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Paris
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Paris combines world-famous museums, grand boulevards, historic neighbourhoods, celebrated cuisine and Seine-side culture in France’s elegant capital.

River, Boulevards and Neighbourhoods

Paris unfolds around the Seine, whose banks connect grand civic monuments with intimate streets, bookstalls and riverside gardens. The French capital is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own rhythm: the Marais brings medieval lanes, hôtels particuliers and Jewish heritage; Saint-Germain-des-Prés combines literary associations with galleries and cafés; Montmartre rises towards the Sacré-Cœur, where village-like streets and steep stairways frame broad views across the city. Beyond the historic centre, neighbourhoods such as the Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville reveal a more contemporary Paris of independent shops, multicultural restaurants and creative spaces.
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Art and Architectural Heritage

Paris possesses an extraordinary concentration of museums and monuments, from the Louvre’s vast collections and the Impressionist masterpieces of the Musée d’Orsay to the modern galleries of the Centre Pompidou. Its architectural story stretches from Notre-Dame de Paris and the Sainte-Chapelle to the neoclassical façades of the Place de la Concorde, the nineteenth-century boulevards shaped by Baron Haussmann and the inventive iron structure of the Eiffel Tower. Churches, covered passages, elegant squares and former royal residences reward unhurried exploration, while the Père-Lachaise Cemetery offers a quieter encounter with the city’s artistic and intellectual past.

Everyday Paris

Parisian life is found as much in its markets, bakeries and cafés as in its celebrated institutions. Morning shoppers browse stalls on the Marché d’Aligre or Rue Mouffetard; at lunchtime, workers and students fill neighbourhood bistros; in the evening, theatres, concert halls and small wine bars animate streets well beyond the central monuments. The city’s cultural landscape is continually renewed, yet its pleasures remain rooted in walking, conversation, food and the changing light on stone façades and water.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

Best: May–June, September · 22–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January840
February940
March1245
April1750
May (best)2255
June (best)2660
July3060
August2960
September (best)2455
October1850
November1245
December940

Getting to and around Paris

How to get there

Paris is served by Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, northeast of the city, and Paris-Orly Airport, south of the centre. Both connect with Paris by rail, airport buses and other public transport, although the most suitable route depends on the terminal and final destination. Eurostar trains arrive at Gare du Nord from London, while high-speed TGV services link Paris with many French cities and international destinations from stations including Gare du Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord. Long-distance coaches use city and suburban terminals, and the road network connects Paris with the rest of France, though driving into the centre can be slow and parking is limited.

Transportation

The Métro is the quickest way to cover much of Paris, with an extensive network supplemented by RER suburban trains, buses and trams. The historic centre is highly walkable, and crossing the Seine on foot often gives a clearer sense of the city’s geography than travelling underground. Vélib’ bicycle hire operates across Paris, while taxis and app-based services are useful when carrying luggage or travelling late. Traffic can be heavy, and central streets may have restricted access or limited parking. RER trains are particularly useful for longer journeys within the metropolitan area, but visitors should check station direction and ticket validity before boarding.

Best attractions in Paris

Paris offers a dense sequence of museums, gardens, riverfronts and historic quarters. The Louvre presents art and archaeology across the former royal palace, while the Musée d’Orsay focuses on nineteenth-century painting and sculpture inside a converted railway station. Notre-Dame de Paris anchors the Île de la Cité, with the nearby Sainte-Chapelle known for its luminous medieval stained glass. The Eiffel Tower provides a defining view over the Seine and the city’s formal avenues, while the Arc de Triomphe marks the western end of the Champs-Élysées. For quieter exploration, the Jardin du Luxembourg, Canal Saint-Martin and Père-Lachaise combine open space with local atmosphere. Montmartre’s stairways lead towards the Sacré-Cœur and broad northern views, and the Centre Pompidou adds modern and contemporary art to the city’s cultural range.

