I’ve lived in Paris for almost 20 years. I like it deeply and unapologetically. So Let me say this right away: this take is not impartial.
That mentioned, I haven’t solely skilled Paris. I’ve frolicked as a customer in different main cities—staying, exploring, seeing what they provide. Sufficient to know what makes a spot pleasurable as a vacationer, not simply spectacular on paper.
However each time I come again to Paris, I’m reminded that it’s totally different. In my opinion, it provides the very best vacationer expertise of any metropolis I’ve recognized.
And I don’t imply that in a dreamy, soft-focus sort of manner. I imply it in actual, sensible phrases—how simple it’s to get round, how a lot there’s to do, and the way little effort it takes to expertise issues which are laborious to entry or overpriced elsewhere.
Right here’s why I consider Paris wins.
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning knowledgeable and parisienne since 2006 🩷
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Right here’s why Paris is the Greatest Place to Go to
So, what precisely makes Paris stand out as the very best metropolis to go to? Not in principle, however in follow—whenever you’re truly right here, navigating it day-to-day in your journey?
Listed below are eight the explanation why Paris simply works for vacationers—and why no different metropolis fairly compares.
#1 Paris Is Made for Strolling
Let’s begin with the structure. Paris is small, and I imply that in the easiest way. You may stroll throughout complete Parisian neighborhoods in 20 to half-hour. The town heart is compact, and the structure is constantly stunning—so that you’re not simply strolling, you’re wanting and exploring. Discovering as you go.
There are cities with walkable elements, however few the place almost all the metropolis feels accessible on foot.
In Los Angeles or Tokyo, you’re on the mercy of horrendous site visitors or lengthy transport instances.
In Paris, strolling is an actual choice, and infrequently even sooner than taking the metro. That comes with some density, sure. Sure areas really feel crowded. However that density is what makes it so environment friendly—and why you’re by no means removed from one thing fascinating.
#2 The Metro System Different Cities Dream Of
Talking of shifting round: Paris has the very best metro system I’ve ever used. Not the flashiest or most high-tech, neither the very best smelling, however probably the most sensible.
The town has a metro station roughly each 300 meters. That’s not an exaggeration—it’s an city planning truth.
You will get anyplace on the town with minimal transfers and brief walks. The trains come often all jiffy, and so they cowl all the metropolis in a logical, related grid.
In comparison with cities like Berlin, the place sure areas really feel out of attain, or you need to depend on buses, Paris offers you seamless entry to the entire map.
#3 Well-known Sights Are By no means Far in Paris
Paris is dense with landmarks. Not simply well-known or vital buildings—however recognizable, typically cinematic icons that you simply already know, even earlier than you’ve seen them in individual. The Eiffel Tower. The Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Élysées. Notre-Dame. Sacré-Cœur.
And the very best half? Most of them are shut by. You don’t want a tour or a full-day plan to see them. You’ll typically cross them on an everyday stroll or brief metro journey. It’s not one thing town places on show—it’s simply a part of how Paris appears and strikes.
In different cities, you may spend a whole day attending to that one well-known website. In Paris, you by accident stumble throughout 4 in your manner to purchase fruit.
#4 Paris Nails the Museum Recreation
There’s no severe competitors on the subject of museums. As a result of Paris is residence to the world’s largest museum, the Louvre. Which homes probably the most well-known portray of all time, the Mona Lisa however Leonardo da Vinci.
However you’ve additionally obtained the Musée d’Orsay, which holds the best Impressionist assortment anyplace, together with art work from Monet, Renoir, van Gogh and plenty of extra.
And after that? It nonetheless doesn’t cease. There’s the Orangerie, the Rodin Museum, the Picasso Museum, the Musée Carnavalet, the Catacombs, the Peitit Palais and the listing goes on and on and on.
The standard is constant, the themes are various, and plenty of are housed in stunning historic buildings.
However the actual win? These museums are accessible. You don’t should be an knowledgeable. Entry is reasonably priced, many are even free, and the displays are sometimes multilingual and well-curated. It’s cultural status with out the pretension.
#5 World-Class Tradition, With out the Worth Tag
Paris doesn’t gatekeep its tradition. A shocking quantity of what you’ll wish to see is both reasonably priced—or solely free.
Begin with the large ones: Notre-Dame is free to enter. So is the Petit Palais, the Musée Carnavalet. These aren’t filler sights—they’re full-scale establishments with severe collections, typically housed in architectural landmarks.
For those who’re beneath 26 and a resident of the EU, you get into almost all nationwide monuments without cost. That features the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Sainte-Chapelle. And several other instances a 12 months, these locations open to everybody—freed from cost.
It’s a part of public life. Made for locals and guests alike.
#6 From Paris, the Remainder of France Is Nearer Than You Suppose
Spend a number of days in Paris and also you’ll realise one thing most capitals can’t provide: simple, high-quality day journeys. The sort that don’t require a automotive or weeks of planning.
Versailles is 20 minutes by prepare. Reims, the capital of Champagne, takes beneath an hour. Monet’s backyard in Giverny? About an hour. The Loire Valley châteaux? Achieved in a day. Normandy seashores? Additionally doable—guided excursions go away day by day.
And it doesn’t cease there. Due to the TGV high-speed prepare, you will get a lot farther in just some hours. Dijon or Bordeaux are practical day journeys. An in a single day in Lyon, Marseille, and even the French Alps? Totally attainable.
You may go away Paris after breakfast and have dinner by the Mediterranean—with out flying. The attain is big, and the logistics are easy.
That’s what makes Paris not only a vacation spot, however a base for seeing way more of France.
#7 Paris Merely Delivers
Paris doesn’t cover its good aspect for the postcards. The town appears precisely such as you’ve seen in movies, exhibits, and images—no filters wanted. You don’t have to seek for the “cute road” or the “genuine café.”
It’s throughout you.
The café chairs face the road. The Haussmann façades line nearly each block. The boulangerie on the nook truly smells like contemporary bread. There’s no trying to find the “Paris look.” You’re in it, immediately.
Most cities have a number of curated areas that really feel like what you’re searching for. Paris is the set. Even the quietest neighborhoods appear to be they’ve been artwork directed.
And that familiarity? It makes the whole lot simpler. You’re not looking for the magic. You’re already in it.
So, Why Paris?
As a result of it really works.
Paris is compact, stunning, and walkable. The general public transport takes you in every single place, quick. The landmarks are actual, recognizable, and casually positioned in your day by day path. Museums are world-class however accessible. Tradition is in every single place, and a number of it’s free. The town is beneficiant to vacationers with out ever feeling like a theme park.
It doesn’t attempt to win you over. It simply exhibits up as itself—and that’s greater than sufficient.
You gained’t want a automotive. You gained’t have to plan each element. You’ll simply be right here, doing belongings you’ll keep in mind.
And also you’ll in all probability suppose, not less than as soon as, how rattling fortunate you might be to be in Paris.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Skilled in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
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Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Lodges in Europe I largely e-book by Reserving.com (examine opinions fastidiously)
- Trip Leases by Airbnb or VRBO
Excursions & Points of interest:
- I e-book excursions & actions by Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets will be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re typically bought out.
- I like the GoCity Journey Passes for straightforward planning
- I exploit Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You possible want a journey adapter to plug your units.
- Journey Insurance coverage – for those who don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an effective choice.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
