Paris

There's a feeling you get when you first arrive in Paris—a sense that you've stepped into a place where history, art, and life itself are taken a bit more seriously, yet with an undeniable flair. It’s a city of grand boulevards and tiny, cobbled alleys, of imperial splendor and quiet, neighborhood charm. The simple, profound joy of living—sipping a coffee at a cafe, watching the world go by, and feeling like you're a part of it all—is what makes this city truly special.

For me, visiting Paris is about more than just checking off landmarks. Sure, you have to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night and get lost in the Louvre, but the real magic is elsewhere. It's in the culture of the everyday: starting your morning with a still-warm croissant from a local boulangerie, spending an afternoon mesmerized by the Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d'Orsay, and then grabbing a bottle of wine, some cheese, and a baguette for a picnic on the banks of the Seine. It's a city built for wandering, where every wrong turn leads to a beautiful courtyard or a hidden garden. The culinary scene is, of course, legendary, from the humble croque monsieur in a corner bistro to world-class fine dining. It's a city that invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

Parisians have a bit of a reputation, don't they? You'll find them reserved but polite, especially if you make an effort. The stereotype of the rude Parisian often comes from tourists who rush in without a simple, "Bonjour." Seriously, this one word is your key to the city. Say it when you enter any shop, cafe, or restaurant. It's a sign of respect, and it changes everything. While English is widely spoken in central tourist areas, a few French phrases will be warmly received. It's a bustling, multicultural city, but the Parisian identity—stylish, opinionated, and appreciative of the finer things—is always present.

The food in Paris is a religion. For me, the highlights are the simple things done perfectly. You must have a real croissant from a high-quality boulangerie—it will change your life. A classic steak frites at a bustling bistro is a quintessential Parisian experience. And of course, you can't leave without trying both sweet (sucre-citron) and savory (jambon-fromage) crêpes from a street stand. A meal at a casual bistro might cost you €20-€40. Many people also love exploring the food markets, like the Marché des Enfants Rouges, for an incredible variety of foods to try.

Paris is a very old city, and the infrastructure sometimes shows its age, but it's remarkably functional. The public transport system, particularly the Métro, is phenomenal and my favorite way to get around—it's dense, frequent, and will get you almost anywhere. Be prepared for it to be hot and crowded in the summer, though. High-speed internet is widely available, but don't expect air conditioning to be standard, especially in older buildings and Airbnbs. The city is very stable, with no significant risks of natural disasters. Power outages are rare. You'll find it's a city built for people, not just cars.

The main international gateway is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From CDG, the best and most cost-effective way to get to the city center is the RER B train. A single 'Paris Region <> Airports' ticket costs €13 as of January 1, 2025, and covers your journey from CDG to any Metro or RER station within the 5 Paris fare zones, including transfers for up to 2 hours. You'll need to load this ticket onto a Navigo Easy card (available for €2) or purchase it directly on a Paris Transport mobile phone app or Apple Wallet, as paper tickets are no longer sold for airport journeys. It's a straight shot to major hubs like Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel. The journey takes about 35-40 minutes to central stations. For Orly Airport (ORY), you can now take Metro Line 14 directly to central Paris (approx. 40 minutes to Châtelet) or the Orlyval shuttle from Antony (connecting to RER B). The same €13 'Paris Region <> Airports' ticket covers these options. Taxis are also readily available but will be significantly more expensive. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are also an option and can sometimes be cheaper than a traditional taxi.

The Paris Métro is your best friend. It's one of the oldest and most efficient systems in the world. I recommend getting a Navigo Découverte weekly pass if you're staying for a few days (it runs Monday to Sunday). You'll need a small passport-sized photo for the card. As of January 1, 2025, the all-zone weekly pass costs €31.60 plus a one-time €5 fee for the card itself. This pass covers all 5 zones and is a great deal if you plan to travel to Versailles or either airport. Single Metro-Train-RER tickets for travel within the city (excluding airport lines) now cost €2.50. The central areas are incredibly walkable, and I highly encourage you to get lost on foot. The city's bike-sharing system, Vélib', is another great option for shorter distances.

Paris is generally a safe city, but the biggest risk by far is petty theft and pickpocketing. It is rampant in crowded areas, especially on the Métro and around major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. This isn't your average "be aware of your surroundings" advice; you need to be actively vigilant. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you. Be very wary of common scams: the "gold ring" scam (someone "finds" a ring and offers it to you before demanding money), the "friendship bracelet" scam (especially around Sacré-Cœur, where someone will try to tie a bracelet on your wrist and then demand payment), and the fake charity petitions where a person with a clipboard asks for a signature as a distraction to pick your pocket. I also suggest being cautious around major train stations like Gare du Nord at night.