Paris isn't just a city. It's the destination that defines luxury travel. But with 20 arrondissements, hundreds of five-star hotels, and Michelin stars on every corner, planning the perfect Paris trip can feel more overwhelming than romantic.
Here's the thing: Paris is incredible, but it's also huge, expensive, and surprisingly easy to do wrong. Tourist traps disguised as authentic bistros. Hotels in the "wrong" neighborhood that leave you feeling disconnected. Mediocre food at premium prices because you didn't know where to look.
This guide is different. We've spent over 40 hours researching Paris, comparing neighborhoods, vetting hotels, and mapping out the restaurants actually worth your time and money. We're not going to tell you everything in Paris is amazing (it's not). We're going to tell you what's honestly worth it and what you can skip.
This guide is for first-time visitors who want to do Paris right. For couples and honeymooners planning something special. For return visitors looking to move beyond the obvious. And for anyone who values quality over checking boxes.
You'll get honest neighborhood breakdowns, specific hotel recommendations with real pros and cons, restaurant picks from Michelin-starred splurges to everyday favorites, must-do experiences, and sample itineraries you can actually follow.
And if you finish this guide and think "this is exactly what I want, but I don't have time to plan it all"? We'll handle the research, bookings, and details for you. Book a free consultation.
When to Visit Paris
Let's start with timing, because when you visit Paris matters more than you might think.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Perfect (60s-70s°F) | Moderate | High | Best overall time, beautiful weather, outdoor cafés |
| Summer (June-August) | Warm (75-85°F) | Extreme | Peak | Long days, outdoor dining, very crowded |
| Fall (September-October) | Perfect (60s-70s°F) | Moderate | High | Best overall time, gorgeous weather, fall colors |
| Winter (November-March) | Cold (40s-50s°F) | Low | Moderate | Budget-friendly, festive Christmas markets, fewer tourists |
Our recommendation: Late April through May or September through October offer the best balance. The weather is perfect for walking all day, outdoor dining is pleasant, and while there are tourists, it's not the madness of July and August.
Avoid if possible: July and August bring extreme crowds, many locals leave the city, and prices spike. Christmas week through New Year's is surprisingly expensive and crowded despite what you might expect.
Budget-friendly option: January and February offer the lowest prices and smallest crowds, but you'll need to embrace cooler weather and shorter days. If you don't mind bundling up, you can save hundreds per night on hotels.
Paris Neighborhoods Explained
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts) that spiral outward from the center like a snail shell. Where you stay dramatically affects your experience, and this is where most people get it wrong.
1st & 2nd Arrondissements: The Heart of Paris
Best for: First-time visitors, luxury shoppers, anyone who wants to be in the absolute center
The vibe: Grand, historic, undeniably touristy but central to everything
What's here: The Louvre Museum, Jardin des Tuileries, Palais Royal, high-end shopping along Rue Saint-Honoré, and Place Vendôme.
Pros: You can walk to most major sites. The architecture is iconic. Excellent dining options. Safe, well-lit streets that are heavily policed.
Cons: Very touristy. Expensive even by Paris standards. Can feel less lived-in and authentic. Crowded streets during the day.
Our take: If it's your first time in Paris and you want to maximize sightseeing efficiency, this is hard to beat. Yes, it's touristy, but there's a reason. Everything is here.
Hotels we recommend: The Ritz Paris (if budget allows), Hôtel de Crillon, Mandarin Oriental Paris.
3rd & 4th Arrondissements: Le Marais
Best for: Foodies, couples, LGBTQ+ travelers, anyone wanting authentic Parisian charm with accessibility
The vibe: Historic, trendy, eclectic, vibrant nightlife, mix of everything that makes Paris interesting
What's here: Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently under renovation), Place des Vosges, Picasso Museum, the Jewish Quarter on Rue des Rosiers with incredible falafel, trendy boutiques, and what might be the best restaurant scene in central Paris.
Pros: Authentic Parisian feel. Walkable to major sites. Best food neighborhood in central Paris. Charming cobblestone streets perfect for wandering and discovering hidden gems. Safer and livelier at night than some other areas.
Cons: Can be loud on weekends thanks to the nightlife scene. Streets are narrow, which isn't ideal if you have mobility issues. Some hotels are in converted historic buildings, which means beautiful but no elevators and small rooms.
