A Handy Guide for First-Time Tourists Visiting Paris

When travelling to a city that you’ve never visited before, what is it that attracts you about the place the most? Is it the people so you immediately go to the most famous local eatery to mingle with the locals? Or maybe you’re the type to go on guided tours so that you can immerse yourself in the most typical sightseeing options that the city has to offer.

Yet another type of tourist is someone who arms himself with a map and a sense of adventure, then goes to an exploration of the most off-the-beaten path destinations. No matter which type of traveller you are, rest assured that visiting Paris, the “City of Lights” will never be a disappointment. In fact, you might not be able to squeeze in seeing most of the sights if you’re there for less than a week – so you should immediately plan for a return trip!

Some Basic Information about Paris

Before dishing out tips on how you can make the most out of your ultimate Parisian vacation, let us first have a quick look at how the city came to be. Born during the Age of Enlightenment, Paris used to be named Lutece. Its centuries-old history has turned the façade of the city into one of the most interesting – with each structure and building having its own story to tell.

Surprisingly enough, Paris has not always been the tourist-drawer that it is today. The influx of visitors from all parts of the world only began when rail lines were laid out in the 1840s, thus allowing migrants to enter the city. Today, Paris is a virtual melting pot of people from all cultures and the Eiffel Tower alone is a sight which is visited by more than 6 million tourists on a yearly basis.

Useful Answers to Questions when Travelling to Paris

Whether you’re a first-time or a return traveller, here are some of the frequently asked questions about Paris which you should find useful once you venture out into the city:

• When is the best time to book Paris flights?

January is the coldest month in Paris that even some of the locals get out of the city to escape the harsh weather. If you wish to explore the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and other famous sights, book Paris flights during the mid-summer season when the weather is warm and pleasant.

• How do I get into Paris?

You can book Paris flights almost year-round. The three international airports serving the city include the Charles de Gaulle International Airport, Beauvais and the Orly International Airport.

• Are there convenient modes of transportation for me to get around, or do I need a rental vehicle?

There’s no better way to explore Paris than by foot. However, if you are having a tour of all the sights, the cheapest way to get around is through the Metro where 0.70 euros will give you a one-way trip of any distance.

George Peterson owns a small travel blog called Channel Voyager. At this very moment he is preparing for a trip to Paris (or rejser til Paris as it is in Danish) due to his current occupation. George is reponsible for the information about all plane tickets and hotels (in Danish - hoteller), published in one of the largest Danish travel websites.