This Paris travel guide covers a first visit to the French capital: grand boulevards, the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, neighbourhood cafés and markets. The city is compact and best explored by metro and on foot. From Pakistan most itineraries connect once in the Gulf, taking around ten to eleven hours.
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) bring mild weather and long evenings. July and August are warm and crowded, while winter is cold and grey but quieter and cheaper — with festive lights in December.
Getting into Paris
Most international flights land at Charles de Gaulle (CDG), about 25 km north-east of the centre; Orly (ORY), 15 km south, handles many European flights. A single airport ticket covers the RER trains, the metro to Orly and the airport buses.
Pakistani passport holders need a Schengen visa, applied for well in advance at the French consulate or visa centre. German and other EU citizens need only an ID card or passport. Visa-free non-EU visitors should check whether the new EU online travel authorisation (ETIAS) applies to their trip — always confirm on official EU sources.
| CDG airport to central Paris | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| RER B train to Gare du Nord / Châtelet | 35–45 min | about €13 |
| Airport bus to Opéra | 60–75 min | about €17 |
| Taxi (fixed fare) | 45–70 min | €56 Right Bank · €65 Left Bank |
| Ride-hailing app | 45–70 min | €50–80 |
Popular flights: Islamabad → Paris
Top sights to see in Paris
Book timed tickets online for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Versailles — queues can be long, especially in summer.
Ride to the summit or walk the stairs to the second floor; the views from Trocadéro across the river are free.
2 hours · €23–36The Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and thousands of masterpieces in a former palace.
3 hours · about €22The restored cathedral, beautiful Sainte-Chapelle and the island's old streets.
2 hours · Notre-Dame freeHilltop basilica, artists' square and views across Paris.
2–3 hours · freeImpressionist art by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh in a grand old railway station.
2 hours · about €16Climb the arch for a view down the famous avenue.
1.5 hours · about €16An hour on the water past the city's landmarks — lovely at dusk.
1 hour · €15–20A beautiful 1920s mosque with gardens and a tea room serving mint tea and pastries.
1 hourThe royal palace and gardens, 40 minutes away by RER C.
Half to full day · about €21Food to try in Paris
Start with a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat and a coffee at a corner café, try a crêpe from a street stand, and enjoy a set lunch (formule) at a bistro — often the best value meal of the day. Cheese, macarons and patisseries are worth every calorie.
Halal food is easy to find: Belleville, Barbès and Couronnes have many North African and Turkish restaurants, the 10th arrondissement around Faubourg Saint-Denis and Passage Brady is known for Indian and Pakistani food, and the Grand Mosque's tea room serves halal tagines. Expect €2–5 for coffee, €15–25 for a lunch menu and €30–60 for dinner. Service is included in the bill; leaving small change is a kind gesture.
Getting around: public and private transport
The metro has 16 lines and stations every few hundred metres, with RER trains for longer hops and the airports; buses and trams fill the gaps. A single ticket costs about €2.50 and can be loaded onto a reusable Navigo Easy card or a phone; a weekly Navigo pass (Monday to Sunday) is good value for longer stays.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful late at night or with luggage, but traffic is slow. Shared bikes are everywhere and many streets have bike lanes, and walking between central sights along the Seine is often the most enjoyable way to travel.
Safety and local tips
Paris is generally safe, but pickpockets target tourists on busy metro lines, the RER B, around the Eiffel Tower and at Montmartre. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, never leave phones on café tables, and ignore people asking you to sign petitions, tie 'friendship bracelets' or who 'find' a gold ring.
Emergency numbers: 112 (all emergencies), 17 police and 15 ambulance. Plugs are type E (230 V), cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, and tap water is safe — ask for a free 'carafe d'eau'. Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' — it makes a big difference.
Where to stay in Paris
Paris is divided into 20 numbered districts (arrondissements); staying central saves time.
Historic lanes, cafés and boutiques, central for most sights.
Mid to highClassic Left Bank charm near Notre-Dame and the Luxembourg Gardens.
Mid to highGreat transport links, halal food and lower prices.
Budget to midVillage feel and views; good-value hotels.
Budget to midA 3-day plan for Paris
Day 1: the Eiffel Tower, a walk to the Trocadéro, then a Seine cruise and the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Day 2: the Louvre in the morning, the Tuileries, then Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Latin Quarter. Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, the Musée d'Orsay, and an evening in Le Marais. Add a day for Versailles. Our full Paris guide has timings and prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from CDG airport to central Paris?
Take the RER B train (about €13, 35–45 minutes) or an official taxi at a fixed fare of €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for France?
Yes, Pakistani passport holders need a Schengen visa, applied for in advance through the French consulate or visa centre.
Is it easy to find halal food in Paris?
Yes. Belleville, Barbès and the 10th arrondissement have many halal restaurants, and the Grand Mosque's tea room serves halal dishes.
How many days do I need in Paris?
Three to four days cover the main sights; add a day for Versailles or a trip to Disneyland Paris.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October offer mild weather and fewer crowds than midsummer.
Prices and transport details were checked 8 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.