Our take: This is our favorite neighborhood for first-time visitors who want charm AND accessibility. You can walk to the major sites but come home to incredible restaurants and a neighborhood that actually feels alive.
Hotels we recommend: Hôtel Dupond-Smith, Pavillon de la Reine.
5th & 6th Arrondissements: Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Best for: Book lovers, classic Parisian café culture enthusiasts, anyone wanting slightly quieter luxury
The vibe: Literary, historic, sophisticated, café-filled, intellectual
What's here: Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon, Sorbonne University, Shakespeare and Company bookstore, famous cafés like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, and excellent Saint-Germain shopping.
Pros: Beautiful tree-lined boulevards. Less frenetic than the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. Excellent high-end dining. Rich intellectual and artistic history. Feels more Parisian than touristy.
Cons: Slightly farther from major museums. Can be expensive. Some areas feel sleepy at night.
Our take: Perfect for return visitors or those who want a more refined, less touristy Parisian experience. This is where we'd stay if we were spending a week.
Hotels we recommend: Hôtel D'Aubusson, L'Hôtel, Relais Christine.
7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower & Museums
Best for: Eiffel Tower view seekers, museum lovers, quiet luxury, families
The vibe: Residential, elegant, quiet, upscale, lots of government buildings
What's here: Eiffel Tower (obviously), Musée d'Orsay, Les Invalides with Napoleon's Tomb, Rodin Museum, Champ de Mars park, and wide beautiful boulevards.
Pros: Stunning architecture. Quiet and residential feel. Some of the best hotels with Eiffel Tower views. Close to top museums. Safe, clean streets.
Cons: Fewer restaurant options because it's more residential. Can feel a bit sterile and sleepy at night. Slightly disconnected from central Paris energy. Very expensive.
Our take: If your dream is waking up to Eiffel Tower views and you don't mind sacrificing some of the neighborhood energy, this is your spot. It's beautiful and safe, but feels less vibrant than Le Marais or Saint-Germain.
Hotels we recommend: Shangri-La Paris (iconic Eiffel Tower views), Le Cinq Codet, Hôtel Le Walt.
8th Arrondissement: Champs-Élysées & Triangle d'Or
Best for: Luxury shopping, grand hotels, classic Parisian elegance
The vibe: Grand, expensive, touristy along the Champs-Élysées, ultra-luxury in the Triangle d'Or
What's here: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais, high-end shopping on Avenue Montaigne, and Michelin-starred dining.
Pros: Iconic Paris imagery. World-class luxury hotels. Best shopping in Paris. Wide, grand boulevards.
Cons: The Champs-Élysées itself is overrated (fast food chains, tourist shops, nothing special). Very expensive. Can feel impersonal and corporate. Heavy traffic.
Our take: The hotels here are incredible, but the neighborhood itself is hit or miss. Stay here for the luxury hotel experience, not for the street-level charm.
Hotels we recommend: Four Seasons George V, Le Bristol Paris, Prince de Galles.
Other Neighborhoods (Brief Mentions)
9th/10th - Opéra & Grands Boulevards: Central, good value, near train stations, but less charming than other options.
11th - Bastille & République: Trendy, younger crowd, great nightlife, but farther from major sites.
16th - Trocadéro: Residential, wealthy, quiet, has Eiffel Tower views from Trocadéro, but feels sterile.
18th - Montmartre: Charming hilltop village with Sacré-Cœur, but very touristy around the basilica and some sketchy areas at night.
Our Neighborhood Rankings for Luxury Travelers
Le Marais (3rd/4th) - Best all-around
Saint-Germain (6th) - Most sophisticated
1st/2nd - Best for first-timers who want maximum convenience
7th - Best for Eiffel Tower views
8th - Best for luxury shopping and grand hotels
Where to Stay: Luxury Hotel Recommendations
We've researched dozens of luxury hotels across Paris. Here are our honest recommendations organized by neighborhood, with clear pros and cons for each. These aren't paid placements. These are hotels we'd actually book.
