Paris

Paris Travel Guide

The city of art and fashion, with the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles, one of the world's great destinations. The trendy cafes of Le Marais, the artistic streets of Montmartre, and the intellectual atmosphere of Saint-Germain-des-Pres each offer distinct charms. Stroll along the Seine to soak in the leisurely Parisian lifestyle — an ideal city for travelers who want both gastronomy and shopping.

Essential Paris Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Paris

★ 4.7

Eiffel Tower

Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris World's Fair, this 330-meter iron tower was once dismissed as an eyesore but now welcomes some 7 million visitors a year as Paris's defining symbol. Three observation levels offer 360-degree views over the city, and after dark the tower sparkles for five minutes at the top of every hour. The first level features a glass floor for an extra thrill. Admission about EUR 29 by elevator, EUR 11 by stairs (online booking essential). 10-minute walk from Metro Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 9).

Hours09:30-23:45 (extended to 00:45 in summer; open year round)

Location7th arrondissement, Paris

TipsThe sparkle show runs for five minutes every hour after dark. Booking online slashes the wait, and you can climb to the second floor via the stairs.

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★ 4.8

Louvre Museum

Opened in 1793, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum, with roughly 380,000 works in its collection. Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace are among the masterpieces that fill its halls. Originally a 12th-century fortress before becoming the French royal palace, it now welcomes visitors through I.M. Pei's glass pyramid, added in 1989. The collection is so vast that seeing everything would take at least three days. Admission EUR 22 (online booking recommended; free for under 18). Directly connected to Metro Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (Line 1).

Hours09:00-18:00 (until 21:45 on Wednesdays and Fridays; closed Tuesdays)

Location1st arrondissement, Paris

TipsWednesday and Friday nights stay open until 21:45 and are relatively quiet. Visit the Mona Lisa first thing in the morning to skip the worst of the crowds.

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★ 4.7

Palace of Versailles

Used as France's royal palace from 1682 under the Sun King Louis XIV, Versailles is Europe's largest Baroque palace. The 73-meter Hall of Mirrors gleams with 357 mirrors, and the 800-hectare gardens are studded with 1,400 fountains. It also witnessed the events leading to the French Revolution, and the estate includes Marie Antoinette's beloved Petit Trianon. The whole site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Palace admission EUR 21 (gardens free; fountain show extra). 10-minute walk from RER C Versailles Château-Rive Gauche station.

Hours09:00-18:30 (until 17:30 from November to March; closed Tuesdays)

LocationVersailles

TipsAbout 40 minutes from central Paris on RER line C. Closed Tuesdays, and the Musical Fountain Shows run in the gardens on weekends from April to October.

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★ 4.7

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Construction began in 1163 and took roughly 200 years to complete, making Notre-Dame a supreme masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Massive rose windows, flying buttresses, and gargoyle sculptures are unforgettable, and the cathedral inspired Victor Hugo's novel 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.' The April 2019 fire destroyed the spire and roof, but the cathedral reopened at the end of 2024 after restoration work. Set on Île de la Cité in the heart of the Seine, it looks most beautiful from the riverside promenades on either bank. Free entry (tower tour about EUR 13 extra). 5-minute walk from Cité station (Metro Line 4).

Hours08:00-18:45 (until 19:15 on Saturdays and Sundays)

LocationÎle de la Cité, Paris

TipsInterior entry is free but the line can be long — go early in the morning. The side profile from the Seine embankments makes the best photo.

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★ 4.6

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre is the artists' quarter on a 130-meter hill in northern Paris, where late-19th-century giants like Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh worked. Crowning the hill, the white Romano-Byzantine Basilica of Sacré-Cœur was built between 1875 and 1914, and the steps in front offer one of the city's most romantic panoramas. Place du Tertre still buzzes with street artists drawing instant portraits, and the narrow lanes and vintage cafes set a bohemian mood — it's the setting of the film 'Amélie.' Basilica free (dome about EUR 7). 5-10 minute walk from Anvers (Line 2) or Abbesses (Line 12).

HoursBasilica 06:30-22:30 (dome 09:00-20:00)

Location18th arrondissement, Paris

TipsAt sunset, settle on the basilica steps with a glass of wine and watch Paris light up. The funicular (accepts metro tickets) saves you from the steep staircase.

