Visit Paris, France

The best time to visit Paris is during one of its “shoulder seasons,” which are the periods before and after the peak tourist season in the summer. Late spring (April and May) and early fall (September and October) still feature great weather, but the crowds are smaller, and everything is a little less expensive.

Do:

• Plan ahead.
• Mind your etiquette.
• Learn some basic French to help you communicate.
• Keep your money and belongings secure.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Don’t:

• Expect to see everything in one trip.
• Forget to make reservations.
• Be in a hurry.

France’s currency is the Euro. Before you travel to Paris, visit your local bank to exchange currency. This can help you get a better exchange rate (and save you from having to change money at the airport).

It’s impossible to put together a list of where to eat in Paris that covers all of the famous restaurants, the up-and-coming bistros, unmatched boulangeries (bakeries) and the scores of sidewalk cafes and street vendor carts that are all worth eating at. Many of the restaurants in the busy parts of the city are excellent, but don’t be afraid to ask the waiter at a cafe where he likes to eat or ask the hotel staff what they recommend.   

Paris is an expensive city to visit. If you try to plan a trip to Paris yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, European vacation packages can take the stress off your shoulders and help you save money. These packages include transportation and lodging to cities across the continent. While you don’t get to spend a ton of time in any one city, it’s a great way to see a lot of what Europe has to offer.

Paris is one of the most vibrant and important cities on the planet. As a hub for artists, chefs, writers and many historically significant people, it’s a crossroads with something for everyone. The best things to do in Paris might vary based on what you’re interested in, but here are a few of the Paris attractions that you should see:

• Gaze at the Eiffel Tower at Champs de Mars.
• See at the Arc de Triomphe.
• Tour the Paris Catacombs.
• Marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral. 
• Visit the Palace of Versailles.
• Enjoy the Latin Quarter.
• Contemplate art at the Louvre.
• Experience the Musée d'Orsay.

Getting around Paris is pretty easy, especially if you’re there to experience the top attractions and sites. It’s a walkable city with many public transportation options, so making your way from one part of the city to the other is simple as long as you plan ahead.

Deciding where to stay in Paris can be tough if you’ve never been there before. Many of the hotels near the tourist hotspots are comfortable and clean, but they can be expensive. Booking a room outside of the city center can save you some money, and public transportation makes it easy to get to your destinations. Paris vacation packages include lodging, which means you might get a better room than you’d be able to afford if you booked on your own.