Cliche but still fascinating, the capital of art
Ranked by interestingness score, based on real experience
An old train station converted into a museum; Inside is the world's largest impressionist and post-impressionist collection. Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne all under one roof. It is much less crowded and more enjoyable to visit than the Louvre. It is open until 21:45 on Thursday evenings.
It is the most crowded museum in the world and rightfully the largest. You may spend 5 minutes in front of the Mona Lisa and be disappointed, but Vinci's other works, the Egyptian collection and Venus are wonderful. We recommend you reserve a full day. Closed on Tuesdays; It is open until 21:45 on Thursday evenings.
It reopened to visitors in December 2024, after five and a half years of restoration following the 2019 fire. Gothic architecture is unique, and the stained glass windows have become brighter with the restoration. Entrance is free, but the wait may be longer during busy hours. Ascent to the bell tower is still available with limited capacity.
One of the most popular parks in Paris; It is located in the heart of Saint-Germain, in the garden of the Luxembourg Palace (Senate building). Lying on green chairs, reading a book, and watching children's sailboats sail around the pool is a typical Parisian afternoon. Tennis courts, chess players, and a small theater are all here.
It stands in the center of the star square at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, where 12 avenues meet. If you climb to the top, you will clearly see the axial plan of Paris: Louvre, Concorde, Champs-Élysées, La Défense are lined up on the same line. The flame at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is re-lit every evening at 18:30.
Artist district located at the top of the 18th arrondissement. The white basilica allows you to watch Paris from 130 meters high, and its entrance is free. Painters will draw your portrait at Place du Tertre, but we recommend that you agree on the price in advance. If you do not want to walk the hills, the funicular works with a Métro ticket.
13th-century royal chapel hidden on the Île de la Cité. The 15-meter-high stained glass windows on the upper floor create an incredible corridor of light on sunny days. It's 5 minutes from Notre-Dame but much less crowded. Since the security check is in the Palace of Justice complex, it may take 15-20 minutes.
The symbol of Paris and the only tangible proof that you actually went to Paris. The 5-minute-on-the-hour luminescence display is spectacular at dusk. If you want to go to the top floor, we strongly recommend that you buy your ticket online, the queue at the box office increases to 2-3 hours in summer. Early morning hours are best for taking photos by Trocadéro.
2 km long ceremonial avenue stretching from Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It is full of luxury brands, cafes and historical cinemas. Frankly, the locals are not frequented anymore, but it is the center for the Bastille Day parade and New Year's celebrations. Le Marais is more enjoyable for shopping.
The most famous cemetery in the world; Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Molière lie here. It is almost an open-air sculpture park with its 44 hectare area, paved roads, monumental sarcophagi and old chestnut trees. Admission is free; We recommend taking the map from the door, it is easy to get lost.
As a modern art museum, it hosts one of the largest collections in Europe. Its exposed colored pipes and inverted architecture caused controversy in 1977. The collection of Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky and Duchamp is strong. The building closed at the end of 2025 for an extensive renovation, with reopening planned for 2030; We recommend you check the official site before visiting.
The royal palace, 20 km southwest of Paris; It can be reached by RER C in approximately 45 minutes. The Gallery of Mirrors and Marie Antoinette's village are worth seeing. The gardens are free; You need a ticket to enter the palace. We recommend you spend a full day, half a day is tiring.
What will you do from hour to hour, from morning to evening?
From Eiffel to Louvre on the city axis
Go early in the morning, the queue is short. Photo from Trocadéro if you don't want to go up the tower.
Le Mary Celeste or Breizh Café for crepe.
Mona Lisa + Venus + Liberty + Vinci. 4 hours minimum.
Saint-Germain bistro classic. Reservation is final.
Start with the impressionists, work your way up
Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir. 4 hours will be a good time to visit the Louvre.
Best bread + sandwich in the city. Closed on weekends.
Artists' streets, white basilica, painters' square.
