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Paris

Things to Do in Paris in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated May 2025) | Trip.com

About Paris

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

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Reopened to tourists after five years

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Paris Local Travel Guide 2025

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Paris Brief Guide

Paris greets you with a charm that’s hard to pin down—part romance, part history, part sheer beauty. You’ve likely heard of the Eiffel Tower’s iron elegance, the Louvre’s treasure trove of art, the Arc de Triomphe’s quiet grandeur, and Notre-Dame’s timeless silhouette. But beyond these icons, Paris unfolds as a living canvas: wander the Left Bank where writers like Hemingway scribbled in cafés, hunt for vibrant murals tucked into Montmartre’s winding streets, or step into the homes of legends like Victor Hugo. And the food? Skip the Michelin hype for a moment—every corner bistro and hidden patisserie offers a taste of France that’ll linger long after you leave. Paris isn’t just a destination; it’s a place that invites you to slow down and savor.

Paris Must-try Local Experiences

1. Skyline Views at Dusk Climb a Parisian tower—like the iron icon in the 7th arrondissement—just before sunset, when the city’s lights flicker to life and midday crowds thin out. Skip the top if lines drag; the mid-level view still sweeps from river to rooftops in dazzling quiet. 2. Gothic Grandeur Restored Step into Notre-Dame’s reborn splendor post its December 2024 reopening—gleaming limestone, soaring nave, and the Grand Organ’s roar await. Book a free slot via the app for quieter mornings; towers may reopen by summer 2025, but the interior alone stuns. 3. Riverside Strolls with Sweet Detours Stroll the Seine from Notre-Dame to Musée d’Orsay—river views unfold. Duck onto Île Saint-Louis for Berthillon ice cream—locals swear by its creamy kick. This quiet island feels far from the tourist buzz; Paris slows down here with every scoop. 4. Flea Market Treasure Hunts Skip tourist stalls for Les Puces de Saint-Ouen—northern Paris’s weekend flea market brims with vintage finds. Dig for old posters or quirky lamps; haggle a bit, then grab coffee amid dealer buzz nearby. It’s Paris unpolished and real. 5. Palatial Day Escapes Venture to a grand palace just outside Paris—like Versailles—for its mirrored halls and endless gardens. Pack a baguette, cheese, and wine for a picnic by the canal—a local trick to stretch the day amid royal splendor. 6. Opulent Stage Moments Catch a show at a gilded theater—like Palais Garnier—where opera or ballet meets jaw-dropping décor. Snag a budget seat for the vibe, or tour the halls to catch echoes of past performances; either way, it’s a Parisian dazzler. 7.Artistic Hilltop Rambles Wander Montmartre’s cobbled lanes—dodge the basilica bustle for Place des Abbesses or artists sketching at Place du Tertre. Its bohemian beat rings true; stop at La Mascotte for a raw, local bite—Paris’s artsy soul lives here. 8. Botanical Garden Retreats Unwind in a quieter green haven—like Jardin des Plantes in the 5th—beyond the city’s famed parks. Stroll past alpine blooms or 18th-century greenhouses still humming with research; the small zoo’s wallabies add a quirky twist to the calm. 9. Market Morsels and Wine Taste Paris at its simplest—skip touristy clichés and hit a bustling market like Marché Bastille on Thursdays or Sundays for warm crepes or a baguette with chèvre. Sip a glass of crisp wine at a no-frills bar nearby—Le Baron Rouge near Aligre keeps it real. 10. Vintage Cinema Nights Swap multiplexes for an Art Deco gem—like Le Louxor in the 10th—where restored 1920s charm frames French classics or indie films, often with English subtitles. Check for rooftop terrace openings; the Sacré-Cœur view up there trumps any souvenir snap. 11. Eclectic Neighborhood Roams Dive into Le Marais—browse vintage shops or chic boutiques, then gawk at the Centre Pompidou’s bold pipes-and-glass sprawl. Grab a falafel from a Rue des Rosiers standout like L’As du Fallafel—cheap, tasty, and pure Parisian street fuel. 12. Futuristic Park Playtime Ride the metro to a quirky park—like Parc de la Villette in the 19th—where red geometric follies and open lawns draw local crowds. Hop on Line 5; summer brings outdoor concerts or film screenings that light up the night with Parisian flair. 13. Soulful Cabaret Evenings Skip the glitzy tourist cabarets for a local haunt—like Le Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter—where jazz and swing fill a cozy cellar. Live bands and dancing have thrived here since the ‘40s; book ahead for a spot in this small, unpolished gem.

