Paris is renowned for its romance, history, and culture. In 2023, the city welcomed over 37 million tourists, nearing its pre-pandemic peak, according to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Beyond the iconic Eiffel Tower and world-class museums, the city is full of surprises. From the tower’s original purpose as a temporary structure to the hidden underground catacombs, there’s always something unexpected around every corner. Here are 10 fun facts about Paris that you might not know.
The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’s most recognized symbols. However, it was initially designed as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair. It was meant to be dismantled afterward, but it was kept standing due to its usefulness as a giant radio antenna. The tower became so iconic that it was never taken down.
While Paris is the capital of France today, it hasn’t always been the political center. Over the centuries, several cities have served as the capital, including Troyes, Tours, Bourges, Versailles, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Vichy, Brazzaville, Algiers, and Bayeux. In most cases, these cities were temporary capitals during wartime, with the notable exception of Versailles. Louis XIV established Versailles as a new capital to escape the Parisian mobs, and it remained the political center of France until the Revolution.
Paris has a robust cycling culture. More people travel by bicycle than by car, with 11.2% of trips made by bike compared to 4.3% by car, according to the Institut Paris Region. Initiatives like the Vélib' bike-sharing program have made biking more accessible, and many Parisians prefer it due to traffic and the difficulty of finding parking. This trend has helped reduce the city's carbon footprint and has made it more eco-friendly.
The Catacombs of Paris are an eerie yet fascinating part of the city's history. They house the remains of over six million people, who were moved there from overcrowded cemeteries in the late 18th century. Originally limestone quarries, the tunnels were converted into an ossuary. Today, they’re open to the public and are one of the most visited historical sites in Paris.
Before becoming the world-famous museum it is today, the Louvre was a royal palace. It was first built as a fortress by King Philip II in the 12th century to protect the city. Over the centuries, it evolved into a royal residence and later a museum in the 18th century. Today, it is home to thousands of artworks, including the Mona Lisa.
Avenue Montaigne is Paris's most expensive shopping street, known for its luxury fashion boutiques. Major designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior have stores on this prestigious avenue. It’s the go-to place for high-end shopping, attracting wealthy shoppers from around the world. The street’s exclusive atmosphere makes it a must-visit for fashion lovers.
Paris is not just about historic landmarks but also offers a lush green escape. The city is home to numerous parks and gardens, where both locals and tourists enjoy the outdoors. From the famous Luxembourg Gardens to smaller hidden gems, there’s plenty of space for picnics and relaxation. These green spaces make Paris a more tranquil place amidst its busy streets.
The Pont Neuf is Paris’s oldest standing bridge, built in the 16th century. It crosses the River Seine and connects the Île de la Cité with the rest of the city. It was the first bridge in Paris to be constructed without houses on it, making it a revolutionary design at the time. Today, it remains a vital part of the city’s infrastructure and a historical landmark.
Paris is often called the "City of Light" because it was one of the first cities in the world to adopt street lighting. However, the name also refers to the city's role as a hub of intellectual and artistic movements during the Enlightenment. Today, the city's streets glow with both modern streetlights and the vibrant energy of its cultural and creative scenes.
Paris is home to a network of covered passages dating back to the 19th century. These charming glass-roofed walkways, often hidden from view, are filled with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries. They offer a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of the city. Many of these passages are beautifully preserved and remain popular among locals and tourists alike.
When traveling to Paris, staying connected is essential for navigating the city, sharing your experiences, and staying in touch with loved ones.
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to ensure reliable mobile connectivity is by using an eSIM — a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card.
eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular with travelers because they allow for easy setup and flexibility, ensuring you’re always connected without the hassle of swapping out physical SIM cards. Many modern smartphones are already equipped with eSIM technology, so you can manage your mobile plan digitally before you even leave for Paris.
If you're planning to visit Paris, it's important to compare different eSIM providers to find the plan that best suits your needs. Whether you're staying for a short trip or a longer stay, eSIMs offer an affordable and efficient way to access mobile data during your travels.
Here’s a comparison of three popular eSIM providers for Paris, each with its own set of features:
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
| Holafly |  | Unlimited data for a fixed price, easy setup | No support for traditional voice calls, slightly higher price for unlimited data | $20.90 unlimited data for 5 days |
| Airalo |  | Affordable, easy to activate | Coverage can be less reliable in rural areas, no option for unlimited data plans | $23.50 20 GB data for 30 days |
| GigSky |  | Fast data speeds, flexible plans for short stays | Data speed can fluctuate depending on location, customer support response times can vary | $19.49 unlimited data for 7 days |
Paris Syndrome is a psychological condition that some tourists experience when their expectations of Paris don’t align with reality. Symptoms can include anxiety, confusion, and even physical symptoms like dizziness and fainting.
Paris has an extensive public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and trams. You can also use bike-sharing services like Vélib’ or walk around the city, as many attractions are close to one another. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are also available.
The ideal duration for a visit to Paris is around 3 to 4 days. This allows enough time to visit major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as explore neighborhoods, parks, and enjoy local cafes.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
Reviews
