Capital city in Île-de-France, France
Paris
Europe's great walkable art, food and café city with superb transit and a big expat and nomad scene. Expensive rent, pickpockets, strikes and tiny apartments are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,600–5,060Comfortable, one person · €3,200–4,500Details
- Value for money7/100Better value than 6% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 25°CDetails
- Air quality13 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work nearly everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Paris
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Le Marais (3rd/4th) | First-timers: central, walkable, cafés, LGBTQ+ scene |
| Canal Saint-Martin (10th) | Nomads and long stays: cafés, bars, young crowd |
| Montmartre (18th) | Village feel and views; steep, touristy near Sacré-Cœur |
| Latin Quarter (5th) | Students, bookshops, cheap eats, easy RER links |
| Oberkampf–Bastille (11th) | Nightlife, bars and mid-priced hotels |
Apps that work in Paris
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Official taxis are metered with a lit roof sign; use ranks or apps. Avoid unmarked drivers approaching you at stations.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work nearly everywhere. Carry a few coins for public toilets, small markets and bakeries that set a card minimum.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
Going to Paris solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Paris meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.