Paris—fascinating, elegant, and vibrant. Known as La “Ville Lumière,” this city invites you to immerse yourself in its rich history and undeniable charm. We fell in love with Paris for its old-world elegance, iconic architecture, and lively nightlife glowing under streetlights. I’ve visited Paris three times, and each trip brought unforgettable moments. A Paris city break is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In this blog, you’ll find all the inspiration and practical tips you need to make your trip to Paris truly memorable.
How to get from Paris airports to the City Centre
France holds the title of the most visited country in the world, and Paris ranks as the second most visited city globally! In 2019 alone, over 19 million tourists flocked to Paris, with most arriving through its three main airports: Beauvais, Orly, and Charles de Gaulle.
From Beauvais to Paris City Centre
Beauvais Airport is about 90 km from Paris city center and serves as a hub for many low-cost airlines, making it perfect for finding cheap flights. Regular buses run every 15–20 minutes between Beauvais Airport and Porte Maillot metro station. If you land at Beauvais, just exit the airport, turn right, and you’ll find the bus station directly ahead.
From Orly to Paris City Centre
If you land at Orly Airport, take the Orlyval shuttle train, which runs every 4 to 7 minutes from both terminals (entrances K and A). The shuttle connects to Antony RER station, where you can catch a train to the city center, including stops like Les Halles and Gare du Nord. To ensure a smooth return, start your journey back to the airport at least 3 to 3.5 hours before your flight.
From Charles de Gaulle to Paris City Centre
Charles de Gaulle, Paris’s main international airport, is just 23 km from the city center. To reach central Paris, take the RER B train, which conveniently connects the airport to the city. Unlike other airports, Charles de Gaulle offers a direct metro link. If your terminal is far from the RER station, don’t worry—a free shuttle bus runs 24/7 between terminals.
For a quick transfer service, book a taxi
Where to stay in Paris
Planning your Paris city break can be exciting, but choosing the right place to stay can feel overwhelming. Like Rome, Paris is divided into numerous unique districts, each with its own charm. In this section, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods in Paris and share tips to make your accommodation search easier.
If your Paris city break planning has already started, you may have noticed that choosing a good place to stay is not an easy job! Just like in Rome, there are so many districts.
In this section, you will get an overview of the best Paris neighbourhoods with some tips to help with your accommodation hunting.
Le Louvre - 1st Arrondissement
During my last city break to Paris, I stayed in the 1st arrondissement. One of Paris’s oldest and most central districts, it’s also among the busiest and priciest. But its location is unbeatable, with landmarks like the Louvre, the iconic Pont Neuf, and parts of Île de la Cité. At Christmas, the area transforms with markets, carousels, and skating rinks. If you don’t mind crowds and want to stay in the heart of it all, the 1st arrondissement is a great choice.
Discover the best places to stay in Le Louvre – 1st Arrondissement (City Centre)
Montmartre – 18th Arrondissement
Montmartre offers a variety of affordable accommodations and is known for its artistic vibe, the stunning Sacré-Cœur, and the famous Moulin Rouge. In Montmartre, it feels like time has stood still, making it the perfect spot to relax in a café and watch the world go by. It’s also one of the best places for capturing beautiful photos of Paris. We recommend staying here if you want to experience authentic Parisian life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Discover the best places to stay in Montmartre
Le Marais – 4th Arrondissement
Le Marais is a central and vibrant district, perfect for young couples. Its streets are lined with trendy bars and affordable restaurants offering delicious meals. A blend of nightlife and art, Le Marais is ideal for those seeking an exciting atmosphere. We recommend staying here if you want to enjoy Paris’s nightlife while being centrally located.
Discover the best places to stay in Le Marais
Eiffel Tower – 7th Arrondissement
The 7th Arrondissement is home to some of Paris’s most iconic attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, Musée du Quai Branly, and Les Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb). Known as a historic area for Paris’s upper class, it’s perfect for those passionate about museums and looking to add a touch of elegance to their trip. We recommend staying here if you want to immerse yourself in Parisian culture and history.
Discover the best places to stay near the Eiffel Tower
If you haven’t found your ideal place to stay in Paris yet, take a look at the map below. With countless options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot!
TRAVEL ADVICE
If you have limited time in Paris or a late flight, consider storing your bags with Radical Storage. With locations throughout the city, it’s easy to book a storage spot for a specific day and time. We found it especially convenient when we didn’t need to stay overnight and only had a day to explore. Simply drop off your bags and enjoy the city hassle-free!
The Best Things to do in Paris
Paris offers endless sights and experiences, making it impossible to see everything in one trip. To help you make the most of your city break to Paris, we’ve compiled a list of must-see attractions. We hope you enjoy exploring the best the city has to offer!
1. The Eiffel Tower
Undoubtedly France’s most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 despite widespread criticism. Standing at an impressive 312 meters, it was originally meant to last just 20 years. However, due to its immense popularity, it was decided to keep it standing. This decision turned out to be one of the best, as the Eiffel Tower is now the most visited landmark in Paris.

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the Île de France to admire the Eiffel Tower. Ascending the tower is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning views of Paris from multiple perspectives.
To save time and avoid long queues, we highly recommend purchasing your Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance.
TIP! Head to Trocadéro or Parc Champ de Mars in the early afternoon for the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Capture your photos in the sunlight, then stick around for sunset to snap even more stunning shots. Both locations offer breathtaking perspectives of the tower!
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre is home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and many more, making it one of the world’s top museums. In addition to paintings, it showcases sculptures and artifacts from ancient civilizations, including Oriental, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian eras. The iconic glass pyramids outside the museum are also among the most photographed landmarks in Paris.

