Is Paris Worth Visiting? (2024 Guide)
Paris is one of the top cities that comes to mind when you think of Europe. But is the city overrated or is Paris worth visiting?
There’s nothing worse than spending out on a trip thinking that you’ll have the time of your life only to be let down when the city is nothing like what you expected.
You feel let down and like you’ve wasted your money which often makes you have an even worse time as you’re so down in the dumps.
This article will give you all the information you need to decide the answer to “Is Paris worth visiting?”
Is Paris Worth Visiting?
The short answer to this question is: YES!
Paris is such a magical city and while it can seem a little overrated with the number of travel influencers showing it off on social media, the city has so much authentic charm and is great for a quick city break.
The city has lots to do for tourists and you’re unlikely to ever feel bored during your stay in the capital city of France.
Paris is known as the romance capital of Europe and it’s no surprise. The city is so magical, with charming streets, elegant buildings and beautiful nature parks and gardens.
Paris is the perfect destination to help you romanticise your life and fall in love with the simple things. There’s no better feeling than sitting at a quiet cafe, munching on the finest of pastries or perusing little boutiques.
Another thing that makes Paris worth visiting is its huge range of museums – particularly art galleries. The Louvre is probably the most famous as it is home to the renowned Mona Lisa.
Many architectural masterpieces in Paris are recognised worldwide, it’s perhaps one of Europe’s most iconic cities in that respect. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame… the list goes on and on!
Although you’ve probably seen the structures hundreds of times on TV shows and online, nothing compares to seeing them up close in real life.
Culinary goodness awaits in Paris with dishes unlike anything you’d find in other European cities. You might squirm at the thought of frog legs and fried snails, but there are plenty of other appetising dishes to devour in the French capital!
Reasons to Visit Paris
There are so many reasons that you should consider a visit to Paris but these are the top five which I consider to be the most important.
1. Iconic Landmarks
Paris is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower – a symbol of romance and engineering brilliance. The Louvre, Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur Basilica are all well-known landmarks that you can’t skip when in the city.
There’s something so exciting about being in a city with so many famous landmarks that you see every day on social media and TV. Strolling along the Seine River, and witnessing the illuminated cityscape at night, is an enchanting experience.
2. The Fabulous Cuisine
Paris is a culinary haven, with quaint cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants. The city offers so many great spots where you can indulge in exquisite French pastries, cheeses, and wines. You can even be a little more adventurous and opt for frog legs or escargot!
A trip to Paris is a guaranteed unforgettable gastronomic experience!
3. Charming Neighbourhood Strolls
Paris is such a pretty city and once you’ve seen all the top sights, that doesn’t mean you should head back to your accommodation. There are many neighbourhoods within the city that you should make an effort to explore as you’ll get some beautiful photographs and feel enchanted as you walk the streets.
Each district, from the artistic Montmartre to the chic Marais, oozes a unique charm. You can explore dozens of hidden gems, vintage shops, and vibrant markets which all capture the essence of Parisian life.
4. The Fashion Capital of Europe
Paris sets global fashion trends, with luxury boutiques and designer showcases. From high-end fashion on the Champs-Élysées to vintage finds in Le Marais, the city is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of style and sophistication.
Why not head to Paris during Fashion Week to check out all of the latest trending styles and get an insight into what the next season might bring?
5. Culture and the Arts
Discover Paris’ cultural allure as you wander through the Louvre’s classical splendours and the avant-garde wonders of Centre Pompidou. The city has such a love for art and expression – fashion isn’t its only talent!
Explore Gothic marvels like Notre-Dame and stroll through vibrant streets, from Montmartre’s bohemian charm to Belleville’s eclectic graffiti. While neighbourhoods like Le Marais and Montparnasse reveal vintage chic and bohemian vibes.
Best Time to Visit Paris
Paris is a city that can be explored all year round but there are certainly some times of the year that are better for visiting the city than others.
You’ll find that Paris is rammed with people in the summer months, so it’s best to avoid the capital city in the peak months of June-August. This applies especially this year (2024) as the city is hosting the Olympic Games.
While the Olympics are something that would be incredible to spectate, prices will be through the roof and the city is likely to struggle with accommodating so many tourists. It’s probably going to be a pretty uncomfortable few weeks in the city as the population is expected to increase by over half.
