This blog post was many years in the making. I have absolutely no idea why I never did this before. Sometimes, we people are just too “close” to things. I've written it at least a dozen times. Every time a friend or colleague was heading to Paris, they would inevitably ask me, “Can you give me some tips and tricks on things to do in Paris, what to eat, what are the best Paris attractions, and what I should not do?”

And each time I wrote a long email or document with a stream of consciousness or data dump on my Paris knowledge and experience. This past Thanksgiving, another happy couple was heading to the City of Light. I dutifully wrote my recommendations and tips from scratch and then swore to myself I would write this post! So here goes!

Bonjour!

If you remember only one thing from this blog post, this is it!

France and the French culture are run by an unwritten code. You don't have to know all the code (trust me, married to a Frenchman and the daughter-in-law of a French mother-in-law, it can be exhausting!), but there is one SUPER IMPORTANT thing to know, remember, and use. I cannot stress it enough!

For every single interaction you have with another human being in Paris (or France), the first thing that comes out of your mouth MUST be “Bonjour” – you are acknowledging that person and showing respect.

So, when you enter a restaurant or store, when you order something at a bakery, when you buy a ticket for a museum, metro, show, etc. When you enter the hotel, if you need to ask someone for directions or help, always, ALWAYS say Bonjour first – trust me, it will get you a lot farther with absolutely everything in Paris (and France). It may feel weird to say Bonjour to what seems like an empty store or to the security guards, but it will be noticed, heard, and appreciated.

The French greatly appreciate it when you try to speak a few words of French, so if you want to practice a few words before your trip, have at it! It's a nice touch that will warm up your encounter.

Also, it isn't necessary to have a big smile when you say it. French people think there is something wrong with us Americans always smiling like we are “crazy” or something!

A few more Cultural Things to Note that will make life a little easier:

• Money does not make the world go round in France; to French people, money doesn’t impress anyone. It is a pretty taboo topic. So “throwing money around” to get better service, etc., is not going to work.
• The French are not known for their customer service, the customer is not always right, and frankly, most people don’t care about providing good service – there are a rare few who do. Don’t get aggravated, etc., if you feel you are getting poor service, it’s not you, it’s them! Getting mad will not do anything (no “speaking to the manager”, etc. just won’t fly…)
• However, if someone, say a lady in a bakery, is getting service, they are getting all the service. This means that if she wants to sit there all day, telling the baker about her daughter, you are just going to have to wait. The good news is that when you are ‘up next,’ you will have all their attention.
• More notes on my observations of French culture!

Shopping Tips:

• You will end up with a lot of coins! I highly suggest a coin purse. Keep your coins separate from your bills; life will be easier. In fact, here is my article on the 5 bags you will need in Paris.
• Make sure you keep Euros on you. Smaller places may not accept cards. Large bills are VERY hard to break! 50 and 100 Euros bills, nearly impossible!
• Except for a few fancy pastry shops and boutiques, most of the shopping bags are crap; they will tear (or if they get wet, the handle may stain your clothing – true story). I always bring several canvas bags with me to throw things into. Bring plastic ones too, they don’t wrap food or pastries very well, so I often find myself putting them in a plastic bag and then putting them into my canvas bag.
• If you go to a farmer’s market or shop for food somewhere like Rue Montorgueil, then I've written a whole post on the etiquette to know.
• Here is my list of the best Paris shopping streets.

Dining Etiquette

Okay, before we get to the food and restaurants, there are a few things to know. Luckily, I've written a whole blog post on this topic as well! But here are some highlights:

• Customization is not a thing in France, so you can’t ask for something with “x removed,” “a side of that,” “no mayo,” etc. It comes the way it comes. The only place you can customize is Starbucks.
• The waiter will not clear away your plates until everyone is done with their course.
• You will have to ask for the check; they will not bring it to you automatically.
  • The one place where this is different is at bars/terraces, where they will usually require you to settle your bill when you are served. That doesn’t mean you have to leave; you can stay all day if you want.
• In restaurants, bars, etc., do NOT leave a tip.

Here is what Barb had to say after she visited Paris for the first time.

Transportation in Paris

Personally, I think walking is the best way to explore Paris! Mr. Misadventures and I can clock 10-15 miles a day while we are on a trip. However, there are times when it makes more sense to rely on other forms of transportation.

Taxis

You cannot flag down a taxi on the street. You have to go to a hotel, find a taxi stand (not always easy), or, in the last few years, you can order one with the G7 Taxi app (France’s version of Uber), and it works pretty well. You will see your taxi marked with G7 on it. Trust me, this is revolutionary. Only a few years ago, it was impossible to get a taxi! If a taxi has a green light, it is available.

If you are taking a taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport, with all the construction and street closures, traffic is absolutely horrific. That significantly impacts travel times in taxis when traveling from one location to another in the city.

PLUS, there is a new phenomenon at the airport that I witnessed. Depending on the time of day, I saw taxi drivers at the airport rejecting people going to the city (mind blown) because there is a set fare from CDG to Paris, and depending on traffic, taxi drivers lose money.

• Flat rate to the left bank: €58. The left bank is these arrondissements: 5th, 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 15th.
• Flat rate to the right bank: €53. The right bank is these arrondissements: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th.

Metro

If you are going to use the Metro a lot (it can be very convenient), buy your tickets in a carnet (pronounced car-nay) of 10 tickets; it is more economical. After going through with your ticket, please keep it in a safe place.

Metro police sometimes do random checks with a reader, and in some stations, you need the ticket a second time to get through the entrance. Once you exit, throw away your ticket so you don’t combine it with other tickets. One ticket is one ride.

Here is my full guide to the Paris Metro.

Batobus

The Batobus is a water bus that makes a loop on the Seine River, stopping at 8 locations – 3 on the river's side (near the Louvre) and five on the other side (near the Eiffel Tower), all of which are among the most visited spots. The Batobus is cheaper than the other “bateaux mouches” riverboats.

On the Batobus, you can hop on and hop off within a 24-hour period. We used to buy a 3-day pass, but then we bought an annual pass because it was (a) an easy way to get around and (b) a nice 45-minute ride when your feet hurt and you just want to relax but still see some sites. During bad or rainy weather, it is a nice break as it is covered.

More transportation options in Paris

If you are going to use the train or travel around Paris, here are my guides to assist you!

• Paris Train Stations
• Airports Near Paris

Strikes

Okay. This is not unusual for France in general, especially during the months of May and October. But this year, there is an extra round of strikes around France's retirement pension reform that began in February and will continue throughout the spring which will impact your trip to Paris.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most of the time strikes = public transportation issues.
  • That means the metro (RER), trains (SNCF and RER), buses (RER), and sometimes taxis too.
  • Make sure your airport transfer is secured well in advance of any possible transit strikes. By pre-booking an airport transfer, you won't be stuck without transport and the hotel will take care of providing updates concerning delays or disruptions that may occur.
  • One thing I do is head to the CDG area the night before my flight so that any possible delays will not force me to miss my flight. I love the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel but have also stayed at the Paris Marriott Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel and citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
  • For air travel, 95% of the time international flights are not impacted. However, as soon as you arrive in France, you may have issues if you have inner-France connections to other French airports.
  • BUT you may have trouble getting to the airport on the day of a strike. Taxis will not be able to get through demonstrations at the airport and will drop you off in inconvenient locations and you will have to walk! My best advice is to ask the taxi driver to drop you off at Ibis Paris CDG Airport it is a 5-minute covered walk to Terminal 3. Or the citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• You can check when and where major strikes and demonstrations are taking place with this site: C'est la Grève. It is in French, but you can use an online translator. It is pretty self-explanatory.
• Before heading out of your hotel check in with the front desk or concierge. They usually know where and when protests are planned. You do not want to be inadvertently swept up into a demonstration. 
• Avoid the large public areas called “Places”, especially around Place de la Republique, Place de la Bastille, Place d'Italie, and Place de la Concorde.  
• Tune into France24 online. It is in English and can help you keep track of what is going on in real-time. Also, try Gov.uk.
• Download the Citymapper app for the latest transportation updates. This savvy app will keep you up-to-date on train and transit info, providing alternative routes when necessary.

Food in Paris

Food is going to feel expensive. It is not all the price of the actual food, but what really gets you is the VAT (taxes) on your meal. Be prepared for that. It is for that reason, we “usually” limit ourselves to one restaurant a day.

Try to get a hotel room that includes breakfast and eat there as often as you can. We usually eat our “big meal” at lunch – a lot of the restaurants have the same amazing menu for lunch that they do for dinner, only cheaper. Particularly the Michelin-starred ones.