Paris Must-see Attractions

Paris doesn’t just show off—it unfolds, layer by layer, through its timeless landmarks. From a river that’s seen it all to a tower that defines the skyline, these are the spots that make the city hum—and they’ll linger in your memory long after you’ve left.

Paris Food Guide

Paris lives up to its food fame with every bite—classic, bold, or tucked away. Here’s what to sink your teeth into, from daily staples to dishes that linger in your dreams.

Paris Transportation

Paris welcomes you through its airports and train stations, all linked to the city’s core. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): The big hub, 25km northeast. Take the RER B train (35-45 min to central Paris) or the RoissyBus to Opéra—taxis work too if you’re flush. Orly Airport (ORY): Closer, 14km south. Hop the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau or grab a cab for a quick ride in. Train Stations: Gare du Nord (London via Eurostar, northern France), Gare de Lyon (south, Italy, Switzerland), plus Gare de l’Est, Montparnasse, and Saint-Lazare for other routes. River Option: Scenic cruises dock at Bassin de l’Arsenal or Port de Grenelle—more vibe than practical entry.

Paris Where to Stay

Paris’s neighborhoods each play their own note, shaping where you’ll decide to stay into something personal. From landmark shadows to cobblestone quirks, here’s a rundown of spots to call home—each with a vibe that fits different wanderers.

Paris Best Time To Visit

April-June, Oct-Nov: Mild, fewer crowds. Spring blooms or fall leaves add magic. Sept-Oct, April-May: Shoulder seasons—sights are open, less packed. Dec-Feb: Cold, quiet, cheapest—winter charm if you skip holiday rush.

Paris Travel Tips

1. Pay Attention when Booking the Louvre The Louvre’s a must, but it’s closed Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25—so plan around that. Snag tickets online to skip the epic lines—entry’s timed now, and mornings (9-11 AM) are quieter. Stuck on a Tuesday? Hit the Musée d’Orsay instead; it’s just as stunning with shorter queues. 2. Dress Smart for Churches Places like Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur expect modesty—no shorts, bare shoulders, or hats inside. Enforcement’s light (a polite nudge at most), but pack a scarf or light jacket to toss on. Locals do it all the time—keeps you cool and respectful. 3. Outsmart the Pickpockets Crowds at the Eiffel Tower, Métro, and Louvre draw nimble fingers. Skip backpacks for a crossbody bag, keep your phone zipped up, and stash cash in a front pocket. Watch for the ‘lost ring’ scam—someone ‘finds’ a ring, chats you up, then asks for money. Just smile and walk on; Paris is safe if you’re sharp. 4. Ride the Métro with Ease Pick up a Navigo Easy card with a small fee at stations and load it with a batch of rides—cheaper and sturdier than paper tickets that might fail in your pocket. Steer clear of peak hours in the early morning or late afternoon unless you crave the crush; stand right on escalators, walk left—or brace for a soft “pardon” from locals. 5. Eat Well Without Breaking the Bank Skip tourist traps near grand churches where sandwiches cost a fortune—scout boulangeries for a cheap pain au chocolat or nab a falafel in Le Marais from a spot like L’As du Fallafel. Locals hit supermarkets for premade quiche or salads, then perch by the Seine for a quick, tasty bite. 6. Mind the No-Smoking Zones France loves a cigarette, but smoking’s banned on Métro platforms, train stations, and café terraces since 2024’s tighter rules. Fines start at €68 if you light up—vaping too. Step away from crowds or ask a local for a discreet spot; Parisians are chill if you’re polite. 7. Pack for Paris Weather It’s damp and shifty—think 10°C (50°F) and drizzle in February, or 25°C (77°F) with sticky humidity in July. Layers are your friend, plus a €5 umbrella from a corner shop. Parisians carry totes for sudden showers; you should too. 8. Skip the Cab, Take the Bus Taxis from the airport can gouge to the city center, but a shuttle like the Roissybus lands you at Opéra with change to spare—comfy and scenic in under an hour. In town, hop a bus like the 69 route for Eiffel-to-cemetery views at Métro fare rates; locals savor the ride, and you will too. 9. Dodge the Bracelet Scam Around Sacré-Cœur or the Eiffel Tower, watch for smiling strangers offering a "free" bracelet. They’ll tie it on quick—then demand €5-10, sometimes with guilt trips or pressure. Politely say "non, merci" and keep walking before they start; don’t let them grab your arm. It’s a classic Paris hustle—stay firm and you’re fine.

Paris Useful Guide

French runs the show, but you’ll manage fine with a little prep. Basics: “Bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), “s’il vous plaît” (please) open doors—locals appreciate the effort. English: Common in tourist spots, less so off-path. Translation apps and gestures help when words fail.