5 hours
• Includes:  All taxes, customizable itinerary, main Paris must-see sites in just 5 hours, local guide, private walking tour
• Other: Private tour allows you to see iconic attractions at your own pace, with less crowds

The Paris City Tour with Private Friendly Guide and all Must-See Sites is that tour that just covers everything. It’s neither too long nor too short, and you really get to see a ton of hot spots around the city. This is a tour that you can go on and know that you aren’t going to feel like you missed out on anything.

With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you just have to worry about bringing a sense of adventure and perhaps a pair of good walking shoes! With a customizable itinerary, you get to see the main sites but also have a say in the places you go.

You’ll start around 10 am, heading off to Trocadero first. This square has one of the most gorgeous observation decks in the world, and you’re sure to take some incredible photos here. Walk through the park and get up close to the tower.

Underneath the tower is pretty intricate and industrial, offering insight to how robust the structure is. Next, take a break and grab a bite to eat while taking in some further views of the tower. After you’ve recharged, you will stop by Napoleon’s tomb, and then the Beaux-Arts-style, Grand Palais.

Continue on your excursion along the enormous avenue, Champs-Elysees. The avenue alone has quite the history, and along it sit 2 important plazas: Place de la Concorde and Place d’Etoile. Not to mention, the important Arc de Triomphe, which sits over/in the middle of it! It’s much bigger than we expected!

You’ll stop at each place for some photo ops, while your guide tells you the history behind them. Next, head over to Jardin des Tuileries, where various famous artworks make their home. However, the garden also has quite the history, being landscaped in the 1500’s by Catherine de’Medici!

We can’t forget seeing Notre Dame’s infamously intricate architecture, complete with the gargoyles and chimeras! Even though right now it’s closed to the public, just seeing the exterior really is something else.

Head over to Square Jean XXIII for a delicious French lunch in a charming café, where you can watch over the South Rose Window and other parts of Notre Dame cathedral.

7. Tuktuk in Paris © Private City Tour

• Departure:  Hotel pick up in Paris / Add the name of the hotel or the address and the desired time (10AM to 6PM)
• Duration:  1 to 8 hours
• Includes:  Private tour, local guide, informative, friendly and professional
• Other: Flexible booking perfect for fitting into a busy schedule. Can add tour options up to 8 hours long.

Remember what we said about seeing Paris in a unique way? Well, here’s another one! The Tuktuk in Paris Private City Tour is another customizable tour where you get to see exactly what you want to, along with the option of adding on recommended places by your experienced guides!

Lasting anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, you can seamlessly fit it into your day along with any other plans you may have! The electric tuk-tuks that you’ll be taking are convenient and one of the most efficient ways to cruise through the city.

Holding up to 6 passengers, you can also rent multiple tuk-tuks if you have a bigger group. First, you’ll head to the Eiffel Tower! Along the way, your friendly guide will tell you tips and fun facts about the city. We found them to be careful yet skilled drivers who could maneuver the streets with ease.

Once you get to the tower, they will stop and let you get out for more than enough time for photos and a little history lesson. You’ll also make a stop at Le Trocadero for more photo ops from a different perspective.

Pass by the majestic Arc de Triomphe on Champs-Elysees, which is quite the excursion in itself! If you’d like, you can make a stop here as well for some photos. It’s all up to you and the rest of your group!

Further on, you’ll get to see the Place de la Concorde, which has been quite significant throughout European history. The Louvre Museum spans various blocks, but you’ll have plenty of time to learn all about it and for photo ops. Notre-Dame, Palais Garnier, Montmartre, and Sacre-Coeur of Montmartre are also on the agenda!

Paris Travel Guide

In TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2019, Paris was ranked as the #2 Top Destination in the World. This is no surprise for a city famous for its food, art, and architecture.

Whether you’re looking for gourmet meals, a romantic getaway, a place to immerse yourself in fine art, or a family vacation, France’s capital city is a great destination for you.

Airports & Entry

The two best ways to travel to Paris are by air and by train.

Paris boasts 3 busy international airports which together form the world’s 5 th busiest airport combination and a major transport hub for Europe. Paris’ three international airports are Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé.

Paris is well served by a selection of budget airlines including Easyjet, Ryanair, French Bee, Transavia, and Norwegian. You can secure better deals by booking at least a month in advance and using a ticket price comparison website, like Omio . You can literally save hundreds of dollars by choosing the right flight. Because Paris is such a major transport hub, flights are very competitive.

Usually, you will find flying both the most affordable and easiest way to reach Paris. However, if you are traveling from a neighboring country, it is worthwhile checking into high-speed trains.

Paris is linked to neighboring countries by a network of high-speed rail links operated by SNCF . Although these trains take longer than flights, they transport their passengers from city center to city center. Flying, of course, usually requires a transfer to an airport some distance away from the city.

For example, if you’re traveling from London to Paris, a Eurostar train that passes through the famous Channel Tunnel will provide a relatively hassle-free journey when compared to flying. Also, in most cases, that journey will be quicker than flying because of the extra time taken up waiting for connections at the airports. And it also gives you bragging rights for using one of the world’s most famous undersea tunnels.

When planning your journey, compare the costs of flights and high-speed trains and decide which is the best option for you. Often flying will be cheapest, but if the cost isn’t too much more, the train will be relatively more comfortable and involve fewer complications.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Paris is recognized by many as the heart of the culinary world. Many internationally-acclaimed chefs trained there, and the terms used in gourmet kitchens worldwide originate in Paris. You won’t have any problem finding good food in the capital of France.

Traditional croissants are a great breakfast treat in any Parisian café. The best area for traditional cafés is the Boulevard Saint-Germain, a tree-lined avenue in the 6 th Arrondissement. The Neo Café is highly rated. But if you’re in a hurry and want your breakfast on the go, grab a fresh pain-au-chocolat from one of the family bakeries (patisseries).

Bo&mie in the 2 nd Arrondissement is the top-rated patisserie in Paris and close to attractions such as the Louvre and the Pompidou Center. In the early morning, you’ll often see Parisians walking out from patisseries with freshly baked baguettes. They do love freshly baked bread rather than long-life bread found on supermarket shelves.

If you want to find the most exclusive, Michelin-stared restaurants, explore the area around the Champs-Elysées. That’s where you’ll find many of the oldest restaurants in Paris. But, if you have a less discerning palate, the same area is where you’ll find McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks.