One of the best meals of my life was at the Le Grand Vefour located in the Palais Royale. Wow! What a meal, and at lunchtime, it was a steal! Most restaurants open for dinner between 7 and 8 pm – that may be late for you (it usually is for us) – you can always eat at a brasserie, which basically serves food non-stop; there are some really famous ones throughout the city, but also regular local ones as well.

I have a friend who has a great food website – you can look up restaurants by arrondissement, type of food, how expensive, and what days they are open/closed. It is called Paris by Mouth. Meg also offers food tours. I’ve done one or two, and they are good. More on tours later. 

I have lots of friends who live in Paris, and some of them I have interviewed about their neighborhoods, you might want to check them out for their food recommendations.

One of my very good friends, Lindsey Tramuta, wrote a book called The New Paris if you want something to read on the plane, get it! She lives in Paris, and as part of her job (she is working on her second book), it is her responsibility to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest in food.

One of my favorite foodie spots in Paris is a place called the Grande Epicerie. Essentially a food department store, you can shop, dine in at various spots, snack, and indulge! The Galeries Lafayette in the Opera also has its own version of the Grande Epicerie across the street from their main store, but I prefer the Grande Epicerie. It all depends on where your hotel is and what your plans for the day are.

If you are traveling to Paris in the autumn, don't miss these seasonal favorites. And here are facts about French food most people don’t know!

Breakfast

Parisians and restaurants are not early risers. I am. You will get the earliest breakfast in the hotel. After that, you will have to wait until 8:00 for places like Le Pain Quotidien (a decent breakfast) or, more likely, 9:00 at other restaurants.

You probably won’t be jonesing for an American or British-style breakfast, but if you do, there is NO better place than Holybelly. I’ve only been to the one at 5 Rue Lucien Sampaix – everything is to die for – you must show up before 9:00 – there will be a line!

Here is a little more on breakfast in France.

Coffee

As a general rule of thumb, the coffee in France is not great. Traditionally, they use Arabica coffee, which is pretty bitter. In bars and terraces, the best you can hope for is Café Richard (which has a monopoly) or maybe Illy.

But there are newer American-style coffee shops that have better coffees and smaller independent roasters like Belleville, which are doing great coffee. If you end up having breakfast at Holybelly definitely have their coffee!

More on ordering coffee in Paris. Once you become a pro, here are 13 famous cafes in Paris to practice in!

Lunch

As I mentioned, usually my biggest meal is in Paris. I shared the Grand Vefour, but I have a few other favorites too – Comme Chez Maman; Astier; Pied au Cochon; a fantastic falafel/gyro long lines though – L’as du Falafel; and Breizh Café (amazing crepes).

Dinner

We usually “picnic” meaning we get a good baguette, cheese, meats, pâté, etc, and chill with a bottle of wine. Of course, any of the places I mentioned above are great for dinner too! With one addition, Le Souffle, a restaurant that serves soufflés in 3 courses: a starter, a main, and a dessert – delicious! And unique.

If you want to eat a super traditional French meal in a very historical environment, check out Le Procope.

Dessert

Angelina’s is super touristy, but 100% worth it! There are wonderful pastry shops on Rue Montorgueil. Ice cream – it is worth the line to eat the best ice cream in Paris at Berthillon on Ile-Ste-Louis (behind Notre Dame).

Best gelato in town – Pozzetto (no website: 39 Rue du Roi de Sicile in the 4th). There are pastry shops galore, some specializing in one thing: eclairs, choux, macarons, etc. Here is my full guide to ice cream in Paris.

More Best of Food in Paris

• Best crepes in Paris
• Best donuts in Paris
• Best macarons in Paris
• Best croissants in Paris
• Best ice cream in Paris
• Best chocolate in Paris
• Best hot chocolate in Paris
• Best fondue in Paris
• Best French onion soup in Paris

Things to do in Paris (or NOT to do)

You should note the following activities, just like this entire post, are based on MY opinion. Everyone experiences life through a different lens, which makes the world so interesting! At this point, I just love wandering around and absorbing the city.

But I get you might have a list of spots you want to check off your list. So here is what I have to say about some of the most popular Paris attractions. You should also note that you can use a Paris Pass to skip lines with Fast Track Entry or purchase your individual tickets ahead of time at many of these places.

Also, here is my Paris Arrondissement Guide so you can map out what you want to see in each neighborhood.

Eiffel Tower

I’m just going to say it. I know it is on everyone’s bucket list when they visit, but honestly IN MY OPINION ONLY, it isn’t worth it. At least visiting the actual tower. Remember, when you are standing on it, you are actually not seeing it, and there are better places for views of Paris.

At the moment, with terrorist threats and construction, 3 sides are fenced off, which pushes a whole hell of a lot of people into one flow. Add to that the pickpockets and street vendors, and it is just a nightmare. It has been so smoggy lately in Paris, the view isn’t that great either.

But if you still want to go, just have your wits about you and be careful. Also, when you are done, get the heck out of the area and go somewhere else. Also, if you are going to visit consider a meal at 58 Tour Eiffel which will get you access to the second level.

And make sure to buy your ticket ahead of time!

There is an excellent view from the Batobus. Also, it is beautiful at sunrise (which isn’t too early this time of year) at the Trocadero – I have been a few times and it is usually only about a dozen people.

If you are looking for a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view, I've got you covered!

Orsay Museum

I much prefer this museum to the Louvre, but do both. The Orsay is in an old train station and is absolutely beautiful – great photo spots and a nice café. Buy a ticket ahead of time and skip the line, a fantastic store inside as well.

I've also done an amazing tour in the museum with Context Travel. There are hundreds of wonderful museums in Paris, check out a few more museums in Paris that you shouldn't miss!

Louvre & Tuileries Garden

If you do visit the Louvre, skip the Mona Lisa – seriously, it isn’t worth it, and you should visit the other sections, it is quite beautiful. Buy your ticket ahead of time. Do not buy from someone walking up to you – if you cross the street towards the Hotel Regina from the Westin and continue on the Rue du Rivoli, you’ll come to a shopping mall called the Carousel de Louvre, you can buy tickets at machines in there.

If you really want to do something out of the ordinary try a treasure hunt, my friend Daisy set them up and it is a lot of fun! Also, pro tip: the museum is open until 10:00 pm on Wednesday or Friday evenings. Most people leave at 6:00 on those days because they think is going to close. And do note, the Louvre is CLOSED on Tuesdays!

I highly recommend you spend some time in the Tuileries Garden (here's my guide) next to the Louvre, it is quite beautiful and there is always something going on there!

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

I usually avoid this area; I am not a shopper. If you are into French luxury brands, definitely visit their flagship stores; however, most of the merchandise is also available in retail stores around the world. If you do visit this area, take the time to get a picture of the Arc de Triomphe.

Don't forget the underground passageway, it is the only way to get to the entrance. Make sure to buy your ticket ahead of time.

Boulevard Haussmann

The is the main shopping district (yes, there is the Champs-Élysées, but…) located in the Opera district with large beautiful department stores – Printemps and Galeries Lafayette – you will find a large variety of products at decent prices (they have sales unlike a lot of other stores – the French government regulates sales and only really happen twice a year – February and July) plus gorgeous architecture.

They both have rooftop terraces that you visit for nice views of Paris, and they have little restaurants as well. I am addicted to scarves and usually buy all mine at the Galeries Lafayette!

Opera

Also, in Opera, is the Opera building! It’s gorgeous, you can visit guided or unguided, and I enjoy it when I go – their museum store is very good too, and I always seem to pick up something unique there. Buy your ticket ahead of time!

Sacré-Cœur

I would pass it unless you really, really want to visit Montmartre. It is a beautiful, historic neighborhood. Just don’t go in the morning – troublemakers and petty criminals drink there during the night, and there is glass everywhere in the morning until the cleaning crew comes.

With the smog these days, it is not a great sunrise, not sure of the sunset. If you do go for sunset, watch out for pickpockets. If you want to do Montmartre, you may want to do a guided tour or just wander around, but don’t go before 9/10, nothing is open!

Panthéon

TOTALLY under-the-radar 360-degree view of the Paris skyline. Seriously, I have been there twice and done the tower tour with less than 10 people in each group! Get there before 10 (sometimes there are tours, but they don't go to the tower, so don’t worry, you just want to get ahead of them before the opening).

When you go inside to buy your ticket (or buy ahead of time) make sure it has the tower tour as well, the first tour leaves about 10 minutes after they open – perfect for you. Once you get to the top you will be able to go around the entire circular rooftop with great views. Once you go back down, the rest of the Panthéon is nice to visit.

Day Trips from Paris

Versailles

Versailles is a nice day trip. Give yourself the entire day. Once you tour the chateau, you’ll want to visit the grounds (my favorite part, I usually skip the chateau!). There are gardens, Marie Antoinette’s farm, and just lots and lots of places to walk and relax.