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Best landmarks in Paris

Paris’s landmarks express successive layers of religious, royal, republican and civic history. Notre-Dame de Paris, begun in the twelfth century, remains the city’s great Gothic reference point, while the Sainte-Chapelle nearby is distinguished by its extensive thirteenth-century stained glass. The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, transformed iron engineering into a national symbol, and the Arc de Triomphe commemorates France’s military history at the centre of the Étoile. The Louvre’s palace courtyards reveal the evolution from medieval fortress to royal residence and museum, while Les Invalides is recognisable for its gilded dome and associations with France’s military heritage. Across the river, the Panthéon occupies a former church and serves as a republican mausoleum for distinguished French figures.

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Neighbourhoods in Paris

Best restaurants in Paris

Parisian dining ranges from neighbourhood bistros and traditional brasseries to immigrant cuisines, specialist pâtisseries and ambitious contemporary restaurants. Classic dishes such as steak-frites, onion soup, duck confit and boeuf bourguignon reflect the wider French culinary tradition, while crêpes, galettes, baguettes, cheeses and seasonal tarts belong to everyday city life rather than ceremonial dining alone. The Marché d’Aligre, Rue Mouffetard and the market streets around Rue de Bretagne provide ingredients, prepared food and regional specialities, with the Marais particularly known for Jewish and Middle Eastern food traditions. Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter retain long-established café culture, while Belleville, the 13th arrondissement and the Canal Saint-Martin display Paris’s international character. Reservations are common for sought-after restaurants, whereas cafés and casual counters often suit spontaneous meals.

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Best bars in Paris

Paris after dark is shaped as much by cafés, wine bars and cultural venues as by conventional nightclubs. The Marais, Oberkampf, Pigalle and the Canal Saint-Martin have concentrations of bars, while Saint-Germain-des-Prés retains a more literary café tradition and the area around the Grands Boulevards combines evening dining with theatres and music venues. Live jazz can be found in established clubs on the Left Bank and around Châtelet, while larger concert halls and opera houses provide formal alternatives to bar-hopping. The city also has a substantial LGBTQ+ nightlife scene centred largely on the Marais. Parisian evenings often begin late and move between several places, but opening patterns vary by venue; public transport, taxis and well-lit main routes are useful considerations when returning to accommodation.

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Best nightclubs in Paris

Paris after dark is shaped as much by cafés, wine bars and cultural venues as by conventional nightclubs. The Marais, Oberkampf, Pigalle and the Canal Saint-Martin have concentrations of bars, while Saint-Germain-des-Prés retains a more literary café tradition and the area around the Grands Boulevards combines evening dining with theatres and music venues. Live jazz can be found in established clubs on the Left Bank and around Châtelet, while larger concert halls and opera houses provide formal alternatives to bar-hopping. The city also has a substantial LGBTQ+ nightlife scene centred largely on the Marais. Parisian evenings often begin late and move between several places, but opening patterns vary by venue; public transport, taxis and well-lit main routes are useful considerations when returning to accommodation.

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Best shops in Paris

Paris shopping ranges from historic food markets and specialist streets to department stores, independent boutiques and contemporary design shops. Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann represent the grand department-store tradition, while the arcades and passages around the Grands Boulevards offer a more intimate setting for books, antiques and decorative goods. The Marais is known for fashion, design and independent retailers, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés combines galleries, bookshops and established luxury houses. Visitors seeking food gifts can browse cheese shops, chocolate makers, pâtisseries and wine merchants across the city, while markets such as Marché d’Aligre provide a more everyday experience. French ceramics, illustrated books, scarves, soaps and regional specialities can be more meaningful purchases than generic souvenirs, provided provenance and production claims are considered carefully.

