Are you planning a vacation to Paris this year? Then start planning your holidays to your dream destination, Paris. The landmarks and stunning landscapes, accompanied by pleasant weather, help attract tourists from different corners of the world. Back in 2024, over 50 million visitors visited Italy for tourism purposes and to enjoy the Olympic Games held there.
Paris beckons travellers with its iconic attractions and sightseeing opportunities. The city offers a rich tapestry of art, culture, and history, along with scenic parks and shopping centres that help cater to visitors’ demands. It takes a flight duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Paris from London.
In this guide, we have covered the areas that will offer necessary information to complete your Paris trip in a hassle-free manner. The points covered in this blog will also assist you in designing your own itinerary. Be it a solo, a couple or a family trip, this destination guide will help you make the most of the preparations.
Necessity of Travel Guide
For first-timers, choosing the order in which to visit the points of interest throughout their trip can be confusing. The blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and astounding architecture will make your Paris trip memorable. From the architectural marvel, the Eiffel Tower, to witnessing the spectacular collection at the Louvre Museum, to enjoying some of the traditional cuisines of Paris, a travel guide covers every aspect. Honeymooners can also seek information from this travel guide, as it will help them gain the necessary information to help make their honeymoon memorable.
Travel Guide to Paris for First Timers
Paris is a dream destination for most travelers who are curious about exploring different parts of the city, its rich culture and feasting on the iconic dishes. The city is a one-stop destination that caters to various travellers, whether looking for an ode to gastronomic delight or ready to take a dive into the rich history and culture or marvel at stunning architecture.
| BASIC INFORMATION ON PARIS | |
| CAPITAL TO | FRANCE |
| POPULATION | OVER 2,000,000 (AS OF 2024) |
| OFFICIAL LANGUAGE | FRENCH |
| FOUNDED | 3RD CENTURY BC |
| CURRENCY | EURO (€) |
| NEAREST RIVER | SEINE RIVER |
| AREA | 105 SQUARE KILOMETERS |
| NICKNAME | CITY OF LIGHTS |
| TIMEZONE | GMT+1 |
Overview of Paris Weather
Paris has a mild climate throughout the year, which attracts tourists. However, you can spot four distinct seasons: spring (Printemps), summer (été), autumn (Automne), and winter (hiver).
Spring Season (March to May)
Parisians love spring, as it welcomes longer, warmer days. Spring also allows tourists to explore different points of interest around the city and also witness stunning vistas, as the flower starts blooming. The temperature varies between 4°C and 19°C during this season, attracting tourists from around the world.
Summer Season (June to August)
Enjoy your trip in summer, with bright sunny days. Engage in different outdoor activities. However, there are also chances of facing rainfall. The temperature in this season ranges between 13°C and 24°C, which attracts tourists, especially families enjoying their children’s summer holidays.
Autumn Season (September to November)
The weather in Paris during the autumn season offers varied weather experiences, like rain, wind, sunny and snow. The temperature in Autumn varies from 5°C to 21°C, offering you mild weather, and you also get to experience less crowds.
Winter Season (December to February)
Winter in Paris offers an appealing ambience, covered with snow. This season, the temperature ranges between 2°C and 8°C, which is also a low season, ideal for budget travellers. You can also enjoy the Christmas holidays here to make the day more memorable.
Croatia
A trip to Paris will not be complete without witnessing the popular attractions. So start planning your Paris trip, so you do not miss out on the must-visit places in Paris. Check out the top attractions around the city listed below.
Eiffel Tower
Witness the engineering marvel, built back in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, housing three floors and measuring a height of 324 meters. Visit this iconic landmark of Paris to witness a spectacular panoramic view of Paris from the top floor. However, you need to book your tickets in advance to reach the top floor.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is a globally recognised museum that houses some of the most extensive art collections around the world. Built back on August 10th, 1793, this museum exhibits about 537 paintings, including the Mona Lisa. Besides paintings, you can also witness a wide array of architectural elements and sculptures.
Arc de Triomphe
Witness the monumental structure of Paris, Arc de Triomphe, meaning the Arch of Victory, which was built to honor the soldiers who died for France. Built on 9th October, 1823 by Louis XVIII, this famous monument was built. Climb at the top of this 160 feet tall monument to admire the surrounding site.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
A trip to Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris will help you admire the architecture and artistic spirit of the past era. Built in the 12th century by the banks of the River Seine, it offers beautiful scenery and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the collection of paintings and statues stored inside the cathedral.
Sainte Chapelle
The first royal chapel of France, built in Gothic style, has a spectacular collection of stained glass windows. Built in the 13th century, it offers you a rich history of France and its religious aspects. Among the vast collection, the fragment of the True Cross and the Crown of Thorns are some of the iconic things to witness in this chapel.
What to Eat in Paris
Paris offers a wide array of dishes that blend together seasonality and tradition. You get to taste the culinary culture of French cuisine on your trip to learn about their ingredients and tastes. Some of the popular dishes of Paris that you must try out are:
- Foie Gras
- Escargots
- Duck Confit
- French Cheeses
- Quiche
- Beef Bourguignon
- Baguette
- Steak Frites
- Macarons
- Ratatouille
Average Costs of Paris Trip
A trip to Paris to explore the cultural marvels and astounding scenery is possible for different travellers, both budget travellers and those seeking a luxurious experience. Considering the budget, travellers on a tight budget spend around €100 per day, mid-range travellers spend about €265, and luxury travellers spend about €750, which includes accommodation, meals and transportation.
Things to Do in Paris
To utilise most of your Paris trip and appreciate its diversity and depth within a limited time frame, it is essential to blend cultural exploration, thrilling adventures and diverse culinary offerings. Here are some things to do on your Paris trip to gain unforgettable experiences.
- Get mesmerised by the shimmering lights at the Eiffel Tower, which illuminate the tower every hour after sunset until 11 PM.
- Discover the real Paris by exploring its streets and tasting the local delicacies.
- Explore the masterpieces like Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many more.
- Enjoy a dinner cruise on the River Seine, away from the bustling crowds and traffic.
- Feast on the street foods around Paris to get acquainted with their ingredients and flavors.
- Visit the renowned sites around Paris to witness its architectural work or learn about its history.
- Take a walk amidst nature in some of the popular parks like Jardin des Tuileries, Parc de Belleville and many more.
- Opt for a full-day city tour to uncover more of the city within a day.
Travel Tips
A travel guide is incomplete without travel tips, as it helps in ensuring a smooth trip and reducing the chances of facing any issues during your Paris trip.
- Get familiar with the cafe culture, as bills are often left with the order, but payment is not expected immediately.
- Indoor smoking at restaurants is prohibited, so you are required to smoke outside.
- Learn simple lines in French to help you in case you get lost, like “Excusez moi, parlez vous anglais?” (Excuse me, do you speak English?)
- The tram and bus services are seen to be more accessible as compared to the metro.
- Always keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of scams and pickpocketing.
- Watch out in all directions before crossing roads, as sometimes it may be complicated to understand the merged lanes.
- Medical care standards are high in Paris and you can also dial 15 for ambulance service.
- Make bookings before your visit to avoid long queues and high charges.
- If you are a budget traveller, look for homestays and hostels rather than booking hotel rooms.
