In Paris, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
Le Marais €€€ Higher prices
Best for: First-timers who like walking
Central, historic and full of cafés and boutiques.
02
Saint-Germain-des-Prés €€€ Higher prices
Best for: Couples and classic Paris
Left Bank elegance, close to the Louvre and Orsay across the river.
03
7th arrondissement €€€ Higher prices
Best for: Eiffel Tower views
Quiet, residential and polished. Less nightlife, great views.
04
Opéra €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: Shoppers and short stays
Grand boulevards, department stores and excellent transport links.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels with Eiffel Tower viewsComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in ParisComing soon
The 3 best hotels in Le MaraisComing soon
Airport to city
01
RER B train ≈ 35 min
About 35 min to Gare du Nord / Châtelet
Fastest public option; crowded at rush hour.
02
Roissybus ≈ 60–75 min
About 60–75 min to Opéra
Direct to the centre, slower in traffic.
03
Taxi or private transfer ≈ 45–60 min
About 45–60 min
Taxis run a fixed fare to central Paris; a transfer adds a meet-and-greet.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is Paris safe for tourists?
Yes, Paris is safe for visitors, but pickpockets are very active around the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the steps of Sacré-Cœur, metro line 1 and the RER B. Ignore people asking you to sign petitions or tying bracelets on your wrist. Late at night, avoid hanging around Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles.
02When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October are ideal: mild weather and long evenings. Summer is warm and busy, and in August some neighbourhood shops and restaurants close. Winter is cold and grey, but there are Christmas lights and lower hotel prices.
03What language is spoken in Paris?
French. English is spoken in hotels and at the main sights, less so in neighbourhood cafés. Always start with "Bonjour": in France, not greeting before asking something is considered rude.
04How many days do you need in Paris?
Four days is ideal to see the classics calmly. With 5 or 6 days you can add Versailles, Giverny or a champagne day trip to Reims.
05What are the top 10 attractions in Paris?
Eiffel Tower
The Louvre
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Musée d'Orsay
Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Sainte-Chapelle
Seine river cruise
Le Marais
Luxembourg Gardens
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
Notre-Dame is free to enter (booking a free time slot online saves you the queue). Sacré-Cœur and the streets of Montmartre, the Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, the Luxembourg and Tuileries gardens and walks along the Seine are free too. The best free view of the Eiffel Tower is from Trocadéro. The permanent collections of city museums such as the Petit Palais and Carnavalet are also free.
07Which museums are worth visiting in Paris?
The Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay (the Impressionists) are essential. Add the Orangerie for Monet's Water Lilies, the Rodin Museum and its garden, the Picasso Museum in Le Marais and the Carnavalet, the museum of the history of Paris. Note that the Centre Pompidou is closed for renovation.
08What are the locals like in Paris?
Parisians are reserved and formal, and they value politeness: bonjour, merci and au revoir go a long way. Waiters won't rush you, so ask for the bill ("l'addition") when you're ready. Service is included in prices; a small tip is optional. Dinner is usually between 7:30 and 9 pm.
09What is the typical food in Paris?
Start the day with a croissant or a pain au chocolat. Then try a croque-monsieur, steak frites, French onion soup, duck confit, escargots and a good cheese board. For something sweet, crêpes and macarons. To drink, wine or a café crème.
10Where should you stay in Paris?
Le Marais is lively and central, at higher prices. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the classic Left Bank, elegant and pricey. The 7th arrondissement is quiet and next to the Eiffel Tower, and Opéra is a mid-priced transport hub close to the Louvre and the department stores.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