Pricing Key:
💰💰💰💰 = €800+ per night
💰💰💰 = €500-800 per night
💰💰 = €300-500 per night
Top Pick Overall: Hôtel Dupond-Smith (Le Marais)
Price: 💰💰💰 (€600-900/night)
Why we love it: This boutique hotel has only 41 rooms, which means it feels intimate rather than corporate. The location in Le Marais is perfect—quiet street but walkable to everything. Modern design with classic Parisian bones. Excellent service without stuffiness. There's a rooftop bar with city views. In-room espresso machines and curated minibars.
Best for: Couples, design lovers, anyone who wants modern luxury with Parisian character.
Potential drawbacks: Not traditional or classic Paris if that's what you're after. No pool or extensive spa. Smaller rooms than grand palace hotels.
Book this if: You want the perfect balance of location, modern luxury, and intimate service.
Learn more about how we research and compare hotels here.
Most Iconic: The Ritz Paris (1st Arrondissement)
Price: 💰💰💰💰 (€1,200+/night)
Why it's legendary: The Ritz is THE Paris luxury hotel. Hemingway, Coco Chanel, Princess Diana. Recently renovated in 2016, so it's immaculate. Bar Hemingway is an institution. Impeccable service. Prime location near Place Vendôme.
Best for: Special occasions, bucket list trips, anyone with the budget for the absolute best.
Potential drawbacks: Extremely expensive. Can feel formal and stuffy. Very touristy area.
Book this if: Money is no object and you want the most famous hotel in Paris.
Best Value Luxury: Hôtel D'Aubusson (Saint-Germain)
Price: 💰💰 (€400-600/night)
Why it's a gem: 17th-century building with historic charm. Saint-Germain location perfect for cafés and dining. Jazz bar in the cellar. Beautiful courtyard. Feels like a Parisian home, not a hotel. Excellent service.
Best for: Anyone who wants luxury without overspending, return visitors, literary and artistic types.
Potential drawbacks: No spa or pool. Some rooms are small (check square footage when booking). Can be a bit dark given it's an old building with small windows.
Book this if: You want authentic Parisian luxury at a more reasonable price point.
Best Eiffel Tower Views: Shangri-La Paris (7th Arrondissement)
Price: 💰💰💰💰 (€1,000+/night for Eiffel view rooms)
Why it's special: Unobstructed Eiffel Tower views from many rooms. Former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte. Michelin-starred restaurant (L'Abeille). Asian-influenced service thanks to Shangri-La hospitality. Stunning interiors.
Best for: Honeymooners, special occasions, Eiffel Tower view seekers.
Potential drawbacks: Very expensive for Eiffel view rooms. Residential neighborhood means fewer restaurants nearby. Can feel a bit removed from central Paris energy.
Book this if: Waking up to Eiffel Tower views is your non-negotiable dream.
Most Romantic: Pavillon de la Reine (Le Marais)
Price: 💰💰💰 (€500-800/night)
Why it's perfect for couples: Hidden on the most beautiful square in Paris (Place des Vosges). Feels like a secret hideaway. Courtyard entrance. Spa on-site. Cozy, intimate vibe. Complimentary afternoon tea.
Best for: Honeymooners, anniversaries, romantic getaways.
Potential drawbacks: Traditional style, not modern. Can be dark thanks to the old building. Some rooms face the courtyard with no views.
Book this if: You want a romantic, hidden-away feeling in the heart of Le Marais.
Best Grand Hotel: Four Seasons George V (8th Arrondissement)
Price: 💰💰💰💰 (€1,500+/night)
Why it's legendary: Three Michelin-starred restaurants in one hotel. Incredible flower arrangements throughout that are Instagram-famous. Top-tier service. Spa and pool. Every luxury amenity imaginable.
Best for: Anyone who wants the full grand hotel experience, foodies (the restaurants are incredible).
Potential drawbacks: Extremely expensive. Can feel corporate and impersonal despite excellent service. Neighborhood lacks street-level charm.
Book this if: You want the absolute pinnacle of luxury hotel experience and have the budget.
Quick Hotel Recommendations by Priority
Best Location: Hôtel Dupond-Smith (Le Marais)
Most Iconic: The Ritz Paris
Best Value: Hôtel D'Aubusson
Best Views: Shangri-La Paris
Most Romantic: Pavillon de la Reine
Best Service: Four Seasons George V
Where to Eat in Paris
Paris has over 100 Michelin-starred restaurants, but also incredible bistros, wine bars, and markets. Here's our honest guide to eating well in Paris, from splurge-worthy meals to everyday favorites.
