Visiting Paris for the First Time in 2024?

Your Guide To Visiting Paris for the First Time

Visiting Paris for the first time? You probably already know Paris is the best city in the world for a romantic weekend getaway and the place to come for the world’s finest gourmet food. But did you know it was also the #2 Top Destination in the World according to TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards?

In Paris, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a hopeless romantic, a book lover, an art connoisseur, a science geek, a foodie, or you love amusement parks, I guarantee there’s something there you’ll love.

The History of Paris

The Parisii were a Celtic tribe that arrived in modern Paris in the 3rd century BCE and settled on the banks of the River Seine. When the Romans invaded this region of Gaul in 52 BCE, they founded a new town called Lutetia Parisiorum, which may have meant “the Marsh of the Parisii”.

Lutetia stood on a defensible island called the Ile de la Cité in the River Seine. The town prospered under Roman rule, and by the time they were forced out of Gaul in the 5th century CE, its name had been shortened to Parisius.

At the Battle of Soissons in 486, the Franks from central Europe defeated the last Roman forces and took control of Gaul. Clovis the Frank named Paris as his capital in 508. The Franks created a vast empire that peaked under Charlemagne.

However, the Frankish empire collapsed into three parts in 843 CE. West Francia, the third, covered the old Roman province of Gaul, and Paris was its capital. West Francia eventually evolved into modern-day France.

Construction of Notre Dame Cathedral

During the early medieval period, Paris continued to serve as France’s political, religious, and economic capital. In 1163, the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral began. During the late 12^th century, the Palais de la Cité was built and became home to the Kings of France until the 14^th century.

Around the same time, the Louvre Castle was built to protect Paris from the English who occupied Normandy, only 60 miles away. The Louvre Palace replaced this castle, and the king moved there from the Palais de la Cité.

Paris transformed during the 17^th century, with five new bridges built and the city’s defensive walls demolished to be replaced by the Grands Boulevards. Many monumental buildings were constructed, including the College des Quatre-Nations, Les Invalides, and the Palais-Royal.

The French Revolution

The French Revolution reduced the population of Paris from 630,000 to 547,000 but did not cause significant damage to the many monuments. Under Napoleon, the population soon recovered and surpassed its prior level, reaching 660,000 by 1815. Napoleon commissioned several of Paris’ most famous monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Pont des Arts, the first metal bridge in Paris.

As France’s overseas empire became the second-largest in the world (behind the British Empire), the Paris we know today was shaped by its role as the imperial capital. In 1889, Paris hosted the Universal Exposition to mark the revolution’s centennial and commissioned its focal point—the Eiffel Tower.

This iconic building was originally designed to stand for 20 years and then be removed. Still, its demolition was postponed and canceled as the structure grew more popular with the Parisian public.

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4 Favorite Parisian Tours

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Paris Fact File

• Location: Northern France.
• State/Province: Ile de France.
• Population: Central city 2,140,526 but
  metropolitan area 12,532,901.
• Area: 40.7 square miles.
• Seasonal Weather: Oceanic climate with
  pleasantly warm summers and cool but relatively mild winters. Average summer
  temperatures are between 59⁰F and 77⁰F, and average winter
  temperatures are between 37⁰F and 47⁰F.
• Official Language: French.
• Other Languages: 26% of Parisians were born
  outside of France, so you’ll frequently hear other languages around the
  capital.
• Religion: There are no official figures, but
  surveys indicate 61% identify as Roman Catholic, 25% atheist, 7% Muslim, 4%
  other Christian, and 2% Jewish.
• Time Zone: In summer, Paris follows the Daylight
  Saving Time. Its standard time zone is Coordinated Universal Time + 1, i.e. one
  hour in front of International Standard Time.
• Emergency Numbers: For any emergency, dial 112.
  Alternatively, 15 for medical assistance, 17 for the police, 18 for the fire
  brigade, and 114 for a disabled person with an emergency.

