Paris, France

Destination guide

Paris

France · Europe

Search all hotels in Paris 2026-08-282026-08-31 · 2 · 1

About Paris

Paris rewards travellers who pick a neighbourhood and walk it slowly. Boutique hotels cluster in the Marais and Saint-Germain; grand palace stays sit around the Louvre and Champs-Élysées. Metro connections make every arrondissement easy from any base.

At a glance

  • Iconic capital best explored on foot and by Metro across compact arrondissements.
  • Book museum and restaurant tickets in advance during April–October.
  • Base in the 1er, 4e or 6e for the classic first-time experience.
  • Contactless payment works nearly everywhere; tipping is optional.
  • Currency €; Type C/E 230V plugs; tap water is safe to drink.

Featured stays in Paris — live rates

Prices are live from our licensed booking partner and may change.

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Hôtel Aiglon
Hôtel Aiglon

Hôtel Aiglon

Paris, fr

9.02,355 reviews

US$163

per night

When to visit

April–June and September–October give the best mix of mild weather and fewer queues. July–August are warm but many locals are away; late November through early January adds Christmas markets and low-season rates.

Getting around

The Metro reaches virtually every neighbourhood; a Navigo Easy card is the simplest way to pay. Both CDG and Orly connect to the centre by train, bus or taxi in 45–60 minutes.

Where to stay

  • Le Marais (3e/4e)

    Boutique hotels, galleries and walkable to Notre-Dame.

  • Saint-Germain (6e)

    Left-bank cafés, bookshops and easy Louvre access.

  • Louvre / Opéra (1er/2e)

    Grand palace hotels and central sightseeing.

  • Montmartre (18e)

    Village atmosphere with Sacré-Cœur views.

Your Marhaba Trip Plan

Paris at a glance

Recommended trip
4–7 days
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October give the best mix of mild weather and fewer queues.
Getting around
The Metro reaches virtually every neighbourhood; a Navigo Easy card is the simplest way to pay.
Recommended areas
Le Marais (3e/4e) · Saint-Germain (6e) · Louvre / Opéra (1er/2e)

Top experiences

  • Eiffel TowerBook timed tickets; sunset slots sell out first.
  • LouvreReserve online and enter via the Carrousel to skip pyramid queues.
  • Musée d'OrsayImpressionist collection housed in a Belle Époque station.
  • Notre-Dame & Île de la CitéExterior views and Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass.

Do I need a visa for Paris?

Policy
Varies by nationality
Typical stay
90 days

France is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; ETIAS pre-authorisation applies once launched. Others require a Schengen short-stay visa.

Official government source

How do I get to Paris?

Airports

  • CDG · Charles de Gaulle · 30 km

    RER B to Gare du Nord in ~35 min; official taxi flat fare to Right/Left Bank.

  • ORY · Orly · 18 km

    Orlyval + RER B, or Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau in ~30 min.

  • BVA · Beauvais · 85 km

    Low-cost airport; shuttle bus to Porte Maillot in ~1h15.

By rail

Six major stations connect Paris to the rest of Europe by TGV, Eurostar (London) and Thalys (Brussels/Amsterdam).

Schengen external-border checks apply at CDG/ORY for non-EU arrivals.

How do I get around Paris?

  • Metro14 lines cover every arrondissement; runs ~05:30 to ~01:15 (later on weekends).
  • RERRegional express — fastest way to CDG, Versailles and Disneyland.
  • Bus & tramScenic surface routes; useful late at night with the Noctilien network.
  • Vélib' bikesDocked bike-share; separate cycle lanes across the centre.

Passes & tickets

Navigo Easy card (rechargeable) or Navigo Découverte weekly pass are the simplest options.

Keep tickets until you exit — inspectors fine on the spot. Avoid Line 1 at peak hour with luggage.

What should I eat and know about food culture in Paris?

Signature dishes

  • Croissant & pain au chocolatBuy from a boulangerie labelled 'artisan'.
  • Steak-fritesBistro classic; ask 'saignant' (rare) or 'à point' (medium).
  • Bistro plat du jourBest-value lunch — a fixed daily dish, often under €20.

Etiquette

  • Greet with 'Bonjour' before any request in shops and cafés.
  • Service is included; rounding up or leaving a few euros is appreciated but not expected.
  • Dinner rarely starts before 19:30; reserve for popular bistros.

Tap water ('une carafe d'eau') is free on request. Wine by the glass is a standard bistro order.

Is Paris safe for travelers?

Overall risk: LowEmergency: 112
  • Watch for pickpockets on Metro Line 1, around the Eiffel Tower and at Montmartre.
  • Use official taxi ranks or licensed apps rather than street solicitations at stations.
  • Keep bags zipped and phones off café terrace tables.
Official travel advice

Frequently asked questions

Which arrondissement should I stay in?

First-time visitors do well in the 1er, 4e or 6e — central, safe and walkable to the top sights.

How do I get from CDG to central Paris?

The RER B train reaches central Paris in about 35 minutes for around €11.80. Official flat-fare taxis are €56 to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance?

Yes for popular bistros and any Michelin-listed room, especially at weekends. Same-day walk-in is possible for lunch.

How many days do I need in Paris?

Three full days cover the classic sights; four to five let you add a Versailles day trip and a slower neighbourhood day.

Is Paris family-friendly?

Very — the Jardin du Luxembourg puppet theatre, Cité des Sciences and Bateaux-Mouches river cruises are easy family wins, and most museums are free for under-18s.

What's the best area for a luxury stay?

Palace hotels around Place Vendôme, Rue Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne cluster the Michelin-starred rooms, spas and private-shopping suites.

Can I visit Paris on a budget?

Yes — municipal museums are free the first Sunday of each month, Navigo Easy transit is cheap, and the boulangerie/picnic tradition keeps food costs down.

Is Paris safe at night?

Central arrondissements are generally safe late; watch for pickpockets on Metro Line 1 and around the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.

More ways to extend or combine your Paris trip.

Search all hotels in Paris

Search all hotels in Paris