Michelin-Starred Experiences Worth the Splurge
Arpège (3 Michelin Stars) - 7th Arrondissement
The deal: Alain Passard's vegetable-focused haute cuisine
Price: €450+ per person
Why it's worth it: Vegetables come from Passard's own gardens. This is truly transformative cooking that will change how you think about vegetables.
Reserve: 2-3 months ahead
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual
Le Cinq at Four Seasons George V (3 Michelin Stars) - 8th Arrondissement
The deal: Classic French haute cuisine in a stunning dining room
Price: €400+ per person
Why it's worth it: Impeccable service, beautiful presentation, convenient if you're staying at the hotel.
Reserve: 1-2 months ahead
Septime (1 Michelin Star) - 11th Arrondissement
The deal: Modern, inventive French cuisine in a relaxed setting
Price: €90-120 per person
Why it's worth it: Best value for Michelin-starred dining in Paris. Creative menu that changes constantly.
Reserve: Book exactly when reservations open, usually 2 weeks ahead online. They go fast.
Pro tip: If you can't get a reservation, try their wine bar next door (Septime La Cave). No reservations needed, excellent small plates.
Classic Parisian Bistros & Brasseries
Le Comptoir du Relais - Saint-Germain (6th)
The vibe: Bustling bistro, chef Yves Camdeborde's casual spot
Price: €40-60 per person
What to order: Daily specials, classic French bistro fare
Pro tip: No reservations for lunch. Arrive when they open.
Chez L'Ami Jean - 7th Arrondissement
The vibe: Basque-French bistro, loud and lively
Price: €50-70 per person
What to order: Anything with duck. The riz au lait (rice pudding) for dessert is famous.
Reserve: 2-3 weeks ahead
Bouillon Chartier - 9th Arrondissement
The vibe: Historic 1896 brasserie with Art Nouveau interior
Price: €20-30 per person (very affordable)
What to order: French classics like escargot, steak frites, profiteroles
Pro tip: Expect lines, but they move quickly. Go for the experience, not culinary excellence.
Our Favorite Everyday Spots
Breakfast/Coffee:
Chez Janou (Le Marais): Perfect morning pastries and coffee
Café de Flore (Saint-Germain): Touristy but iconic, worth it once for the history
Ten Belles (Canal Saint-Martin): Best specialty coffee in Paris
Lunch:
L'As du Fallafel (Le Marais): Best falafel in Paris. There will be a line. It's worth it.
Marché des Enfants Rouges (Le Marais): Covered market with food stalls
Pink Mamma (multiple locations): Trendy Italian, Instagram-worthy interior
Wine Bars:
Le Baron Rouge (12th Arrondissement): Neighborhood wine bar near Marché d'Aligre, locals spilling into the street
La Buvette (11th Arrondissement): Tiny, excellent natural wine
Septime La Cave (11th Arrondissement): Associated with Septime restaurant
Bakeries (for the best croissants and baguettes):
Du Pain et des Idées (10th Arrondissement): Many say best croissants in Paris
Maison Landemaine (multiple locations): Consistently excellent
Poilâne (Saint-Germain): Famous sourdough bread
Food Markets Worth Visiting
Marché d'Aligre (12th Arrondissement): Local market, not touristy. Great for cheese, produce, people-watching.
Marché Bastille (11th Arrondissement): Large market on Sundays. Excellent produce and specialty items.
Dining Strategy & Tips
Reservation timeline:
3-star Michelin: 2-3 months ahead
1-star Michelin and popular bistros: 2-4 weeks ahead
Casual spots: 3-7 days ahead
Backup plan: Many places hold bar or counter seats for walk-ins
Dining customs to know:
Most restaurants have set lunch and dinner hours (lunch 12-2pm, dinner 7:30-10pm)
Service is slower than in the US. It's not rude, it's cultural.
You must ask for the check (l'addition). They won't bring it automatically.
Tipping: Service is included (service compris), but rounding up or adding 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated.
