Is Paris Worth Visiting?

We have had the pleasure of visiting Paris multiple times over the past decade, as solo travellers, as a couple and now as a family.

However, while the French capital city is on many people’s bucket lists, not everyone is convinced that it’s somewhere worth visiting while either in France or travelling around Europe.

Paris is well worth visiting as it has something to offer everyone, from families to couples to solo travellers. There is a wide variety of historical and modern points of interest within the city including various parks, museums and restaurants that will suit all ages and preferences.

Thankfully, having visited Paris multiple times we know first-hand that not all of the city’s attractions appeal to every type of traveller.

We have therefore gone ahead and broken down the city’s most popular sights and attractions to help you better understand what you’re likely to enjoy during your time here based on your interests.

Why Should You Visit Paris?

The colourful city of Paris boasts amazing food and an extensive range of cultural and historic attractions which make it a great place to visit. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun city to explore, by yourself or with family, Paris is the perfect place.

Visit World-Famous Museums

Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic museums. Whether you’re exploring the vast collection of the Louvre or delving into the wonders of the Musée d’Orsay, there’s always something captivating around every corner.

Checkout Some Renowned Artwork

Beyond just the museums, Paris boasts a rich tapestry of art in galleries, street corners, and unexpected places. From the works of the grandmasters to contemporary art installations, art enthusiasts will find plenty to admire.

Experience the Delightful Food

No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Be it the flaky croissants, sumptuous escargots, or the classic coq au vin, every dish tells a story of tradition and flavour.

Take a Boat Ride Along the River

The Seine River offers a unique perspective of the city. A boat ride not only provides stunning views of historic landmarks but also a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets.

See an Incredible Show

From the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret to contemporary theatres, Paris provides a myriad of entertainment options. Experience the magic, drama, and romance of Parisian performances.

Marvel at the Architecture

Parisian architecture is a mesmerizing blend of historic charm and modern elegance. From the towering Eiffel Tower to the intricate details of Notre Dame, every structure tells a tale of centuries gone by.

Go on a Walking Tour of the City

Walking is arguably the best way to explore Paris. Guided tours or self-guided strolls can unveil hidden gems, historic landmarks, and the true essence of the city.

Have a Picnic in the Delightful Gardens

Paris is dotted with beautiful gardens like the Luxembourg Gardens and Jardin des Tuileries. These spots offer a perfect setting for a tranquil picnic amidst nature and art.

Watch PSG Play a Football Match

For sports enthusiasts, watching Paris Saint-Germain, the city’s top football club, compete at the Parc des Princes is an experience filled with energy and passion.

Take a Trip to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is a world-famous Disney theme park located just outside of Paris City Center. Taking the train or an Uber from Paris to Disneyland Paris is quick and easy, and makes for the perfect fun-filled day trip.

Shop in Some of the Most Famous Designer Stores

Paris, often considered the fashion capital of the world, is a haven for shoppers. From the luxurious boutiques along Champs-Élysées to the trendy stores in Le Marais, there’s something for every fashionista

How Long To Spend In Paris

You can explore the majority of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris in as little as three days. However, if you want to dive a little deeper then I recommend extending your trip to seven days instead.

Seven days in Paris gives you plenty of time to explore all the major sites at a leisurely pace, and really get a feel for the Parisian culture. It also provides you with the chance to take a day trip or two out of the capital to other nearby towns and cities.

Of course, extending your trip to Paris will require a higher budget. In our experience one week in Paris costs between €1,500 and €3,000 per person based on two people sharing and excluding flights.

What Are The Most Popular Attractions In Paris?

Paris is home to some of the most incredible, world-renounced attractions, these include;

Pantheon

Situated in the Latin Quarter of Paris is the Panthéon.

This world-renounced civic building is home to the remains of some of the most famous French citizens including; Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Èmile Zola, and Marie Curie.

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is a 1.9km long avenue that runs between the Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle.

This avenue is home to the famous Arc de Triomphe, alongside an extensive range of commercial properties including designer stores and Michelin-star restaurants.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most famous landmark not only in Paris but in France as a whole. This wrought-iron lattice tower situated on the Champ de Mars was constructed between 1887 and 1889 and was the centrepiece of the 1889 World’s Fair.

We highly recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower during your trip to Paris, or even extending to staying in a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower, if your budget allows.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is a medieval Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is considered by many as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world’s most-visited museum and a historical landmark in Paris.

This museum is home to some of the world’s most famous works of art including the Mona Lisa, The Raft of the Medusa and The Coronation of Napoleon.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle.

This incredible piece of architecture was designed to honour those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and combines both a commemorative space with a symbolic one.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is situated roughly 12 miles west of Paris City Centre and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world with more than 15 million people visiting the palace, park or gardens every year.

This former royal residence was built by King Louis XIV in 1623 and became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979 as a result of its importance as the centre of power, art, and science in France during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a charming region in Paris, most noted for its 130m hill of which the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur sits at the summit.

For those looking to experience incredible nightlife in Paris, Montmartre is also a popular nightclub district that’s well worth visiting during your trip to the city.

How To Get Around Paris

Paris, the enchanting capital of France, is not just renowned for its timeless charm, iconic landmarks, and delightful cuisine, but also for its well-connected and diverse transportation options. Navigating the city is a breeze thanks to the myriad choices available.

• Métro: At the heart of Parisian transit is the Métro system. With its distinctive Art Nouveau entrances, the Métro spans 16 lines and covers most of the city. It’s a quick, efficient way to get around, especially during rush hour.
• Buses: Parisian buses, easily identifiable by their green colour, provide extensive coverage across the city and its suburbs. While they’re not as rapid as the Métro due to surface traffic, they offer the advantage of scenic views of Parisian streets.
• RER (Réseau Express Régional): These are commuter trains that connect central Paris to its suburbs and major landmarks, such as Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles. The RER has fewer stops within the city compared to the Métro but travels greater distances.
• Trams: While trams used to be a common sight in Paris, they disappeared for a while but made a return in the 1990s. They mainly operate in the suburbs but are a green and efficient mode of transport.
• Bicycles (Vélib’): Paris encourages eco-friendly transportation. Vélib’ is a large-scale public bicycle-sharing system that allows you to rent a bike from one station and return it to another. With numerous stations scattered throughout the city, it’s convenient for short rides.
• Electric Scooter Rentals: You can quickly and easily rent electric scooters in Paris to get around the city. Several companies, such as Lime and Bird offer the electric scooter rental service which allows users to rent scooters through an app.
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Traditional taxis are available throughout Paris. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber offer another option for those who prefer private transport.

Will Children Enjoy Visiting Paris?

The city of Paris has a lot to offer families visiting with children. Public transport in the form of a Metro and the RER train system makes the city easy to navigate while cheap family hotels in Paris make the city affordable.

The city is home to several child-friendly attractions including;

Jardin du Luxembourg – This park is home to a vast playground which includes sailboats, a carousel, pony rides and a puppet show.

Champ-de-Mars – This park boasts an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower, a vintage-style merry-go-round and pedal cars and a large playground.

Catacombs – This 18th-century mass burial site features millions of bones on display in vast series of underground tunnels and caverns. It is highly recommended to take a tour and learn more about how the catacombs came to be.

Is Paris Safe?

Generally speaking, Paris is a relatively safe city. However, as with any capital city in Europe, there is some crime. As a tourist, you are most likely to experience street crime in the form of either pickpockets or scammers.

These people will use tricks to target tourists specifically, especially in and around the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

We, therefore, encourage any tourist in Paris to consider the safety of themselves and their belongings during their time in the city. This includes protecting your bags and high-value items such as cameras and mobile phones.