Get a guidebook and get yourself oriented! Photo: Racky Salzman

Paris is always at the top of my list when I’m drawing up vacation plans for the year. And although I’ve strolled down the streets many times and know my way around a fair bit, I still like to have a little help by my side.

I always travel with a handy friend — a Paris guidebook.

While apps and websites can help you plan your journey before you leave (this one included!), there’s nothing like having a guidebook by your side as you hit the ground. There’s no need to wait for a Wi-Fi connection, just open a page, get your bearings, and start exploring.

Our favorite Paris guidebooks

Are you planning a trip to Paris? Here is a selection of travel guides to Paris that I recommend you pick up before your excursion.

Top Pick

Rick Steves Paris

The godfather of cheap and local travel in Europe, Rick Steves never goes out of style. I’m still using Steves’ guides long after I first bought them in 1994 for my first trip to Europe on my own. The guide won’t win any graphic design awards, but you won’t care with so much detailed information on attractions, restaurants, and museums.

I love the restaurant picks that cater to those looking for the best neighborhood bistros and brasserie. When you’re ready to explore the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, the guide provides easy-to-follow tips for seeing the highlights without being overwhelmed.

It also includes information on small, family-run hotels that just ooze with charm. And best of all, Steves’ style is unpretentious and filled with goofy puns. Now that’s our kind of guide!

My only complaint is that the pages are incredibly thin. The upside is that it cuts down on weight, so it’s great to carry in your backpack when you’re wandering around Paris.

Best for

• Budget and middle-budget travelers
• Detailed walking tours
• Good, affordable “classic French” restaurant recommendations
• Great, detailed tips for the city’s biggest hits, like the Louvre

Cons

• Very thin pages
• Only black & white photos

Page Count: 713
Weight: 12.8 ounces

Lonely Planet Paris

One of the most iconic brands in travel, Lonely Planet has created a close-to-perfect Paris guidebook. From helpful lists on what to see to insider secrets for local favorites, this guidebook has a bit of everything.

We especially love the “If you like…” section for inspiration.

Best for:

• • • Neighborhood explorers
    • Wide coverage of the city including outer districts
    • Good nightlife listings
    • Handy lists on what to see and when to go

Page Count: 416
Weight: 12.5 ounces

Frommer’s EasyGuide to Paris

A thorough guide to the City of Light, Frommer’s is a straightforward guidebook with little filler.

Each attraction, restaurant, shop, and hotel listed is given a star rating, which makes it easy to find the standouts.

Best for:

• • • All types of travelers
    • Covers a variety of price ranges
    • Detailed restaurant reviews
    • Sound tips for visiting the big attractions

Page Count: 320
Weight: 12 ounces

DK Eyewitness Paris

Known for its emphasis on photography and attention to detail, DK makes Paris comes alive on the pages of this guide.

There’s plenty of culture and history inside along with nice bonuses like detailed museum floor plans.

Best for:

• • • Photography fans
    • Beautiful color photos to really help visualize the city
    • Focus on history and culture
    • Detailed diagrams of attractions and museums

Page Count: 328
Weight: 14.4 ounces

Fodor’s Paris

Composed by locals, this comprehensive guidebook covers everything you need to see the classic Paris attractions for travelers at all price points (from budget to deluxe).

It also has good coverage of dining and shopping, so you can enjoy some of the best foodie experiences in Paris.

Best for:

• • • First-time visitors
    • Covering all the highlights
    • Packed with Paris essentials
    • Trusted travel brand

Page Count: 400
Weight: 12 ounces

National Geographic Traveler Paris

If you’re a fan of the magazine, then this book will be right up your alley.

Filled with lots of photography, there are also plenty of juicy historical details to keep you reading late into the night from your Paris hotel room.

Best for:

• • • History Buffs
    • Fun reading for the plane and hotel
    • Walking tour maps
    • National Geographic enthusiasts

Page Count: 272
Weight: 12.6 ounces

Paris Knopf Mapguide

If sometimes you just want to wander, we recommend throwing this compact map book into your backpack.

It includes a few highlights for each neighborhood, but the real attraction is the easy-to-use maps. Small enough to fit in your back pocket, you can fold it back up before anyone sees that you’re a tourist!

Best for:

• • • Map lovers
    • Great for exploring beyond the center
    • Easy-to-carry in your back pocket
    • Nice price

Page Count: 48
Weight: 6.4 ounces

Your favorite guidebook?

Do you have a favorite guidebook for Paris? Tell us why it’s your preferred guide in our comments section below.

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