The top-rated French gourmet restaurant here is Pierre Gagnaire on Rue Balzac. Be prepared to spend at least €200 per person and you will require a reservation.

While in Paris, you should try at least one distinctively French dish, like coq au vin or ratatouille. If you’re feeling courageous, you could opt for snails or frogs’ legs…just so you can say that you did.

You should consider taking a French cooking class while you are in Paris . Learn from the best and make the dishes you love at home!

Snacks & sweets

For traditional street food, try the amazing crepes that you can buy from many street corners. You can eat these tasty pancake treats while you walk with savory or sweet fillings.

Before you leave Paris, ensure you sample some of its amazing desserts. The Crème Brulée is a delicious traditional sweet, and meringues are sweet and satisfying but also very messy.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Paris is famous as a getaway for romantic weekends, so of course you’ll find a rich variety of nightlife.

The most famous nightspot in Paris is undoubtedly The Moulin Rouge in the area of the 18 th arrondissement known as Pigalle. This historic cabaret club is where the Can-can dance was created and a favorite haunt for many famous celebrities over the past century, from Toulouse-Lautrec to Frank Sinatra. You can enjoy a cabaret here for around €145 ($160).

However, be aware that Pigalle is regarded as the red-light district. Watch out for overly friendly ladies and gentlemen inviting you into dance clubs in this district.

Champs-Elysées

The most exclusive nightclubs, restaurants, and live music venues are found in the 8 th arrondissement, around the Champs-Elysées. Many of the clubs here are impossible to enter unless you are a recognizable celebrity, royal, or billionaire.

You’ll need to dress up smart to get into any of the decent clubs here. And if you do enter, be careful whose drink you nudge and spill! But a word of caution — the exclusive clubs in this area also include a few strip clubs! They’re very different from the strip clubs in Pigalle, but still strip clubs. One to watch out for is the famous Whisper Club .

An example of a bar in palatial settings where you might be concerned about scuffing the silverware and smearing the crystal is simply called Le Bar in the George V Four Seasons Hotel.

This same area is also home to more touristy haunts which you won’t find so difficult to enter. However, these often contain more tourists than locals, so don’t expect a uniquely French experience. The club with the most laid-back reputation is the Dogstar Club . You might get past the bouncers without a $10,000 watch on your wrist and a designer cocktail dress.

Place Vendome

The 1 st arrondissement is literally the center of the city around the Louvre and where you’ll find boutique hotels with historic bars frequented by celebrities and the beautiful rich. Most of these hotels have strict dress rules to enter the bar, and you’ll need a healthy income to survive the night.

The area around the Metro Bastille, on the borders of the 4 th , 11 th , and 12 th arrondissement, is where the younger and more relaxed crowd hang out. You’ll find decent nightclubs, cafés, live music venues, and dive bars frequented by local 20-somethings.

Check out the Niki Club on the Rue de Lappe for a casual night, or maybe the Black Star Club in Passage Thiere if you enjoy live rock music or jazz.

If you enjoy the LGBT scene, the Marais district in the southern part of the 3 rd arrondissement and northern part of the 4 th is where you’ll find welcoming cafés, bars, and live music venues where all genders and sexualities are made welcome. Café Cox is one bar legendary for its welcomes.

Getting Around

When you’re trying to find your way around, you might get confused by the way addresses sometimes emphasize the arrondissement, sometimes the name of the area, and sometimes the zip code. To simplify this a little, the last two digits of the zip code are the arrondissement number. So, the Eiffel tower is at 75007, meaning it’s in the 7 th arrondissement.

You might be surprised to discover it’s not in the 1 st arrondissement since it’s so central to the city. However, the way the arrondissements work is beginning in the Louvre — the 1 st arrondissement and true center of Paris (where the king’s palace is) — and then radiates out from there. The first layers are numbered from the north clockwise and wrap around the central arrondissements. The arrondissements get larger as you get further from the center.

Most of the main attractions are found in arrondissements 1 through 8, which form the core of the city. This means that it’s possible to walk from attraction to attraction. But if you want to go a little quicker, Paris boasts an affordable and efficient public transport system. And the best way to get around is on the Metro.

With 300 Metro stations, everywhere in Paris is within a 10-minute walk of a station. A Paris Visite Travel Pass provides unlimited Metro travel within a specified zone for a set period of time. The Travel Pass may also be used on trams, buses, and the RER underground train system. A 1-day ticket for Zones 1 to 3 costs €12 ($13).

There are even more bus stops than Metro stations and bus services run every 5 to 7 minutes. This means that buses are often more convenient for shorter journeys than the Metro. Since a Travel Pass allows you to swap between the Metro and buses, you can simply take the bus when it’s most convenient but use the Metro for longer destinations. To learn which would be most convenient for your planned journey, you can check the route maps on the RATP (Regie Autonome des Transports) website .

Hire bicycles

Like many capital cities in Europe, Paris has a public bicycle hire scheme. Around the city, you’ll find 1,800 Velib bike stations with 24,000 bicycles. You simply require a credit card with a chip to rent a Velib bike.

There are over 16,000 taxis in Paris. Taxis are an expensive but convenient mode of transport. You can take a taxi from a taxi rank or hail one down in the street.

While you can opt to hire a car in Paris, be aware that Parisian drivers have a bad reputation for safety. Also, the congested roads are difficult to navigate and parking places rare. If you really want to enjoy your time in Paris, walk or use public transport.

Accommodations

When choosing where to stay in Paris, you should consider why you’re there. If your main interest is in taking your family to Disneyland, Paris, then you’ll find accommodation near there more spacious and much more affordable than most places in the city.

However, if you want to visit the historical and cultural attractions, then you should confine yourself to the central areas between the 1 st and the 8 th arrondissements, where hotels are within walking distance of the main sites.

Below, I’ve divided the kind of accommodation by area. However, this is only a rough guide. You’ll find 5-star luxury hotels in the budget and family areas, and I’ve previously stayed in a very cheap family guesthouse about 2-minutes-walk from the Arc de Triomphe.

You’ll find a lot of budget accommodation around the 5 th and part of the 6 th arrondissements simply because these areas are a little further from the most popular tourist attractions and famous streets.

But if you don’t mind a little more walking, the area of Montmartre is still pretty central and boasts character-filled, winding streets. And with Metro stations dotted all around the area, it’s as convenient as any other central location if you plan to get around on public transport.