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★ 4.6

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Stretching about 1.9km from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées is called 'the world's most beautiful avenue,' lined with luxury boutiques, cafes, and cinemas. At its western end, the 50-meter Arc de Triomphe — commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate Austerlitz — stands at the center of Place de l'Étoile where 12 avenues converge. The rooftop terrace reveals all 12 radiating streets, plus the Eiffel Tower and La Défense. The arch hosts the Bastille Day military parade on July 14 and the Tour de France finish each July. Arch terrace admission about EUR 13. Connected directly to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station (Metro Lines 1/2/6).

HoursTerrace 10:00-23:00 (until 22:30 from October to March)

Location8th arrondissement, Paris

TipsUse the underground passage to reach the arch safely — never try to cross the 12-lane roundabout on foot. Sunset on the terrace is the most photogenic moment.

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★ 4.8

Musée d'Orsay

Housed in the 1900 Gare d'Orsay railway station, converted into a museum in 1986, the Musée d'Orsay holds the world's richest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art from 1848 to 1914. Highlights include Monet's 'Impression, Sunrise,' Renoir's 'Bal du moulin de la Galette,' Van Gogh's self-portrait from Auvers, Manet's 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe,' and Degas's ballerina series. The giant clock-face window at one end of the museum is a hugely popular photo spot, and the iron skeleton of the old train shed remains gloriously visible in the main hall. Admission about EUR 16 (free on the first Sunday of each month). Connected to RER C Musée d'Orsay station.

Hours09:30-18:00 (until 21:45 Thursdays; closed Mondays)

Location7th arrondissement, Paris

TipsPairs naturally with a Louvre visit. The first Sunday of each month is free but extremely crowded.

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★ 4.5

Seine River Cruise

The Seine's banks were inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1991, and a roughly one-hour cruise takes in the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Pont Alexandre III in a single trip. Operators include Bateaux Mouches and Vedettes du Pont Neuf, and evening dinner cruises set a romantic mood. Each bridge brings a new perspective, and the golden light of sunset over Paris is unforgettable. About EUR 15-20 (1 hour; dinner cruises priced separately). Departures from piers at Pont de l'Alma, Pont Neuf, and others.

Hours10:00-22:30 (varies by operator, departures every 30-60 minutes)

LocationSeine River, Paris

TipsSunset departures are the most magical. Arrive at the ticket office 30 minutes before sailing, and book dinner cruises in advance.

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★ 4.7

Sainte-Chapelle

Built in 1248 by King Louis IX to house relics including the Crown of Thorns, this Gothic royal chapel on the Île de la Cité is nicknamed the 'jewel box' for its upper chapel, whose walls are almost entirely made of stained glass depicting biblical stories. The colors glow most vividly on a sunny morning. Admission is about EUR 13, discounted with a combined ticket for the Conciergerie. A 3-minute walk from Metro Cité (Line 4).

Hours09:00-17:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer; open year round)

LocationÎle de la Cité, 1st arrondissement, Paris

TipsVisit on a sunny morning for the most vivid stained glass. Buy the combined ticket with the Conciergerie to save money.

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★ 4.6

Pantheon

Originally commissioned in 1758 as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the Pantheon was converted after the French Revolution into a mausoleum honoring the nation's great figures. Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Jean-Jaques Rousseau, and Alexandre Dumas rest in its crypt, and Foucault's pendulum still swings beneath the dome to demonstrate the Earth's rotation. The dome's viewing gallery (seasonal) offers sweeping views over the Left Bank. Admission is about EUR 13. A 5-minute walk from RER B Luxembourg station.

Hours10:00-18:30 (until 17:00 in winter; open year round)

Location5th arrondissement, Latin Quarter, Paris

TipsThe Foucault pendulum demonstration runs on the hour. The dome viewing gallery only opens in summer, so check ahead.

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★ 4.7

Musee Rodin

Opened in 1919 in the 18th-century Hotel Biron where Rodin lived and worked, this museum displays masterpieces such as 'The Thinker,' 'The Gates of Hell,' and 'The Kiss' both indoors and throughout its 3-hectare rose garden, where the bronzes make a striking impression. Works by Camille Claudel are also on view. Admission is about EUR 14, or about EUR 4 for the garden alone. A 2-minute walk from Metro Varenne (Line 13).

