Paris

Why Paris

Paris earns its reputation every single visit. The city has a way of making ordinary moments feel cinematic — a morning coffee at a corner cafe, an afternoon wandering the Marais, an evening along the Seine as the Eiffel Tower starts its light show. Beyond the icons, Paris rewards the curious with world-class museums that go far beyond the Louvre, neighborhood markets that feel untouched by tourism, and a culinary depth that ranges from perfect croissants to boundary-pushing tasting menus.

Top Experiences

• Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line — The line can stretch to 3 hours in peak season, making priority access one of the smartest purchases you'll make in Paris.
• Louvre Guided Tour — A guided tour transforms a potentially overwhelming museum into a focused, story-driven experience hitting the key masterpieces.
• Versailles Day Trip — The palace and gardens are spectacular, and going with a guide means you skip the ticket line and get context for what you're seeing.

Where to Stay

Le Marais (3rd/4th arrondissement) is the sweet spot — walkable to major sights, great food, and lively without being touristy. Saint-Germain (6th) is classic Left Bank charm at higher prices. Budget travelers should look at the 11th or Montmartre for character at lower rates. Mid-range hotels run $120-220/night; boutique gems start around $90.

Flight Tips

Fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) for most international flights. Nonstop from NYC (7h), Miami (9h), LA (11h), and Chicago (8h). Paris is one of the most competitive transatlantic routes, so prices drop often — set an alert and book when you see sub-$400 round trip. January-March and November offer the lowest fares.