An example budget hotel in this area is the Hotel Marignan  on a quiet street in the Latin Quarter. This historic hotel has hosted many famous guests, such as EE Cummings, and is within walking distance of Notre Dame.

The Rive Gauche area of the rest of the 6 th and the 7 th arrondissements is an easy walk from places like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. This makes the affordable hotels there perfect for families with young and impatient kids who just want to get there quick. Many of the hotels in this area vary between small boutique hotels and cozy, family-run hotels.

The aptly named Eiffel Rive Gauche Hotel is super close to the Eiffel Tower and would provide a great base for your family to explore the French capital.

While a few of the most exclusive hotels are in the 1 st arrondissement, the main selection of high-class hotels is found along the Champs-Elysees in the 8 th arrondissement. You’ll notice this coincides with where the most Michelin-starred restaurants and high-class bars and clubs are, many of which are attached to or inside the luxury hotels.

In terms of distance, the 1 st and 8 th arrondissements are neighbors, with the Champ-Elysees running between the Louvre area in the 1 st and the Arc de Triomphe in the 8 th . Government officials and important people have long made their home in the 8 th arrondissement, and it is considered the cultural heart of the capital.

A great example of a luxury hotel in this area is the Hotel de Crillon , which looks more like a palace or museum than a working hotel.

Although it’s fairly inland, Paris still benefits from an oceanic climate with cool but mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. Generally, the city sees light rainfall distributed evenly through the year, though sudden heavy showers can occur.

Paris gets coldest in January, with an average daily high of 45 0 F and a low of 37 0 F. During spring, the temperatures warm so that by April it reaches an average high of 60 0 F and low of 45 0 F. Spring is a great time to visit Paris because the flowers are blooming all around the city and the summer crowds have yet to descend upon the city.

The hottest month of the summer is July, with an average high of 77 0 F and low of 60 0 F. That’s when the city becomes crowded with visitors from all around the world. By October, the average high drops to 61 0 F and the low to 49 0 F. The fall is another great time to visit because the weather isn’t too cold but the crowds have diminished and the trees have donned their beautiful autumnal cloaks.

Attractions

The main attractions radiate out from the center of the city, which is the 1 st arrondissement.

The Louvre Palace in the 1st arrondissement was the main residence of the Kings of France from the 14 th century onward. Today it is much better known as the home of the world’s greatest art museum, the Musée du Louvre . If you want to see such world-famous masterpieces as the Venus de Milo sculpture and the Mona Lisa painting, then you should head straight for the glass pyramid in front of the grand palatial building.

The great cathedral of Notre-Dame in the 4 th arrondissement is so spectacular and famous that I cannot justify leaving it out of this list. However, please note that the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris is closed for at least the next four years and maybe more.

After the devastating fire of April 2019, the cathedral and nearby surrounding area were closed to public access until sufficient repairs can be made to make the area safe once again. You can still admire its amazing Gothic architecture from a distance and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the restoration work in progress.

Eiffel Tower

The most visited attraction in the center of Paris is the Eiffel Tower in the 7 th arrondissement. Although this renowned iron tower was erected as a temporary structure in 1889, it is still standing strong and looks good for another few centuries of service. The fact that it was the world’s tallest building when built is eye-opening when it is compared to the Empire State Building in NYC or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but it is still the best place for a panoramic view in Paris.

Arc de Triomphe

This triumphal arch in the 8 th arrondissement was commissioned by Napoleon but wasn’t built until 1836, long after his death. It stands on a huge roundabout at the northern end of the Champ-Elysees and is one of the most recognizable and photographed monuments in the capital. The Arc de Triomphe is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance that is kept alive in daily ceremonies.

You have to leave the city and travel 12 miles southwest to reach the Palace of Versailles , where Louis XIV moved his court in the 17 th century. Now this famous palace is a grand museum full of amazing reminders of the power of the great Sun King. Look around the interior and exterior of the palace for the many sun-emblems reminding visitors who lived here. But the true highlight for many visitors is the beautiful formal gardens that surround the palace.

Disneyland Paris

Also outside the city, despite its name, is Disneyland Paris, 20 miles to the east. This famous theme park is the most visited attraction in France. If you’re visiting Paris with children, you’ll probably want to devote two days to Disney because there are two separate parks here: Disneyland Park opened in 1992 and Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002. Inside both, you’ll find thrill rides for all ages as well as classic attractions, like actors dressed up as your favorite Disney characters and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The easiest way to get to Disney Paris is with a shuttle and entrance ticket deal .

Planning Tips

Paris is an amazing destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Here are 5 tips to help you on your way.

Tip #1: Watch out for Mondays and Tuesdays

When planning your itinerary for your stay in Paris, note that many major attractions, such as the Palace of Versailles and the catacombs, are closed on Mondays. A few attractions are closed on Tuesdays instead, including the Natural History Museum and the Pompidou Center. There are various major attractions open every day, like the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris, so go there on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tip #2: Buy unique souvenirs and gifts

Paris is, of course, the center of fashion. However, there is one relatively unfashionable item of dress that you might want to pick up during your stay in France’s capital city. The béret is the cliché headwear of France, and you’ll see cheap versions “made in China” in every souvenir shop you pass. But, if you want to buy the real thing, look out for clothing stores that sell bérets made in France. La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau is a well-known chain store around Paris that stocks French bérets.

However, if you’re looking for something distinctly Parisian that few people will own, how about a piece of the Eiffel Tower? Victor Lustig once sold the Eiffel Tower twice in an elaborate con, but this opportunity isn’t a scam like that. During repairs to the tower, inevitably some parts need to be replaced. The removed rivets are turned into unique souvenirs only available in the Eiffel Tower’s official gift shop.

Tip #3: Stay safe while visiting Paris

Although Paris is considered a relatively safe city, don’t forget that Kim Kardashian had all her bling stolen while she was staying in a vacation apartment there. Just like any other busy city, you will find purse-snatchers and pickpockets in crowded locations, especially around tourist hotspots.

Just use common sense. Keep your passport and other valuable documents in a hotel safe. Keep your money in a money belt. Don’t wear ostentatious jewelry in public places.

If you see abandoned packages or luggage in a crowded public place, especially a Metro station, distance yourself from the package and call 112. Paris is not a stranger to terrorist attacks.

