music
Le Café de la Butte
A charming, classic bistro in Montmartre that feels like a theater set. It's the perfect place to escape the tourist crowds of the Sacré-Cœur and enjoy some traditional frog legs…
Paris Travel Guide
Paris, the dazzling capital of France, is a global epicenter for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Known as the 'City of Light,' it enchants visitors with its iconic landmarks, romantic atmosphere, and timeless architectural beauty.
About Paris
Founded in the 3rd century BC by the Parisii, a Celtic tribe, the city was later conquered by the Romans and named Lutetia. Over the centuries, it evolved into a major European power, witnessing pivotal moments like the French Revolution, which fundamentally reshaped modern democracy, and the grand urban redesign by Baron Haussmann in the 19th century that gave Paris its signature wide boulevards and uniform limestone facades. Throughout the 20th century, Paris solidified its reputation as a haven for intellectuals, artists, and writers, particularly during the 'Années folles' (Roaring Twenties). Despite the hardships of two World Wars, the city has consistently maintained its status as a cultural beacon, continuously blending its deep historical roots with modern innovation.
Parisian culture is defined by an appreciation for the 'art of living'—_l'art de vivre_—which emphasizes lingering over coffee at sidewalk cafés, strolling through historic neighborhoods, and valuing quality over quantity. The city is a world-class hub for the arts, housing legendary institutions like the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, while its fashion scene dictates global trends from the runways of the Champs-Élysées. The culinary scene is legendary, ranging from humble, buttery croissants at local *boulangeries* to Michelin-starred fine dining. Parisians take their food seriously, viewing meals as social rituals rather than mere sustenance, and the city's vibrant market culture remains a cornerstone of daily life.
Practical info
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
French
Time zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (or CEST, UTC+2 during summer)
Climate
Temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters; rain is possible throughout the year.
Quick facts
- The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary installation for the 1889 World's Fair and was almost torn down in 1909.
- Paris is home to the world's largest art museum, the Louvre, which would take roughly 100 days to see every piece of art if you spent just 30 seconds on each.
- The city's famous 'Haussmann' architecture was part of a massive renovation project that demolished much of medieval Paris to improve sanitation and traffic flow.
- There is a replica of the Statue of Liberty located on the Île aux Cygnes in the middle of the Seine River.
- Paris has more than 400 public parks and gardens, making it one of the greenest major cities in Europe.
Top things to do in Paris
The 15 attractions, museums, viewpoints, and experiences travelers visit most.
nightlife
Little Red Door
Consistently ranked among the world's best bars, this speakeasy-style spot is currently pushing boundaries with their farm-to-glass cocktail menu. The atmosphere is sophisticated…
culture
Maison Gainsbourg
This is the newly opened, highly anticipated museum inside Serge Gainsbourg's former home. It’s an incredibly intimate, immersive audio-guided tour that feels like you've just…
food
Shakespeare and Company Café
While the bookstore is famous, the café next door is a perfect, quieter spot to enjoy a coffee with a view of Notre-Dame. It’s a great place to sit with a book and soak in the…
culture
Le 104 (Centquatre-Paris)
This massive public artistic space is where the city's coolest dancers, skaters, and artists come to practice. It’s a vibrant, non-touristy place to watch rehearsals or catch a…
landmarks
Grande Mosquée de Paris Hammam
For a truly authentic, historic wellness experience, head to the hammam at the Great Mosque. It’s a beautiful, tiled oasis where you can get a traditional black soap scrub that…
food
Marché Bio des Batignolles
If you're into organic food, this is the best market in the city. It's a great place to pick up fresh, locally sourced produce, cheese, and bread.
wellness
Maison Souquet Spa
For a truly luxurious, niche wellness experience, this former brothel-turned-hotel offers a private, opulent hammam and pool that you can book for exclusive use. It’s incredibly…
adventure
Walking the Petite Ceinture
This abandoned railway line that circles Paris has been partially converted into a wild, nature-filled walking path. It’s a surreal, quiet escape from the city noise that feels…
shopping
Klin d'Oeil
This is a gorgeous boutique and workshop space that hosts regular craft classes, from embroidery to ceramics. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique, locally made souvenir or…
nightlife
Ground Control
A massive, repurposed train depot that serves as a cultural hub with food stalls, bars, and pop-up shops. It’s the ultimate summer hangout spot with a great, laid-back vibe and…
landmarks
Arc de Triomphe
Standing majestically at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, this monumental arch honors those who fought and died for France. The rooftop terrace provides one of the best…
museums
Marilyn Monroe : 100 ans !
This retrospective finally moves past the tired 'dumb blonde' clichés to show the real, sharp-witted actress behind the Hollywood machine. It’s a deep dive into her actual craft,…
culture
Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection
Housed in a stunningly renovated historic grain exchange, this museum showcases contemporary art from the Pinault collection. The architecture alone, with its massive concrete…
museums
Matisse, 1941–1954
This is a massive, once-in-a-lifetime look at Matisse’s final, most radical years where he basically reinvented art with his cut-outs. It’s held at the Grand Palais while the…
Where to eat in Paris
6 restaurants, cafés, and food spots — local picks, not tourist traps.
French
Le Comptoir de La Gastronomie
This century-old institution is half-deli, half-restaurant, serving up the best of Southwest French comfort food in a space that feels like a time capsule. It…
International
Marché des Enfants Rouges
This is the city's oldest covered market, a chaotic and wonderful maze of stalls where you can grab everything from Moroccan tagines to Japanese bento boxes.…
French
Le Petit Châtelet
This 16th-century spot is a cozy, wood-beamed gem right by the Seine that feels like a proper Parisian escape despite its location. Ask for a table on the…
Basque
Chez Gladines
This is where you go for massive, soul-warming portions of Basque comfort food in a lively, no-frills setting. Expect to be squeezed in tight with your…
French
Le Baratin
This Belleville institution is where local chefs go on their nights off for soulful, no-nonsense cooking that feels like a masterclass in bistronomy. It is a…
French
Aujourd'hui Demain
This is the ultimate vegan hangout in Paris, blending a cozy café with a concept store full of ethical fashion and goods. It is the perfect spot to grab a…
Plan a trip to Paris
Pick a length and we'll lay out the days — walkable routing, restaurants, opening hours included.
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Paris?
The currency in Paris, France is Euro (EUR).
What language is spoken in Paris?
French is the primary language spoken in Paris.
What's the weather like in Paris?
Temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters; rain is possible throughout the year.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Most travelers spend 2–5 days in Paris. With 60+ attractions and 11+ noteworthy restaurants, three days hits the highlights, while five lets you dig into neighborhoods and day trips. Use the Periplo iPhone app to lay out a day-by-day plan.
What are the must-see things to do in Paris?
Top picks include Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Plan Paris in your pocket
Open the Periplo iPhone app for a day-by-day itinerary, offline maps, and live event picks tuned to your taste.
Download on the App Store