Don’t miss the famous Jardin des Tuileries, originally created by Catherine de Medici for private ceremonies and banquets. The gardens are now open to the public and sit between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
We recommend planning your visit to the Louvre in advance, as it’s impossible to explore the entire complex in a single day. Opting for a Skip The Line Louvre Tour is a smart choice to make the most of your time. Check availability below!
TIP! Entry to the Louvre is free for visitors under 18 and for EU citizens aged 18 to 25. Keep in mind, the museum is closed on Tuesdays, as well as on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th
3. Notre Dame
Alongside the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most visited landmarks. Construction began in 1163, and it took nearly 200 years to complete. The cathedral has witnessed key moments in French history, including the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte. Unfortunately, it was severely damaged by a fire in 2019, and currently, visitors can only view the remains from the outside. We hope it won’t be long before this UNESCO World Heritage site is open to the public once again.

Notre Dame is currently being rebuilt. In the mean-time, it is still possible to learn about this gothic masterpiece through a self-guided audio tour from wegotrip.com
4. Champs-Elysées
No city break to Paris is complete without a stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Known for its cinemas, cafes, and luxury shops, it’s considered the most beautiful and iconic avenue in Paris. Created during the reign of Queen Maria de Medici, who sought to expand her Jardin des Tuileries, it quickly became a central hub of the city. Today, it’s home to the Palais Élysée, the residence of the French President, and the stunning Madeleine Church.

5. Arc de Triomphe
Situated at Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe was built by Napoleon to honor his soldiers who fought for France. The arch marks the starting point of major national parades, including the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14th. You could easily spend an entire day here—exploring the Opera, strolling along the Champs-Élysées, dining on exquisite French cuisine, and shopping in boutiques. We chose to visit the Arc’s viewpoint at night and highly recommend it for the most breathtaking views of the city.
6. Palace of Versailles
Originally a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, the Palace of Versailles was transformed into a grand royal estate by his son, Louis XIV. It became the home of the French court for centuries and remains France’s most famous palace today. At Versailles, you can explore fascinating sites like the Royal Chapel, the Opera Theatre, and of course, the stunning gardens.

A must-see at the Palace of Versailles is the “Hall of Mirrors,” a 73-meter-long room where the Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I. The estate is located 22 km southwest of Paris in the town of Versailles. To get there, take the C5 RER train to Versailles Rive Gauche station. Note that the palace is closed on Mondays, as well as on May 1st, January 1st, and December 25th. To make the most of your visit, consider booking a full immersion guided tour.
7. Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay, undoubtedly, hosts some of the most beautiful Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings in the world. Once a train station, it now houses masterpieces by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Gauguin, and many others. But that’s not all—beyond paintings, the museum also displays collections of design, architecture, photography, medals, drawings, and cinema. Located at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, the Musée d’Orsay is, without a doubt, a must-see for art lovers.

TIP! The museum is FREE for those under 18 and for EU citizens aged 18 to 25. It’s also free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, there’s a late opening rate of 12 € on Thursdays from 6 pm. Remember, the museum is closed on Mondays, May 1st, and December 25th.
8. Seine River Cruise
Every year, thousands of people embark on a Seine River cruise, making it a must-do tradition during a trip to Paris. Onboard the iconic “Bateaux Mouches,” you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of the city and its landmarks. There are various types of boat tours available, including private and customizable options. Ready to experience a Romantic Dinner Cruise?
9. Montmartre
A free walking tour of the Montmartre district is a must for your itinerary. Once home to renowned artists from around the world, Montmartre remains one of the most captivating neighborhoods in Paris today.

10. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is one of the most famous theme parks globally, offering rollercoasters, musical shows, and parades with your favorite characters. You can enjoy the park in different ways: the Disneyland Day Trip lets you experience either Disneyland Paris, the kids’ favorite park, or the Walt Disney Studios Park, which is geared more toward older guests.
If you have more time in Paris, we recommend the Disneyland Multi-day Entry for a fuller experience.
WANT MORE?
Have a look at these popular activities below!
Visiting Paris with a Limited Budget
If you’re planning a budget city break to Paris, you’re in luck—there’s plenty to see and do without spending much, or anything at all.
So, what are your options for enjoying Paris on a budget?
1. Paris Pass
The Paris Pass comes in 2, 3, or 4-day packages and it is activated the first time you scan it. It will give you access to:
- Free entry to over 75 attractions
- Free hop-on-hop-off bus tour (1 day)
- Skip the line to many attractions
- Included guidebook
- Extra discounts on selected events and exhibitions
2. Metro Passes
Consider getting the Navigo Easy Pass. This is a contactless pass that can be purchased for 2€ and topped up at ticket machines, retailers, or even on your smartphone with the “Bonjour RATP” app. Once the pass is purchased, it can be topped up with a single ticket for 1,90€ or with 10-carnet tickets for 14,90€.
3. Go Paris Explorer Pass
With the Go Paris Explorer Pass, you’ll get free access to 2, 3, 5, or 7 attractions in the French capital. This card is a great way to save, offering discounts of up to 60%.
4. Take public transport
The metro is well-organized and likely the fastest way to get around during your Paris city break.
5. Eat at local markets
Paris is like an open-air market, with markets found almost everywhere—especially during Christmas when they’re bustling. You’ll find fresh bread, cheese, cured meats, sweets, and even wine! Eating at a local market not only saves you money but also supports the local economy sustainably.
Conclusions
We fell in love with Paris for its timeless charm, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife, all glowing under the street lights. Whether it’s Christmas or a sunny spring day, Paris always has something to offer. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been before, you’re sure to have a great time.
We hope this blog post has been helpful, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
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