Tip #4: Book in advance, especially during the summer

Paris is a popular destination in summer and during Christmas and Easter. Ensure you book your hotel rooms and any tours you wish to join well in advance of your vacation. You often get better air flight deals when you book in advance, and that is especially true during the summer.

The best time to visit Paris for bargain prices and fewer crowds is during the shoulder season—just before or just after summer. The weather is still fine, but there are simply fewer tourists.

Tip #5: Learn a few French phrases before traveling to Paris

The French are a proud people, not least of all Parisians. They are rightly concerned about the dilution of their native tongue by English words and phrases from Hollywood movies and internationally popular songs. So, if you’ve ever heard someone say that French people are rude, it’s probably because the person telling you expected them to speak English.

Almost all French people you’ll meet speak English. But if you greet them in French and use a few words and phrases like “merci” and “s’il vous plaît”, they will be more likely to treat you with respect in return. You don’t need to speak more than a handful of phrases, and you don’t even need a good accent. Parisians will appreciate your effort.

Tour Guides

The Paris in a Day: Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise & Louvre is our Editor's Choice for the best private guided tour of Paris

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

What's On in Paris

Performances.

• Christmas in Paris
• The Eiffel Tower

Monuments in Paris

Historic churches, history museums.

• The Louvre Museum
• Musée d'Orsay

The Top Paris Museums

Artist museums, more paris museums.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line

The 6 essential day trips, 10 more iconic day tours, what to do in paris, seine river cruises, night in the city of light, paris city tours, walking tours, your own private paris.

• Romantic Dinner Cruises

The Top Left Bank Hotels

The best hotels in paris, boutique & romantic, top hotels near…, preferred 5-star hotels, the palaces of paris, affordable hotels.

Le Marais Food & Wine Tour

Food & wine activities, the foods of paris, memorable paris dining, best paris restaurants, paris restaurant guide.

• Bistros & Brasseries

Top-Rated Restaurants

• Visit the Champagne Region

Paris Attractions

You ask, we answer, visiting burgundy, paris miscellanea, top ten lists, unusual paris sights, paris gardens & parks, the paris explorer.

• What's On When You're Here

Airports & Transfers

Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, paris city tours – glorious ways to discover the city of light.

If it's your first time in Paris, or if you want to see a lot in a short time, or if you simply want to sit back and let someone else do the driving, then one of these recommended city tours should be just the thing for you. On the other hand, if you'd like an activity where you do the steering — and the pedalling — take a look at the bicycle tours we recommend.

Find Hotel Deals for Your Dates in Paris

The 5 best paris city tours.

With so much to do and see in Paris, it's sometimes hard to know what to choose. We're here to help, with a guide to the top activities that allow you to take in all the marvelous sights and where everything's been arranged for you. Learn from an expert guide while you cruise the river, ride a bike, even drink champagne. There's something for everyone.

Paris Two-Wheel Tours

Paris is a relatively flat city (Montmartre excepted), so it's easy to peddle around, and one of the best ways to see the sights. On a bike you feel like you're a part of the city, while getting around faster than walking — especially when you're following an expert guide who really knows the ins and outs of the city. We've collected our fave two-wheel tours, including a night bike tour of Paris that includes a Seine River Cruise. Read all about it.

Guided Tours on Wheels

As we said, a guided tour can help you see a lot of the city in a short time — in comfort, while someone else does the driving and you can simply gawk. (One of our favourite things to do!)

We'll tell you about the half-a-dozen small-group and private tours we'd like to recommend to you. Some of them are multi-purpose, with lunch or a river cruise thrown into the mix.

Vintage Paris Private Tours

Our Parisian pal Laurent and his team of gentlemen drivers are waiting to show you the city from a vintage Citroën Traction Avant , the car beloved of moviemakers, the French Resistance, and thousands of French drivers for three decades. This is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours seeing Paris as it was meant to be seen. Not only that, the cars are so classy cool that everyone else is looking at you! When you're ready to feel like a 1940s movie star, read our review of Paris City Wheels.

Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

Touring in the iconic citroën 2cv.

You'll recognize one as soon as you see it — the Citroën 2CV is the most iconic car ever produced in France. So, take the opportunity to see Paris through the windows (and the open top!) as your private driver chauffeurs you around the see the sights of the city. There's always time to stop for photos and snacks, of course.

Hop-on, Hop-off, Open-Top Buses

Normally, we don't like bus tours, but this is a whole different animal. These open-topped buses travel the most interesting routes of the city and give you a chance to quickly get an extensive overview. They're a great way to get a feeling for Paris, especially with the view available on the top deck.

The buses make many stops, allowing you to get on and off wherever and whenever you choose, setting your own itinerary.

Horse & Carriage Ride In Paris

It's not a dream! You are actually riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Paris — from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to Champs Elysées and Trocadero. The carriage travels at a slow trot while you sit back and relax. You can choose a 1-hour ride, a 2-hour ride, or (our favourite) the 90-minute Royal ride with champagne. Who back home is going to believe you actually did this?

Paris Planning Guides

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Paris City Tour with Private Friendly Guide and all Must-See Sites

• Customizable itinerary
• Main Paris must-see sites in just 5 hours
• Friendly local guide
• Private walking tour
• Multiple start times available
• Must see and off the beaten path
• Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
• Iconic places for photoshoot
• Meeting in the hotel lobby (hotel must be located in Paris)
• Food and drinks
• Entrance fees (if any, depending on your preferences) - approx 10-50 eur
• Meeting in a hotel outside Paris
• Entry/Admission - Eiffel Tower
• Your guide can meet you at your centrally-located hotel in Paris. You don't need to call to confirm the tour. The local supplier will contact you via email
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• The tour can be modified to meet your preferences
• Private walking tour with the use of metro
• Please indicate prefer start time in comments when booking
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Please note: we do not meet travelers in hotels outside Paris. If your hotel outside the city, your guide will contact you to suggest you a meeting point in city center, close to the sights from the itinerary of this tour
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Eiffel Tower
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
• Arc de Triomphe
• Place de la Concorde
• Champs-Elysees

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Palais de Chaillot Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 2 Eiffel Tower Stop: 20 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Parc du Champ de Mars Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 4 Esplanade des Invalides Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 5 Petit Palais Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 6 Champs-Elysees Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 7 Place de la Concorde Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 8 Arc de Triomphe Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 9 Jardin des Tuileries Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 10 Pont des Arts Stop: 40 minutes See details