Hours10:00-18:30 (closed Mondays)

Location7th arrondissement, Paris

TipsA cheaper garden-only ticket is available if you're short on time. Free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

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★ 4.7

Palais Garnier

Designed by architect Charles Garnier and completed in 1875, this Paris National Opera house dazzles with its marble Grand Staircase, gilded decor, and an auditorium ceiling painted by Chagall. The legend of a lake beneath the building inspired 'The Phantom of the Opera.' Beyond attending a performance, visitors can explore the interior on a self-guided daytime tour. Admission is about EUR 15; performance tickets are sold separately. Right in front of Metro Opera (Lines 3/7/8).

Hours10:00-17:00 (until 13:00 on performance days; open year round)

Location9th arrondissement, Paris

TipsYou don't need a ticket to a performance — a daytime self-guided tour covers the Grand Staircase and auditorium. Rent the audio guide for deeper history.

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★ 4.5

Centre Pompidou

Opened in 1977 and designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the Centre Pompidou caused a sensation with its high-tech architecture that exposes color-coded pipes, ventilation ducts, and escalators on the exterior. Inside, the Musee National d'Art Moderne holds one of Europe's largest collections of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views over Paris. Admission is about EUR 15. A 3-minute walk from Metro Rambuteau (Line 11).

Hours11:00-21:00 (closed Tuesdays; extended to 23:00 on Thursdays)

Location4th arrondissement, Beaubourg, Paris

TipsFree entry on the first Sunday of each month. The rooftop terrace is included with admission — don't skip it.

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★ 4.7

Musee de l'Orangerie

Originally built as an orangery for the Tuileries Garden, the building was converted from 1927 into two oval rooms designed specifically to display Monet's eight monumental 'Water Lilies' paintings, which he donated to the French state. Monet himself chose the layout so natural light would wash across the curved, panoramic canvases. The lower level holds the Walter-Guillaume collection, spanning Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Admission is about EUR 12.50. A 5-minute walk from Metro Concorde (Lines 1/8/12).

Hours09:00-18:00 (closed Tuesdays)

Location1st arrondissement, Tuileries, Paris

TipsArrive right at opening to enjoy the Water Lilies rooms without crowds. A separate ticket is required — it isn't covered by the Louvre-Orsay combo pass.

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★ 4.5

Catacombs of Paris

Starting in 1786, remains from Paris's overcrowded cemeteries were relocated into disused quarry tunnels, and today around six million skeletons are meticulously stacked along the walls. The public route covers about 1.5 km, a small fraction of the full tunnel network, and visitors pass eerie arrangements of skulls and bones along the cool, dim corridors. There are many stairs, and it isn't recommended for those prone to claustrophobia. Admission is about EUR 29 (online booking required). Right by Metro Denfert-Rochereau (Lines 4/6).

Hours09:45-20:30 (closed Mondays)

Location14th arrondissement, Paris

TipsOnline advance booking is mandatory and popular time slots sell out weeks ahead. There are 130+ steps, so wear comfortable shoes.

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★ 4.7

Jardin du Luxembourg

Commissioned in 1612 by Queen Marie de' Medici, this garden's Luxembourg Palace now serves as the seat of the French Senate. Highlights include symmetrical flowerbeds, the Medici Fountain, around 100 statues, and an octagonal pond where children sail toy boats. It's a wonderful place to glimpse everyday Parisian life, from picnics on the lawn to readers relaxing in the garden's iconic green chairs. Admission is free. Right at RER B Luxembourg station.

Hours07:30 until sunset (varies by season; open year round)

Location6th arrondissement, Left Bank, Paris

TipsToy sailboats can be rented near the octagonal pond. Sit in one of the iconic green metal chairs for a moment of true Parisian leisure.

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★ 4.6

Place de la Concorde

Laid out in 1755 in honor of Louis XV, this square became the site of the guillotine during the French Revolution, where around 1,200 people were executed, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. At its center stands the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk, gifted by Egypt in 1836, and the square anchors the grand axis linking the Champs-Elysees and the Tuileries Garden. The obelisk and fountains are beautifully illuminated at night. Admission is free. Right at Metro Concorde (Lines 1/8/12).

HoursOpen 24 hours (year round)

Location8th arrondissement, Paris

TipsTraffic around the square is heavy, so always use the crosswalk signals. Photographing the illuminated obelisk at night is a popular activity.

