Paris overview

Paris is a city that continues to inspire. It’s where art, music, design, and literature lovers gravitate to study and create, which is how it earned the nickname “la Ville Lumière,” or “City of Light” during the Enlightenment. In a similar way to New York, if you’ve made it to Paris, you’ve made it. The capital’s vibrancy echoes off its centuries-old monuments and shiny skyscrapers. Not only does the history and energy of Paris drive troves of creatives, but it also places importance on local and international artists through public displays of installations and free museum events. Travelers visiting the capital can soak up all the city’s charms by visiting galleries, jazz clubs, exhibitions, or simply watching street artists playing on ponts (bridges) along the Seine River.

The central part of Paris is home to 2.2 million people, but the metropolitan area hasmore than 12 million residents. One out of seven people in the city is a foreigner, and two out of three foreigners are from countries outside Europe. It’s not surprising that the capital is home to more foreigners than the rest of the country, but what is interesting is the profile of immigrants moving to France. In 1968, nearly three-quarters came from southern Europe and North Africa, but this number has dropped to 45% in recent years, with more immigrants coming from Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The diversity of cultures calling the capital home is why you’ll find neighborhoods catering to different communities through textile and food markets, restaurants, and clothing shops.

French is the official language in Paris, but English is becoming more widely spoken, especially in tourist-heavy areas. You’ll also hear languages from neighboring countries, like Spanish, German, and Italian. Don’t worry if your French is rusty (or nonexistent)—more Parisians are proud of their English and happy to practice with you.

Given France’s role in North Africa in countries like Algeria and Morocco, the country has one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe. Catholicism counts for more than half the country’s population, and a small percentage of people practice Judaism and Buddhism. The Marais has been the Jewish quarter on and off since the 13th century and features architectural stunners like the Roman-Byzantine Synagogue des Tournelles. Stroll along the Rue des Rosiers and you’ll find falafel shops, Jewish delis, and bakeries. Nearby, Miznon is one of the top Israeli street food spots in the neighborhood. In the Latin Quarter, the Grande Mosquée de Paris, with its Alhambra-inspired sculpted arcades surrounding the patio, features a prayer room, hammam, restaurant, tearoom, and souk-like shop. Whether you’re looking to attend mass or admire the architecture—Paris’ basilicas and cathedrals are landmarks in the city—particularly Sacré-Cœur and Sainte-Chapelle.

In Paris, a simple “bonjour” goes a long way. When entering a shop or restaurant, it’s customary to say “bonjour” (or “bonsoir” in the late afternoon or evening) and “merci” or “au revoir” when leaving. If you’re passing by someone on your hotel floor or in the gym, make eye contact and exchange bonjours. Unless you’re going into a place of worship or restaurant or club with a dress code, there is no set rule on what not to wear. If you want to blend in, that’s a different story. Skip stilettos—the cobblestoned streets have made sneakers and thicker heels a more stylish choice.

How and When to Tip

Unlike the U.S., tipping isn’t mandatory. You’ll see the phrase “service compris” on the bottom of the menu or bill since 15% is usually already included as required by law in France. But a small tip (un pourboire) goes a long way. Leave a euro or two for lunch or drinks, 50 centimes for coffee, and 5-10% at fine-dining restaurants. If a driver helps with bags, tip a euro or two.

Tip Learn Key Phrases

If you only remember two words, bonjour and merci should be them. Don’t stress about not speaking the language—more than likely, the people you’re interacting with at restaurants and cafes will speak some English.

In Paris, the economy is largely based on the service sector, and the capital’s role as a tourism destination heavily impacts this. But the city is also one of the most innovative in the world, with a strong start-up and business economy. Paris is the headquarters for small, medium, and corporate companies, with particular expertise in fashion, design luxury goods, IT, finance, and the food industry. The currency in Paris is the euro, which is currently around $1.11. ATMs are located all over the city, and you can find a bureau de change, an exchange office, and in more tourist-heavy parts of town, like Opéra and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Once a fishing village called Lutetia, Paris’ history goes back 2,000 years to when the Celtic Gauls first settled on an island in the Seine, known today as Île de la Cité. In 52 BC, Julius Caesar conquered the city, and it became a regional center under Roman rule until the early Middle Ages. The Count of Paris, Hugues Capet, was crowned king of France in 987, and in 1163, the construction of one of Paris’ iconic landmarks, the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, began. This is the point where the city we see today got its start. The fortress of the Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle were built. Once the University of the Sorbonne opened its doors, Paris officially became a “cradle of European culture.”

The part of Paris’ history popularized by films and series is the Renaissance when the city transformed with an explosion of new architectural styles and Louis XIV left the Palace of the Louvre to hold court in Versailles. Following the Sun King’s reign, the city went through waves of progress and revolution, starting with the Age of Enlightenment, led by philosophers like Voltaire and Diderot. The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 is a date that changed the face of France since it marked the start of the French Revolution, the First Republic, and the First Empire—with Napoleon Bonaparte crowning himself emperor. In the 19th century, pre-war, Belle Époque Paris entered a modern era with the creation of its canals, gas-lit streets, Haussmann-led sewer system, train stations, and parks like Bois de Vincennes and Buttes-Chaumont. This is when the city was divvied up into its 20 arrondissements spiraling like a snail shell from the center, and when major monuments like the Eiffel Tower were constructed.

As with any large city, petty crimes like pickpocketing—especially around crowds near the Eiffel Tower or on the métro—are common. Be careful with your smartphone as well if you’re using it for navigation, and don’t leave your bag, phone, or wallet on a chair or far from you on a table. It’s easy for a passerby to snatch your belongings without you realizing—and this is coming from someone who is street smart and still had it happen to them. Apart from that, Paris is generally safe to walk around in or take public transport, but if it’s later in the evening, you might want to opt for a taxi or ride-share if you’re alone and not feeling comfortable. If anything does happen, make an official police report or contact your consulate in case of loss or theft of a passport.

Dogs are allowed in a majority of hotels, restaurants, and cafes, but you may want to double-check before bringing yours. Some hotels will offer or arrange pet sitting, but doggie daycare doesn’t exist here. Not all parks and gardens are dog-friendly, so check the signs before entering otherwise you could receive a fine from the police. If you want to go off-leash, there are four dog parks in Paris, including Parc de Bercy and Jardin du Palais Royal. If you’re taking the train outside of Paris, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for your pet, and, depending on the size and weight, keep it in a carrier. Small dogs in bags or muzzled and on a leash can also go on buses and metros for free, so no need to buy a ticket.

In the spring, the weather can start chilly in the mornings and get warmer in the afternoons if it’s a sunny day. Some summers can get sweltering—especially if there is a heat wave or two—but it’s usually mild and can get cool in the evenings once the sun finally sets around 10 pm. December is a great month to visit since it’s not the height of winter, and the city is lit up with holiday decorations. Since weather can shift quickly, this is a city designed for layers, and even a light trench or sweater in summer is worth packing. It also doesn’t hurt to throw a mini umbrella in your checked suitcase or buy one when you get here.

Paris pharmacists are great resources if you have any medical issues, and they can offer advice or direct you in the right direction if you need more serious medical attention. If you need certain medications or prescriptions, you should bring enough for the trip because pharmacies may not have the same medication here or accept your prescription. Some doctors do speak English and can accept a last-minute appointment.

For travelers who aren’t residents of the European Union and are visiting France for less than six months, you can shop tax-free on goods from the same brand or group totaling €100 ($111) over a maximum of three days. Most shops require your physical passport to create a duty-free slip, which you’ll show customs when you leave France.