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Paris essentials

Currency and Payment
France uses the euro, written as EUR or €. Contactless and chip-and-pin card payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, restaurants, shops and public transport services, although smaller purchases at markets, cafés or independent businesses may occasionally require cash. ATMs are common, but international visitors should use machines attached to reputable banks and check displayed exchange rates and fees before accepting a conversion. Carrying a modest amount of euros remains sensible for market stalls, public toilets, small bakeries and places with minimum card transactions. Tipping is not compulsory because service is included in restaurant bills, but rounding up or leaving a small extra amount is customary for good service.
Safety
Paris is generally straightforward to explore, but visitors should take ordinary city precautions. Keep wallets, phones and passports secure on crowded Métro trains, at transport interchanges and around heavily visited monuments, where opportunist theft can occur. Use official taxi ranks or reputable booking services, and be careful with unsolicited approaches involving petitions, games or assistance. At night, remain aware of surroundings in quiet streets and around major stations, particularly when travelling alone. Keep digital and paper copies of important documents separately, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Crowds, demonstrations and transport disruption can occasionally affect movement, so local notices are useful when planning a day.
Emergency Situations
In France, call 112 for a general European emergency number, 15 for medical assistance, 17 for the police and 18 for the fire brigade. Operators may be able to handle international callers, but explaining the location clearly is important; use a named street, landmark, station or hotel address when possible. For urgent medical needs, emergency departments are available through Paris’s hospital network, while pharmacies can advise on less serious problems and identify local services. Travellers should carry travel insurance details, passport information and a record of essential medication. Non-urgent police matters can be handled at a local commissariat, and embassy or consular services can assist with lost passports.
Do's and Don'ts
A brief bonjour when entering a shop, bakery or small business is an important everyday courtesy, as is au revoir when leaving. In restaurants, service is included, though a modest additional amount may be left for attentive service; check the bill rather than assuming a large tip is expected. Dress is generally informal but neat, while religious sites require respectful behaviour and suitable clothing. Do not touch artworks, cross barriers or photograph where restrictions apply, and keep voices low in churches and memorials. On public transport, let passengers leave before boarding, give priority seating where appropriate and avoid blocking doors. Smoking restrictions apply in many enclosed public places.
Local Tips
Paris is easier to understand when organised by neighbourhood rather than treated as one list of monuments: combine the Marais with the Place des Vosges, the Latin Quarter with the Jardin du Luxembourg, or Canal Saint-Martin with nearby eastern districts. The covered passages around the Grands Boulevards offer a quieter architectural walk, while Père-Lachaise provides a different perspective on the city’s cultural history. Markets are usually liveliest earlier in the day, and smaller bakeries often reward a morning visit. When using the Métro, check whether a journey requires a separate RER ticket beyond the central fare zones, particularly for destinations outside Paris proper.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonjour[bohn-zhoor]
GoodbyeAu revoir[oh ruh-vwahr]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[nohn]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien[seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé[ex-kew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
How are you?Comment ça va?[koh-mohn sah vah]
Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?[byan. ay voo]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Au secours![oh suh-koor]
Go away!Allez-vous en![ah-lay vooz ahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-pay-lay lah poh-leece]
Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin![ah-pay-lay uh may-duh-sahn]
I'm lostJe suis perdu[zhuh swee pair-doo]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
I'm just lookingJe regarde juste[zhuh ruh-gahrd zhust]
How much is it?Combien ça coûte?[kohm-byen sah koot]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[say troh sher]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kel uhr ay-teel]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel ay tun uhr]
Half past (10)Dix heures et demie[dees uhr ay duh-mee]
MorningMatin[mah-tan]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-pray mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swahr]
YesterdayHier[ee-air]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor-dwee]
TomorrowDemain[duh-mahn]
1Un[uh]
2Deux[duh]
3Trois[trwah]
4Quatre[kah-truh]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[sees]
7Sept[set]
8Huit[wheat]
9Neuf[nuff]
10Dix[dees]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est...?[oo ay]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kel ay lah-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)[uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Paris

The Parisii Settlement on the Seine

Paris began on and around the Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine associated with the Parisii, a Celtic people encountered by Julius Caesar in the first century BC. Roman forces established the settlement of Lutetia on the Left Bank, where the remains of baths, an amphitheatre and roads reveal a planned urban centre. The river made the site valuable for trade and communication, while the island offered a defensible location. Roman Lutetia extended beyond the modern island, but the relationship between settlement and water established a pattern that has endured throughout Parisian history. Archaeological traces beneath the present city provide a comparatively modest but important foundation for understanding Paris before it became the political centre of France.

Medieval Paris and Royal Power

During the medieval period, Paris expanded around the Île de la Cité and the Left and Right Banks, becoming a major centre of royal administration, commerce, religion and learning. The University of Paris developed into one of Europe’s influential centres of scholarship, while the construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully. The Sainte-Chapelle, built in the thirteenth century by Louis IX to house precious relics, expressed the connection between monarchy and sacred authority. Merchants and artisans occupied the Right Bank, especially around the river port and market areas, while religious institutions shaped the Left Bank. The medieval street pattern, surviving churches and monumental Gothic architecture still provide some of the clearest links with the city’s early prominence.