• tim76othy 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles A guided walk around a neighborhood, no expertise We were very disappointed about this tour. The guide showed us around a neighborhood with street art, which had so much potential for a great tour. However, she had no knowledge of any of the art, artists, their message, etc. She kept pointing out art saying "this is nice/pretty..." but when asked about the art/artists, she didn't know anything about them. After 2 hours, she brought us to a different area, that took 20 minutes by metro and another 20 min walk to see just one bridge with street art. Again, she had done no research or had no knowledge about the art. We felt it was a waste of our time and money. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• james g 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved Da Vinci Code tour with Martina. Martina was wonderful! We enjoyed ourselves so much exploring the streets of Paris despite the rain. We appreciated that she adjusted on the fly to change the tour at our request (we had toured the Louvre the day before), do we did 2 different sites. Read more Written December 22, 2023
• 455armandg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Paris at night. Our guide Johnathan was fantastic. He was extremely friendly. I felt like I saw Paris at it's best at night. I highly recommend this experience. Read more Written October 1, 2023
• E9432SQclarab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Solo trip to Paris The stops were chosen carefully and the information was accurate and in depth. Jonathan did a great job. Read more Written August 30, 2023
• Obiora U 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best way to see all of Paris! We had the most amazing experience. Anna (tour guide) was just perfect for us, she knew all the best places to visit. Great recommendations for places to have great food for lunch and dinner. She picked out good walking routes, so the trek doesn’t wear you out by the end of the tour. My wife and I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to see the whole of Paris in 3 days. Read more Written August 29, 2023
• 259sanchitad 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Street art Paris Liked the tour a lot specially because I took it in the weekend . Guide , Jonathan was friendly and knowledgeable. Being an avid fan of street art I would recommend this tour ! Read more Written August 6, 2023
• N7493TEseanm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Montmartre tour with Weronika Weronika was great—super personable and knowledgeable. Very pleasant way to see Montmartre and get familiar with the district. Read more Written June 6, 2023
• lorenacC9343CA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun with Weronika Excellent girl We had so much Fun She interact very well And we like her personality She was very patient with us as well And very oriented Read more Written June 3, 2023
• Cameron Y 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Truly fun and unforgettable Paris experience Had a blast and experienced Paris in the best way possible. Friendly local guide was just splendid, very sociable and kind. Exchanging thoughts on everything and sharing luaghters throughout the day made the tour so much worthwhile and exciting. Truly fun and unforgettable Paris experience. TWO Thumbs up to Weronika!! Read more Written May 26, 2023
• 101stevendh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Anastasia Anastasia was the best! She was very flexible and responsive and made the day a joy. Her knowledge and English language skills were excellent. We really enjoyed our time with her and were sad to see the day end. Highly recommend. Read more Written September 20, 2022
• plambos 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Could have been alot better I booked this as a private tour for my husband and I. It was expensive over 200 euros..and I have to say I was disappointed. It is very unfortunate, but the tour guide gets paid very little, and the tour company is the one that keeps most of the money. We took the metro from les halles and paid not only for our metro tickets, but also the metro ticket of our guide,,as it was stated that the guides are paid very little..one would expect on a private tour, expensive as it was, that we would not be paying for metro tickets. The guide was very disorganized, did not have a plan of what we were going to see. This could have been so much better, if the tour had involved some planning beforehand. After paying so much so we could have a private tour, we were incredibly disappointed. I would not recommend this tour Read more Written October 21, 2019

More to explore in Paris

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Paris City Tour with Private Friendly Guide and all Must-See Sites provided by Friendly Local Guides Paris

Paris, capital of France , is one of the most important and influential cities in the world. In terms of tourism, Paris is the second most visited city in Europe after London. In this travel guide, you’ll find out about the city’s top attractions , as well as useful travel advice on how to get to Paris and how to save money whilst traveling .

Paris Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Paris
• Money-saving tips
• Where to Eat
• Where to stay in Paris
• 2-Day Paris Itinerary

Why Visit Paris?

The capital of France seems to have been designed specifically for the enjoyment of its visitors . Its streets, squares , buildings, gardens , and monuments  beckon tourists to return, and indeed, many do.

Some of the most memorable things to do in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower , the Arc de Triomphe , and Notre Dame Cathedral . During the evening, experiencing one of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret shows,   strolling through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods , like Montmartre , or climbing the  Montparnasse Tower is a must.

It's always a good time to visit Paris. Depending on where you fly from, you can either make the most of the low-cost airlines flying into the city from other European cities or take one of its direct flights from further away destinations. If you have children, why not surprise them with a trip to Disneyland ?

How to Organize Your Trip?

Before traveling to this unique city, we suggest reading a little about its history and discovering useful information  about Paris, which will certainly help you organise your stay. 

Once you find out about the top attractions in Paris , the must-see museums , the best areas to stay,  and the typical French cuisine , all you’ll have to do is pack your suitcase and prepare to discover one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Need Accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend you visit our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments  with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination. 

• Hotels in Paris - Find the best deals online

top activities

Seine River Cruise Drift down the Seine River on a sightseeing riverboat during the day or at night—an unforgettable experience that offers unparalleled views of Paris .

Moulin Rouge Official Tickets Experience the glamour of Moulin Rouge with tickets to the spectacular Féerie show . Enjoy French champagne and dazzling performances at this world-class venue.

Ticket to the Musée d'Orsay Manet, Renoir, Monet... Buying a ticket to the Musée d'Orsay will give you the chance to see some of the most famous impressionist paintings in the world.

Lunch at Madame Brasserie, The Eiffel Tower's Restaurant At this  lunch at Madame Brasserie you'll enjoy an exquisite menu in the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower , with Paris at your feet!  

Disneyland Day Trip Discover the magical world of Disneyland Paris on this day trip from Paris! The tour includes return transportation and entry to 1 or 2 of the parks .

Private Tour of Paris By booking our private walking tour of Paris, a professional guide will be exclusively at the service of you and your friends or family.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus, Big Bus A Paris Big Bus tour is one of the most comfortable & enjoyable ways to explore the city. Discover the city hopping off & back on at any of its stops .

Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train Tour the halls of France's most famous palace with this Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train. The guide will also show you around the impressive gardens.

Arc de Triomphe Ticket Visit one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris with the official-price ticket to the Arc de Triomphe . You'll have access to the viewpoint and exhibition !

