- Fly Orly if the fare is close — it's nearer the Left Bank.
- Eat the lunch formule; the same kitchen costs double at dinner.
- Book museums online with timed entry and skip the queue.
- Take the Metro one stop less and walk — you'll see more.
01Best time to visit
April–June and September–October: mild, long evenings, manageable crowds. July–August is hot and many locals leave; November–February is grey but cheap and museum-friendly.
02Arrival airport
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) for most long-haul; Orly (ORY) for many European and some transatlantic flights and closer to the Left Bank. From CDG, the RER B takes 35–50 minutes; taxis have flat fares to the Right and Left Bank. EES biometric registration applies to non-EU arrivals — expect queues at peak.
03Neighborhood selector
| Neighborhood | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Le Marais (3e/4e) | First trip, walkable, cafés | Busy; small rooms. |
| Saint-Germain (6e) | Classic Left Bank, bookshops | Pricey; central. |
| The 11th (Oberkampf / Charonne) | Food, value, nightlife | Best restaurants per euro. |
| Canal Saint-Martin (10e) | Calm, creative, local | 10 minutes from the centre. |
| Montmartre (18e) | Views, village feel | Steep; touristy around Sacré-Cœur. |
04Accommodation strategy
Small hotels and apartments dominate; rooms are tiny by US standards. Book two months ahead for spring and autumn. Look for a lift if you have heavy bags.
05Transit basics
Buy a Navigo Easy card or use contactless; the Metro covers everything. Walk when you can — Paris is smaller than it looks. Avoid taxis at rush hour.
06Cost expectations
High for hotels, moderate for food if you eat the lunch formule and shop at markets. Museum passes pay off with three or more visits.
07Food & local etiquette
Say bonjour when entering any shop; a couvert is not charged; tipping is a few euros, not a percentage. Keep phones and wallets zipped on the Metro.
08Photography & creator notes
Blue hour from the Pont Alexandre III; the Palais-Royal colonnades at opening; Sacré-Cœur steps at sunrise before the crowds. Tripods are restricted in museums and some public spaces.
09Day trips
- Versailles (40 min by RER C) — go on a weekday morning
- Giverny (1h) April–October
- Reims (45 min by TGV) for champagne
- Chantilly (30 min) for the château and fewer crowds
- Paris je t'aime (tourism office)
- RATP / Île-de-France Mobilités
- Editorial visits, 2026