Airports & Entry to Paris

Visiting Paris for the first time? Paris is an international transport hub. The three main airports in Paris form the world’s 5th busiest airport system, and high-speed trains provide fast railway links to any major city in Europe.

Generally, suppose you’re visiting Paris for the first time and headed to Paris from a neighboring country like Belgium or the United Kingdom. In that case, I’d recommend you take a high-speed train, such as the Eurostar, TGV, or Thalys. In France, these are all operated by SNCF. While airports are located outside their cities, and transport is required from the airport to the city, the railway stations are central.

However, it’s always worth checking prices and available flights for the day you travel. For example, a Eurostar train from London St Pancreas on 4th December 2019 will travel straight to Paris Gare du Nord in 2 hours and 23 minutes for as little as $87.

But, if you take a budget airline flight with EasyJet on the same day, you can travel from London Luton Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in 1 hour and 20 minutes for $38 on a cut-price ticket.

Luton Airport Cheap Flight

If you choose the cheap flight, you also must take a train from London to Luton Airport which will take 1 hour 15 minutes costing $15. And you must take a train from Charles de Gaulle to central Paris, which will take 45 minutes and cost $22. And you’ll spend time at the airport and railway station waiting for the airplane and train. The flight option will save you around $12, but the extra time and effort involved at both ends means that a direct train will save you over an hour in time and a lot of hassle.

Suppose you travel to Paris from a greater distance, like Scandinavia, America, or Asia. In that case, I’d recommend you fly straight to one of Paris’ three international airports: Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé. You can source competitive air tickets because there are many daily flights and high competition.

Always compare available flight tickets on an online ticket website like Omio. Several competing budget airlines operate flights into Paris, such as Norwegian, Transavia, and French Bee, and you will find huge differences in ticket prices.

For example, flights from NYC to Paris in December range in price from $300 in Norwegian to $2,900 in Emirates. It’s best to book at least a month in advance to secure the cheapest tickets, though individual fliers and couples can occasionally secure amazing, last-minute deals.

Getting Around in Paris

Paris Metro Ticket Price Increase During the 2024 Olympics

When visiting Paris for the first time, it’s essential to be aware of significant changes in public transport during the 2024 Olympics. From July 20 to September 8, the cost of a single metro ticket will almost double, rising from the usual €2.10 to €4. This increase aims to support the expanded transport services necessary for the large influx of visitors during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To ease visitors’ travel, a special Paris 2024 Pass will be introduced. This pass allows unlimited travel across the Île-de-France region, covering metro, bus, tram, and RER train services. The pass will cost €16 for a single day and €70 for a week, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for those planning to attend multiple events or explore various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

It’s important to note that this price hike will not affect residents with existing monthly or yearly travel passes. Regular commuters can continue using their usual passes without any additional cost.

This temporary adjustment ensures that the transportation network can handle the increased demand while maintaining high service standards. The goal is to make the 2024 Games accessible and enjoyable for everyone, with efficient and expanded public transport options.

When planning your visit to Paris during the Olympics, consider purchasing the Paris 2024 Pass in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles and ensure seamless travel throughout the city.

Paris is blessed with an efficient and low-cost public transport system. Also, many of the main attractions are close to one another, so it’s also a city you can easily walk around. Generally, the best way to get around is on the Metro.

Metro

The Paris Metro is a convenient way to move around the city. One ticket allows you to travel across the entire network. With 133 miles of track connecting 303 stations, almost anywhere in Paris is within a 10-minute walk of the nearest Metro station.

Moreover, Metro tickets and passes can also be used to ride city buses, trams, and the RER suburban train system. You can purchase a Paris Visite Travel Pass for adults and children for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. The pass covers Zones 1 to 3 for central attractions or Zones 1 to 5, which include Versailles, Disneyland Paris, Charles de Gaulle, and Orly Airports. A simple 1-day adult ticket providing unlimited travel around Zones 1 to 3 costs €13.20 ($14).

