Expect the unexpected in Paris. For all of its world-renowned sites, there is so much more to discover in the City of Light. Paris is one of the world's top destinations for travelers, but there are ways to avoid tourist congestion.

Our curated guide takes you from morning markets to rooftop sunsets, through ancient cemeteries and precious parkland, to secret gardens that allow a respite from the buzz of the city. Our destinations allow you to experience popular attractions without the crowds while providing a starting point to explore the parts of the city you may never knew existed. As with all of our guides, you are encouraged to use these itineraries as a starting point to make your own Parisian memories.

THE CITY

Settled in the 3rd Century

≈ 15 million tourists annually

Over 450 parks

Busiest rail station in Europe

Essentials

WHEN TO GO

STAY

DINE

TRAVEL

Year-round. While crowds are common throughout the year, particularly at major attractions, expect the most visitors in July and August. Compass & Key recommends the fringe months of May, June, September and October.

Check historic weather for your trip dates

Vacation rentals can be a great way to feel like a local, and occasionally they can be larger than standard hotel rooms. If you're looking for the amenities of a hotel, Compass & Key recommends staying in the Latin Quarter, our favorite neighborhood to call 'home' while in Paris. It provides the perfect blend of architectural beauty, interesting sites, authentic restaurants and easy access to the rest of the city.

For a complete list of curated hotels in Paris, visit the Compass & Key Hotel List.

Top Pick: Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon ($, hotellesdamesdupantheon.com) was inspired by historical French women who have missed out on fame and glory. Overlooking the Pantheon in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the 35 rooms combine vintage furniture and art in a contemporary aesthetic. We loved perusing the art books over a glass of wine in the lobby bar. Metro: Luxembourg

Book below, direct through the hotel website, or through Tablet Hotels

There is no shortage of delightful cuisine to discover in Paris. Expect to linger at a sit-down cafe, so if you have a big day planned, opt for a croissant in the morning and baguette for lunch at the various quick-service shops throughout the city. Some markets also offer prepared meals along with fruits and vegetables. Our interactive map showcases our favorite restaurants in each area, but the place we return to every time is Le Coupe Chou in the Latin Quarter with classic French cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.

Le Coupe Chou in Paris - Restaurant Reviews, Menu and Prices - TheFork
"This restaurant is located in a quiet alley of the Quartier Latin in Paris, one of the oldest in Paris, between the Pantheon, Collège de France and Notre...

HOW TO GET THERE

Most visitors fly into Charles de Gaulle international airport. Compass & Key recommends taking the Paris metro RER B line for the 50-minute journey to several city-center stations for about €10. Taxi fares start at €50. Both recommended hotels are accessible from the RER B line with less than a 10-minute walk from their respective stations. If you opt for public transport, plot your journey with CityMapper.

GETTING AROUND

Paris is a walking city, first and foremost. However, we highly recommend also utilizing the efficient Metro rail system. CityMapper is our transit app of choice for Paris (and many other cities).

The Metro, while not the cleanest of public transportation systems, is nonetheless effective in traversing across the city and allows you to mingle with locals and visitors alike. Pick up a book of 10-tickets at any Metro station and try it out. Make sure to keep your ticket after going through the turnstile, as you'll need it to exit.

The bike share system in Paris has been around since 2007 and cycling lanes are well marked and used often. However, a new internet-connected bike share system with some electric bikes in the fleet is running into multiple rollout problems, with users reporting difficulty in finding available bikes. For more information, visit Vélib’ 2018.

CHECK FLIGHT TIMES TO PARIS (Charles de Gaulle Airport)

Where to Go

Compass & Key has curated six itineraries for wandering Paris. Select an itinerary for a dynamic map and guide to the destination. To save and download these itineraries to your smartphone, follow Compass & Key on the Mapstr app (free).

Featured

Notre Dame and its Neighbor

1/2 day to full day

Start and end your day with this iconic cathedral while exploring the vibrant Latin Quarter nearby.

Relax with Rodin

4-5 Hours, Morning or Midday Start

Get up close & personal with Rodin's sculptures at his namesake museum, then stroll through secret gardens with the locals.

Impressions of St. Germain

4-5 Hours, Morning or Midday Start

Peruse the fine collection at the Musée d'Orsay and browse the boutiques of this artistic neighborhood.

An Evening at the Louvre

3-4 hours

Experience the Louvre without the crowds, scheduled specifically for the Wednesday or Friday of your trip.

Paris, Elevated

2-3 hours

Walk on the world's first "high line" park, followed by a ride on the city's most scenic metro line.

Montmartre & Moreau

3-4 hours

Survey all of Paris from the top of Sacré-Cœur while paying homage to the burial sites of famous artists at the Cimitière du Nord.

Beyond Paris: 3 Easy Day Trips

Resources

BEFORE YOU GO

BOOKS

LINKS

Paris Photo Gallery

1. LEARN KEY PHRASES

As a guest in another country, we have found that learning a few key words and phrases in the native language show respect and common courtesy. Practice all of the phrases on this handy infographic from Air France and it will help immensely as you explore Paris.