1 Michelin modern French. Otherwise Marais bistro.
Palace morning + fashion evening
45 min via RER C. Online ticket skip the queue. Hall of Mirrors + Marie Antoinette village.
In one of the garden restaurants.
Place des Vosges, Picasso Museum, vintage shops.
Classic bistro or casual crepe.
From local classics to hype places
Current Hype There are those who say it is better than Ladurée. Seasonal flavors. Stay away from Champs-Élysées, Marais branch.
Local Classic One of the best bakeries in the city. Try pain des amis and escargot. Closed on weekends.
Premium 1 Michelin, modern French cuisine. It has been on the World's 50 Best list for 9 years. Reservation 3 months in advance.
Local Classic Legendary falafel address on Marais' Rosiers Street, operating since 1979. I still have the t-shirt Lenny Kravitz stuck to the window. The queue is long, buying takeaway and eating while standing is standard. Falafel special is around 9 EUR; Crispy, tahini, vegetarian friendly and fast.
Local Classic A modern interpretation of the classic bouillon (workers' restaurant) concept in the Pigalle region. Boeuf bourguignon 13 EUR, coq au vin 11 EUR; It's incredibly affordable on a Parisian scale. They don't take reservations, you have to queue. If you get there at 12:00 opening time, a table can be found in 20 minutes.
Local Classic The best of Brittany crepes. Savory galettes + sweet crepes. Accompanied by Cidre.
Current Hype Bistro classic in Saint-Germain. Chef Yves Camdeborde. Reservation is mandatory, evening menu is 75 EUR.
Current Hype Saint-Germain's legendary café has been open since 1887. Sartre, de Beauvoir and Picasso are among his regulars. The coffee is expensive (8-10 EUR) but the ambience and history pays off. Croque-monsieur and its hot chocolate are classics. It is possible to see the local area in the morning, but it is completely touristic in the afternoon.
Local Classic A classic that has been running since 1924, frequented by world leaders. Roasted chicken is legendary.
Entertainment from evening to morning
Premium The symbol of Pigalle is the cabaret, operating since 1889. It is the birthplace of the 'Cancan' dance; The show is around 2 hours and champagne packages are standard. We know it's cliché, but it's worth experiencing at least once. Online reservation must be made at least 1 week in advance.
Current Hype It's a semi-hidden cocktail bar on Rue Saint-Sauveur in the 2nd arrondissement. It is the address that started Paris's modern mixology scene. Seasonal pass, band 15-18 EUR; It's dark, crowded and music is usually in the background. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
Current Hype Hidden bar (speakeasy) hidden behind an old laundromat in the Marais. You turn the door that looks like a washing machine and go upstairs. Swing seats, seasonal cocktails, a young-trendy crowd. Reservation is made online.
Current Hype Hidden garden of the Marais, post-colonial theme. Cocktail + live music. Go early in the evening.
Premium Rooftop bar in Marais. City view, cocktails are good. Go early, the queue is long.
Local Classic Underground techno classic. Laurent Garnier's house. Friday-Saturday after 03.00.
Gift, local, premium
In the historic Jewish quarter of the 3rd and 4th arrondissement, independent designers, vintage shops and concept stores are lined up side by side; Non-touristy fashion is found here. Medieval cobblestone streets, art galleries and a vibrant LGBTQ+ cafe-bar scene define the area's character. Coming on a weekday reduces crowds significantly.
The well-established boutiques, antique bookstores and art galleries of the 6th district are gathered here. Rue de Buci and Rue Bonaparte axis are worth walking. The original stores of Paris-born boutiques such as Sergent Major, Sandro, Maje, Zadig & Voltaire are mostly in this area.
The world's first modern department store and the Left Bank's only department store. Left Bank elegance, the book section, and the gourmet section of La Grande Épicerie, located in the same building, stand out. A personal shopping consultant and tax-refund service are available.
The world's largest antique market. Open Saturday-Sunday, 7 different markets.
