Paris Travel Guide
Paris, known as the City of Light, is one of the most visited cities in the world—and for good reason. It’s a place of romance, history, and culture, with world-class museums, beautiful architecture, and food that will make you never want to leave. And of course, trying a croissant is a must—it just tastes better in Paris.
Getting around Paris
The easiest way to get around Paris is by using the metro. It’s quick, affordable, and takes you just about anywhere you need to go in the city. Once you get the hang of reading the map, it’s simple to use. A good tip is to grab a day pass if you’re planning to use it a lot—it saves money and makes things easier. You can buy passes at the ticket machines in metro stations or at the counter. Paris is also a very walkable city—some of the best moments are just strolling through the streets, finding hidden cafés, and soaking up the atmosphere on foot. Trains also make it easy to reach places like Versailles and Disneyland Paris.
Travel Costs in Paris
Paris can be a little pricey, but there are ways to make it work for your budget. Here’s a rough guide to what you might spend:
– Metro ticket (single ride): about €2.10 (~$2.30 USD / $3.50 AUD)
-Day pass (Mobilis): around €8.45 (~$9 USD / $14 AUD) for central zones
-Coffee at a café: €3–€5 (~$3–5 USD / $5–8 AUD)
-Croissant from a bakery: €1–€2 (~$1–2 USD / $1.50–3 AUD)
-Lunch at a casual café/brasserie: €15–€20 (~$16–22 USD / $25–33 AUD)
-Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €25–€40 (~$27–43 USD / $45–65 AUD)
-Louvre entry ticket: €22 (~$24 USD / $36 AUD)
-Palace of Versailles: €19.50 (~$21 USD / $32 AUD)
-Disneyland Paris (1-day/1-park): from €62 (~$67 USD / $105 AUD)
You can save money by grabbing food from bakeries or supermarkets for a picnic, and many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
Top 5 things to do and see
Paris has so much to offer, from world-famous museums to peaceful gardens, but these five experiences stood out to me the most.
1. Eiffel Tower
You can’t go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Standing at 330 metres, it’s the city’s most famous landmark. You can take the lift (or climb the stairs if you’re feeling energetic) for sweeping views of Paris. At night, the tower sparkles every hour on the hour—it’s the kind of thing you don’t forget.
2. The Louvre
The most famous art museum in the world and home to over 35,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Even if you’re not an art expert, just walking through the endless galleries is an experience. The glass pyramid entrance is just as iconic as what’s inside.
3. Palace of Versailles
About 45 minutes by train from central Paris, Versailles is absolutely breathtaking. Inside you’ll find the Hall of Mirrors, lavish rooms, and chandeliers everywhere. Outside, the gardens stretch on forever—you could easily spend a whole day exploring. It’s as grand as French history gets.
4. Jardin du Luxembourg
Right in the middle of the city, this garden is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing. Locals come here to jog, picnic, or relax with a book. There are fountains, sculptures, and plenty of green space. I loved sitting here with a pastry and just soaking in the atmosphere.
5. Notre-Dame Cathedral
One of the finest examples of gothic architecture in the world. Even though it’s under restoration after the 2019 fire, it’s still incredible to see from the outside. The towers, gargoyles, and stained-glass windows are unforgettable. The surrounding Île de la Cité is also a lovely area to walk around.
These were my top five highlights, but Paris has so much more to offer if you have extra time to explore.
Other Things to Do and See in Paris
1.Disneyland Paris – A magical day trip just 40 minutes by train, with all the classic Disney fun plus a French twist.
2. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur – A charming neighbourhood full of artists, cobblestone streets, and amazing views from the basilica.
3. Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées – One of Paris’ most iconic monuments, with panoramic views from the top and the city’s most famous shopping street below.
4. Musée d’Orsay – An art museum inside a former railway station, featuring Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and other impressionist masters.
5. Moulin Rouge – The world-famous cabaret in Montmartre, known for its vibrant shows and rich history.
6. Try French pastries – Croissants, pain au chocolat, and éclairs are must-tries—nothing beats a Paris bakery.
7. Macarons at Ladurée – Famous for their delicate macarons, Ladurée is a Paris institution worth the hype.
8.Escargot – If you’re feeling adventurous, try this classic French dish—you might be surprised how good it is.
Paris is one of those cities that has something for everyone—whether it’s art, history, gardens, food, or just wandering the streets and soaking it all in. I went in summer, and the weather was just right for exploring. My top highlights were the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles—they were both unforgettable. I also spent a full day at Disneyland Paris, where I got to channel my inner child (and loved every second of it). And I have to say, trying escargot was surprisingly tasty! My advice? Don’t try to rush it. Take your time, enjoy a croissant (or two), and let Paris show itself to you.