Day Trip to Bruges Bruges is the most visited city in Belgium and one of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe . Discover the city on a walking tour and on a canal cruise.

Tour of the Palace of Versailles Discover Versailles , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s most famous palace on this half-day trip from Paris. See the iconic palace gardens!

Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor Entrance This entrance to the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower gives you access to one of the best viewpoints in Paris. You'll get spectacular views of the City of Light .

Free Walking Tour of Paris Immerse yourself in "The City of Lights" with  a guided tour around the French Capital , discovering the Louvre, the Seine and Notre Dame. What's more, it's free!

Montmartre Free Walking Tour Take a free tour through the narrow streets of the most cultural and artistic of Paris' districts , where Picasso and Van Gogh sought out inspiration.

Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket Be enthralled by an unforgettable show and book your Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket. You'll experience Paris' most famous and glamorous cabarets.

Paris Pantheon Ticket Discover the fascinating Paris Pantheon, the final resting place of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas and other distinguished French citizens.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine Admire the remarkable monuments of Paris lit up while you savor a gourmet dinner on a panoramic Seine cruise  – an unforgettable experience!

Louvre Museum Guided Tour Explore the most-visited museum in the world  and find out about its greatest artworks with a professional English-speaking guide.

Opera Garnier Ticket By booking a ticket to the Opera Garnier in Paris , visitors will explore the interior of this beautiful Neo-Baroque building at their leisure– a must-see!

Paris Catacombs Ticket Discover the underground galleries around one of the most disturbing cemeteries in the French capital with this Paris Catacombs Tour.

Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny Tour Giverny is a picturesque village located one hour away from Paris. Visit Claude Monet’s house and beautiful garden and dive into the Impressionism movement.

Bel Canto Dinner + Opera Show Looking for different plans in Paris ? At this dinner with an opera show at Bel Canto  you'll be treated to a delicious  menu while enjoying  opera performances!

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Ticket Visit two of the most beautiful monuments in Paris on the same day and  save money with this ticket to the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie .

Montmartre: Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt On this Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt in Montmartre , you'll solve puzzles on an app that'll take you on a walking tour through the bohemian district of Paris!

Access  the Eiffel Tower and admire breathtaking views over Paris . You'll be able to go up to the 2nd floor and take in the immense beauty of this city!

Conciergerie Ticket A royal medieval palace turned into a prison during the French Revolution : discover the history of the Conciergerie during your visit!

Paris Open-Top Big Bus Night Tour On this open-top Big Bus night tour of Paris , you'll have a spectacular view of the City of Light. You'll see the city's most iconic monuments lit up!

Eiffel Tower Tickets and Seine Cruise With priority access , climb directly to the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks and admire breath-taking views over Paris and then enjoy a relaxing cruise.

Saint German des Prés Classical Music Concert Enjoy the best classical music with a concert in the church of Saint Germain des Prés , located in the heart of the historic centre of Paris.

In this perfume workshop in Paris , we'll teach you how to make your own Eau de Toilette following the techniques of Fragonard experts.

Mont Saint Michel Day Trip Visit Mont Saint Michel : a UNESCO World Heritage site, place of pilgrimage and one of France’s most popular and emblematic landmarks.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour Discover one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris , located in Montmartre, with this Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour. An architectural work of art awaits!

Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour On this guided tour you'll walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh . We'll visit Auvers-Sur-Oise to discover the place where the painter spent his final year . 

Paris Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat Sail along the Seine River on board a Batobus , Paris’ hop-on hop-off boat, and disembark and embark as many times as you wish for 24 or 48 hours .

Centre Pompidou Tickets With your Centre Pompidou tickets , you'll see one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. Dive into Paris' rich art culture!

Stade de France Tour This Stade de France tour takes you to Saint-Denis, where you can find this icon of sport which has played host to World Cup finals in both Football and Rugby.

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Ticket With this ticket to the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , you'll visit one of the most outstanding anthropological collections in Paris!

Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour On this Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour , you'll learn about the city's countless squares and alleyways that have witnessed murder, plagues and war!

Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket Learn about Notre Dame and venture underneath the church to explore the remains of the Île de la Cité with this Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket !

Ticket for the Ballon de Paris Generali With your  ticket to the Ballon de Paris Generali , you'll enjoy the best views of the French capital from a tethered balloon anchored in the André Citroën Park

Paris City Tour, Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower Admire Paris’ most famous landmarks during a panoramic city bus tour, a one-hour scenic cruise along the Seine and skip the line access to the Eiffel Tower.

Chateau de Vincennes Ticket Discover the fascinating history of  Château de Vincennes , one of France's magnificent medieval treasures , when you buy this ticket.

Chapelle Expiatoire Ticket Dedicated to Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, the  Chapelle Expiatoire is an incredible place to visit when in Paris. Discover these locations!

Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass The Go City Paris Pass gives you access to more than 70 Paris attractions, including Versailles , the Louvre Museum , a cruise on the Seine , and the Eiffel Tower .

Emily in Paris Free Tour On this  free tour of Emily in Paris ,   we'll see some spots where this popular Netflix show was filmed, such as Gabriel's restaurant and the   Offices of Savoir .

L'Orangerie Museum Ticket With this ticket to the L'Orangerie Museum you'll admire an impressive collection of impressionist paintings, including some of Monet's best-known works .

Enjoy a night on the town in the city of lights , allowing yourself to be carried along by the rhythm of the music, and the shots, of course!

Montparnasse Tower Ticket Want an incredible 360º view of Paris?  View the French capital from the top of Montparnasse Tower, 200 metres from the ground and right in the city centre.

Seine River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower + Lunch Get ready for a Seine River cruise that starts right at the Eiffel Tower , enjoy delicious French cuisine, and see Paris from an unbeatable vantage point.

Notre Dame Guided Tour Discover what happened in the Notre Dame fire, explore the interior of its "little sister" and tour the Ile de la Cité, the oldest part of Paris.

Lunch Cruise on the Seine Enjoy a delectable 3-course meal and admire the panoramic views of Paris from the Seine. The perfect way to discover this romantic city.

3 Day Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint Michel & Loire Valley Discover the highlights of Normandy like Mont Saint Michel and the Loire Valley including its famous Châteaux on a three-day trip from Paris.

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip Visit three of the Loire Valley’s most-famous castles: Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chambord and experience life during the Renaissance.