Apps to use:
TheFork (LaFourchette): Reservations, sometimes with discounts
Google Maps: Reviews are often more honest than Tripadvisor for Paris
Our take: Even one Michelin-starred meal is worth it to understand what French cuisine can be. But some of our best meals were at neighborhood bistros for a fraction of the price.
What to Do in Paris
Paris is overwhelming with options. Here are the experiences actually worth your time, organized by priority.
Must-Do Experiences (First-Time Visitors)
1. Eiffel Tower
Our take: Yes, it's touristy. Yes, you should do it.
How to do it right:
Book tickets in advance on the official site only
Go at sunset for the best experience
Top floor isn't necessary. The 2nd floor has better views.
Skip the line: Book a guided tour or restaurant reservation at Madame Brasserie or Jules Verne
Budget alternative: View it from Trocadéro across the river (free and arguably better photos)
2. Louvre Museum
Our take: World's greatest art museum, but you cannot see it all in one day. Don't try.
How to do it right:
Book timed entry tickets in advance
Go early (9am opening) or Wednesday/Friday evenings (open until 9:45pm)
Focus on 1-2 wings maximum
Consider a guided tour to hit highlights efficiently
Don't miss: Mona Lisa (get there first), Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, Egyptian antiquities
Pro tip: The Richelieu Wing (Northern European art) is least crowded
3. Musée d'Orsay
Our take: Better than the Louvre if you love Impressionism.
What's here: Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Rodin sculptures
How to do it right: Go Thursday evening (open until 9:45pm, less crowded)
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Current status: Under renovation after the 2019 fire, has reopened but is expected to be under construction until 2026.
Alternative: Sainte-Chapelle nearby has stunning stained glass. Book timed entry.
5. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
The good: Charming hilltop neighborhood, beautiful basilica, sweeping Paris views
The bad: Very touristy around Sacré-Cœur, aggressive vendors
How to do it right:
Visit early morning or sunset
Wander the quieter streets away from the basilica
Stop at a café on Place du Tertre
Unique Experiences Worth Considering
Seine River Cruise
Touristy but: Actually lovely at sunset
Recommend: Bateaux Parisiens or Vedettes de Paris. Avoid dinner cruises—food is mediocre.
Duration: 1 hour
Cooking Class
Recommend: Le Foodist or La Cuisine Paris
Why it's worth it: Learn classic techniques, eat what you make, market tours available
Day Trips from Paris
Versailles (most popular - go early, book skip-the-line)
Giverny (Monet's gardens - April-October only)
Champagne region (Reims or Épernay - full day trip)
Hidden Gems:
Musée Rodin: Beautiful sculpture garden, much less crowded than major museums
Sainte-Chapelle: Stunning stained glass, often overlooked
Canal Saint-Martin: Trendy neighborhood for walking, cafés, people-watching
Père Lachaise Cemetery: Famous graves (Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde), beautiful grounds
What You Can Skip (Controversial Takes)
Moulin Rouge: Overpriced, touristy cabaret. If you want a show, go, but manage expectations.
Hard Rock Café and Planet Hollywood on Champs-Élysées: Skip. The Champs-Élysées itself is underwhelming (chain stores, crowded). Walk it once for the Arc de Triomphe, then move on.
Love Lock Bridges: Locks have been removed, and it's now just crowded bridges.
Sample Itineraries
4-Day Paris Itinerary (First-Time Visitors)
Day 1: Right Bank Classics
Morning: Louvre Museum (arrive at opening, 2-3 hours)
Lunch: Café in Tuileries Garden or nearby bistro
Afternoon: Walk through Tuileries to Place de la Concorde, stroll along Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe
Evening: Dinner in Le Marais, evening walk along the Seine
Day 2: Left Bank & Museums
Morning: Musée d'Orsay (arrive at opening, 2-3 hours)
Lunch: Café in Saint-Germain
Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens, wander Saint-Germain neighborhood
Evening: Eiffel Tower at sunset, dinner nearby in the 7th
Day 3: Montmartre & Le Marais
Morning: Montmartre (arrive early to beat crowds), Sacré-Cœur
Lunch: Bistro in Le Marais
Afternoon: Explore Le Marais (Picasso Museum if interested, shopping, wandering)
Evening: Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or excellent bistro
Day 4: Day Trip or Deeper Exploration
Option A: Versailles day trip (book skip-the-line tickets, go early)
Option B: More Paris - Rodin Museum, Sainte-Chapelle, Canal Saint-Martin, shopping
Evening: Seine river cruise, farewell dinner
6-Day Paris Itinerary (With More Time)
Days 1-4: Follow the 4-day itinerary above at a more relaxed pace
Day 5: Day Trip
Versailles (full day) OR Giverny (half day) plus Loire Valley wine tasting
Day 6: Neighborhoods & Markets
Morning: Marché Bastille or Marché d'Aligre
Afternoon: Explore a neighborhood you haven't seen yet (Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville, Latin Quarter)
Evening: Cooking class or special dinner
Itinerary Philosophy: These itineraries are packed but allow for flexibility. Paris is best experienced with a mix of planned activities and spontaneous wandering. Build in time for long lunches, café sitting, and getting lost in beautiful neighborhoods.