Buses

The buses might be slower than the underground, but you’ll see more of the city inside a bus, and they stop in many more places than the train. And if you’re traveling on a Paris Visite Travel Pass, you can easily alternate between the Metro and buses.

Instead of walking 10 minutes from your hotel to the Metro and then 10 minutes from the Metro to your destination, see if there isn’t a bus stop outside your hotel and a bus route that takes you straight to your destination. All the route maps are on the RATP (Regie Autonome des Transports) website.

All Paris bus stops identify the buses that stop there and when the next bus stops. Some newer bus stop signs also provide interactive maps. Because the bus services run as regularly as every 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll never have to wait long for a bus. This means you’re probably better off taking the bus than the Metro for shorter journeys.

Hire bicycles

Because the roads around Paris are relatively flat, cycling is a viable means of transport. And Paris has a great public bicycle hire scheme called Velib. There are 1.800 bike stations around the city with 24,000 bicycles to hire. You only need a credit card with a chip to hire a Velib bike.

Taxis

Paris has around 16,000 registered taxis. While you could only get a taxi from a taxi rank in the past, hailing a free taxi from the curbside is becoming more common. Taxis are a very convenient, if expensive, way to travel around Paris.

Car hire

Hiring a car in Paris is easy for a reasonable daily fee. For example, you can hire a Renault Twingo from Budget for around $38 a day. However, Parisians have a terrible reputation for bad driving. The roads are very congested, it’s difficult to navigate around the central road system, and parking places are almost impossible. So, I would not advise hiring a vehicle during your stay in Paris.

The Top 7 Attractions in Paris

Paris is renowned for its gastronomy, art, architecture, and romantic ambiance. It offers many world-class attractions for the discerning visitor. This is just a small selection.

Disneyland Paris 

Disneyland Paris is one of the most visited attractions in France, located approximately 20 miles east of central Paris. There are two parks: Disneyland Park, which opened in 1992, and Walt Disney Studios Park, which opened in 2002. Around 10 million visitors each year flock to Disneyland Paris, making it one of the top theme parks in Europe.

You’ll find classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, and Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups inside Disneyland Park. The variety of attractions caters to guests of all ages, from toddlers to seniors.

Walt Disney Studios Park offers a glimpse into the movie-making process with attractions based on Disney films and animations. It also features rides suitable for all ages, such as the Flying Carpets and Stitch Encounter, appealing to younger children.

Versailles

When Paris became a little rowdy in the 17^th century, Louis XIV moved his court 12 miles southwest into the countryside and settled in the Palace of Versailles. Louis XIII expanded This former hunting lodge into a chateau, and Louis XIV further expanded it into the grand palace we know today. It has amazing features, like the Royal Chapel of Versailles, the Royal Opera of Versailles, and the Hall of Mirrors.

The formal palace gardens are famous for their grand avenues, fountains, statues, and manicured shrubbery. But the most interesting part of the gardens is the Hameau de la Reine—a faux rural hamlet created for Queen Marie Antoinette containing ten buildings designed to imitate rustic structures, like cottages, a farmhouse, and a mill. The Queen and her friends entertained themselves in this hamlet by pretending to be peasants.

Eiffel Tower

You can’t visit Paris and not get your photograph taken near the Eiffel Tower. For the best photos with the tower behind you, stand on the lawns of the Champ de Mars to the southeast or the Jardins du Trocadero to the northwest. Originally designed to be a temporary structure for the Universal Exposition 1889, the Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest building upon construction.

You can climb the 360 steps to the first level or take an elevator. After that, there are another 344 steps or another elevator to the second level. The top level 906 feet above the ground, which provides wonderful panoramic views of the Paris skyline, can only be reached by elevator.

Louvre

The Louvre Palace occupies the space where the 12th-century Louvre Castle once stood and, from the 14th century onward, was the main residence of the Kings of France (except for when they chose to use Versailles Palace). Today, it’s best known as the home of the Musée du Louvre, arguably the most famous museum in the world. Note that the museum is so popular today that they regularly become booked up, so the only way to guarantee entry is to book in advance online.