Monarchy, Commerce and Cultural Growth

From the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, Paris grew as France’s administrative and cultural capital, although the royal court spent increasing periods at Versailles. Renaissance building campaigns altered the city’s appearance, and later monarchs developed formal squares, palaces and avenues, including the Place des Vosges under Henri IV and the eastern extension of the Louvre. Printing, theatre, philosophy and scientific institutions flourished, while expanding trade connected Paris with provincial France and overseas networks. Social contrasts were pronounced: aristocratic residences stood close to densely populated artisan districts, markets and the river’s working waterfront. By the eighteenth century, the city was a powerful centre of debate about privilege, taxation and political authority, conditions that helped make Paris the decisive arena of the French Revolution.

Revolution and the Making of Modern France

The French Revolution transformed Paris from a royal capital into the stage for the collapse of the ancien régime and the creation of a new political order. The storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 became a symbol of popular resistance, while the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen emerged from the revolutionary upheaval. Paris witnessed the fall of the monarchy in 1792, the execution of Louis XVI in 1793 and the violence of the Reign of Terror. Political clubs, newspapers and mass demonstrations made the streets central to national life. The Revolution also altered religious institutions, civic administration and public symbolism, leaving a legacy visible in monuments, street names and the enduring place of Paris in France’s political imagination.

Haussmann’s Nineteenth-Century Transformation

Under Napoleon III, the prefect Baron Haussmann directed an extensive rebuilding programme from the 1850s, replacing many medieval streets with broad avenues, aligned façades, parks, sewers and new public infrastructure. The works improved circulation and sanitation while creating the recognisable urban composition of much of central Paris: limestone apartment buildings, long perspectives and grand intersections. They also displaced residents and reshaped older communities, making the transformation socially contentious as well as architecturally influential. New railway stations, department stores and exhibition spaces reflected industrial and commercial growth. The Eiffel Tower, constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, initially provoked criticism but became a defining feature of the skyline. Nineteenth-century Paris also fostered major artistic movements, from Impressionism to the literary and theatrical cultures of Montmartre and the Left Bank.

Occupation, Liberation and Contemporary Paris

Paris was occupied by German forces in June 1940 during the Second World War, and the city experienced restrictions, persecution and resistance before its liberation in August 1944. The post-war period brought reconstruction, demographic change and modern infrastructure, alongside debates about preserving historic neighbourhoods. Large cultural projects later reshaped the city’s public life, including the Centre Pompidou, inaugurated in 1977, and the transformation of former industrial and railway areas. Paris remains France’s political and cultural capital, but its identity is also shaped by immigration, international institutions, creative industries and surrounding metropolitan communities. Contemporary debates concerning housing, tourism, transport, inequality and environmental change continue a long history of negotiating how a major capital should live within its inherited architectural fabric.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Paris

Discover the best of Paris with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, tours, and more.

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Paris with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Explore iconic landmarks, enjoy local tips, and book experiences effortlessly.

  • History of Paris and travel essentials
  • Tons of local advice to enhance your visit
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • Curated local tips to experience Paris like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations

Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Paris, knowing exactly where to go and what to see. With Evendo, your free travel guide app, you can make the most of your trip to the City of Light. From the iconic Eiffel Tower and the historic Louvre Museum to the bustling Champs-Élysées and the serene Luxembourg Gardens, Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Each location in the app comes with rich descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Whether you're looking to savor a croissant at a quaint café in Montmartre, dine at the world-renowned Le Cinq, or explore the vibrant nightlife in Le Marais, Evendo has got you covered.

Booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences is a breeze with Evendo. No more endless searches and confusing booking processes. Everything you need is in one place. Learn about the history of Paris, get travel essentials, and benefit from tons of good, local advice to ensure you get the most out of your visit. The app's easy navigation and 'Near me' feature allow you to effortlessly see what's around you, no matter where you are in the city.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free. There are no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, Evendo doesn't just cover Paris; it offers information on over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. Once you download Evendo, you literally have the world in your pocket.

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