Paris
When we first visited Paris in 2025, we were expecting to experience its art, fashion, and café culture – because isn’t that what is most talked about and shared? But what we discovered instead was a city in the middle of a remarkable shift towards greener, healthier, and more sustainable ways of living.
A once-polluted metropolis, Paris, in the last ~ 50 years, has drastically reduced its carbon emissions and has transformed into a highly bike-able, walkable and livable “15-min city”
Come, join us in exploring this softer, slower side of Paris that nobody talks about.
Things to see and do in Paris
- Walk along the Seine river
- Walk or bike in Parc de la Villette
- Experience the beauty of Coulée verte - the HighLine of Paris
- Gaze over the city's skyline from Centre Pompidou
- Visit the charming Butte-aux-Cailles neighbourhood
- Try traditional French cuisine & desserts (vegan available)
- Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
- Sip coffee or wine at any café in 11th Arrondissement
- Walk through Passage des Panoramas
Typical costs when travelling
Accommodation – Paris can be expensive if you let it be. Along with luxurious hotels, boutique properties, Paris also has some cool hostels. The People Paris is a great option to explore Paris’ diverse neighbourhoods. If you travel off-season, between November and March, their dorms might cost you anywhere between €25–40/night. For mid-range or 3- or 4-star rated hotels, it would cost around €120–220, depending on the time of the year (during Fashion week and major events) and the hotel location – prices of hotels in the city centre are usually higher than the ones in the outskirts of Paris. For a luxurious splurge, expect hotel rates to start at €400 and go well beyond that.
Food – Paris is world famous for its butter, croissants and pastries, not really a vegan’S cup of tea. But what if we told you that you can get all of these plus more French cuisine in its best vegan form? And a lot of these creative dishes are affordable or at a relatively similar costs to non-vegan meals. For budget travellers, a day’s meals could easily fit in the bracket of €30–70 pp/day including self-catering. Travellers who can splurge a bit on eating out for every meal and can keep a balance of fine dining and street food, can expect a budget of €100–250 pp/day.
Transportation – Paris has one of the most easiest public-transport systems in Europe – buses, trams, cycles, and RERs (regional train for the suburbs) to explore the city and its outskirts well. A standard Metro, train or RER journey costs €2.55, while buses and trams cost €2.05. If you’re travelling frequently, a day pass costs €12.30 and a weekly pass €32.40. Check out Île de France for all the options. For exploring beyond Paris, trains are the most convenient option, although fares vary considerably by destination and how early you book.
Do’s and dont's
Here’s a mix of practical tips, local etiquettes, and a few things that’ll help you get acquainted to the city’s pace and life.
Do’s
- Do explore Paris beyond the Eiffel Tower. Spend some time in local neighbourhoods, community markets, independent cafés, libraries, art galleries, you'll get a much more authentic sense of how Parisians actually live!
- Do rent a bicycle and explore Paris' neighbourhoods, you'll certainly learn about the city's many sustainable initiatives
- Do learn some basic greetings in French - the French ain't rude! 🙂
- Do be mindful of your belongings. Like every other metropolis, Paris too, has scammers and pickpockets. Beware especially in crowded Metro lines and major tourist attractions.
- Do check museum opening days and hours. Many of them are shut on Mondays or Tuesdays. Also, please reserve your Eiffel Tower spot in advance if you wish to visit - the slots for the day fill in very quickly.
Dont’s
- Don't stay in Paris just for 2 days and rush to the next stop. This city genuinely feels different if explored slowly. We recommend atleast 5 - 6 days.
- Don't stand in the middle of a busy pavement. Paris can get very crowded, so step aside if you need to check your map or click pictures.
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