We also rented bikes one time and loved it. You can do a tour, but the cheapest and easiest way to get to Versailles is by train using the regional RER, using the C line. Here is a pretty good how-to post on getting to Versailles.

Giverny

I also recommend Giverny as a day trip. It is an easy train ride from Paris to Monet’s home, and it is a great place to visit. The town around his house is fun to wander through. I've been there on a tour with Context Travel and on my own at different seasons, and it is always beautiful!

Here are more suggestions for day trips from Paris.

Tours

As I mentioned, Paris-by-Mouth does fun food-related tours. I have also done a TON of Context Travel tours, not only in Paris but London, Kyoto, Rome, and Florence, it is a great company and they have great, small, curated tours. I loved The Bobo Palate tour and Baguette to Bistro.

I’ve also had fun doing a cooking class at La Cuisine Paris, it is owned by an American and they do classes in English – baguette, macaron – lots of fun!

Bike tours are fun too (as long as they don't spend too much time on the street!). Try this The Beauty (Paris Vendôme) tour, it is such a pretty area.

What to Wear

I am going to be adding to this section, but in the meantime, I have 5 Things I Packed for Paris – springtime edition! Here are some tried and true Paris packing tips:

• Layers, always layers, the weather can shift dramatically, and having layers allows you to dress as cool or as warmly as needed. Also, you can go from a daytime look to a nighttime look very quickly!
• Pack in 2 to 3 colors, making mixing and matching easier.
• No shorts or flip-flops, the French aren't big fans, unless you are doing “le fitness”!!
• Comfortable shoes for all the walking.

I also wrote a whole post on what to wear in Paris – 5 tips for how to pack for Paris along with

• What to pack for Paris for the fall/autumn 
• What to pack for the winter
• What to pack for the spring
• What to pack for the summer

The Ugly Stuff

No one likes to think about crime. The recommendation I have is the same I would tell to anyone going to any big city, including San Francisco. In the most touristy areas of Paris, there are bands of pickpockets. Generally, they are young women from Eastern Europe (gypsies) not trying to be racists, it is just the facts.

They are at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Tuileries Garden (the part closest to the glass pyramid by the Louvre); Sacre Coeur, Pont des Arts (the pedestrian bridge where they used to put the love locks); Champs-Élysées (although less so as the luxury security guards try to keep them away).

They will approach with papers or clipboards in their hands, usually more than one at a time, and bug you, confuse you, etc. They will also bend down in front of you and pick up a ring or gold jewelry and ask if it is yours. They can be quite aggressive.

The best way to keep them at bay is to look them in the eye as they walk towards you and very firmly say “NO!” or if you want to sound French: DE GAGE!” (deh-gahge), which is basically “f*ck off.” Do the same with the people selling you metal Eiffel Towers or keychains. They won’t try to pickpocket you, but they can be aggressive.

I do not recommend a backpack for Paris.

The Metro is safe, just be aware of your surroundings and your bags. Do not make eye contact with anyone and know where you are going ahead of time!

Where to Stay:

For many years I stayed in Montparnasse which has lots of transportation options, great restaurants, and tons of shopping, but then our favorite hotel changed franchises and we began staying at the Westin on Rue de Rivoli and Rue De Castiglione, mainly because I had tons and tons of points.

Once the points dried up we began staying at smaller hotels in arrondissements around the city such as Relais Christine and Hoxton Hotel and had wonderful experiences! That drove us to Airbnb and VRBO which really made us feel like locals.

There are thousands of hotels in Paris options for every budget (including some really stellar hostels) and in every arrondissement, I encourage you to move outside the most touristy areas and find a hidden treasure!

A Few Last Notes:

• Don't try to do everything! Leave something for the next trip. Paris is a very old city constantly evolving. The classics will be there along with all the new stuff. Take a smaller chunk of the city and thoroughly enjoy it. Sit at a cafe and do nothing but soak it all in!
• Visiting Paris on a budget? Paris can be expensive, but here are 5 ways to save! Here are more money (and other Paris) tips.
• And don't just do the obvious! Try out some of these 10 cool and unusual things to do!
• Going to the restroom in Paris isn’t always easy but I've got some tips!
• If you are a Sex and the City fan, here is my list of locations from the final episodes which took place in Paris!
• More film locations in Paris: Emily in Paris, Lupin, and Call My Agent.
• Julia Child's Paris and Coco Chanel's Paris too!
• Want to read some books before your first trip to Paris, here are my suggestions.
• I wrote this post years ago, but my guidance still stands: How Not to be the Annoying American Tourist in Paris
• Here's a 4-day Paris itinerary and a 5-day Paris itinerary that I think is very well done.
• I don't have little ones so I rely on others to share their tips for the best things to do with kids.
• A great run down from Travel with Me 24/7 on Where to Stay in Paris.
• Are you planning your trip in the middle of a French holiday? 
• Coming to Paris with your sweetheart? Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, learn romantic things to do in Paris.
• Here are 15 fun facts about Paris, you will be surprised!

Get my FULL Paris Travel Planner with sheets for:

Trip Overview | Travel Budget | Accommodation Tracker | Transportation Tracker | Activities Planner | Pre-Trip Planning | Places to Visit | Itinerary Overview | Daily Itinerary | Arrondissement Guides | Road Trip Planning | Packing List | Outfit Planner | Expense Tracker | Souvenirs & Gifts List | To do List | January-December Planning Calendar | Paris Bucket List Checklist | and Travel Journal Pages

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Well, that's it, my guide for Paris first-timers in a nutshell! I am sure there is plenty I am missing, but I think it is a good start! If you are visiting Paris for the first time please do let me know, I'd love to hear how your trip goes!

How about you? Do you think these tips are helpful? Do you have any to add? Do share!

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The post Paris for the First Time appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

I have been to Paris more than 50 times. During every month and every season. We often stay 1-2 weeks and move around the city to live like a local in different arrondissements. All that to say I have some experience.

Also, I love all my expat friends who live in Paris, living the day-to-day in the city of light, but there is a different experience when you are visiting as a tourist and not living as an expat or a local. Every time I return it is as a visitor, with fresh eyes, new experiences, and lots of snags.

Sure. Paris is always a good idea. But maybe some times are better than others!

If Paris is where you want to go, I say go for it. BUT I do want to provide information so that this guide serves you and helps set expectations as to what it will be like to visit Paris in 2025.

The good news and there are a lot of new things to visit and see, and several significant re-openings of old favorites.

Hopefully, you will avoid some disappointment by reading this post.

My intent isn't to discourage you from visiting Paris. I just want you to take off the rose-colored glasses for a moment, reset your expectations, then you can quickly shove them back on! I am providing an overview of what to expect in Paris in 2025 (not an update to the usual information about Paris). I hope this information helps make your trip planning easier!

D'accord? Bon ! On y va ! (Okay? Good! Let's go!) with this year's Paris travel guide!

Here is what you need to know about visiting Paris in 2025!

When to Visit Paris

Paris is a year-round destination, and each season offers a unique experience. Spring (March to May) brings blooming gardens and mild temperatures, making it perfect for strolling along the Seine. Summer (June to August) is bustling with tourists, but it's also the time for open-air festivals and longer daylight hours.

Fall (September to November) showcases beautiful autumn foliage, while winter (December to February) offers a quieter atmosphere, with the city adorned with holiday lights. Choose the time that suits your preferences and interests.

Notre-Dame Cathedral has officially reopened to the public, and it’s once again one of Paris’s must-see landmarks. After years of restoration, visitors can now step inside this iconic site and witness its remarkable revival, a true highlight of any trip to the city.

That said, planning ahead is essential.

This summer marks the first season since the cathedral’s reopening, and large crowds are expected throughout the year. While entry is free, you should be prepared to wait in line, typically around 15 minutes, though it can be longer during peak times.

To make your visit smoother, the cathedral offers an option to book free access online a few hours in advance. While entirely optional, this can help streamline your entrance and reduce wait times. Just keep in mind that even reserved-entry lines can have short delays, so timing is everything.

If possible, aim for less busy hours (early mornings or weekdays) to get the most out of your visit. With a bit of planning, seeing Notre Dame can be a memorable and stress-free part of your Paris itinerary.

If you want to learn more about the individual month you are planning to visit Paris in, check out my monthly guides:

PARIS IN:  Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

Paying for Things

The best way to pay for anything in Paris is with a chipped credit card. It is fast, contactless (under 50 Euro) and above all, preferred. If you want to use cash (that is my preference honestly) then have smaller denominations of bills with you. You will have a tough time getting people to break a 50 or 100-Euro note. Heck if you are buying something under 5 Euros, with a 20 most vendors won't be happy!

I mention this in my packing posts on bags, but bring a double-sided coin purse, you will thank me!

