- transportation: A flat rate of €2.50 per trip throughout the Paris region (including Disneyland).
- Entry visa: Starting in the last quarter of 2026, Israelis will need an electronic ETIAS authorization before flying.
- where to sleep The most recommended areas for Israeli travelers are the Marais and Montparnasse districts.
- Personal safety: It is recommended to use a front crossbody bag and beware of the “golden ring” scam.
Welcome to my complete Paris guide!
This is my favorite city in the world. I have been in love with the City of Lights since the day I first visited it at the age of 3, and since then I have visited it dozens of times. Each time I discovered new things, whether it was a hidden garden, an unfamiliar street where someone famous lived, a restaurant where every bite of food felt like talking to God, and many more secrets that I want to share with you.
In this guide, I've compiled all the updated tips for February 2026 and the secrets I've discovered over the years. Let's get started and help you plan your next trip to Paris!
Important information before we start?
So what will you find in the guide?
When should you visit Paris and do you need a visa?
A true Francophile will answer this question with one word: “Always.” Indeed, there is no month when something isn’t happening in the French capital. However, if I had to choose one season, it would be the fall season (October-December), when the heat breaks, prices drop and the light for photography is simply perfect.
Flights and airport information in Paris
Now that we've covered how to book a ticket, let's talk about landing. There are 3 airports in Paris, and it's very important to know where you're arriving. I've prepared detailed guides for each airport, so you don't find yourself wandering around with a suitcase in the rain:
Questions and answers about flights
How long does a direct flight take?
Which airport do you recommend landing at?
What is the most recommended way to get from the airport to the city?
- Taxi (most convenient): If you are a couple or a family with luggage, this is the sane solution. There is a fixed price (Flat Rate) by law! From Charles de Gaulle: to the right bank about €56 and to the left bank about €65. From Orly the prices are cheaper. ⚠️ warning: Don't agree to pay a shekel more and only go to the official line outside.
- Train (RER B): The cheapest and fastest option (about €11.80), but less recommended if you have a lot of equipment or during rush hour.
- RoissyBus: Direct bus to the Opera area. Great option if your hotel is in this area.
Recommended hotels
Choosing where to stay is critical, and sometimes feels like looking for a needle in a (very expensive) haystack. Don't worry, I've done the hard work for you. I've rounded up the best value hotels here, but if you want to dive deeper and see all the options by neighborhood and budget, I highly recommend checking outMy complete and expanded hotel guide in Paris.
Luxurious hotels
Value for money
To the list of recommended hotels in Paris
Recommended apartments
For families or those who want to feel like a local, an apartment is a great solution. If you are debating between a hotel and an apartment, or are looking for specific recommendations for large families, you must take a look atMy complete vacation apartment guideThere I detailed all the little secrets that will save you heartache.
In the meantime, here are the Udi apartments (Israeli-owned) that I highly recommend and offer a high standard in winning locations.
Marais District
Eiffel Tower and West Paris
Latin Quarter and Saint Germain
To the list of recommended vacation apartments in Paris
Questions and answers about hotels and apartments
In which area should you book a hotel/apartment?
What is better – an apartment or a hotel?
Are there areas where it is better not to live?
Are there any kosher hotels or kosher apartments?
Attractions not to be missed
“Must-see attractions”
If this is your first time in Paris, there are a few places that are simply a must. To make it easier for you, I've compiled them here with the option to quickly book tickets (pre-booking is highly recommended!):
But before we dive into the list, let me let you in on a secret: the real magic of Paris isn't always found in the most famous spots. If you want to discover the hidden gems that only the locals (and I) know about, head over toMy complete list of monuments.
🗿 Monuments
- (I.e. square: 7
- ️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High (elevators available)
- (I.e. square: 8
- ️ Visit time: Time
- (I.e. accessibility: Medium (elevator for the disabled available by arrangement)
- (I.e. square: 7
- ️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High
Did you think you've seen it all? (Not at all!) Paris hides architectural gems around every corner. Here's the full list, including the secrets most tourists miss.
🎨 Museums
The Louvre may be the undisputed king, but Paris is packed with small, fascinating museums that sometimes surpass the original. Want to discover where Monet's most beautiful paintings are hidden without crowding with thousands of tourists? VisitMy list of recommended museums.
- (I.e. square: 1 (Mona Lisa)
- ️ Visit time: 3-5 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High
- (I.e. square: 7
- ️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High
- (I.e. square: 7
- ️ Visit time: 1-2 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High
- (I.e. square: 4 (The Mara)
- ️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High
The Louvre is a must, but between us? The real magic is hidden in the small, intimate museums. Click here to discover the art treasures that captured my heart.
🎢 Children
- (I.e. Location: Marne-la-Vallée (RER A ride)
- ️ Visit time: A full day (at least)
- (I.e. accessibility: Very high
- (I.e. Location: Plailly (North of Paris)
- ️ Visit time: a whole day
- (I.e. accessibility: Medium-high
- (I.e. square: 16
- ️ Visit time: 1.5-2 hours (tour)
- (I.e. accessibility: High
Who said Paris is for adults only? From magical carousels to mind-blowing science museums – here’s everything you need to make little ones fall in love with the city.
⛴️ On the move
- (I.e. Location: Next to the Eiffel Tower or Pont Nouf
- ️ Visit time: Time
- (I.e. accessibility: High (on most ships)
- (I.e. Location: Stations all over the city
- ️ Visit time: One/Two days (flexible)
- (I.e. accessibility: High
Are your feet sore from all the walking? (I know the feeling). It’s time to see Paris from a different angle – whether on the water or on a vintage bus. Sit back and enjoy the show.