Classic luxury shopping mall on Boulevard Haussmann. There is free entrance under the dome; The terrace on the 9th floor shows the Paris skyline for free. Men's, women's, children's luxury fashion + wide range of accessories; A personal shopping consultant, concierge service and tax-refund point are available. There is a large gourmet section in the basement. The tourist souvenir section on the 9th floor is quite expensive.
When to go, how to get there, city transportation, accommodation, budget and practical tips.
Paris is the capital of France and one of the most heavily visited cities in Europe, with a population of approximately 2.1 million. The Seine River divides the city into two historical parts: the north (Rive Droite — Right Bank) and the south (Rive Gauche — Left Bank). The city is organized into 20 arrondissement (districts), numbered in a spiral clockwise direction from the center outward; The 1st district starts around the Louvre, the 20th district ends at Père Lachaise.
Historically, Paris dates back to the settlement of Lutetia, founded on the island of Île de la Cité on the Seine in the 3rd century BC. The Romans, then the Franks and the Capet dynasty made the city their capital; Since Hugues Capet ascended to the throne in 987, Paris has been the center of France for a thousand years. Gothic architecture (Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle), 17th-century classicism (Versailles), Haussmann's 19th-century boulevards and the 1889 Eiffel Tower are the visible layers of the city.
Today, Paris is visited with three main identities: art and culture center (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou axis), fashion and luxury (Avenue Montaigne, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Le Marais boutiques) and gastronomy (bistro classics, Michelin-starred modern cuisine, boulangerie culture). What we mean by "cliche but still fascinating" is this: Eiffel photographs are always the same, there is a crowd in front of the Mona Lisa; But sitting in a cafe with a café crème and watching the city pass by gives that authentic feeling that has been drawing people here for 200 years.
Paris has a temperate oceanic climate; Extreme heat or cold is rare. Rainfall is spread throughout the year and we recommend that you carry an umbrella even at noon.
| Period | Weather (daytime) | Density | Otel Fiyatı | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January-February | 3 / 8° | Low | Low | Cold and damp; museums are empty, season of opportunity |
| March | 5 / 12° | Medium | Medium | Spring is opening; rain often |
| April | 8 / 16° | Medium-High | Medium-High | One of the ideal months; gardens bloom |
| May | 11 / 20° | High | High | The most suitable month; Roland-Garros weekend crowd |
| June | 14 / 23° | High | High | Long days, open cafe season; Fête de la Musique |
| July | 16 / 26° | Very High | High | Hot and crowded; Bastille Day; locals are on holiday |
| August | 16 / 26° | High (tourist) | Medium-High | The locals are not in the city; many bistros are closed |
| September | 13 / 22° | High | High | The second most ideal month is; Fashion Week is expensive |
| October | 9 / 17° | Medium | Medium | Autumn colors; Nuit Blanche |
| November | 5 / 11° | Low-Medium | Low | Rainy; Paris Photo |
| December | 3 / 8° | Medium-High | Medium-High | Christmas lights, markets, mulled wine |
Our general recommendation is April-June and September-October. July-August is both hot and overcrowded; Moreover, many small restaurants and bakeries may be closed since most of the locals are on holiday. December offers a special attraction for Christmas markets and store windows.
Paris has two main airports:
Flights from Türkiye:
| Exit | Duration | Airline |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul (IST) - CDG | 3 hours 50 min | THY, Air France (6-8 flights per day) |
| Istanbul (SAW) - ORY | 4 hours | Pegasus (1-2 times a day) |
| Ankara (ESB) - CDG | 4 hours 10 min | THY (1 flight per day) |
| Izmir (ADB) - CDG | 4 hours | THY (5-6 flights per week) |
Flight ticket tips: We recommend you check 2-3 months in advance for the summer season. Tuesday-Wednesday flights are significantly cheaper than weekends. Although the Pegasus + Sabiha Gökçen combination provides a price advantage, ORY-center transportation is slightly more limited than CDG.