Strikes

Okay. This is not unusual for France in general, especially during the months of May and October. But this year, there is an extra round of strikes around France's retirement pension reform that began in February and will continue throughout the spring which will impact your trip to Paris.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most of the time strikes = public transportation issues.
  • That means the metro (RER), trains (SNCF and RER), buses (RER), and sometimes taxis too.
  • Make sure your airport transfer is secured well in advance of any possible transit strikes. By pre-booking an airport transfer, you won't be stuck without transport and the hotel will take care of providing updates concerning delays or disruptions that may occur.
  • One thing I do is head to the CDG area the night before my flight so that any possible delays will not force me to miss my flight. I love the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel but have also stayed at the Paris Marriott Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel and citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
  • For air travel, 95% of the time international flights are not impacted. However, as soon as you arrive in France, you may have issues if you have inner-France connections to other French airports.
  • BUT you may have trouble getting to the airport on the day of a strike. Taxis will not be able to get through demonstrations at the airport and will drop you off in inconvenient locations and you will have to walk! My best advice is to ask the taxi driver to drop you off at Ibis Paris CDG Airport it is a 5-minute covered walk to Terminal 3. Or the citizenM Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• You can check when and where major strikes and demonstrations are taking place with this site: C'est la Grève. It is in French, but you can use an online translator. It is pretty self-explanatory.
• Before heading out of your hotel check in with the front desk or concierge. They usually know where and when protests are planned. You do not want to be inadvertently swept up into a demonstration. 
• Avoid the large public areas called “Places”, especially around Place de la Republique, Place de la Bastille, Place d'Italie, and Place de la Concorde.  
• Tune into France24 online. It is in English and can help you keep track of what is going on in real-time. Also, try Gov.uk.
• Download the Citymapper app for the latest transportation updates. This savvy app will keep you up-to-date on train and transit info, providing alternative routes when necessary.

If you are dreaming about all those awesome Instagram-worthy photos of the Eiffel Tower from the Palais De Chaillot sorry to disappoint you, but the cannons are still out of commission and the carousel is gone for the moment.

This is an enormous project (you can get more info, in French, here and here) that is going to take a while to complete.

This Paris travel guide is about preparing you for the current situation so you will not be surprised! The bright side? There are thousands of places to visit in Paris. There is no shortage of awesome things to see.

And if you want to see some of the major sites, you just need to get a little creative and maybe brush up on your yoga, as you may have to twist your body in some unnatural ways to get that shot!

If you decide to go the Airbnb route, ask if there is any major construction on the street. Read all the reviews for the apartment!

If you are staying in a hotel, call or email them to ask the same question about construction. The last thing you want is to spend money on a nice hotel and then not get the view you want (or worse). Mr. Misadventures and I splurged on a hotel for 24 hours so we could get their rooftop terrace view of the Eiffel Tower only to arrive at the hotel and learn it was closed for construction…le sigh…

Getting Around

Taxis at CDG Airport

Depending on the time of day I saw taxi drivers at the airport rejecting people going to the city (mind blown) because there is a set fare from CDG to Paris and depending on traffic taxi drivers lose money.

• Flat rate to the left bank: €62. The left bank is these arrondissements: 5th, 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, and 15th.
• Flat rate to the right bank: €55. The right bank is these arrondissements: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th.

Also when you do get in the cab, confirm the tariff, don’t get scammed!

Start by making sure to get in an official taxi queue/line. (NOTE: licensed “Taxis Parisiens” (Parisian taxis) park outside the baggage claim areas in each terminal). Look for the blue “Taxi” bubbles on the floor at CDG to guide your path to the official taxi line.

Only get into a taxi that has an illuminated rooftop sign (it's a green light). And make sure it has a meter!

Bikes

If it is the first time you are visiting Paris or if it has been a while you need to be aware that there are a lot more bikes than there used to be. More bike lanes too. They can be a real hazard in overcrowded areas, so please be aware of them. You may not realize you are walking on a bike path which could potentially cause an accident. Be on the lookout for them at all times!

Changes in Metro Ticket Pricing

If you’ve visited Paris before, you probably remember how confusing it could be to figure out which tickets you needed for the metro, RER, buses, trams, or trains to places like Versailles or Parc de Sceaux. Different zones, prices, and rules often made navigating public transport a bit of a puzzle, especially for first-time visitors.

But that’s all about to change. Starting January 1, 2025, the fare system across the Île-de-France region will be dramatically simplified, a long-awaited update that promises to make getting around much easier for everyone.

Under this new system, Navigo passes will now have a single fare for all zones, meaning you’ll be able to travel anywhere within Île-de-France, whether in central Paris or out to the suburbs, using the same pass on any mode of public transport.

T+ tickets will be unified across the region: €2.50 for metro or RER rides, and €2.00 for buses and trams (or €2.50 if bought directly on the bus). This replaces the current pricing system, which charged more for traveling further outside the city (e.g., to Disneyland or Versailles).

It’s important to note that connections between different transport types still require separate tickets. So if you switch, say, from a metro to a tram, you’ll still need to use two T+ tickets, just as before.

How to Buy T+ Tickets

Via Smartphone:
The easiest option is to download the Ile-de-France Mobilités app (available on both iPhone and Android). Once installed, the app will tell you if your phone is compatible with contactless ticketing. This method lets you skip the lines at station ticket counters, especially helpful at busy spots like airports and major train stations. Just be sure your phone has enough battery, as you’ll need it to tap through turnstiles (no internet connection required once tickets are loaded).

With a Navigo Easy Card:
Another convenient option is the Navigo Easy card, which you can buy for €2 at larger metro stations. These cards are anonymous (no name or ID required), reusable, and don’t expire. You can lend them to someone else when you're not using them, just not on the same trip. Once you have a card, you can load it with as many T+ tickets as you need for buses or metros, either at a ticket counter, vending machine, or using the smartphone app (though that part can be a bit fiddly). You can also load unlimited day passes or airport bus fares onto the card.

Previously, many Parisians and visitors used the Navigo Easy card to load discounted “carnets” of ten tickets, but this option is going away.

Farewell to the Carnet

One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the end of the T+ ticket “carnet”, the familiar pack of ten paper tickets that came with a 20% discount. These were perfect for occasional riders and tourists who wanted to stock up on cheaper tickets without a time limit.

Paper carnets have already been phased out in recent years, and starting January 2, 2025, you won’t be able to load carnets onto Navigo Easy cards either. The last few metro stations still selling paper T+ tickets will stop offering them entirely by the end of 2025.

So while the carnet may soon be a thing of the past, the streamlined pricing and simpler access should make it easier than ever to explore all corners of Paris and beyond.

New Navigo passes are being included and some are being removed from the ticketing system. You can take a look at all the options on the RATP website.

Restaurant closures

This is a global phenomenon due to the pandemic. Many restaurants around the world have closed including probably some of your favorites in Paris. Make sure you double-check online to ensure that the business is still open.

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Crowd control

Places like the Louvre are introducing limits on the number of people they allow to visit. They are going to be capping the number of visitors to 30,000 people per day. If you are visiting, I highly encourage you to buy your tickets ahead of time.

What about that ETIAS Visa for Americans?

Surprise! The previously scheduled 2024 introduction of ETIAS, a special travel authorization covering most of Europe, has now been postponed until Q4 2026.

The Good News: What to Do in Paris in 2025

This Paris travel guide is not all doom and gloom! Here are just some of the things you can look forward to:

