How to Get Around Paris in 2025: Walking, Metro, Bikes & More

Getting Around Paris in 2025: A Local’s Guide to Exploring the City

Paris is a city made for exploring. Whether you're visiting for the first time or coming back for more, knowing how to move around efficiently can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. From walking through charming neighborhoods to cruising the Seine, this guide will help you choose the best way to get around the City of Light.

1. On Foot: The Most Authentic Way to Discover Paris

There’s no better way to feel the spirit of Paris than walking through its streets. With compact districts, open squares, and centuries-old architecture, walking offers the best chance to uncover the small details that make the city so special.

Neighborhoods like Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and Montmartre are perfect for exploring on foot. Whether it’s window-shopping in trendy boutiques, stopping by local cafés, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, walking lets you take your time and truly connect with the city.

Many travelers also join guided walks to hear historical stories and explore hidden corners most people miss.

2. The Paris Metro: Fast and Simple

For getting across town quickly, the metro is the top choice. It’s well-connected, runs frequently, and reaches nearly every area you might want to visit.

There are 16 metro lines, each with its own number and color. Some of the most useful for visitors include:

• Line 1: Great for visiting central sites like the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, and Bastille.

• Line 4: Runs from north to south and stops near Montmartre and Notre-Dame.

• Line 6: Crosses the city diagonally and offers scenic views of the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets can be purchased individually or in bulk, and there are passes available for unlimited travel during your stay. Just be sure to avoid peak hours and keep an eye on your belongings during crowded rides.

3. Biking in Paris: Easy, Fun, and Eco-Friendly

Paris has made huge progress in becoming more bike-friendly in recent years. Wide, protected cycling lanes now stretch across the city, making biking a great option for medium distances or leisure rides.

You can rent bikes through services like Lime, which offers electric bicycles you can find and unlock with an app. They’re easy to use and available all around the city.

Popular cycling routes include paths along the Seine River, through leafy boulevards like Boulevard de Magenta, and the traffic-calmed Rue de Rivoli.

Helmets are advised, and riders should use bike lanes whenever possible. Always watch for signs and traffic lights made specifically for cyclists.

4. Buses: A Scenic Way to Travel Above Ground

While the metro is quick, buses offer a more scenic and relaxed way to get around Paris. You’ll travel through beautiful neighborhoods and pass well-known landmarks without needing to go underground.

Some useful bus routes for visitors include:

• Route 69: Winds past sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Marais district, and Les Invalides.

• Route 38: Travels from Gare du Nord through the Latin Quarter and into the heart of the city.

Bus tickets are the same as metro tickets and can be purchased in advance or directly onboard with exact change. Real-time apps help track arrival times and plan the best routes.

5. The Seine River Boats: Cruise Through the City

Another peaceful and memorable way to see Paris is from the water. River shuttles like the Batobus stop at many of the city's most famous locations and let you hop on and off at your leisure.

It’s both a form of transportation and a sightseeing opportunity. Stops include:

• The Eiffel Tower

• Notre-Dame

• The Louvre

• Hôtel de Ville

You can purchase day passes to ride the boat as many times as you want, and it’s a great option for couples, families, or anyone looking for a slower, more scenic route.

Tips from Local Tour Guides

If you join a walking tour with experienced guides, you’ll also get valuable tips on how to navigate the city. Guides often share:

• Advice on using metro and bus lines efficiently

• Safe and scenic routes to explore on foot or by bike

• Lesser-known paths and local shortcuts

• Ideas for avoiding tourist crowds or busy hours

These insights help visitors enjoy the city more deeply and avoid common mistakes during their trip.

Final Thoughts

Moving through Paris is more than just getting from one place to another—it’s a part of the experience itself. Whether you’re walking through historic quarters, riding a bike past the Seine, or watching the city glide by from a riverboat, every mode of transport reveals something new.

Plan your routes, take your time, and don’t be afraid to try something different. Paris is a city that rewards curiosity at every turn.

And if you’re looking to discover it with a knowledgeable guide, visit FreeWalkingTour.fr to explore our walking experiences across the city.