Train option: With Eurostar, it takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. It takes 1 hour 22 minutes by Thalys from Brussels and 3 hours 20 minutes from Amsterdam. By TGV Marseille 3 hours 15 minutes, Lyon 2 hours. Within Europe, the train is often faster than the plane.
Paris's public transport network is a reference in the world. Métro, RER (regional express), bus, tram and Vélib (bike sharing) work together.
Métro: 14 lines reach the entire city. It works between 05:30 in the morning and 00:30 at night, extending until 02:15 on Friday and Saturday nights. The average distance between two stations is 500 meters. One-way ticket is 2.15 EUR, 10-pack carnet is 17.35 EUR.
RER: Five lines (A, B, C, D, E) extend to the suburbs. RER C is used for Versailles, RER A is used for Disneyland, and RER B is used for CDG airport. The central zone is valid with a Métro ticket; additional ticket required for commuter.
Navigo Easy + Navigo card: As of 2026 Navigo Easy plastic card 2 EUR; Carnet can be loaded onto it. If you are staying longer, the weekly Navigo Découverte pass (approximately EUR 35, starts Monday) provides unlimited use in all zones; photo required.
Vélib: Bicycle sharing system with 1400 stations. A day pass costs around 5 EUR; The first 30 minutes are free, thereafter 1 EUR/30 min. The electric version is slightly more expensive. Paris is flat and bike path dense.
Taxi vs Uber: Uber, Bolt and Heetch work. A flat fee applies for airport transfer: CDG-center right bank 56 EUR, left bank 65 EUR. For short distances within the city, Uber is generally similar in price to a metered taxi; Night surcharge applies.
The choice of area in Paris directly determines how the city will be experienced. Five main recommendations:
What we do not recommend: 8. surrounding area (Champs-Élysées) touristy and expensive, streets empty at night; 18. The northern end of the area (Barbès) requires attention for safety in the evening hours.
Paris is an expensive city. Estimated budgets for two people for three nights-three days (excluding flights):
| Budget Style | Accommodation | Food | Activity/Transportation | Total (2 people/3 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic (hostel/2* hotel, boulangerie + 1 bistro) | 300 EUR | 180 EUR | 80 EUR | ~600 EUR |
| Moderate (3-4* hotel Marais/Latin, bistro mixed) | 700 EUR | 350 EUR | 150 EUR | ~1.200 EUR |
| Comfort (4-5* boutique hotel, gastronomy 1 meal) | 1.400 EUR | 600 EUR | 200 EUR | ~2,200 EUR |
| Luxury (Ritz, Plaza Athénée, Michelin 2-3 stars) | 4,000 EUR+ | 1.500 EUR+ | 400 EUR | ~6,000 EUR+ |
Practical items: A classic coffee costs 4-5 EUR, a croissant costs 1.5-2 EUR, a simple bistro lunch menu costs 18-25 EUR, an evening main course costs 25-40 EUR, and a Michelin 1 star evening menu costs 80-150 EUR. Museum entrance costs approximately 14-22 EUR; Paris Museum Pass (2 days 70 EUR, 4 days 90 EUR) pays for itself in the 4+ museum plan.
Métro and pickpocket: The Paris Métro is safe, but especially line 1 (Louvre - Champs-Élysées), line 4 and RER B (airport) are known routes for pickpocketing. Do not carry your wallet in your back pocket, and do not stand on the edge of the turnstile while using your phone. Be careful in the crowded carriage.
Restaurant "service compris": In France, tipping is included (legally); There is no obligation. If you are satisfied, rounding up 1-2 EUR or 5-10% of the account is standard, but not necessary. The 20 percent logic in the USA is not valid.
Breakfast boulangerie culture: If hotel breakfast is 20-30 EUR/person, which it often is, you can have breakfast at the neighborhood boulangerie with croissant + café crème for 5-6 EUR; Moreover, it is more authentic. Pierre Hermé, Du Pain et des Idées, Poilâne, Stohrer bakeries are reference addresses.