• Museums you can visit for FREE on the 1st Sunday of the month:
  • Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine
  • La Cité de la Céramique de Sèvres
  • Musée de Cluny
  • Musée d'Archéologie National
  • Musée de la chasse et de la nature
  • Musée de la Grande Guerre
  • Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace
  • Musée de l'Histoire de l'Immigration
  • Musée de l'Orangerie
  • Musée d'Orsay
  • Musée des Arts et Métiers
  • Musée du Quai Branly
  • Musée Français de la Carte à Jouer
  • Musée Guimet
  • Musée Gustave Moreau
  • Musée National d'Art Moderne
  • Musée National Picasso
  • Musée Rodin
• The Louvre is showcasing ten major works from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern collection, on loan during the Met’s renovations until 28 September 2025.
• Atelier des Lumières is showcasing Picasso's art until June 30th and will run The Little Prince Immersive Odessy from April 11th. (38 rue Saint-Maur in the 11th arr)
• The Pompidou Museum is currently showcasing Paris Noir, an ambitious exhibition highlighting the work of 150 African and Afro-descendant artists from the 1940s to the 2000s before the museum closes to the public for major renovations at the end of September 2025, with a planned reopening in 2030.
• The Petit Palais is featuring Worth: The Birth of Haute Couture in Paris, an exhibition tracing the legacy of Charles Frederick Worth (the founder of modern haute couture) through his elegant creations and pioneering innovations, on view from 7 May to 7 September 2025.
• The Louvre is presenting Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion – Statement Pieces, a striking exhibition running until 21 July 2025, showing the connection between historic art and contemporary style.
• The Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris is presenting Matisse and Marguerite. Through Her Father's Eyes, a moving exhibition until 24 August 2025 featuring over 110 works that explore the close relationship between Henri Matisse and his daughter Marguerite, and her important role in his life and art.
• The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is presenting Paul Poiret, Couturier, Decorator and Perfumer, an exhibition from 25 June 2025 to 11 January 2026 that explores the innovative designs and artistic vision of Paul Poiret, highlighting his influence on fashion, the decorative arts, and even perfumery and gastronomy.
• The annual Museum Night (Nuit des Musées) that is celebrated throughout Europe takes place on May 17th. All participating museums offer free admission!
• Nuit Blanche (White Night) will be June 7. This is a major art and cultural event where contemporary art is on display in the streets of Paris from dusk to dawn.
• Heritage Day will take place on September 20 and 21. This is the opportunity (if you can handle the lines) to visit the Élysée Palace, the Assemblée Nationale, and other spots not typically open to the public.
• The Maison Gainsbourg, the long-awaited museum dedicated to the legendary singer Serge Gainsbourg opened in September and ran through Dec 31, 2023. They will re-open their doors for a new round of visits in the spring, with bookings starting in April 2025.
• Disneyland Paris will feature a high-energy show from May 17 to August 31, 2025, with Alice, the Queen of Hearts, and other Wonderland characters at Walt Disney Studios Park.
• New hotels! La Fondation in the 17th, aparthotel Locke in the Latin Quarters, InterContinental Chantilly-Château Mont Royal in the forest of Chantilly, and the reopening of Marriott Hôtel Rive Gauche!

Check out more events and exhibitions in my monthly guides:

PARIS IN:  Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Paris in 2025! To ensure a smooth trip, be sure you know where construction is happening and plan accordingly. Hopefully, this travel guide to Paris updated for this year will help you have the trip of a lifetime!

Once you decide when you are visiting, here are guides to the individual Paris Arrondissements so you can decide where:

Paris Arrondissement Guide | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th | 20th 

And if you are looking for packing advice, I've got you covered!

AUTHOR BIO

Andi Fisher

I am married to a French man, lived in France for 3 years, and have been to Paris more than 50 times. I am always a tourist so the information, tip, and tricks I share are created to help you!

If you're planning a visit to Paris in 2025, you're in for a treat! The City of Light continues to enchant travelers with its timeless charm, world-class cuisine, and iconic landmarks. As someone who has visited Paris more than 50 times throughout the year, I'm here to provide you with the best Paris travel guide that I can that covers everything you need to know about your upcoming trip to this magical destination.

With a little planning, your trip to Paris is sure to be a success!

How about you? Are you planning to travel to Paris in 2025? How can I help?

Don't forget to pin this for later!

Share now!

The post Paris Travel Guide (2025): What to Expect appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

A vacation rental gives you an opportunity to live in a space curated by a local. Even though a vacation rental does not come with the same services as a hotel, it does give you the flexibility to plan your trips and day-to-day activities, and it can save you money! 

Why are Vacation Rentals the Best Choice for your Holiday in Paris?

Just like home!

A rental apartment means you’re essentially living in someone’s home so have access to all the household amenities – an equipped kitchen, dishes and cutlery, laundry facilities, entertainment options such as books or television, and most importantly, space and privacy.

Vacation rentals are usually a condo or an entire apartment, unlike a single hotel room where you have restricted space and a lack of privacy.

Have a flexible schedule

Being able to plan your time on trips is a big deal for most travelers. Unlike a hotel or a hostel where timings are strict, in a rental apartment, you’re free to plan according to your schedule, and not worry about meal times or sleeping in.

Thanks to fully functioning kitchens, you can cook and eat whenever you please. Sleeping in after a fun night out, and not worrying about breakfast timings alleviates a lot of stress. Furthermore, if you make friends in Paris, you can easily welcome them into your space without having to think twice about hotel policies and rules.

Living Like Local

Finding a hotel that fits within your budget and is in a great locale can be tricky. A vacation rental, on the other hand, is usually located in a residential neighborhood, allowing you free access to the quartier, its streets and shops, hidden gems, and popular hangout spots.

It gives you a sneak peek into a resident's life as you walk on their paths, shop in their stores, and experience and explore the neighborhood as they would.

Variety of rental apartments

Every rental apartment is different, depending on the owner’s choice of decor or the neighborhood it’s located in. This is different from a hotel where the design and the layout are pretty much standard.

This means you get to live in unique places that are cozy, and designed with comfort in mind. When you hop through rentals in different arrondissements of Paris, you also get to explore the different neighborhoods and understand the subtle differences in the living habits of locals.

A home away from home experience

Traveling with a family requires heaps of planning and organization, but it can all be worth it in the end when you get to spend the vacation time together. And a rental apartment can easily make that happen.

With individual rooms for privacy and central spaces for hanging out for meals and entertainment, a rental apartment ensures your entire family can stay under the same roof.

Are vacation rental apartments suitable for a short-term stay?

The cost-saving advantages of renting holiday apartments in Paris multiply with time. If you’re spending a weekend or just a couple of days in Paris, a rental apartment might not be such a good idea as it can cost extra money for services like cleaning and other fees.

Anything less than a week or even less than four days, you’re better off staying in a hotel.

How to Find an Apartment in Paris?

There are plenty of companies and French rental forums to browse through to find the ideal holiday apartment. Some of these cater to foreign travelers (like us Americans!) and take care of most of the things, providing a seamless, luxury experience. Others will only provide a place and expect you to know how things work.

Here are some of the best Paris apartment rental sites:

• Airbnb: One of the most popular sites, Airbnb offers a variety of accommodations, from a spare room in an apartment to a luxury house in a fancy neighborhood. I have stayed in many Airbnbs in various arrondissements around the city and it is my go-to site for rentals.

• VRBO: If you don't like Airbnb, you are probably a fan of VRBO which has the same offerings as Airbnb minus the shared rooms. They have a wonderful collection of apartments, condos, and boutique homes.

• Homeaway: A rental site with listings all over France. The properties are private, giving you the place all to yourself. Be sure to check out the reviews and contact the owners before finalizing a place.

• LeBonCoin: Also known as the French version of Craiglist, Le Bon Coin has some great finds that might not be listed on the vacation rental apartments. You might have to search thoroughly and be able to speak French to get the best deals here.

• Haven in Paris: I met the founder of HiP when I was living in France and know that she has created an absolutely fabulous collection of curated luxury apartments.

• Plum Guide: Another luxury collection of beautiful rental apartments in Paris.

What do you need to know about apartment rentals in Paris?

Do thorough research

Before booking a rental apartment, make sure you do your due diligence by checking all the photos and the reviews, especially the fine print such as various guest policies, pet-friendliness, family-friendly apartments, and feedback from previous tenants.

Not everyone on the internet is set out to trap you in a scam but it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful. Keep an eye out for things such as the floor area of the apartment, the lighting, and the size of the living spaces, as beds tend to be slightly smaller in France.

Some neighborhoods allow loud noises until midnight even on weekdays, so ensure the area you’re booking in, doesn’t affect your sleep schedule.

Ask questions! Mr. Misadventures always asks about the WiFi bandwidth speed, it is super important for remote working (if you are going to be doing that too). We also asked what the nearest metro station is and how far. Most places will not list the address and you won't get it until after you book, but ask for the nearest cross-streets.

Also ask:

• What floor it is on?
• What is on the street level? It can be noisy depending on what is on the street level (like a restaurant or bar)
• Is there an elevator?

The difference in layouts and settings

Paris apartments are built differently and can have space constraints so it is essential to do your research before finalizing a holiday rental. Beds do not equal bedrooms!

Often, you will find the washing machine in the kitchen (or bathroom), either without a dryer or a combo that barely dries anything.

The toilet is usually situated in a different room than the shower and the sink. You may not get a shower, but a tub with a hose. Or a shower with a half-door.

The bathrooms can be slightly darker and may not have a window to let in natural light. This can be a bit of a pickle for makeup and getting dressed.

The charming old Haussmann buildings that everyone loves to stay in often don’t have an elevator. You’ll have a staircase, usually circular and narrow, and hauling your luggage up and down can quickly become tiring.

The hallway lights are either motion-censored or have a button in the corner to switch them on (trust me, you will have problems with this!). The main door of the building will usually have a code to enter and a button to exit. Also, there may be a security gate where you will have to do the same.

The ground floor is known as the rez-de-chaussée. It is level 0 and is not considered a literal floor. The first floor or the first story is the floor after the ground level, unlike in America where the ground floor is usually the first floor, and after that is the second floor.

