Holidays to Paris are pure city break material. Think strolls along the Seine, iconic landmarks, and people-watching from pavement bistros.
Big city energy
Museums, macarons and the Mona Lisa? Say less. Paris is basically the blueprint for city breaks. It’s the kind of place where you can tick off world-famous landmarks, discover hidden wine bars and get serenaded by street performers all in the same afternoon. But not all trips here have to be the same. Come for the City of Love and it’s all candlelit bistros and Montmartre’s romance. Or, meet her alter-ego – the City of Light – and check out the edgy bars and underground clubs in Canal St-Martin and the Latin Quarter. Whether you’re here for high fashion, gritty history or viral hot chocs, get ready to romanticise your life – okay Emily…
Iconic sights
France’s capital is stacked with icons. You’ve got the Eiffel Tower doing its hourly sparkle, the Louvre casually housing the world’s most famous painting and the Arc de Triomphe holding space in the Champs-Élysées. But Paris even makes small moments feel magic, too – watching locals playing pétanque in the park, sipping an espresso at a streetside café and catching the sunset from the steps of Sacré-Cœur. It’s giving main character vibes from every angle.
A muse and a moment
Creatives have been obsessed with Paris since forever. Writers, painters, fashion designers, film directors – it’s their muse for a reason. Dive into Montmartre’s boho art scene, browse indie bookshops in the Latin Quarter or pay a visit to legends like Jim Morisson and Edith Piaf in Père Lachaise Cemetery. Every arrondissement has its own personality, so you should deffo visit as many as possible and pick your fave.
Best time to go to Paris
Paris is pretty perfect all year round, so the best time to go depends on what you want from your trip. Spring (March-May) is when Paris looks best on socials – the blossom’s blossoming, the green spaces are thriving and the mild temps are perfect for sightseeing. But, it’s also hard to beat summer in the city. June-August is all about sunbathing on the Champ de Mars, ice cold rosé outside wine bars and surprise beach pop-ups. Autumn brings the cosy feels, fewer tourists and Parisian fashion at its best. And winter? Paris gets festive, twinkly and packed with Christmas markets. Plus, flights and hotel rates tend to drop after Christmas and New Year.
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Paris FAQs
Where you stay in Paris really depends on your vibe. First-timers will love the 1st arrondissement near the Louvre – it’s central, walkable and close to all the big sights. For romance and Eiffel Tower views, the 7th is cliché Paris in the best way. If you’re into a more creative scene, head to Le Marais – it’s stylish, an LGBTQ+ hub and full of independent shops and bars. South Pigalle (SoPi) gives you that cool, local feel with great nightlife and fewer tourists. And if you’re travelling on a budget, the Latin Quarter is full of student charm, affordable stays and still just a short stroll from Notre-Dame.
Totally. Instead of big meals out, grab pastries and a made-up baguette from a boulangerie for something on the go. If you’re out for a drink, asking for the house wine by the glass is always cheap and there are loads of flea and street food markets to check out. Public transport is affordable, or just walk – Paris is super easy to cover on foot. And, if you do want the whole people-watching-from-a-bistro experience, look out for formules (set menus) at lunchtime.
No more than you should be in London or any other touristy city. Pickpocketing can be an issue in busy spots, so just keep your bag close, zip up your valuables and don’t flash money or your phone about. If you want to do a tour or an activity, make sure you’re booking through a legit tour operator.
Paris is the gift that keeps on giving. Instead of revisiting the same big sights, swap the Eiffel Tower for Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville’s street art or lesser-known museums like the Musée de la Vie Romantique. Spend a lazy afternoon in Buttes-Chaumont Park, go vintage shopping in Le Marais or do a food crawl in Rue Cler.
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Paris travel advice
Good to know
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter France but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for France using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to get a European Health Insurance Card – or EHIC – before leaving the UK. You’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. You can apply at www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. You’ll need to have both this card and adequate travel insurance. Though it’s not a substitute for travel insurance, it entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as French nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/health.
Healthcare – Paris has amazing healthcare facilities. You’ll see the pharmacies’ green cross signs everywhere, and staff can often help with basic medication or advice. Travel insurance that covers medical care is highly recommended, especially for non-EU visitors, as private costs can stack up. In emergencies, dial 112 (the EU-wide emergency number).
Water – The tap water in Paris is safe to drink – it’s good quality and tastes fine. Refill your bottle as you go, especially when walking around the city. Bottled water is available, of course, but it’s much cheaper to drink tap.
Language
French is the official language of France, but you’ll also hear Spanish, Italian and Arabic, as the city’s super multicultural. English is widely understood in touristy areas, hotels, museums and restaurants, but making an effort goes a long way, especially with proud Parisian – a polite “bonjour”, “s’il vous plait” and “merci” does the job.
Basic phrases
Here are some easy French phrases to sprinkle into your trip:
- Hello! How are you? – Bonjour ! Ça va ?
- Thank you! – Merci !
- Excuse me, do you speak English? – Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais
- How much does this cost? – C’est combien ?
Social norms and etiquette
Tipping – Tipping in Paris isn’t mandatory, since service is usually included (you’ll see ‘service compris’ on the bill). But if the service is good, rounding up or leaving around 5-10% is totally normal. In cafés, taxis or salons, rounding up to the nearest euro is a nice gesture. Tour guides also appreciate a few extra euros if they’ve gone above and beyond.
Dress code –Paris is forever in fashion, and while there’s no dress code, casual here means ‘well put together.’ If you want to blend in with the locals, think neutral tones, comfy-but-smart shoes and you’ll never catch a Parisian in gymwear outside the gym. For evening dining or opera outings, go for a smart-casual look. Visiting churches or religious sites? Shoulders covered and respectful attire is appreciated.
Money
Currency – Paris uses the Euro (€), which is convenient if you’re travelling through multiple places in the EU.
Exchange – ATMs are easy to find and usually give the best exchange rate. Most major cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Currency exchange offices exist but may offer lower rates, so try to withdraw cash directly from a bank ATM where possible.
Mobile payments – Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards are widely accepted across the city – especially in larger restaurants, shops and on public transport. However, smaller cafés, food stalls or markets may prefer cash, so it’s a good shout to carry a few euros on you, just in case.
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