If you’re travelling to spectate the games then make sure to book your accommodation well in advance and plan your routes around the city wisely, and with plenty of time as even with additional services, delays are guaranteed.
I’d recommend visiting Paris in 2024 between February and April and September and October. While you’ll miss out on the excitement of the Olympics, you’ll dodge the huge crowds and get to see the city in its best light.
As the weather warms, Paris comes to life and begins to look a lot more bright and cheery than in the winter months. Visiting in late February is the earliest I’d recommend a visit to the city.
Paris has a lot of grey architecture and when the sky is dull and it’s cold outside, pictures can make the city look really dreary. I’d therefore advise against visiting in the winter.
The spring and autumn temperatures are perfect for strolling leisurely around the city and the days are long enough to cram a lot of exploring into.
While you might want to pack a coat for the autumn and early, it’s certainly much better than wandering the city in the boiling summer heat that makes crowds even more unbearable.
Where to Stay in Paris
Paris is a very large city and there are hotels, hostels and apartments on every corner. Where you stay will likely depend on your budget and the areas of the city that you’d like to prioritise seeing.
Paris’ transport network can be very expensive and is certainly nowhere near as cheap as some of the other capital cities that I’ve visited in Europe.
Therefore, you’re best staying in a region of the city that is walkable and you can easily access top tourist sites with less reliance on public transport.
Staying close to some main attractions may seem a little silly when prices quite obviously rise, but the money you pay out for accommodation will be made up for by walking as much as possible instead.
Staying close to the main train and bus stations isn’t a bad plan if you’re using these transport methods to get to and from an airport.
I’d recommend finding accommodation in the 8th Arrondissement as it is close to many of the main tourist attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, plus isn’t too expensive – if you search for the best deals.
Staying in the 8th Arrondissement also has a perk in that it is close to Porte Maillot bus station – the bus station you’ll likely arrive at if you’ve flown in from Beauvais Airport (an airport used most by budget airlines such as Ryanair.
Here are some of the best hotel options I’ve spotted recently in the 8th Arrondissement:
My Top 3 Picks: Best Hotels in the 8th Arrondissement
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
La Demeure Montaigne
✔️ Close to top attractions
✔️ Luxury facilities including pool, spa and hot tub
✔️ Buffet breakfast
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
FAQs: Is Paris Worth Visiting?
Is it a good idea to go to Paris?
Yes! Going to Paris is a great idea. The city has so many attractions to enjoy, sights to see and cuisine to savour. Paris is a magical city and one that everyone should visit should you find yourself in northern Europe.
How many days in Paris is enough?
Three days are enough to explore the city and will ensure you have enough time to visit all of the top sights, try some of the best cuisines and still have a little bit of downtime. Paris is best seen when travelling as a city break and a long weekend would provide more than enough time to get a feel for the city.
Why is Paris worth visiting?
Paris is worth visiting for its historic charm, beautiful landmarks, delicious cuisine and wonderful atmosphere. You’re unlikely to get bored in Paris, and while it is dearer than many other capitals, the city makes up for it in magical experiences.
Is Paris or London better for tourists?
Paris and London both have a huge range of attractions that are suited to tourists and no city is more suited for the purpose than the other. I’d recommend a trip to both cities and you can easily visit both in the same trip by taking the Eurostar train.
Is Paris very expensive?
Paris is more expensive than many other capital cities in Europe but that’s not to say you can’t get good deals. When you book in advance you can get flights, accommodation and tours for next to nothing. You should expect to pay more for food in Paris than in other cities, especially in tourist areas but shopping in grocery stores for a few meals is a great way of cutting costs.
Conclusion: Is Paris Worth Visiting?
Paris is absolutely worth visiting! The city is so magical and full of life, there is so to do in the city in terms of sightseeing and you’ll never get bored.
While Paris is a bit more expensive than other capital cities in Europe, you can still find some good deals and it shouldn’t stop you from exploring the city.
Paris can be explored in three days if you pack your itinerary well, allowing you to cut accommodation costs too and being a pretty walkable city for the most part will reduce transport bills.
Overall, the city is definitely worth visiting and contrary to many other travel bloggers – I don’t think it’s overrated!