The landlord will usually explain the different appliances in the apartment when you first check in but often, after a long flight, it can be exhausting to pay attention and retain every bit of new information. Make a habit to note down or take pictures of everyday activities like:

• Codes for the door!
• Where the garbage goes
• How to separate it for recycling
• Connecting to the wifi (actually, try it before they leave!)
• How to use the television!
• Opening and closing doors, etc.

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Location Matters

Paris is not a small city, therefore location is everything! It has 20 different neighborhoods, each with its pros and cons. The city has an excellent transport system but it’s always a good idea to not waste an hour on the metro if you have the option of living closer to the places you wish to visit.

Like any other big city, Paris has its fair share of ghetto areas, and it’s best to avoid living in unsafe areas of the neighborhood.

Extra fees

Cleaning fees are extra costs that can catch you off-guard. Usually, they are included in the booking price but always make sure you’re aware of the incurred cost to avoid surprises. 

You could be expected to pay for the electricity (especially for the heat in winter). The charges can be significant if the rental has poor insulation. Read the fine print in the contract and double-check with the rental agency if in doubt.

Minimum stay, cancellation policies

Although rare, with some rental companies, you can only book from Saturday through Saturday, especially in the summer and during peak tourist season. If you’re arriving mid-week, you might have to book a hotel until you can check in to the rental. Make sure you discuss the contract terms before signing it.

Also, ask for the minimum number of days that you can stay. A holiday rental is worth it if you’re staying at least for a week, anything less than four days and it can get expensive as compared to a hotel. Keep an eye out for cancellation policies and refunds.

Air conditioning is not common

Hotel rooms will have an air conditioning unit but apartments and private homes are not equipped with one, and you might not even have a fan. If you can’t stand the heat, make sure to look for a property that has A/C.

Cracking open the windows is also an option but Parisian windows don’t have a mosquito guard and keeping them open throughout the night can invite a whole family of bugs.

Check-in and Check-out times, baggage room after check out

Like hotels, rental homes will have a standard check-in and checkout time. Ensure you don’t have a lot of time to spare while waiting to check-in. Often, you will have to check out earlier in the day and might not have travel plans until later.

Always check with the host if you can store your luggage after check-out and come back and collect it when it’s time to leave. This way, you don’t have to carry it around town and will still be able to enjoy some time discovering the city. 

There are lots of ways to store your luggage temporarily while waiting to get into or after you depart your apartment. You can rent by the hour, half-day, etc. Or find a hotel you are a member of with a big lobby and hang out there (I have done that so many times at the Le Méridien Etoile!)

There are trips where staying in a hotel makes sense and trips where renting an apartment is a better option. Since I am usually staying for more than a week in Paris, we have been renting apartments and only staying in a hotel as needed for a day or 2.

We love the freedom of visiting the marché and boulangerie and having meals at home with a nice bottle of wine.

How about you? Have you rented an apartment in Paris? Where did you stay? Have any additional tips to add? Do share!

AUTHOR BIO

Andi Fisher

I am married to a French man, lived in France for 3 years, and have been to Paris more than 50 times. I am always a tourist so the information, tip, and tricks I share are created to help you!

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The post Renting an Apartment in Paris for Holidays appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Like many capital cities, Paris is divided into multiple districts (a.k.a. “arrondissement“), which serve an administrative and organizational purpose. Each one has its own zip code and town hall (“mairie“). They are organized in a snail-like shape starting in the geographic and historic heart of the city and spinning clockwise. They tend to follow the historic neighborhoods roughly, but some (like the Marais) are divided across several districts.

Each arrondissement has its own identity, history, and general vibe that can be dramatically different from one to the next. You may want to hang in the heart of all the tourist attractions for a quick first visit.

Or maybe, on the contrary, you want to experience life like a real Parisian away from the city center. Perhaps you have an interest in modern architecture, or you love ethnic food. The good news is that Paris has something for everybody!

From must-do attractions to hidden gems, this Paris arrondissement guide will help you decide where to stay, eat, and how to organize your visit to the City of Light.

1^st Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 1st arrondissement known as: The Heart of Paris and Arrondissement du Louvre

If it is your first visit to Paris, you will likely spend a good bit of time in the heart of the city: the first district, or, as locals call it le premier. Not only is it the place where it all started, but it also has one of the highest concentrations of all the must-do places you have to visit the first time(s) you are in Paris. If you want to explore the Louvre, stroll through the Tuileries Garden, gawk at the windows of the jewelers in Place Vendȏme or do some shopping in the Halles, look no further.

There is plenty to keep you busy for days in a small walkable area. It is the Paris of postcards, narrow streets, and grand monuments. On the downside, like any hyper-touristy area, it is overrun by crowds of visitors – especially in the summer months – and offers little to no glimpse of what the “real Paris” looks like.

What to Visit and Do in the 1st Arrondissement/ What the 1st Arrondissement is Known for:

• Jardin de Tuileries
• The Orangerie (love this private tour and try out this guided tour)
• The Jeu de Paume
• The Louvre (get your ticket here or try this tour)
• Galerie Vero-Dodat
• Place Vendome
• Rue de Rivoli
• St Eustache
• Sainte Chapelle
• La Conciergerie (get your combined ticket with Sainte Chapelle)
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs
• Pont Des Arts
• Pont Neuf
• Palais Royale
• Place Dauphine

Local picks for the 1eme from Mathilde.

2^nd Arrondissement de Paris  (Passages)

What is the 2nd arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de la Bourse 

The second arrondissement is the beating financial heart of the city, with the Bourse, at its center, housing the Parisian stock exchange. If you had visited Paris before the nineteenth century, it would have been a shady place to hang out, full of narrow unsanitary alleys and up-to-no-good ruffians. However, it was the theater of wide-scale urban changes in the early 1800s, which left behind an abundance of more polished Art Nouveau buildings and indoor shopping galleries.

Those passages are one of my favorite spots in Paris to catch a glimpse of this fin-de-siècle glamour. The Belle Epoque may be long gone, but you wouldn’t know while strolling through those glass-covered alleyways bordered by old-school stores and restaurants.

The Sentier area, once a no-mans-land only inhabited by wholesale textile businesses, is now one of the hottest spots in the city. If you want a good dose of Parisian trendy chic to excess, look no further than these pedestrian streets where the terraces of the cafes are the place to see and be seen.

What to Visit and Do in the 2nd Arrondissement /What the 2nd Arrondissement is Known For:

• Passage Des Panoramas
• Passage Choiseul
• Passage du Grand Cerf
• Passage des Princes
• Galerie Colbert
• Galerie Vivienne
• Passage du Caire
• Tour Jean sans Peur

Try this Palais-Royal and Covered Passages Audio-Guided Tour or do a private scavenger hunt amongst the passages!

Local picks for the 2eme from Andrew Prior.

3^rd Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 3rd arrondissement known as: Marais, SoMa (South Marais) or Arrondissement du Temple

The third arrondissement includes part of the famed Marais (translated as “Swamp” in French), which extends into the fourth arrondissement as well. If you love small designer boutiques, artsy galleries, and swanky brunch places, you will feel right at home.

My friend and fashion-insider Kasia is lucky enough to call the troisième home, and you can read more about her insider tips below.

There is more to see in the area than hipster eateries among the charming medieval alleys – although that's reason enough to visit. It is also the place to go to see some of the lesser-known, but worth the trip museums in Paris such as the Musée Picasso, the Arts et Métiers (Arts and Crafts), or the Carnavalet (a must-do for Parisian history buffs).

What to Visit and Do in the 3rd Arrondissement/What the 3rd Arrondissement is Known For:

• Musee Picasso (check out this priority access ticket)
• Musee National des Arts et Metiers
• Musee Carnavalet
• Passage de l'Ancre
• Passage Verdeau

Some fantastic tours to consider:

• A Taste of Paris: Le Marais Food Experience
• Le Marais: Pastry and Chocolate Food Tour
• The Marais Walking Food Tour: Cheese, Wine and Delicacies
• Le Marais: Walking Tour

My friend Kasia's local picks for the 3eme.

4^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 4th arrondissement known as: Marais, NoMa (North Marais) or Arrondissement de l’Hôtel-de-Ville

Le quatrième includes two distinct areas. The area closest to the Seine is one of the tourist highlights of the city. It includes Ile de la Citée (on which sits Notre Dame), the posh Ile Saint Louis, which has been populated by the French crème de la crème and their grand hȏtels particuliers since the Middle Ages, and the elegant Place des Vosges. The banks of the river are closed to cars.

Parisians of all ages rush over as soon as the sun makes an appearance to picnic and sunbathe with a breathtaking view of Notre Dame (something they can no longer do after the fire). And then, there is the former Jewish neighborhood, with its winding cobblestone streets, quirky boutiques, and a wealth of middle eastern eateries like the word renowned As du Falafel.