Practical Tips & Logistics
Getting to/from the Airport
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG):
Taxi: €50-60 flat rate to central Paris, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
Uber/Bolt: Similar price to taxi
RER B Train: €11.50, 30-40 minutes to central Paris (not recommended with large luggage)
Private transfer: €80-120, worth it if you have a lot of luggage or prefer comfort
Our recommendation: Taxi or private transfer for luxury travelers
From Orly (ORY):
Taxi: €30-40 flat rate
Orlyval + RER B: €13.50 but requires connections
Check out our complete luggage and gear basics guide for travel tips.
Getting Around Paris
Best options:
Metro: Fast, efficient, cheap (€2.10 per ride, or €16.90 for a 10-ticket carnet)
Walking: Best way to see Paris, most neighborhoods are walkable
Uber/Bolt: Easy and relatively affordable (€10-20 for most central Paris trips)
Vélib' (bike share): Great for nice weather
Skip: Renting a car. Parking is a nightmare, traffic is bad, metro is faster.
Essential Apps
Citymapper or Google Maps: Navigation and public transit
TheFork: Restaurant reservations
Uber/Bolt: Ride-hailing
Google Translate: Camera feature for menus
Language & Etiquette
Key phrases (always appreciated):
Bonjour (hello - say this when entering ANY establishment)
Merci (thank you)
S'il vous plaît (please)
Pardon (excuse me)
L'addition, s'il vous plaît (the check, please)
Cultural tips:
Always greet shopkeepers and servers with "Bonjour"
Service is slower. Don't rush it.
Tipping is not required but rounding up is nice
Speak quietly in restaurants and public transit (Americans are notoriously loud)
Money & Costs
Daily budget estimates (per person, luxury travel):
Hotel: €400-800/night
Food: €100-200/day (including one nice dinner)
Activities: €50-100/day
Transportation: €20-40/day
Total: €600-1,200+/day for luxury travel
Payment: Credit cards widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
Need help organizing all these details? Use our trip planning checklist from idea to itinerary.
Safety
Paris is generally safe, but be aware of:
Pickpockets (especially in tourist areas, metro, and around Eiffel Tower)
Scams (friendship bracelet scam, petition scams, gold ring scam)
Keep valuables secure, don't flash expensive items
Planning Your Paris Trip
How Much Time Do You Need?
3-4 days: Hit the highlights, but you'll feel rushed
5-7 days: Ideal for first-time visitors. See main sites without rushing.
7-10 days: Perfect for deeper exploration, day trips, truly living like a local
Best Combined With
London (2-3 hours by Eurostar train)
Amsterdam (3.5 hours by train)
Brussels (1.5 hours by train)
Loire Valley châteaux (day trip or overnight)
Provence (TGV train to Avignon)
Final Thoughts
Paris is magical, but it requires planning to avoid tourist traps and overwhelm. Where you stay matters. Le Marais, Saint-Germain, or the 7th arrondissement are our top picks. Mix Michelin-starred splurges with neighborhood bistros. Plan key activities but leave room for spontaneous wandering. Five to seven days is ideal for first-time visitors.
The difference between a mediocre Paris trip and a magical one often comes down to choosing the right neighborhood, booking the right restaurants in advance, and knowing which "must-sees" are actually worth your time.
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Don't forget your travel documents! Check out our guide to passports, visas, and entry requirements.
And pack smart with our ultimate packing checklist for organized travelers.
