City guide

Paris

7 places we recommend in Paris, France — 1 restaurant, 1 bar, 4 shopping, 1 other.

Practical info — France

Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Language: French is the official language nationwide, and it genuinely helps to learn a few basics — a friendly "bonjour" before any request goes a long way. English is widely understood in Paris and major tourist hubs, but less so in smaller towns and rural areas, so a translation app is a handy backup.
Visa: As Swedish and EU passport holders, you can enter France freely for tourism with just a valid passport or national ID card — no visa needed, since France is a fellow EU and Schengen member. Since late 2025 the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has been rolling out at Schengen borders, which means first-time entrants get fingerprints and a photo registered digitally instead of a passport stamp; it takes a few extra minutes but requires no action on your part beforehand. Rules and border tech do shift, so it's worth a quick check of official sources (like France-Visas or the Swedish Migration Agency) close to your travel date.
Power: Type C and Type E · 230V, 50Hz
Best time: Aim for late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October) — the weather is warm but not brutal, the light is gorgeous, and the summer crowds and prices have thinned out. July and August bring peak heat and peak tourists (especially on the Riviera), while winter is lovely for Paris museums and Alpine skiing if you don't mind grey days and short daylight hours.
Safety: France is a safe country to travel in and violent crime against tourists is rare — the main thing to watch for is pickpocketing in crowded spots like the Paris Métro, Eiffel Tower, and Champs-Élysées, so keep bags zipped and in front of you and be wary of distraction scams (petition signers, "found ring" tricks, string bracelet sellers). A little basic etiquette smooths things over everywhere: greet shopkeepers with "bonjour" before diving into a question, and don't expect small talk with strangers to come easily — French social norms are a bit more reserved than Swedish ones, but warmth follows once the ice breaks.

Service is legally included in restaurant bills ("service compris"), so tipping isn't expected — rounding up or leaving a couple of euros for great service is a nice gesture, not an obligation, and tips are given in cash rather than added to a card. Many smaller shops, cafés, and even some restaurants close for a stretch in August as locals take their own holidays, so double-check opening hours if traveling then. Punctuality matters less in social settings than in Sweden, but for trains, tours, and reservations, show up on time.