While most of the city gets sleepy on Sundays, the Marais is still bustling with many restaurants and boutiques open and the streets closed to cars. Resident Charli was kind enough to tell me about some of her favorite hangouts!

What to Visit and Do in the 4th Arrondissement/What the 4th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Notre Dame (currently closed due to the fire)
• Centre George Pompidou (get your entry ticket here)
• Hôtel de Ville
• Place des Vosges
• Maison de Victor Hugo
• Hôtel de Sully
• Hôtel de Sens
• Ile de la Cite
• Le Marai
• Rue des Barres
• Igor Stravinsky Square
• Rue des Rosiers
• Au Vieux Paris Restaurant

Some fantastic tours to consider:

• Le Marais: Private Walking Tour
• Marais Walking Tour: Lifestyle in Paris

France24 reporter Charli's local picks for the 4eme.

5^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 5th arrondissement known as: Latin Quarter, Student District, and arrondissement du Panthéon

Le cinquième has been a hub of the Parisian student life since the Middle Ages when La Sorbonne opened its doors in 1253. All the youngsters chatting in Latin – the teaching language at the time – gave the neighborhood its name: the Latin quarter. The area doesn't appear to have changed all that much since then: there are still plenty of students, going to class, hanging at the terraces of the cafes, lounging on the lawns of the Jardin des Plantes.

There are also plenty of tourists striding through the narrow cobblestone streets – including Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris – and visiting some of the most famous Frenchmen and women, buried in the Pantheon. You can even visit one of the last visible remnants of Paris’ Roman past: Les Arènes de Lutèce.

What to Visit and Do in the 5th Arrondissement/What the 5th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Sainte-Geneviève Library
• The Pantheon
• Arab World Institute
• Latin Quarter of Paris
• Jardin des Plantes
• Musée de Cluny
• Shakespeare & Company
• Quai Saint-Bernard
• Rue Mouffetard – Market Street

Local tour guide Selene’s local picks for the 5eme.

6^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 6th arrondissement known as: Saint-Germain-de-Prés and Arrondissement du Luxembourg

If the fifth arrondissement is where the French go to study, le sixième next door is the intellectual beating heart of the city. All the famous artists, writers, and philosophers have graced the streets and cafes of Saint Germain, from Diderot to Dali, Hemingway, and Simone de Beauvoir, among many others.

Nowadays, the neighborhood is no place for a starving artist: luxury boutiques, upscale food stores, and overpriced coffee (you are paying for a slice of history along with your espresso after all!) are the name of the game. Nevertheless, it is one of my favorite places in Paris that I never get tired of visiting again and again.

Once you are done discussing the meaning of life or the subject of your next groundbreaking novel at the Café de Flore, you can always escape into the green alleys of the Jardin du Luxembourg. Allegedly one of the most beautiful public gardens in Paris, it is a breath of fresh for Parisians and visitors alike.

What to Visit and Do in the 6th Arrondissement/What the 6th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Luxembourg Palace (another spot to find the famous green chairs, they originated in THIS garden).
• Saint Germain des Prés
• Musée de la Monnaie
• Musée Eugène-Delacroix
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Café Procope (one of the oldest restaurants in Paris!)
• Les Deux Magots
• Café de Flore
• La Grande Epicerie de Paris
• Cour du Commerce Saint-André

Photographer Eileen's local picks for the 6eme.

7^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 7th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de Eiffel Tower and Arrondissement du Palais-Bourbon

You will undoubtedly make le septième one of your first stops on your maiden tour to Paris. Why? Because it is home to the most iconic of Parisian monuments: the Eiffel Tower! That said, you would be missing out if you missed to opportunity to linger awhile at the feet of the Dame de Fer.

First of all, it is where you will find some of Paris’ best museums, including my favorite: the Musée d’Orsay. Besides, with its tranquil bourgeois atmosphere and old-school bistros, it is, in the words of part-time resident Ann Mah, “classic Paris”. Once you leave the obvious touristy areas, the streets belong to the locals. You will not necessarily find the trendiest bar and the hottest nightlife in the area – although the banks of the Seine have their share of hip spots – you won’t miss them one bit.

What to Visit and Do in the 7th Arrondissement/What the 7th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Eiffel Tower
• Champs de Mars
• Hotel des Invalides
• Orsay Museum
• Quai Branly Museum
• Rodin Museum
• Beaupassage

Author Ann Mah's local picks for the 7eme.

Landen Kerr's local picks for the 7eme.

8^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 8th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de l’Élysée

The Champs-Elysées is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. It is hard not to have your heartbeat a little faster while ascending the majestic avenue from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. After all, it is very long, it climbs up, and the cars won't slow down one bit if you attempt to take a picture of the iconic view for the ‘Gram.

Parisians often argue that the area has lost some of its cache with the chain stores and restaurants taking over the leases on both sides of the streets. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to let go of your hard-earned cash in the luxury flagship stores and Michelin-starred eateries in the area. If you can steer away from all the bling, head to the Parc Monceau. It is the perfect image of the neighborhood surrounding it: polished, manicured, and extremely elegant.

What to Visit and Do in the 8th Arrondissement/What the 8th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Arc de Triomphe
• Grand Palais
• Champs Elysees
• Place de la Concorde
• Galerie de la Madeleine
• Parc Monceau
• Jacquemart-André Museum
• Pont Alexandre III

My complete guide to the 8th arrondissement.

9^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 9th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de l’Opéra

As an unapologetic foodie, le neuvième ranks high on my list of favorite neighborhoods. Between the glitz of the grands magasins (excellent for shopping with amazing food courts!) and Garnier Opéra, and the grittier Pigalle district, where the ladies and gents of the night still roam, there is something for everyone. And let's not forget about the unending delicacies of the Rue des Martyrs where you can apparently find every single type of specialty food shop under the sun.

What to Visit and Do in the 9th Arrondissement/What the 9th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Musée Grévin
• Musée de la Vie Romantique
• Passage du Havre
• Galeries Lafayette
• Printemps
• Opera – Palais Garnier
• Pigalle District

Food bloggers Alix and Hugo's local picks for the 9eme.

10^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 10th arrondissement known as: Canal Saint-Martin, Arrondissement de l’Entrepôt, and Arrondissement de l’Enclos-Saint-Laurent

Brooklyn has its hipsters, but Paris has its “bobos” (the bourgeois-bohêmes or bohemian bourgeois). Le dixième once belonged to immigrant communities – and they still have an important presence in some pocket areas – but it is well on its way to gentrification.

The Canal Saint-Martin area is an artificial paradise of small designer boutiques, organic community stores, and vegan bistros. Meanwhile, the area around Barbès and Gare du Nord feels a world away. Between small ethnic restaurants, hairdressers, and exotic grocery stores, the Paris of postcards and clichés feel very far away.

What to Visit and Do in the 10th Arrondissement/What the 10th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Canal Saint-Martin
• Passage Brady
• Passage du Prado
• Passage du Desir

My friend Daisy's local picks for the 10eme.

11^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 11th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de Popincourt

Low-key and far from the “big” tourist attractions, le onzième is where real Parisians live and play. La Bastille and Oberkampf area are a hot spot for nightlife, with bars and restaurants open late at night. The last metros to the area are as crowded as rush hour and many students, attracted by the – relatively – affordable rent call it home.

With its quirky street art, hole-in-the-wall type of places, and brunch galore, it may not have the shiny attraction of some more central areas, but it is definitely a local favorite with a cool-kid vibe that is hard to top.

What to Visit and Do in the 11th Arrondissement/What the 11th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Cirque d'Hiver
• Cour Damoye
• Passage du Cheval Blanc
• Cour de l'Étoile d'Or
• Passage Alexandrine
• Passage L'homme
• Cité du Figuier

Writer Lisa Anselmo local picks for the 11eme.

12^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 12th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de Reuilly

Le douzième is the largest and one of the greenest neighborhoods in Paris. Aside from the area located near Bastille, with its bustling bars and hip restaurants, it is a fairly quiet district. If you don't mind a short metro ride to get to the main attractions and want to experience how the Parisian middle class lives, it is a great choice to stay.

There is plenty of parks and green spaces, like the Coulee Verte (a former railway reconverted into a tree-lined walkway), the Vincennes forest, and Bercy (old warehouses turned trendy shopping district). For food lovers, the open-air Marché d’Aligre is a must-see.

What to Visit and Do in the 12th Arrondissement/What the 12th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Passage du Chantier
• Cour du Bel-air
• La villa du Bel-Air
• Promenade Plantée
• Bercy Village
• Bois de Vincennes
• Cité Debergue
• Rue Crémieux

My complete guide to the 12th arrondissement.

