The Tour Guy

Paris

Paris, France: The City of Lights

Your Complete Guide to Visiting Paris Like a Local

Welcome to your no-nonsense, straight-from-the-locals Paris travel guide. We live here, we work here, and we know exactly what mistakes to save you from making. From snagging tickets to the Louvre without wasting time in line to choosing the perfect neighborhood to call home, this is the only Paris travel guide you need. Written by people who want you to fall in love with Paris the right way.

Discover Top-Rated Paris Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the Absolute Best Tours to Take in Paris!

The Big Five: Paris Attractions You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Paris isn’t short on iconic landmarks, but some deserve your time more than others. These are the top attractions you can’t return home without seeing:

Eiffel Tower in Paris

Eiffel Tower
The centerpiece of the Paris skyline and the most visited paid monument in the world.

👉 Learn how to visit the Eiffel Tower.

Mona Lisa Paris Louvre La Gioconda Leonardo da Vinci

Louvre Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa and 35,000 other works spanning centuries.

👉 Learn how to visit the Louvre.

People walking around the central aisle of the Musee dOrsay

Musée d’Orsay
Former Belle Époque railway station, home to masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

👉 Learn how to visit Musée d’Orsay.

wall of human bones stacked in the Paris Catacombs

Catacombs of Paris
A haunting maze of underground tunnels lined with the bones of millions.

👉 Learn how to visit the Catacombs.

Interior of the Palace of Versailles hall of Mirrors.

Palace of Versailles
Over-the-top palace telling the tale of 17th and 18th-century France.

👉 Learn how to visit the Palace of Versailles.

The Top Things to Do in Paris (Quick Guide)

If you only have time for the essentials, start with the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Versailles—and don’t miss the chance to join a Paris food tour. For more ideas, check out our guides on Top Things to Do in Paris, Best Museums in Paris, Must-See Attractions and Monuments, and the Best Free Things to Do in Paris.

1. Skip the Line to See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum, home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless masterpieces spanning centuries of art history.

Book Your Skip-The-Line Louvre Tour

Not ready to book a tour? Plan ahead by reading our guides on How to Visit the Louvre, the Top Things to See at the Louvre, and the Best Louvre Tours to Take and Why.

2. Sip Champagne at the Eiffel Tower Summit

Eiffel tower summit in Paris

Constructed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world and the centerpiece of the Paris skyline. The climb to the summit rewards you with panoramic views unlike any other vantage point in the city.

Find More Awesome Eiffel Tower Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Plan your visit with our guides on How to Visit the Eiffel Tower, Top Things to See at the Eiffel Tower, and the Best Eiffel Tower Tours to Take and Why.

3. Take a Day Trip to the Palace of  Versailles

Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Once the epicenter of the French monarchy, Versailles was designed to impress with its Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and perfectly manicured gardens. Today, it offers an unmatched glimpse into the scale and splendor of 17th and 18th-century France.

Discover Top-Rated Versailles Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Plan your visit with our guides on How to Visit Versailles, the Top Things to See at Versailles, and the Best Versailles Tours to Take and Why.

4. Eat Like a Local on a Food Tour

A food tour is a must-do according the the local Paris travel guide

Food is where Paris reveals its real character, and a guided tour helps you avoid the tourist traps. Expect cheeses, pastries, chocolates, and wine—plus stories that make every stop more memorable.

Pick Your Perfect Food Tour

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guidebook articles on the Best Restaurants in Paris, Top French Foods to Try, and the Best Food Tours to Take in Paris and Why.

Where to Stay in Paris: Best Neighborhoods by Travel Style

For the quintessential Paris experience, stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement). It’s central, full of charm, and within walking distance of the Seine, Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay. For more details, see our guidebook articles on Where to Stay in Paris. You can also choose your base by trip style. Just click on each neighborhood name for a full breakdown!

The Best Areas to Stay in Paris map

Planning Your Trip to Paris: Logistics & Recommendations

How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?

Plan for a minimum of four full days to see the city’s greatest hits, but be sure to build flexibility into your schedule. Paris is best enjoyed when you’re not perpetually checking your watch.

Map of Paris TTG

Once you know your time frame, you can match your schedule to a plan:

Best Time to Visit Paris (Crowds vs. Weather)

As cliché as it may sound, there really is no bad time to visit Paris. However, there is definitely such a thing as bad planning for the time of year you go—set your expectations (and wardrobe, budget, and schedule) to the season, and you’ll love it.