Louvre & Eiffel Tower Tour This full tour of Paris includes a cruise on the Seine , a skip-the-line entry to the Louvre Museum and a climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip Immerse yourself in the history of the Second World War, visiting key battle locations and memorials on this day trip to the D-Day Beaches of Normandy .

Grevin Museum Paris Ticket At the Grevin Museum in Paris, you will find wax figures of Kylian Mbappe, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Paul Gaultier and other famous celebrities.

Paris Bike Tour Spend a fun-filled day cycling through the French capital and discover the City of Lights’ most emblematic landmarks on this bike tour of Paris .

Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner Enjoy a delicious experience at one of the most popular places in the French capital with this Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner, near the Opera Garnier.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour Take our fantastic tour of Pere Lachaise Cemetary, the resting place for many notable figures from the past, such as Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf.

Paris Layover Tour Take advantage of your airport wait to explore the City of Love with this Paris Layover Tour. Discover the most famous locations around the French capital.

Paris Gourmet Bus Tour Sample the local cuisine and visit the must-see sights of the city of lights with this Paris Gourmet Bus Tour. Explore the French capital on a luxurious bus.

Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour Find about the Parisian art of living with this Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour. You'll enter a traditional wine cellar to learn how to taste the best French wines.

2 Day Trip to Normandy, Saint Malo & Mont Saint Michel Set off on a 2-day tour and discover the magnificent landscapes of Normandy  including the region's must-sees like Saint-Malo and the iconic  Mont Saint Michel .

Versailles Bike Day Tour Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles , the main residence of the French Royal Family from 1682 until 1789, on a full day-tour by bike!

Paris Tour for Families Our family tour of Paris is the perfect way to explore the essential landmarks of French capital if you have young children.

UNESCO Headquarters Guided Tour Discover the history of the United Nations agency with this UNESCO Headquarters guided tour . Explore its conference rooms, courtyards, gardens and corridors!

Classical Music Concert at Saint-Sulpice Don't miss this classical music concert at the Church of Saint-Sulpice . Listen to an incredible repertoire in one of the most outstanding temples in Paris!

Dinner at Madame Brasserie, the Eiffel Tower's Restaurant This dinner at Madame Brasserie provides for an unforgettable evening  as you see  Paris illuminated from the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower .

Classical Music Concert in Paris: La Madeleine Enjoy a classical music concert in one of the most famous churches in Paris : La Madeleine! Choose between any of the concerts on our programme list.

Traditional French Bakery Tour Do you know the boulangeries of Paris ? In this visit to a typical French bakery , we'll discover one of these places that characterise the capital.

Fontainebleau Forest Hiking Tour Venture into the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest on this 8-mile hike . You'll discover the unique biodiversity of one of the largest forests in France!

Tootbus Sustainable Bus Tour During this sightseeing tour of Paris , you can enjoy the city's iconic landmarks on board the eco-friendly Tootbus . Hop on or off whenever you want!

Aura Invalides Ticket Looking for a unique experience in Paris ? With your Aura Invalides ticket , you'll enjoy a journey of light and sound beneath the iconic Invalides Dome !

2 Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel & the Loire Valley Castles Travel back in time to the Middle Ages and Renaissance period on a 2-day trip to Mont Saint Michel and visit the impressive Loire Valley Castles .

Paris Segway Tour Ever been on a Segway? Spend a fun-filled two hours discovering the City of Lights on a two-wheeled electric vehicle with a guide.

Paradis Latin Dinner and Cabaret Let the glamour of the  French CanCan  seduce you as you enjoy  Paradis Latin , a   grand cabaret  in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris .

Quartmaster's Apartments Hôtel de la Marine Ticket With this ticket to the Hôtel de la Marine , you'll visit a spectacular  18th-century palace located in the central Place de la Concorde in Paris

Eiffel Tower Professional Photoshoot Capture lasting memories in Paris with a private photo shoot against the iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop. Let us preserve your special moments in this iconic spot.

How to Become a Parisian in 1 Hour Show Ticket With this  ticket to the show How to Become a Parisian in an Hour? you'll enjoy a  monologue performed by the  comedian Olivier Giraud .

Paris Vintage Sidecar Tour Explore Paris' top attractions in a fun retro motorcycle & sidecar tour , experiencing the City of Light in a truly captivating way.

Musée de l'Armée Ticket With this ticket to the Musée de l'Armée or the Army Museum , you'll visit the exhibition  Hôtel National de des Invalides , an architectural jewel in Paris.

Marie Antoinette Pass The  Marie-Antoinette Pass will give you access to 4 symbolic monuments in Paris connected to the French monarchy's past. Plus you'll save money!

​ Come and discover the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum before it opens to the public , for an exclusive guided 1 hour and 15 minutes tour.

Macaron Workshop at Galeries Lafayette Do you love baking? Join this macaron-making workshop at Galeries Lafayette and learn how to make these sweets in Paris' most famous department store!

Paris Pedicab Tours This bike cab tour of Paris will take you around the French capital aboard an environmentally friendly means of transport, the greenest way to discover Paris !

Belleville Neighborhood Food Tour If you like trying local products , this food tour through the Belleville neighborhood is for you! We'll sample  Parisian specialities  and see significant sites!

Paradox Museum Ticket Looking for something different to do in Paris? With this ticket to the Paradox Museum , your mind will be blown by incredible optical illusions .

Giverny Monet + Shopping Day Trip Leave Paris behind on this day trip to Giverny and visit the  Monet House & Gardens . Learn about impressionist paintings and shop at the  McArthurGlen outlet !

Rodin Museum Ticket With this  ticket to the Rodin Museum in Paris , you can see  The Thinker , The Kiss  and other iconic sculptures in  Hôtel Biron and its  beautiful gardens .

Paris Citroën DS Tour Do you want to discover the French capital differently ? On this Paris tour in a  Citroën DS,  we'll discover the city of lights in a vintage vehicle .

Day Trip to Brussels and Bruges Join us on a captivating day trip to Brussels and Bruges , where we'll delve into the picturesque charm of the Belgian capital and the "Venice of the North".

Night Bike Tour Spend an unforgettable evening contemplating the beautifully lit landmarks of Paris on this 4.5-hour bike tour , including a boat cruise along the River Seine.