13^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 13th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement des Gobelins

Le treizième has a long artistic tradition since the Gobelins, the royal tapestry factory made its home in the seventeenth century. Nowadays, there is still plenty of arts (and artists, thanks to the still affordable-ish rents), but it is a far cry from a museum neighborhood. It is still a blue-collar area, as well as the unofficial Chinatown of Paris.

It may not be the prettiest arrondissement in terms of architecture, but it is young, dynamic, and one of the best places to stay if you like street art and modern design. The Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood offers a plethora of cute boutiques and small eateries.

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What to Visit and Do in the 13th Arrondissement/What the 13th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Butte-aux-Cailles
• La Cité de la Mode et du Design
• Teddy Bears of the Gobelins
• Cité Florale

Blogger Lena's local picks for the 13eme.

14^th Arrondissement de Paris (Montparnasse )

What is the 14th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de l’Observatoire

Montparnasse was once the home far away from home for the Lost Generation in the mid-1920s. Hemingway, Satie, Cocteau, Modigliani, and the like may not recognize the area nowadays, however. It is a mostly sleepy and residential neighborhood dominated by one of the ugliest buildings and the only skyscraper in Paris: la Tour Montparnasse.

However, there is still plenty to explore among the quiet streets. The Parc Montsouris is beautiful and out of the beaten path. The Catacombes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they are certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It also has the highest concentration of people from the Breton region and is fabulous for crepes! Plus you have historic brasseries like La Coupole where Miles Davis and Josephine Baker often appeared.

What to Visit and Do in the 14th Arrondissement/What the 14th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Catacombs of Paris (check out this tour)
• Montparnasse Tower
• Paris Observatory
• Quartier de la Mouzaia
• Square de Montsouris
• Rue des Thermopyles

My complete guide to the 14th arrondissement.

15^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 15th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de Vaugirard

Le quinzième may not be a hotspot for nightlife and tourist attractions, but it has a quiet and homey feel, which is very welcome at the end of a busy day visiting the City of Lights. What the district lacks in wild parties, it more than makes up for it in friendly bars and green spaces like the Parc André Citroën (a.k.a. the place to go if you want a bird's eye view over the city).

And for the food lovers among us, it is also home to some of the most well-known cooking classes in Paris, like the original campus of the Cordon Bleu or L’Atelier des Chefs.

What to Visit and Do in the 15th Arrondissement/What the 15th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Parc André Citroën
• Pont de Bir-Hakeim
• La Ruche

My friend and cocktail queen Forest's local picks for the 15eme.

16^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 16th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de Passy

Many well-to-do Parisians and ex-pats inhabit le seizième. It is a very proper residential district. Think elegant Art Nouveau buildings and small squares populated by perfectly coiffed old ladies and mild-mannered children wearing navy jumpers from Jacadi.

You can get the very best view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro. Besides, the sixteenth also hides some excellent museums amid its quiet streets, like Musée Marmottan (a must-see of Monet’s admirers) or Galliera (all about fashion in Paris) or the Palais de Tokyo which offers some breathtaking exhibits.

What to Visit and Do in the 16th Arrondissement/What the 16th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Trocadéro
• Palais de Tokyo
• Louis Vuitton Foundation
• Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil

My complete guide to the 16th arrondissement.

17^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 17th arrondissement known as: Batignolles or Arrondissement de Batignolles-Monceau

Some will argue that there isn’t much to do in the dix-septième. And yet, it is slowly becoming one of the hotspots of the city, especially near the Batignolles neighborhood. It does not translate as trendy bars open late at night but in good traditional French food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Since there is nothing to attract tourists here, a refreshingly authentic vibe inhabits the neighborhood. BUT it does have one of the best food markets in town on Rue Poncelet, so make sure to check that out and stock up for your picnics!

What to Visit and Do in the 17th Arrondissement/What the 17th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Square des Batignolles
• Cité des Fleurs
• Rue Poncelet Market

Tour guide Susan's local picks for the 17eme.

18^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 18th arrondissement known as: Montmartre or Arrondissement des Buttes-Montmartre

Le dix-huitième is very diverse in more ways than one. On one side, you have Montmartre, its hordes of tourists, and its charming cobblestone streets that feel a world away from the Haussmanian buildings you can see everywhere else. Then, there is the flamboyant Moulin Rouge with its showgirls and adult entertainment area.

And then, there is the rest of the district: a patchwork of areas called Little India, Little Africa or La Goutte d'Or, which are mostly working-class residential neighborhoods. The eighteenth district doesn't have the best reputation in town, so be careful if you will be walking alone late at night away from the tourist areas.

What to Visit and Do in the 18th Arrondissement/What the 18th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Parvis du Sacré-Cœur
• Moulin Rouge
• Montmartre
• Montmartre Cemetery
• Terrass Hotel (rooftop)
• Avenue Junot (Art-Deco Houses)

My friend and Madamoiselle Romance Lily's local picks for the 18eme.

19^th Arrondissement de Paris

What is the 19th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement des Buttes-Chaumont

On the weekends, Parisians everywhere head for le dix-neuvième as soon as there is a ray of sunshine. The nineteenth district may not have much to offer in terms of iconic tourist destinations – it is a mostly residential, working-class district. However, you can find two of the most beloved-by-locals parks here: La Villette and Buttes-Chaumont. In the summer, Paris Plage takes over the banks of the La Villette reservoir.

What to Visit and Do in the 19th Arrondissement/What the 19th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Butte Bergeyre
• Parc de la Villette

Blogger Elisa's local picks for the 19eme.

20^th Arrondissement de Paris (Père Lachaise + Belleville)

What is the 20th arrondissement known as: Arrondissement de Ménilmontant

Le vingtième – last but not least of the arrondissements – is still a bit of a diamond in the rough, but things are changing quickly. The big draw for tourists is the Père Lachaise cemetery, a realm of melancholic and breathtaking tombstones and the last resting place of the likes of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, or Chopin among many others.

The traditionally working-class neighborhood has been taken over by a wave of gentrification in the Belleville area, which is becoming a nightlife destination in itself. There is still plenty of mouth-watering ethnic eateries and neighborhood places, but for how long?

What to Visit and Do in the 20th Arrondissement/What the 20th Arrondissement is Known For:

• Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Parc de Belleville
• Villa de l'Ermitage
• Cité Leroy
• Square Chauré
• Rue Jules Siegfried (The Countryside in Paris)
• Passage des Soupirs

My complete guide to the 20th arrondissement.

Voilà ! You made it through Paris and now you are prepped and primed to get exploring! As you can see each Paris arrondissement or neighborhood has its own unique characteristics and offerings.

Before I leave you I thought I would answer some frequently asked questions about arrondissements!

How do I know which Paris Arrondissement I am in?

Look up! As you walk around Paris, you will notice that there are blue signs on buildings all over the place. Or maybe you haven’t noticed, especially if you are short like me! The signs indicate the street name, with a number above them. Above the street name (or place name) will be a number followed by “Arr” that will tell you which arrondissement you are in. It is very handy because sometimes you will be standing on the corner in one arrondissement and cross the street into another!

Why are the Arrondissement Signs Blue?

I did quite a bit of research to determine why the arrondissement signs are blue and it wasn’t easy! There is a lot of speculation. Like it symbolizes part of the French flag, which has blue, white, and red. That at the time, red and blue were the colors of Paris. The white was meant to symbolize royalty. During the French Revolution, the people that took down the monarchy wore red and blue. And that somehow this is tied to the history of blue in Paris.

In fact, Parisian street signs weren't always the blue ones we see today. You can actually see some of the signs sometimes still placed near the current ones. It was under Napoleon I, at the beginning of the 19th century, that the use of street signs was generalized. The Emperor imposed that the houses be numbered in increasing order starting from the Seine. (If you are interested in the history of street signs then I highly recommend the book The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power by Deirdre Mask which I’ve read and love!)

Then in 1844, the prefect of the Seine, the famous Rambuteau imposed enameled signs made from Volvic lava (the same Volvic mineral water you find in France which comes from Puy-de-Dôme department in Auvergne), where the name of the street is inscribed in white on a rectangle with a blue background with green outlines, very close to those that exist today.

In 1938 we come to the final version we know and love (and the ones we buy in souvenir shops!) today. They follow this model: white letters or numbers on a blue background. There is a precise standard for the height and the green bronze frame that surrounds them which is enhanced with a shadow effect of black and white lines to make them easier to read. So there you go, the reason the signs are blue is that they are easier to read!

How many have you been to? What are your favorites? Have any new ones caught your eye? Do share!

Illustration commissioned from Linden Eller.

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For a visual summary of this post, check out my Arrondissement Guide web story!

AUTHOR BIO

Andi Fisher

I am married to a French man, lived in France for 3 years, and have been to Paris more than 50 times. I am always a tourist so the information, tip, and tricks I share are created to help you!

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