Ticket control: Do not throw away your ticket at the Métro exit; Controllers may also ask for your valid ticket after the turnstile. The fine is around 50 EUR.
Health: For emergencies, dial 15 (SAMU - ambulance), for general emergencies, dial 112. Hôpital Américain de Paris and Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu are hospitals frequently visited by tourists. Pharmacies are located with the 'green cross' sign; Night duty is included in the list.
Water: Mains water is of drinkable quality; Paris's fountains (including the Wallace fountains) are safe. You can ask for free tap water in restaurants by saying "une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît".
Paris is a much better city for families with children than one might think. Parks, museums, crêpes and merry-go-rounds — the French treat children as "little adults" and expect proper behavior from them, even in restaurants, but do so warmly.
0-3 years old: The playground in the Jardin du Luxembourg is the best in Paris (paid but great). The Tuileries garden is also large and stroller friendly. The metro is difficult with a stroller — many stairs, few elevators. Buses are more practical.
4-7 years old: Going up to the first two floors of the Eiffel Tower is enough for children. Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (La Villette) huge interactive science museum is a favorite of these ages. Boat tour (Bateaux Mouches) on the Seine is fun.
8-12 years: Treasure hunting tour of the Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre (child guides available). The gardens of the Palace of Versailles are magnificent for running around. Paris catacombs (underground bones) can be interesting but frightening for those over the age of 10.
Ages 13+: Montmartre's street artists, Le Marais' vintage shops, Disneyland Paris and walks along the Seine attract young people.
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie — Huge science museum in La Villette. Cité des Enfants (separate sections for ages 2-7 and 5-12) are interactive and excellent.
Jardin du Luxembourg — Playground, pony riding, sailboat rental (in the pool), puppet theatre. Spend half a day.
Eiffel Tower — Stairs or elevator access to the first two floors. Picnics and running around in Champ de Mars park are bonuses for kids.
Disneyland Paris — 32 km east, 45 minutes by RER. Classic Disney + Walt Disney Studios. Allow at least 1 full day.
Bateaux Mouches Seine Tour — 1-hour boat tour shows Paris' monuments from the water. Children love passing under bridges.
Baby stroller: Paris sidewalks are generally smooth, but the metro is a nightmare — very few elevators, endless stairs. RER lines are better. The buses are suitable for strollers.
Kid's menu: Most restaurants have a menu enfant (kids' menu) — usually steak haché (burger patty) + fries + ice cream. Crêpe stands are kids' favorites.
Children's ticket discounts: Metro: Free for children under 4, half price for 4-9. In most museums, children under 18 are free (EU and some country citizens). Paris Museum Pass is valuable for families.
Toilet: Free in museums. Sanisette automatic toilets on the streets are free but there may be a queue. Cafes are generally open to customers.
The most common misconception in Paris is the cliché "Parisians are rude". Actually, the issue is cultural: In French service culture, there is a greeting obligation. When entering a store, cafe or taxi, starting without saying "Bonjour" is perceived as "rude" by the local. Likewise, "Au revoir, merci" is standard when exiting.
Language: Greetings, thanks, and “Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais?” Singing the trio in French and then switching to English significantly softens the tone of the service. Although starting directly in English is not a problem for the younger generation, it is seen significantly negatively in the classical bistro and in the countryside.
Meal time: Lunch is between 12:00-14:00 and evening is between 19:30-22:00. Bistros are closed outside these hours; The concept of "all day dining" is not common in Paris. Many places are closed on Sunday; Wednesday and Saturday give the most natural local weekend feeling.
Clothing: Parisians dress modestly but carefully. The combination of sneakers + shorts + backpack is a harbinger of the tourist; It is also a target for pickpockets. Dark color, simple cut, simple accessories fit the local line.
