Paris is one of the world’s most visited destinations and the 2024 Olympics will bring an additional influx of travelers. Attractions such as the Louvre, where you can view possibly the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, and the iconic Eiffel Tower make the French capital one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An abundance of traditional bistros, endearing cafes and quintessentially Parisian neighborhoods ooze charm and romance.
When the Olympics begin in Paris in July, the city will be a hotbed of activity. Tourists can enjoy everything the City of Lights has to offer, including the Olympic Games. If you’re planning to be one of the thousands of tourists in the city for the Olympic action (and maybe even a little Olympic betting), you’ll need to plan ahead because the city will be jam-packed. Here’s a quick guide to Paris to help you plan your trip!
Local currency and exchange tips
The euro is the local currency in France. Although some banks and hotels may exchange currency for euros, most places will only accept payment in local currency. Unlike some countries, which are only too happy to accept dollars, in France this is much less the case.
Plan to bring your debit card and a couple credit cards if possible. That way if one of your cards is declined or canceled for some reason, you have a backup.
You should also plan to travel with some currency from your home country. If it differs from the euro you can exchange the money at a bank or currency exchange. Always check exchange rates carefully and ask if there is a minimum fee. Airport and train station currency exchanges typically offer the least favorable rates.
Airports
Paris is generally expensive, but it all depends on how you like to travel. Beauvais Airport serves budget airlines only, so you can cut costs by flying there instead of the two major Paris airports (Charles De Gaulle, which is to the north-east, and Orly, which is to the south). However, Beauvais Airport is much further out, and it will take around 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Paris center from there. So you may prefer to fly into Charles De Gaulle or Orly for the 2024 Olympics. Both of those airports are well connected to the city.
Where to stay in Paris
Paris spoils visitors with an abundance of places to stay. Saint-Germain des Prés, the Marais and Champs Élysée are all typically Parisian central locations with a range of fantastic accommodations. The city features some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, but also many budget friendly options. Travelers can also choose from an wide selection of apartment rentals across popular booking sites. Here are some additional suggestions for great neighborhoods to stay in Paris:
Montmartre
Montmartre is a classic neighborhood and not quite off the beaten track, but that might not matter so much to you when you plonk your suitcase down in it. The side streets of this handsome part of the city reward you with stellar photo opportunities, and each weekend there is a fabulous artists market. Best of all, Montmartre places you close to one of Paris’s main attractions, the Sacré Coeur Basilica.
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin is a food lover’s paradise and a must-visit area of Paris. In this bike-friendly neighborhood, the pace of life is notably slower than elsewhere in Paris, and you can eat in an array of tasty canal-side restaurants, sip a coffee at one of the craft cafes or grab your culinary goodies from one of the many fine organic wine and cheese stores. It’s not all just about food though. You can walk off all the calories at the picturesque Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
Oberkampf
Oberkampf is the neighborhood to stay in to be close to the nightlife. Cocktail bars, basement dives, sleek wine bars… this neighborhood has a wealth of choice! You can take a nice stroll there during the day, but night-time is when Oberkampf really comes alive. Along with Bastille, there are many budget friendly accommodations located in this neighborhood.
Paris Highlights
Eiffel Tower
The world renowned Eiffel Tower has dazzled visitors since 1889. The wrought iron lattice tower was built by Gustave Eiffel’s architectural firm for the 1889 World’s Fair. Around 7 million people visit annually, making the Eiffel Tower the world’s most visited ticketed monument. Consider booking a ticketed slot, especially if you want to visit the top to enjoy a spectacular bird’s eye view of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is among the most famous monuments in Paris, France. Completed in 1836, the triumphant landmark measuring 67 m (220 ft) high is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The “star” or étoile of the juncture is formed by twelve radiating avenues. The center of Place Charles de Gaulle was formerly named Place de l’Étoile.
Louvre
The world’s largest art collection can be found at the spectacular Louvre. Built in 1682 under Louis XIV, it was previously the primary residence of the French Monarchy before the Palace of Versailles was constructed. Paintings, sculptures and artifacts date from prehistory to the 21st century, encompassing around 38,000 objects exhibited over an area of 72,735 square meters (782,910 square feet).
The Louvre is the world’s most visited art museum, receiving around 10 million visitors annually. It is home to probably the world’s most famous painting, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.
Musée d’ Orsay
While visiting the Eiffel Tower, consider visiting the nearby impressive Musée d’Orsay. Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, the art gallery was previously Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station. This museum is especially great if you want to view Impressionist and Postimpressionist French artworks. There’s also decorative Art Nouveau, among paintings, sculptures, furniture and photography.
Les Catacombs
If you fancy something a bit different, try the catacombs. This 300-kilometer network of tunnels runs mostly under the city and contains the bones of approximately six million people. Granted it’s eerie and claustrophobic down there, but at the same time this ossuary is mesmerizing. Be sure to take a jacket though because it gets chilly.
Words of Caution
Paris has an array of great places to visit . But at night especially, there are some areas you should exercise increased vigilence. Pigalle is one – home to Paris’ famous Moulin Rouge and the city’s Red Light District. You should also avoid hanging around the main train stations at night.
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded touristy areas and on the Paris metro. Do not leave your phone or wallet in your back pocket, and consider wearing a money belt. Like most major touristy cities, petty theft can be a problem in Paris, but with increased caution you should be fine.
Events to watch at the 2024 Olympics
While in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, you’ll be able to catch a wonderful array of Olympic sports. Perhaps watch a game of tennis at famous Roland Garros stadium. If you’re engaging in some Olympics betting, depending on the sportsbook, Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic are leading the charge to take gold in men’s tennis.
The cycling will take place in central Paris. Lotte Kopecky (Belgium) is the main contender in the women’s road race. In the men’s, Wout Van Aert (Belgium), Remco Evenepoel (Belgium), Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands) and Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) are all among the favorites battling it out for gold.
Paris is an amazing city and just the place for the 2024 Olympics. This will be its third time hosting the event, so the City of Lights knows how to put on a show. The city and the world simply can’t wait for the games to begin in France!
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