Paris, France, with its spectacular cityscape, legendary neighborhoods and world-famous cuisine, is on top of the list for many travelers to Europe. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city saw more than 35 million overnight visitors in 2008. As one of the most popular destinations in the world, Paris has developed a solid tourist infrastructure aimed at making your trip more comfortable and convenient.

Practical Information

Most international flights come into the enormous Charles de Gaulle Airport, where a train line offers easy connections to the city; be sure to pay the fare before boarding and keep your ticket. Budget airlines, domestic flights and some international flights often use Paris-Orly airport, which requires a bus or taxi ride to get to the city. Once in the city, you will be staying in one of 20 neighborhoods, called arrondissements. Fodor's Paris Travel Tips says, "The numbers reveal the neighborhood's location and its age, the 1er arrondissement at the city's heart being the oldest. The arrondissements in central Paris -- the 1er to 8e -- are the most visited."

Popular Destinations

Paris is home to some of the most famous sights in the world, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame cathedral, the Seine River and the picturesque Latin Quarter. Lovers of literature should head to the book carts in the Latin Quarter and visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. In the spring and summer, the Jardin du Luxembourg park near the Louvre is a spectacular place for a run or a picnic. The Champs Elysees is particularly interesting at Christmastime, when lights sparkle in trees and vendors line the sidewalk. The Montmartre district is full of quaint, cobblestone streets, and the infamous Moulin Rouge cabaret is nearby.


The extensive Metro system in Paris is all most tourists will need to get from place to place. The easiest way to buy tickets is individually or in packets of 10, which reduces the cost slightly; most stops have either a ticket machine or a manned booth. Be sure to have small change for the machines. Each station has a map of the system, which will show you transfer stations to switch to another line without exiting the system and paying again. To experience the city's atmosphere on foot, bring a pair of good walking shoes. Lonely Planet says, "With city sights spread across a distance no greater than 10 km, the major places of interest are pleasurably walkable."

Money and Costs

Paris is part of the European Union and uses the euro as currency. ATMs are easy to find, and credit cards are widely accepted. Lonely Planet advises that when changing money, "In Paris, bureaux de change are usually faster and easier, open longer hours and give better rates than most banks." When traveling in Paris, which is notoriously expensive, the cost of food, museum entrances, wine and hotels can add up. Consider staying at hostels, which are generally 50 percent to 75 percent cheaper than hotels; as an added benefit, most hostels offer kitchens that can be used to cook meals, which reduces the price of eating out.


Although it is not a necessity, it will be extremely helpful to speak at least basic French when traveling in Paris, as many locals do not -- or refuse to -- speak English. Additionally, French proficiency will enable you to seek out lower-cost options, as restaurants with English menus and English-speaking staff are often priced higher. At the very least, have a grasp of ordering food, asking for directions and understanding numbers up to 500.

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