2. GET ORIENTED

If you've never been to Paris, consider getting oriented with a guided tour. Our favorite is Fat Tire bike tours, which not only showcases most of the major monuments, but is also the perfect way to fight jet lag on your first afternoon, after landing and before hotel check-in, with some fresh air and exercise. Also consider a private tour or other orientation tour through Context, our go-to tour company, which specializes in guiding intellectually curious travelers in small groups.

3. SKIP THE LINES WITH THE MUSEUM PASS

As with many other major cities, Paris offers a Museum Pass that includes most of the destinations featured in Compass & Key. While it may not save money depending on how much time you have, it is well worth the investment to skip the lines, particularly in the height of summer crowds. Available in 2-, 4- or 6-day increments, the passes can be purchased ahead of your visit or at many kiosks around the city, even right outside one of the venues.

4. BE MOVED BY MUSIC WITH CATHEDRAL CONCERTS

Imagine listening to an organ performance in a cathedral like Notre Dame. With concerts regularly scheduled in locations throughout the city, don't miss the opportunity to hear the acoustics within the ancient walls of a Paris church.

5. START YOUR DAY IN THE MARKET

Many of our destinations encourage a visit to a local market, as Parisians love their markets. Peruse the map for the blue shopping bag icons, which denote some of the 80 markets throughout the city with their opening hours. And consider this specialty food tour from Context with a culinary expert.

A collection of our must-have guide books to the City of Light. Click on the images to purchase online, or note the titles and go to your favorite local bookstore.

By Vesna Neskow

Easily fitting in a daypack or purse, this is an ideal companion as you explore each neighborhood.

Detailed interior maps of key attractions, like the Louvre, is one of many reasons we prefer Eyewitness guides.

By Herb Lester

These three tiny booklets - one for each country - are the size of a credit card and help navigate the menus with a simple A to Z glossary.

By Susan Cahill

Our copy is well worn from use as this is our favorite guidebook while in Paris. Of the forty gardens, we've visited about a dozen and have always been delighted.

By Max Leonard Andrew Edwards

If using the bike share system is on your list, this guide showcases routes in five areas that are cycle friendly and offer plenty to do.

The Paris Visitors Bureau to browse for events during your trip and the latest news about the city.

Our Museums & Markets infographic with a summary of opening times for the sites featured in our itineraries to help you plan your days.

The official Paris Museum Pass, which can be purchased in advance or onsite at many of the locations. The pass can be worthwhile if your visit is at least three days, if nothing other than to skip the lines.

The Paris Metro Walking Map, showing estimated walking times between stations, to encourage visitors to wander on foot, particularly during times when the trains may be congested.

Eat With Paris, where you can book meals and cooking classes hosted by locals. Recommended for the first or second day of your trip so you can ask your host about unique things to do and see.

Context Tours Paris, providing historian-led tours with six people or less. We're eyeing the Chocolates & Pastries tour for our next visit.

Fat Tire Bike Tours Paris, our favorite way to get to know the city for the first time while getting some exercise. Plan the tour for the same day you land to help fight jet lag. Compass & Key enjoyed the day bike tour on our first trip to Paris, and the Versailles day excursion on our second trip.

August Restaurant Closings, from Paris by Mouth, as many independent shops and restaurants will close annually for select periods from late July through August. This list is also a handy reference for fave restaurants from this local food tour company!

Interactive Map

Explore the Compass & Key interactive map for Paris, showcasing so much more than just the places in our itineraries. Some sites we have visited while others were discovered through favorite travel writers and bloggers. Simply click on the icon to learn more.

✤ Map Under Construction - Back Online Soon ✤

GUIDES ON THE GO

Take this Compass & Key walking tour with you by following @compassandkey on Mapstr, an app that lets you create a personal map with all of your favorite places, anywhere in the world. Learn more in our Mapstr review.

OUTTAKES

Paris Photo Gallery

Figuring out the Velib bike share system

Generous pours at the Jardin du Luxembourg cafe

What better time for research than at lunch?

Pradeep jumping on the "research-at-lunch" bandwagon

Tara blends in with Rodin's Burghers of Calais

Do not attempt this while bike sharing

Tara LOVES audio tours

Closing down the Latin Quarter

CURATED PARIS TRAVEL STORIES FROM AROUND THE WEB

The best wellness spots in Paris
Sophistication is a given in Paris. But a flurry of holistic hangouts has boosted its allure by treating mind and spirit as well as body. This article was first published in the January/February 2021 issue of Traveller magazine

The Most Exciting Pâtisseries in Paris Are Run by Women
A new crop of pastry chefs is lending a fresh perspective to the historically male-dominated craft. ...

8 New Books You Need to Read Before Flying to France
Few countries are as (ahem) storied as France, and for good reason-its capital is a long-heralded epicenter of fashion and food, and its countryside has been the source material for some of the world's greatest artists. Whether you're planning a trip or just want to scratch a Francophile itch, these eight new reads can inspire.

Wandering Paris