🌳 Gardens
- (I.e. square: 6
- ️ Visit time: One to two hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High
- (I.e. square: 1
- ️ Visit time: Time
- (I.e. accessibility: High
- (I.e. square: 8
- ️ Visit time: Time
- (I.e. accessibility: High
The secret to the Parisian 'good life'? A green chair, a fresh baguette, and a beautiful garden. These are the green lungs I escape to to recharge my batteries.
⚰️ Cemeteries
- (I.e. square: 20
- ️ Visit time: 2-3 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: Low-medium (elevations and stone floors)
- (I.e. square: 18
- ️ Visit time: Time
- (I.e. accessibility: Medium
- (I.e. square: 14
- ️ Visit time: Time
- (I.e. accessibility: High
Sound morbid to you? Trust me, it's not. Paris' cemeteries are open-air sculpture gardens full of history, legends, and a surprisingly pastoral quiet.
Attractions outside Paris
- (I.e. Location: Versailles (RER C ride)
- ️ Visit time: 4-6 hours
- (I.e. accessibility: High (via elevators)
- (I.e. Location: Marne-la-Vallée (RER A ride)
- ️ Visit time: a whole day
- (I.e. accessibility: High
Questions and answers about attractions
Is it worth buying the museum ticket?
Where is it recommended to book tickets?
How far in advance should I book tickets?
When is admission to museums free?
Performances, concerts and cabarets
You've already decided what you'll do during the day, but what do you plan to do in the evenings? I've compiled all the types of nightlife for you in convenient tabs:
When the sun goes down, the 'City of Lights' truly comes alive. Cabaret, jazz clubs or just a romantic stroll? Here are my recommendations for an unforgettable night.
How to get around Paris? (2026 reform)
- Metro/train/RER ticket: Flat price of 2.50€ .
- Bus/Tram Ticket: Flat price of 2.00€ .
- The only exception – airports: The airport shuttle is not included in the flat rate. The cost is €13.
If you are coming for more than two days, you should get to know the Navigo Easy card, which is the easiest and most affordable way to get around the city. For detailed information on all types of cards and options, go toMy complete guide to Navigo.
Which is better: Navigo Easy or using your phone?
| attribute | Navigo Easy (physical card) | App (Bonjour RATP / Phone) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance cost | 2€ one-time | Completely free |
| Loading cards | On machines or over the phone | Directly within the app |
| Ease of use | Separate hard card | Using NFC without a card |
| attribute | Navigo Easy (recommended for most of you) | Navigo Découverte (for advanced users) |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | For most tourists who come for a weekend or a short trip | For those who are in Paris from Monday to Sunday and travel a lot |
| Ticket cost (physical) | €2 (free if using your phone!) | €5 (physical card + passport photo required) |
| What is claimed in it? | Single tickets (2.50€) or daily ticket | Weekly (Semaine) or monthly free |
| Do you need a picture? | No | Yes, a must! |
Questions and answers about transportation in Paris
How do I get to Disneyland Paris and is it included in the regular ticket?
The Complete Guide to Avoiding Bites
1. “Excuse me, did you drop this?” (The golden ring bite)
The truth: The ring is made of cheap brass, and he wants money for the “bargain.”2. The “Friendship Bracelet” Trap
The truth: Once the string is tied to your hand, it will aggressively demand payment.Tours of Paris (alone or with a guided tour)
Where should you eat in the City of Lights?
Paris is an edible history lesson. Every bite of croissant or baguette tells a story that spans centuries. If you want to know where to find the best eclair in the city (check it out!), or which bistro will serve you onion soup that will make you cry with joy, take a look atMy complete restaurant and patisserie guide.
Where do you go shopping in Paris?
Whether you're a high-fashion enthusiast or a flea market bargain hunter, Paris is a shopping paradise. I've put together a detailed guide to help you navigate the glittering department stores and quirky boutiques, including everything you need to know about sales and tax refunds. For all the details, visitMy comprehensive shopping guide.
Dear Zvi,
Thank you very much for a detailed and effective guide, we traveled to Paris for a week and even though we have traveled to Paris several times already, it was fun to read your guide and use your advice.
Regarding transportation in Paris, we needed a shuttle from the Saint-Germain district to the airport at 5 a.m. We called the shuttle you recommend, they asked for 70 euros with a 25 euro advance payment when booking. My wife tried to transfer the payment and encountered a problem so I downloaded a hover (for the first time) everything worked smoothly and the cost was 35 euros. No advance payment.
for your information.
Bonjour, can you recommend a bus from the Temple Street area in Matara to the Marmottan Museum that goes through as many sites as possible?
Unfortunately, I need to start saying goodbye to the city before returning on Monday, so I'm looking to do it today or tomorrow.
Thank you
Reservations are not required. You can buy your tickets directly at the museum.
Opening hours
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (last admissions: 5 pm)
Late nights: Thursday, to 9 pm (last admission: 8 pm)
Galleries close 15 minutes before museum closing time
Closed Mondays, May 1, December 25, and January 1
Getting here
2, rue Louis-Boilly, 75016 Paris – France
Tel.: + 33 (0)1 44 96 50 33
Metro
line 9, stop: La Muette or Ranelagh
RER
line C, stop: Boulainvilliers
Buses
Line 22, stop: La Muette–Boulainvilliers
Line 32, stop: Louis Boilly or Ingres
Line 52, stop: La Muette–Boulainvilliers
Line 63, stop: Porte de la Muette
Line 70, stop: Louis-Boilly or Ingres
Line PC 1, stop: Ernest Hebert or Porte de Passy
Check the bus lines I provided to see if they pass by the metro you mentioned or are close to it. All of these bus lines cross the city and allow you to see its sites.
As always, inhale.
Paris without deer is not Paris.
Exceptional work.
May all your travelers be blessed and enjoy.
Thank you very much 🙂