Whether you're heading to Paris for a romantic getaway or hoping to take the family to its many museums and galleries, we've got the best insider tips to help you make the most of your holiday.
Paris is at its most beautiful – but also its busiest – in the spring. If you're coming for the museums and romantic atmosphere, autumn and winter can be great times to visit with fewer crowds, while families travelling during the summer holidays will benefit from a huge array of outdoor events put on by the city to entertain the large numbers of visitors.
Paris is famous as the home to cabaret clubs like Moulin Rouge and Lido de Paris – make sure you book tickets in advance if you want to see their fantastic shows. There's also plenty of opportunity for clubbing along rue Oberkampf and in the Bastille area, while many might prefer to simply wander the streets at night. With licensed cafes open late and the beauty of Paris all lit up, many a fun evening can be passed in this manner.
One way to get a feel for the bohemian nature of Paris is to spend some time exploring its bookshops. Head over to Shakespeare and Company in the Left Bank to explore the rabbit warren of books – many English language – that once served as a base for the writers of the Beat Generation.
Unbeatable. For designer fashion, head to the boutiques around the Champs Elysse, or visit one of the city's famous department stores. The markets offer plenty of bargains – try the Louvre for antiques or the Porte de Montreuil flea market for bric-a-brac and vintage clothes.
If you want to visit popular attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, it's a good idea to get an early start to avoid the worst of the queues. Try to visit on weekdays too, and spend weekends exploring lesser known sights or visiting outdoor attractions. Also, remember to look online – many attractions offer advance booking options that allow you to skip the queues.
Although Paris' locals have a reputation for being a little frosty, you'll have a much higher chance of making friends if you learn a little French. You'll be more likely to strike up a conversation with a local out of season, too, as many of them escape the city during the summer months.
Yes, although many restaurants will assume you want bottled water unless you specify tap.
The emergency services can be contacted on 112.
In the summer, Paris can get very hot and you'll certainly need to bring some sunscreen to keep safe. In the autumn and winter, wrap up warm and prepare for showers.
Most locals and tourists use the Metro to get around as it is cheap, frequent and relatively safe. You can also walk between many of the major sights, or take advantage of the new Velib system which allows you to easily hire and return bikes.
Yes. Although you can struggle along not knowing any French, you will find it much easier – not to mention politer – to learn a few key phrases and words.
In France, a 15% service charge is always included in the bill. However, if you feel your service has been good, it is polite – though not essential - to include a little extra.
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