Travel tips for Paris
Everything you need to know before visiting Paris and the surrounding region — money, transport, entry rules and when to go.
Planning essentials
Visas, budgets, packing, eSIMs and the cultural etiquette worth knowing before you land.
A romantic route across Paris, quarter by quarter
Best time to visit Paris: a season-by-season guide
France visa and entry rules: EES and ETIAS explained
How many days in Paris?
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Money, cards and payments in Paris
Paris arrondissements explained: the 20-district spiral
Paris café culture and etiquette
Paris for first-time visitors: the essential orientation
Paris for solo travellers
Paris layover guide: what a few hours actually let you see
Paris scams and pickpockets: what to actually watch for
Staying connected in Paris: eSIM and Wi-Fi guide
Sundays and August in Paris: what stays open
Things to do in Montmartre
Things to do in Paris: a first orientation guide
Tipping in Paris: what's included and what's optional
What to pack for Paris
Where to stay in Le Marais
Where to stay in Montmartre
Where to stay in Paris: choosing the right neighbourhood
Where to stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Where to stay in the Latin Quarter
Where to stay near the Eiffel Tower
Getting around
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) as the main gateway, and why the RER covers Versailles and day-trip excursions best given the city's traffic.
Beauvais airport to Paris: what the shuttle really takes
CDG airport to Paris city centre: RER B or taxi
Cycling in Paris with Vélib'
How to get to Disneyland Paris from Paris
How to get to Giverny from Paris
How to get to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris
How to get to Versailles from Paris
Orly airport to Paris city centre
Paris metro tickets and the Navigo guide
Paris RER and trains guide
Paris train stations: a guide for day trips and airport arrivals
Taxis and ride-hailing in Paris
The Paris metro, explained: how to read the map and find your way
When to go
A hot desert climate with almost no rain, a mild and busy October-April season, scorching June-August afternoons, and sandstorms most likely from March to May. Month-by-month guides to what to expect.
Bastille Day in Paris: what to know about July 14
Christmas in Paris: lights, markets and short winter days
New Year's Eve in Paris
Paris in August: what actually changes
Paris in autumn: what a September or October trip is really like
Paris in spring: what to expect month by month
Paris in summer: what to actually expect from June to August
Paris in winter: cold light, short days and Christmas markets
Paris on a rainy day: what actually works
Paris weather by month
Good to know about Paris travel tips
Two airports serve most visitors: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), about 25 km northeast, connected by RER B to Gare du Nord and Chatelet, with taxis available at the official rank; and Paris-Orly (ORY), about 13-14 km south, reached by metro line 14 since June 2024 or by Orlyval. Paris-Beauvais (BVA), around 85 km north, serves low-cost carriers, with a shuttle to Porte Maillot that takes well over an hour. Within the city, Ile-de-France Mobilites runs 16 metro lines and 5 RER lines plus trams and buses.
Since a January 2025 reform, single tickets come in two forms — a Metro-Train-RER ticket and a Bus-Tram ticket — loaded onto a Navigo Easy card or a phone; a weekly Navigo pass (Monday-Sunday) suits longer stays, and Paris Visite is aimed at tourists. Driving in Paris is discouraged given traffic, parking and a low-emission zone requiring a Crit'Air sticker; traffic keeps to the right. The time zone is Europe/Paris (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), and outlets are 230V/50Hz, type C/E.
Frequently asked questions about Paris travel tips
How do I get from CDG to central Paris?
Take the RER B to Gare du Nord or Chatelet, or use a taxi from the official rank outside arrivals.
What changed with Paris transport tickets in 2025?
Since January 2025, single tickets split into a Metro-Train-RER ticket and a separate Bus-Tram ticket, loaded onto Navigo Easy or a phone.
Should I drive in Paris?
It's not recommended, due to heavy traffic, limited parking and a low-emission zone requiring a Crit'Air sticker.
How long is the shuttle from Beauvais airport to Paris?
Well over an hour to Porte Maillot, so factor that into any Beauvais arrival or departure.
Has Orly's metro connection changed recently?
Yes, metro line 14 has served Orly since June 2024, alongside the existing Orlyval link to RER B.
Paris trip planning guides on GetYourGuide
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