Paris in Spring (Apr–May)

  • Expect: Cool mornings and evenings, moderate crowds, and gardens in full bloom (Tuileries, Luxembourg).
  • Why it works: Pleasant temps, flowers everywhere, and lighter crowds than summer.
  • Watch out for: Price increases the closer you get to summer—reserve tickets and dinners ahead.

Paris in Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Expert: Long and sunny days, bustling streets, and crowds around major attractions.
  • Why it works: Long days perfect for exploring, a delightful buzz to the city, and tons of open-air events.
  • Watch out for: Crowds and high prices. Booking tours and making dinner reservations is a must.

Paris in Fall (Sept–Oct)

  • Expect: The occasional rainfall, cool mornings and evenings, and fewer people out and about.
  • Why it works: Mild temps, gorgeous foliage, and just enough buzz in the city to make it feel alive without being crowded.
  • Watch out for: More rain—bring a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes.

Paris in Winter (Nov–Mar)

  • Plan for: Shorter sightseeing windows, cozy café breaks, and more time in museums.
  • Why it works: Lowest prices, minimal lines, moody Paris at its most atmospheric.
  • Watch out for: Cold and early sunsets—cluster sights by neighborhood to make the most of your time.

Getting Around Paris: Transportation Essentials

When it comes to getting around Paris, you have three options: walk, ride the metro, or use Uber. Each comes with its perks, but really, the deciding factor is how far you have to go and how much of a hurry you’re in.

  • Walking: Paris’s center is compact, so walking works well between spots like the Louvre, Tuileries, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame. You’ll also want to stroll neighborhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre, where the streets themselves are part of the experience.
  • Metro: Use the metro for farther trips, like getting from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre or from the Latin Quarter to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s quick, inexpensive, and stations are everywhere, so you’re rarely more than a 10-minute walk from a stop.

  • Uber: Uber comes in handy when it’s late at night and the metro has closed, or when you’re heading to and from the airport or train station with luggage. It’s also a good backup if you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing. Learn more about using Uber from our guidebook article: Is Uber in Paris?

Insider Tips for Planning a Trip to Paris (Must-Knows)

The number one tip we give first-time visitors to Paris is to book tickets in advance for major attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. We also recommend grouping your sightseeing by neighborhood so you spend more time enjoying the city and less time on the Metro.

It’s also important to read up on how the new Europe Entry and Exit System (EES) works.

For more guidance, read our Top Travel Tips for Paris and our guide to Useful French Phrases.

Experiencing Paris: Food, Shopping, and Culture

Eating and Drinking in Paris

Here are the top three things you need to know about food in Paris:

  1. Always make reservations for dinner. Many places only seat each table once, so if you don’t book, you won’t get a spot.
  2. Dinner in Paris starts late, around 8:00 PM. If you eat earlier than that, you’ll likely be eating alone.
  3. Ask your server what they think you should order. They are the experts, and they will help you pick the perfect dish.

Unlock the secrets to Parisian dining with these guides:

Shopping in Paris: Luxury to Vintage

Paris is one of the world’s best shopping cities, with options ranging from luxury boutiques to vintage flea markets. Knowing where to go makes all the difference in finding the best experience for your style and budget.

For more details on where to go:

Top-Rated Paris Tours: Why Book With Us

Guided tours can take the stress out of planning and give you expert insight into Paris’ culture and history. As locals, we eliminate the guesswork, handle the logistics, and ensure you get right to the best parts of the city.

These are the three best options for travelers who want more out of their trip:

Discover ALL Paris Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the Absolute Best Tours to Take in Paris!

YouTube and Podcast Resources

Articles aren’t the only way we share Paris travel insights. We also create YouTube videos and podcasts that bring destinations to life. Tune in for tips, stories, and practical advice to help you plan your trip!

Paris According to Locals | What to Do, See & Eat in Paris 🇫🇷 (2025 Travel Guide)
How to See Paris in A Day Guide
Left Bank of Paris in a Day | The Perfect One-Day Itinerary

You can also find all our YouTube videos here and our Podcast Episodes here.

Latest Paris Articles

All Paris Articles

Here is every article we’ve written about Paris. Yes, its a lot. Feel free to find some interesting stuff here.