Paris

Few cities rival Paris when it comes to enthralling visitors with iconic attractions and elegant charm. From the dramatic majesty of the Arc de Triomphe, to the oft-photographed Eiffel Tower and the imposing architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the city’s ‘must-visit’ list could occupy days.

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QUICK GUIDE

WHEN TO GO

There are good reasons songs have been written about Paris in the springtime: It’s downright lovely. Autumn is equally nice. Both seasons see somewhat fewer crowds and lower prices than the peak summer months, though keep in mind that as one of the most visited cities in the world, it’s almost always busy here. If you don’t mind the chilly weather, winter is also a quieter season for travel.

NEED TO KNOW

Visas: E.U. nationals don’t need a visa to enter France. U.S., Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African citizens do not need a visa for trips of up to 3 months. Travelers from non-E.U. countries are required to show a valid passport. 
Money: French currency is the euro. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted by most businesses.
Travel Health: Check with the French government website for the latest health safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

GETTING AROUND

Getting Here: Paris is served by two international airports: Aéroport d’Orly (ORY) and Aéroport Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG). The city also has six major train stations: Gare du Nord, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare and Gare de l’Est.
Getting Around: The Paris Metro and RER trains are quick, convenient and inexpensive. Still, Paris will always be best explored aboveground — and slowly, so do plan to traverse it on foot or wheels as much as possible. Bike shares, like those offered by Vélib, are easy to secure, or for a unique perspective along the Seine, try the Batobus ferry system. Taxis are most easily secured via taxi stands; or try using Heetch, a French competitor to Uber.

LOCAL INTEL

Local Lingo: Check out Marriott Bonvoy Traveler’s helpful tips (and video!) for how to order food and wine the Parisian way.
Must-Have Apps: CitymapperHeetchGoogle TranslateLe Fooding 
Insider Tips: After you’ve seen Paris’ major museums, take time to visit some of its smaller, but no less delightful ones. You’ll discover the Revolutionary spirit of 19th-century artists in Eugène Delacroix’s former studio, or the camaraderie of absinthe-swilling painters and writers at the Musée de Montmartre.
Fun Fact: Paris’ 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods) are numbered to resemble the spiral of a snail shell. The first arrondissement lies in the center of the city, and subsequent ones spiral out from there.