The Louvre contains over 30,000 pieces of unique and priceless art, from archaeological finds to 19th-century paintings. The museum is entered through the famous glass pyramid built in 1917. Most visitors make a B-line for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, painted between 1503 and 1505. However, other famous masterpieces exist, such as the Wedding Feast at Cana, painted by Veronese in 1563, and the Venus de Milo sculpture from antiquity (c. 100 BCE).

Notre-Dame

As kids, we all read The Hunchback of Notre Dame (or at least watched the Disney film), and in Paris, you can visit the actual Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris that inspired so many books and films. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163, and many generations have added their touches to this world-famous structure. The Cathedral sits on the Ile de la Cité—Paris’s geographical and historical center.

The cathedral is noted for its fine Gothic architecture, especially the sculptures and gargoyles that touch the imagination. Historians should take note of the 21 statues above the main doorway called the Gallery of Kings. They are all headless because their heads were removed during the French Revolution. You can see the heads in the Musée de Cluny (where you can also see the world-famous The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry).

Sadly, since the interior was damaged so badly by the April 2019 fire, you will not be able to enter the cathedral during your visit. You may only admire it from a distance and watch for evidence of its lengthy restoration. An exclusion zone in operation currently prevents entry to half of the Ile de la Cité. Due to the amount of repair work required, it is estimated that the cathedral will not be fully open to the public until 2025.

Arc de Triomphe

Napoleon commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in 1806, but it wasn’t built until 1836, after his death. This massive archway on a roundabout at the end of the Champs-Elysées is 164 feet tall and decorated with detailed bas-relief sculptures. The most famous carved scene is The Marseillaise faces the Champs-Elysées, which depicts French troops being led by the winged spirit of Liberty.

A platform atop the arch provides panoramic views down the 12 avenues radiating from the surrounding roundabout. Beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated to an unknown WWI soldier in 1921. There, you can see the Flame of Remembrance, which is rekindled in a ceremony every evening at 6:30 p.m.

Musée d’Orsay

Arguably, the most famous movement in art history was Impressionism, and Paris is where it all began. If French impressionists are your thing, then the Musée d’Orsay is an essential stop on your tour of Paris. That’s where you’ll find incredible paintings by Degas, Manet, Monet, and Renoir and modern works in other styles by Cézanne, van Gogh, and Lautrec, amongst many others.

You’ll be familiar with many paintings on display, such as van Gogh’s Starry Night, which inspired Don McLean’s eponymous song, and an episode of Dr Who. The museum building is a historic monument with beautiful original features such as sparkling chandeliers and gilded ceilings.

Nightlife in Paris

In a city famous for its romantic weekend getaways, you can expect to find a good selection of bars and clubs in every area. However, there are specific city areas where you can find distinctive nightlife.

Bastille

If you’re looking for where the 20-somethings in Paris go to party, it’s the Metro Bastille. You’ll find a mixture of music venues, dive bars, traditional cafés, and classy nightclubs. Start your night crawling from bar to bar along Rue de la Roquette or Rue de Lappe. Check out La Balajo on Rue de Lappe for its lively salsa nights.

Place Vendome

This is where you’ll find the sophisticated boutiques frequented by millionaires and celebrities. And at night, it’s a great place for people-watching if you’ve got money to burn. Here, you’ll find the famous Hemingway Bar, the Ritz Hotel bar patronized by Ernest Hemingway in the ‘40s. You’ll have to dress to impress and bring a thick wallet to enter.

Champs-Elysées

The club scene along the Champs-Elysées is renowned for its exclusivity. You’ll need to impress the doormen with your chic attire to gain entry, and the cover charge may cost more than your flight. But it’s a great area for all-night dancing and popular with flush tourists. Check out Le Regine, which is difficult to enter but is worth the effort. It often features top international DJs and is known for attracting the most gorgeous crowd.