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★ 4.5

Conciergerie

Located on the Île de la Cité, the Conciergerie was built as a royal palace for the Capetian kings from the 10th to 14th centuries before being converted into a prison. During the French Revolution, around 2,700 prisoners passed through here on their way to the guillotine. The cell where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution has been recreated, and the Hall of the Men-at-Arms is one of the largest surviving medieval halls in Europe. It's an easy walk to combine with Sainte-Chapelle next door. Admission is about EUR 13. A 3-minute walk from Metro Cité (Line 4).

Hours09:30-18:00 (open year round)

LocationÎle de la Cité, 1st arrondissement, Paris

TipsBuy the combined ticket with Sainte-Chapelle to save money. Don't miss the recreated cell of Marie Antoinette.

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Things to Do in Paris

Tour

Seine Dinner Cruise

A 3-course French dinner on the Seine while cruising past illuminated landmarks. About EUR 80-140

Price About EUR 80-140Duration 2-2.5 hours

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Culture

Louvre Guided Tour

Visit the Louvre's must-see masterpieces with a Korean or English-speaking guide in 2-3 hours. About EUR 50-80

Price About EUR 50-80Duration 2-3 hours

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Tour

Versailles Day Trip

Visit Versailles and its gardens via RER or a guided tour from Paris. Around EUR 70-120 with admission included

Price About EUR 70-120Duration 5-8 hours

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Culture

Montmartre Walking Tour

Walk Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, and Amélie film locations with a local guide. About EUR 20-35

Price About EUR 20-35Duration 2-3 hours

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Culture

Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show

The world-famous cabaret since 1889 — enjoy the 'Féerie' show with champagne or dinner. About EUR 88-220

Price About EUR 88-220Duration 2-3 hours

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Adventure

Paris Bike Tour

Cruise the Seine and main sights on Vélib public bikes or a guided cycling tour. Guided tours about EUR 35-50

Price About EUR 35-50 (guided tour)Duration 3-4 hours

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Must-Try Food in Paris

Croissant

🍰 Dessert

Buttery, flaky French pastry, a Parisian cafe breakfast essential. About EUR 1.50-3 each. Try Du Pain et des Idées in Le Marais or backstreet bakeries in Montmartre for a local favorite.

Macaron

🍰 Dessert

Colorful French signature dessert, perfected at Laduree and Pierre Herme. A box of 6 costs about EUR 15-20. The Laduree flagship on the Champs-Elysees or Pierre Herme in Saint-Germain are the top spots.

French Onion Soup

🍱 Traditional

Classic French home-style soup with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese. About EUR 10-15 per bowl. Au Pied de Cochon near Les Halles serves it 24 hours.

Escargots de Bourgogne

🍱 Traditional

Snails baked in garlic-parsley butter, a Burgundy classic and a French culinary icon. About EUR 12-18 for six. L'Escargot Montorgueil near Le Marais has been serving them since 1832.

Steak Frites

🍱 Traditional

The quintessential Parisian bistro plate — a juicy steak with thin frites and béarnaise or peppercorn sauce. About EUR 22-32. Le Relais de l'Entrecôte in Saint-Germain is famous for serving only this single dish.

Crêpes

🍢 Street Food

Thin French pancakes, sweet with Nutella, banana, sugar, or lemon, or savoury as buckwheat galettes. About EUR 4-8 from a stand. Rue du Montparnasse is lined with crêperies.

French Wine & Cheese

🍵 Drink

Bordeaux and Burgundy wines paired with Camembert, Brie, or Roquefort cheese — the essence of French dining. About EUR 5-10 per glass; cheese boards EUR 15-25. La Belle Hortense in Le Marais is a popular wine bar.

Paris Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Paris?

May-September is the prime season. Long summer daylight is great for sightseeing, with the June Fete de la Musique and the July 14 Bastille Day celebrations as highlights.

How much does it cost to travel in Paris?

Around $105-180 per day (lodging $55-105, food $30-45, transit and entry fees $20-30).

How do I get around in Paris?

From Charles de Gaulle Airport, RER line B reaches the center in 35 minutes. A Navigo metro pass is recommended; the metro is the easiest way around the city. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport (Orange, SFR, etc., about EUR 15-20/week). Card payments are widely accepted. Tipping 5-10% at restaurants is customary.

Do I need a visa to visit Paris?

Korean passport holders can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Paris safe for tourists?

Watch out for pickpockets at major sights and on public transport. Keep a copy of your passport separately and split valuables across pockets and bags.

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