Paris Helicopter Tour Flying over Paris is a unique way to discover the French capital. Unforgettable views of Versailles, the Bois de Boulogne and the Eiffel Tower from a helicopter

Eiffel Tower Climb There's a reason the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world : climb up more than 700 stairs to enjoy unforgettable views of Paris!

Basilica of Saint-Denis Ticket Discover the first example of Gothic architecture in the world: explore the magnificent Medieval Basilica of Saint Denis  located just outside of Paris.

Paris Christmas Bike Tour Merry Christmas! Or as the French would say, Joyeux Noël! Explore the city of light during the most special time of year with this Paris Christmas bike tour .

Christmas Bus Tour in Paris On our Christmas Bus Tour in Paris , you'll discover how the City of Light decks the halls for the most magical time of the year.

Roland Garros Stadium Tour On this guided tour of the Roland Garros stadium, you'll be able to take look inside this iconic site where so many tennis champions have made history .

Galeries Lafayette Guided Tour On this guided tour, you'll visit  Paris' most famous department store ,  Galeries Lafayette , outside of its opening hours. It dates back to 1912!

Paris Duck Boat Tour Explore Paris in a unique way on our duck boat/bus tour ! You'll discover  Paris's iconic landmarks both on land and in the water . An absolute must!

Saint-Louis en l'Île Classical Music Concert Immerse yourself in the world of classical music at the enchanting Saint-Louis en l'Île church in Paris , nestled on the picturesque island of Saint-Louis .

Le Marais Free Tour Do you want to discover Medieval Paris ? For this, take this free tour of Le Marais , one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the French capital .

The most complete guide of Paris

This guide gives you an overview of what to see and do in Paris during your stay . It also provides historical background, and other useful information, as well as  our opinion, advice, and suggestions on how to make the most of your holidays in Paris .

The information provided in this guide was updated in  October 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

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Paris for beginners; a basic visitors guide for the City of Light

T wenty-four years ago, we spent nine days in Paris, working out of a Frommer’s Guidebook. That self-guided trip worked, but about half the time, we were either confused about our whereabouts or lost. This time, we were in France for two weeks, where our river cruise would include 5 days in Paris and 10 days cruising the Seine River to Normandy. All our days would be directed by professional guides, something new to treasure at this stage in our lives. 

From this trip, I’ve tried to outline a first-time Paris visitor’s guide. It’s wise for travelers to outline their key targets in advance - is your trip devoted to seeing the sights, touring the museums, fine arts and fashion, food and wine, sports, or the Parisian laid-back lifestyle?

Before our Grand Circle Cruise (from Paris down the Seine River to Normandy and the D-Day beaches), we had booked the pre-trip tour of Paris. So, off we went, flying from Sacramento to Atlanta, then on to Charles DeGault Airport, and then shuttled to the Citadines Center Saint Germain Hotel. Just blocks down the Seine River from Notre Dame Cathedral; only a few blocks further downriver is the Louvre Museum.   From this location on the river, we could virtually walk to about 80% of the critical destinations we wanted to revisit.

Paris, with an estimated population of almost 2.2 million and a metro area of approximately 12 million, makes up 20% of the total French population. The city is the fifth most populated in the European Union and one of the more densely populated cities in the world. With scores and scores of major attractions, many are within short walking distance. The city was among the first to electrify and expand its street lights, earning it the title “City of Light.”

For centuries, Paris has been a center of the world’s finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, gastronomy and culture. We have seen many of the key attractions the City of Light offers, spread amongst the city's 20 arrondissements (districts). The city’s Metro (subway), the second largest in Europe, will get you quickly around the city within a few blocks of your destination, all hours of the day.

On our first evening of our Paris pre-trip, some of our fellow travelers booked dinner and a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, quite a stunning performance. We chose to explore restaurants blocks from our hotel, choosing a lovely sidewalk café near a Metro entrance/exit, allowing us to people-watch Parisians; all in all, it was a lovely evening.

Museums? It’s said you could do a different museum every day for a year and not run out of destinations to visit. Start with the Louvre or the d’Orsay Museum. If fine arts or museum experience is your primary focus, it helps to build a target list in advance with so many choices. The Trip Advisor app is always helpful, as is the Paris official website.

At the Louvre, the largest and most visited museum in the world, take the time to home in on the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s statue of David. Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa in the early 1500s by an Italian noblewoman, eventually acquired by the French nation and permanently displayed in the Louvre since 1797.

Musée d'Orsay is found on the Left Bank of the Seine. Sited in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built 1898-1900, the museum holds mainly French impressionist and post-impressionist art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. While still a vast museum, it feels more intimate than the Louvre.

With one full day in Paris, we took in the Louvre (briefly), the Musee d'Orsay,  the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Luxenberg and Luxenberg Gardens, though we hiked over 10 miles that day. With lovely sidewalk cafés at almost every intersection, there is no lack of libation stops along your way.

The Eiffel tower is visible from many locations in the city. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair and designed to last just 20 years, the tower was so famous and profitable that it was never removed. Take an evening stroll along the river (or a river cruise) and admire the Eiffel Tower with sparkling, twinkling lights at night for a truly memorable experience.

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral (meaning "Our Lady of Paris"), referred to simply as Notre Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral built on an island in the Seine River, a fine example of French Gothic architecture. Attributes such as the pioneering use of ribbed vault ceilings and flying buttresses, beautiful rose windows, and over-achieving sculpture set it apart from other cathedrals nationwide.

A devastating fire in April 2019 has closed the cathedral to a complicated and expensive renovation, not to be completed until sometime late in 2024. One can still circle the cathedral to see the construction work progressing.

On another full day, we visited the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on the summit of the  butte  of  Montmartre . This beautiful church is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the city, while the Montmartre District offers intriguing shops and restaurants circling the hills.

Once again, first-time visitors should organize their thoughts and plans before venturing into this lovely City of Light - and plan a series of stops for food and drink to enjoy the laid-back Parisian lifestyle so closely aligned with hundreds of outdoor sidewalk cafés.

For more information

Grand Circle Cruises,  GCT.com ; Paris official visitor site,  parisjetaime.com ; TripAdvisor travel app.

Contact Tim, [email protected]; where are you traveling?

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Paris for beginners; a basic visitors guide for the City of Light

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The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (127 properties) or Two Keys (38 properties) is difficult enough, but only 24 hotels have received the Three Key distinction in France. Out of those, nine can be found in Paris. The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. Here, we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design. Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our nine Three Key hotels in Paris.

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