Marais

This historic district has become home to Paris’ thriving and welcoming LGBT scene. Try Andy Wahloo, a lively, Moroccan-themed gay bar. You could also venture into 3W Café, a popular lesbian bar with karaoke and open mic nights.

Pigalle

Visiting Paris for the first time? Pigalle is the famous red-light district of Paris, with late-night clubs where ladies dance. Many tourists are drawn to the most famous venue here—the Moulin Rouge. You can sit down to a champagne dinner and watch their world-famous Cancan show, which has inspired many international films and tribute songs.

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is a must-see attraction. Established in 1889, this iconic cabaret in the Montmartre district is synonymous with the Parisian nightlife. Famous for its vibrant can-can dance performances, the Moulin Rouge offers a dazzling display of costumes, music, and dance, all within its historic red windmill-topped building.

Over the years, it has hosted a variety of world-renowned performers, making it a cultural landmark. The shows combine tradition with modernity, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors—book tickets in advance to enjoy an evening of spectacular entertainment and Parisian charm.

La Machine du Moulin Rouge

Visiting Paris for the first time? Don’t miss La Machine du Moulin Rouge, next to the famous cabaret. This dynamic venue is a modern extension of the Moulin Rouge legacy, featuring a nightclub, concert hall, and cultural space. It hosts various events, from live concerts and DJ sets to art exhibitions and film screenings.

La Machine du Moulin Rouge attracts locals and tourists with its eclectic programming and vibrant atmosphere. The venue’s multiple spaces, including a rooftop terrace, offer diverse experiences in one location. It’s the perfect spot for a night out in Paris.

Visiting Paris for the First Time: Parisian Food

Visiting Paris for the first time? There is a good reason why most top chefs worldwide come to Parisian culinary schools to study. In Paris, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s life. Its family-run bakeries, corner cafés, and gourmet restaurants are a core part of Parisian culture. If there’s one city in the world where you can guarantee you’ll find 5-star food, it has to be gay Paree.

In the early morning, you’ll see Parisians walking out of tiny bakeries on side streets, eating chunks of freshly baked baguettes. Check out the Pâtisserie Emma Duvéré or Dupain. But I love fresh croissants with lashings of butter and strawberry jelly.

If you’d like to try one of the Michelin-starred restaurants serving the highest-quality French cuisine, where better than the Eiffel Tower? On the second floor, the Jules Verne Restaurant offers great views of the city skyscape and some of the best food.

Champs-Elysées

But the cultural center of Paris is along the Champs-Elysées where you can find some of the longest-established food outlets in France. Consider the Maison Laduree, a patisserie shop famous for its scrumptious pastries and 18th-century tea salon.

For a complete Parisian gastronomic experience, try the L’Atelier Etoile de Joel Robuchon Michelin-starred restaurant or the renowned Le Fouquet’s. However, the Champs-Elysées also cater to less discerning palates. You’ll find large Burger King, McDonalds, Quick, and Starbucks branches.

For those cozy cafés you see on the postcards, check out the tree-lined Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th Arrondissement. You may recognize the Café des Deux Magots and the Café de Flore from various tourist pamphlets around the city. That’s where you can drink coffee in the open air served by waiters in bow ties.

Walk along Boulevard Montparnasse for classic brasseries. La Coupole is a long-established brasserie once the favored eating outlet for Picasso, Chagall, and Man Ray. In Le Dome, you can enjoy gourmet seafood in a glamorous Art Deco dining room.

If you visit Paris for the first time, you’ll find that the city’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering something for every palate and preference.

The Best Places to Stay in Paris

With its efficient and affordable public transport system, you can stay anywhere you like in Paris and still easily visit all the attractions. However, there are three areas where most tourists choose to stay: around the Champs-Elysées, the Rive Gauche, and Montmartre.

