Paris Travel Guide 2026

Why Fights To Paris in 2026

Paris doesn’t really need an introduction. People go for the classics: the food, the art, the feeling that you’ve stepped into a movie set where the lighting is always flattering. The Seine cuts through the city like a main street, with museums and old churches on either side, and those wide boulevards that somehow make even regular commuting look elegant. You’ll see Parisians slipping into bakeries, sitting outside cafes, or carrying flowers home like it’s no big deal. It kind of is their normal life, which is part of the charm.

Ernest Hemingway called Paris a city of “many splendors,” and honestly, he wasn’t wrong. You can spend a whole day just bouncing between the big hits: the Musée d’Orsay, a long walk through Le Marais, the view from the Eiffel Tower, and a half-day in Versailles if you’re up for it. But the best moments are usually the simple ones—wandering through a neighborhood you picked at random, stopping for a crêpe, and realizing you’ve been walking for hours without caring.

If you want the trip to feel smooth from the start, business class flights to Paris can be worth considering, especially on longer routes. Better sleep, more space, and arriving less wrecked makes a difference. There are plenty of flights to Paris, so it’s usually possible to find an itinerary that fits your schedule without having to do something chaotic like a 6 a.m. sprint through three terminals.

Best Months to Travel to Paris

If you’re choosing purely on weather, June through August and September through October are usually the easiest bets. Summer has long days and warm temperatures—great for parks, late dinners, and walking everywhere. The downside is obvious: it’s peak season, so prices jump and the most popular spots get crowded.

Early fall is a sweet spot. The city is still lively, but it feels a little less packed, and the light is gorgeous. Winter is where you’ll often find better deals, especially on hotels, and the city has its own cozy rhythm. Just expect shorter days and chillier weather.

One thing to keep in mind: Paris is popular year-round. You can absolutely dodge the worst of the crowds, but you probably won’t have the city to yourself.

How to Save Money in Paris

Start your day at a boulangerie.
Breakfast doesn’t need to be a sit-down affair. Grab something simple—quiche, a sandwich, a pastry—and you’ll eat well for less.

Aim for the first Sunday of the month (if it lines up).
Some museums and landmarks offer free admission on the first Sunday. It can be a real savings, but it also means extra crowds, so plan your timing.

Walk when it makes sense.
Paris is big, but a lot of the famous sights are closer than they look on a map. If you group things by neighborhood, you’ll save metro rides and see more of the city in between.

Culture and Customs

You’ll hear the stereotype that Parisians are rude, and it’s… overblown. Like any major city, you’ll meet people who are warm and helpful and people who are having a long day. What does matter in Paris is manners. A quick “bonjour” when you walk into a shop goes a long way. Same for “merci,” and “s’il vous plaît.”

A few phrases that are genuinely useful:

• “Bonjour / Bonsoir” (hello / good evening)
• “Merci” (thank you)
• “S’il vous plaît” (please)
• “Excusez-moi” (excuse me)
• “Parlez-vous anglais ?” (do you speak English?)
• “Pouvez-vous m’aider ?” (can you help me?)

For greetings, a handshake is a safe default unless someone initiates “les bises.” If you’re not comfortable, a handshake is completely fine.

Style-wise, Paris tends to be simple and put-together. You don’t have to dress like you’re heading to fashion week, but you’ll blend in more with clean basics, neutral colors, and comfortable shoes that don’t scream “gym.” France uses the euro, and credit cards are widely accepted, though it’s smart to keep a bit of cash for smaller places. Service is usually included (“service compris”), but leaving a little extra for excellent service is normal. For taxis, rounding up is common.

Delicious Foods To Try

Paris has everything from casual bistros to serious fine dining, but the easiest win is sticking to the classics. Try:

• soupe à l’oignon gratinée (French onion soup)
• croque-monsieur
• steak frites
• coquilles St-Jacques

For sweets, it’s hard to go wrong with pain au chocolat, macarons, or a crêpe you eat while walking. If you want a quick lunch, a baguette sandwich from a traiteur is the move. And if you’re curious about what to order (or you just want someone to do the “best places” homework for you), a guided food tour can be a fun shortcut.

If you’re planning a splurge meal, places like Guy Savoy, Bistrot Paul Bert, or Chez André are often mentioned for a reason—but you’ll also eat incredibly well in smaller neighborhood spots if you avoid the obvious tourist-trap menus.

Getting around Paris

Walking and the metro will cover almost everything. The metro is fast, frequent, and the easiest way to hop between neighborhoods when your feet are done for the day. Buses are useful too, especially if you want to actually see the city while you move through it.

If you’re flying in, most travelers arrive via:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG), about 22 miles northeast of the center
• Orly (ORY), about 11 miles south

From CDG, you can use the RER train, buses, or the RoissyBus. Late at night, the Noctilien night buses run after the metro closes. From Orly, you can connect via shuttle/RER options, including the Orlyval to the RER at Antony. Taxis are convenient but pricey, and driving is usually more stress than it’s worth.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in France or Europe, trains are a great option. Paris has several major stations linked into the metro system, so it’s easy to arrive by rail and keep moving.

Entry and exit requirements (U.S. travelers)

U.S. citizens need a passport (including for children) that’s valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date. For stays under 90 days, a visa typically isn’t required. Entry rules can change, so it’s still smart to check the U.S. State Department's website.