Smoking: It is prohibited inside restaurants, but the terrace culture is strong; Terraces are largely used as smoking areas. If you are bothered by smoking, it is practical to choose an indoor space instead of a terrace.
How many days to visit Paris? Three days is the minimum and five days is the ideal period. It is possible to see the main points (Eiffel, Louvre, Orsay, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, Versailles) in three days, but it is tiring. It gives you the opportunity to get to know the neighborhoods at a relaxed pace for five days. One-day getaways like Disneyland, Giverny or Reims can be added for a week.
Is English sufficient? In touristic areas, yes; You won't have any problems in museums, hotels and large restaurants. Knowing basic French greetings at the neighborhood boulangerie, small bistro and taxi will significantly increase fluency.
Does the Paris Museum Pass make sense? Yes, if you plan to visit 4 or more museums in two days. Addresses such as Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe alone cost 70+ EUR; the card meets this and provides non-sequential entry. If you are only going to visit 2-3 museums, individual tickets are more suitable.
Is Versailles a day trip? Yes. Be there when it opens at 09:00 in the morning, allow 2-3 hours for the Mirrors Gallery and apartments, and 2-3 hours for the gardens. Marie Antoinette village will be added if time permits. Take into account 1.5 hours round trip with RER C. The palace is closed on Mondays.
How to get to Disneyland Paris? It is approximately 40 minutes from central Paris via RER A; Marne-la-Vallée Chessy last stop is a 5-minute walk from the park entrance. One way ticket costs 8-10 EUR. A full-day single parking ticket starts from 62 EUR; two parks (Disneyland + Walt Disney Studios) 87 EUR.
What time do the Eiffel Tower lights turn on in the evening? A glittering light show is performed for 5 minutes every hour after dark (e.g. 22:00, 23:00). The first show is around 22:00 in summer and around 18:00 in winter. To watch from Trocadéro, book a seat 30-40 minutes in advance.
Is Notre-Dame open to visitors? Yes. Reopened in December 2024; Entry is free. The tower section is open to visitors with limited capacity and by prior appointment. If you enter at 08:00 in the morning, you will find it relatively empty.
Is Center Pompidou open? Closed for extensive renovation at the end of 2025; The reopening plan was announced as 2030. Some of the Picasso and Matisse collections are exhibited in different temporary locations during the renovation. We recommend you check the official site before visiting.
Is traveling to Paris with children tiring? Métro stairs and old buildings are challenging with a stroller. On the other hand, Luxembourg Garden, Tuileries, Jardin d'Acclimatation, Cité des Sciences and, of course, Disneyland are child-friendly addresses. For those over the age of 4, the Louvre can be managed with a short family tour; If it is smaller, the gardens of Orsay and Versailles are more suitable.
Festivals, concerts and public holidays — 2026 calendar
Jul 14, 2026
Champs-Élysées + Eiffel Tower
French National Day. There is a military parade on the Champs-Élysées in the morning and a huge fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower in the evening. Champ de Mars fills up 3 hours in advance; alternative viewing point Trocadéro or Pont d'Iéna.
Official source →Sep 26, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026
Accor Arena (Bercy)
Senior gymnastics competitions; Weekend crowds are expected, especially around Accor Arena.
Official source →Oct 3, 2026
Throughout Paris (museums, parks, public spaces)
A night art event held on the first Saturday night of October. Museums, galleries and public spaces are open free of charge throughout the night; temporary installations are placed. Métro operates throughout the night on some lines.
Official source →Nov 12, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026
Grand Palais
The world's largest photographic art fair. 180+ galleries from 30+ countries meet at the Grand Palais. It is one of the main events in the calendar for art collectors and photography enthusiasts.
Official source →Current according to passport type
Schengen visa required. 90 days accommodation in 180 days. VFS Global application through the French consulate.
Official application →Visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Mutual agreement.
For application links and other countries, check the Turkish Passport Visa Guide.
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