Champs-Elysées

Around the 8^th-Arrondissement, you’ll find many of the most luxurious hotels in Paris. If money isn’t a problem and you want to be central, this is the best place to stay. At Le Bristol Paris, you can swim in its rooftop pool or relax in its renowned spa, while La Reserve Paris Hotel is known for its antique furnishings and palatial structure. Situated between the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, you’re staying in the cultural heart of the capital.

Rive Gauche

This is the area where, traditionally, students from the Sorbonne live on the left bank of the River Seine. This is the best place to stay because it’s an easy walk from the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, but the hotels are mid-range rather than super expensive. The cozy Left Bank Saint Germain is an inviting hotel, while the Hotel Signature Saint Germain des Pres is a family-owned boutique hotel in a central location.

Montmartre

If you’re keeping to a budget, the area between Montparnasse and Rive Gauche offers many economical options. The area is a little further from the main attractions, but its winding streets are full of Parisian character, and the handy Metro stations mean you won’t have a problem seeing what you want to see. The Hotel Diana features some rooms overlooking a classic Parisian street and others a cozy courtyard. The Legend Hotel offers a warm welcome in a prime location, though its rooms are relatively small.

Visiting Paris Safely

Visiting Paris for the first time? Although France is a stable and wealthy nation, remember that the 2015 Paris Terrorist Attacks have changed the attitudes of many people. You’ll find much more security around important public buildings than you might have five years ago. Just remain aware that bad things can happen anywhere.

Report them immediately if you see abandoned bags in a crowded public place, especially a Metro station. If you see people behaving strangely, looking around furtively and fiddling with a backpack, or wearing a heavy coat in the heat of the midday sun, move out of the area as quickly as you can. Most likely, nothing will ever happen. But it doesn’t hurt to remain vigilant.

Keep Valuables Safe

When visiting tourist hotspots, keep your valuables safe. When using your camera, remain aware of your surroundings. Place your back against a wall or other obstacle to keep you safe while your eyesight is focused in one direction. Tuck yourself into a doorway or press against a wall when using your cell phone so it can’t be snatched out of your hands.

Always watch out for purse snatchers, especially on motorbikes. Pickpockets will be in crowded areas, like Metro stations and queues for the main attractions. Don’t wear flashy jewelry if you’ll be on the streets, especially after dark. Beware of muggers, and don’t walk through parks alone after dark.

Where possible, stash your money away in a money belt or keep it in a billfold in the front pocket of your pants. If you need to use your credit card, hide your hand as you enter your PIN code. Leave important documents, like your passport and travel tickets, in a safe at the hotel. Carry photocopies when you go out if you need to show them.

Kim Kardashian Robbed in Paris

Remembering that even Kim Kardashian was robbed inside a holiday apartment in Paris, bolt your hotel room from the inside at night. Ensure all your room windows are closed and locked when you go out during the day. Don’t leave anything valuable lying around. Either take your valuables with you or secure them in a safe.

Parisian drivers have an appalling safety record, and pedestrians often don’t have the right of way. Be very careful crossing the road. It isn’t mandatory to wear a cycle helmet, but you’d be mad not to if cycling in Paris. If you’re involved in any incident, do not hesitate to call 112 to contact the emergency services. Ask for help!

Visiting Paris for the first time, enjoying the city while staying vigilant and safe is important.

What I Love About Paris

Visiting Paris for the first time? If you’ve ever picked up a book about art or art history anywhere in the world, you can guarantee a high percentage of the pictures in that book are of a painting or sculpture on display somewhere in Paris. Like many other impressionable young people, I went through a French Impressionist stage. I had those Monet water lilies and Renoir lady posters on my walls. In Paris, you can see the real thing.

Yet, despite arguably being the world’s cultural capital, you can still bring your kids here to see Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck! And you can take your spouse out for a romantic meal or relax, drinking coffee and eating the best food in the world. Visiting Paris for the first time, you’ll find something to love at every corner. Who doesn’t love Paris?