Paris and Wise have the
number 20 in common
Over 60% of Wise transfers complete in 20 seconds*. While Paris is known for its 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods).
Time to go off track
The worst thing you can do in Paris is play it safe. Paris is a bijou city but its layout compared to London or New York can be confusing at first. However, if you crowd the podium with other tourists around the main landmarks, you’ll be missing out on its true spirit. We’ll be your coach to the best this beautiful city has to offer.
Paris and Wise have the
The Seine river carves the city in half, the left bank (south of the river) and the right bank (north of the river). The left bank, a chic representation of old Paris with its brasseries, jazz bars and old buildings is beloved by tourists. The right bank by contrast is modern, hip and a melting pot for Parisian culture.
Paris is also divided into 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods, numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city. Each neighborhood is known to have its own identity and atmosphere: the 18th arrondissement is the quintessential Boheme neighborhood while Le Quartier Latin in the 5th arrondissement is known for its student life and centuries old universities like the Sorbonne. Our top tip to discover Paris is walking from one neighborhood to the next to soak up their distinct vibe.
Paris is also divided into 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods, numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city. Each neighborhood is known to have its own identity and atmosphere: the 18th arrondissement is the quintessential Boheme neighborhood while Le Quartier Latin in the 5th arrondissement is known for its student life and centuries old universities like the Sorbonne. Our top tip to discover Paris is walking from one neighborhood to the next to soak up their distinct vibe.
* Transaction speed claimed depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.
Culture
Athletes aren’t the only ones in competition this summer. Parisian museums are vying for your attention with exhibitions celebrating
“art and sport”. Here’s two that are medal-worthy in our eyes.
“art and sport”. Here’s two that are medal-worthy in our eyes.
In Play! Artists and Sport 1870-1930
This exhibition explores the connections between art and sport, artists and athletes, and demonstrates how athletes became subjects of modernity and avant-gardes with art works by Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Degas, and more.
Musée Marmottan Monet
2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris
Runs till Sept 1st
Musée Marmottan Monet
2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris
Runs till Sept 1st
Paris 1924 - Paris 2024: Olympic Games, A Mirror of Societies
This exhibition highlights the use of sports by totalitarian regimes and showcases how sport’s values can promote tolerance.
Mémorial de la Shoah
17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 75004 Paris
Runs till Nov 10th
Mémorial de la Shoah
17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 75004 Paris
Runs till Nov 10th
Marcelle Cahn.
Les trois raquettes, 1926
Les trois raquettes, 1926
Parfait Pastries
Macarons and croissants are iconic symbols of Paris, but to venture off the beaten path, why not try three other pastries born in the capital city and beloved by the French?
The Opéra
The Opéra cake was likely invented in 1955 by Cyriaque Gavillon, a chef at the famous pastry shop Dalloyau although its invention was also claimed by famous pastry chef Gastron Lenôtre. It’s made with a succession of Joconde biscuits, chocolate ganache and coffee buttercream. According to various accounts, the pastry’s name pays tribute either to the opera dancers or to the shiny parquet floor of the Palais Garnier stage, resembling the chocolate glaze of the cake.
The Paris-Brest
In the late 19th century, the organizer of the famous Paris to Brest cycling race approached Parisian pastry chef Durand to invent a cake in honor of it. He fashioned a crown resembling a bicycle wheel, filled it with buttercream, and dusted it with sliced almonds and powdered sugar. We’re sold.
The Saint-Honoré
The Saint Honoré is named after the eighth bishop of Amiens, patron saint of bakers and of the Picardy region. It was invented around 1850 by Auguste Jullien, a pastry chef at the Chiboust bakery and patisserie, a famous Parisian patisserie at the time on rue Saint-Honoré. It is made of a circle of puff pastry, Chantilly cream, chiboust cream (similar to custard) and caramelized choux biscuits, yum.
RESTAURANT ETIQUETTE
Dining out in Paris is one of the world’s greatest pleasures. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the many restaurants to choose from, including over 100 with coveted Michelin stars.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get an authentic Parisian dining experience.
When to eat
Parisians tend to go to the restaurant around 7-8pm — a little later than the typical dinner time in the US.What to wear
People tend to dress casually for dinner, but casual in Paris isn’t quite mall-meal casual. Flip flops and joggers are a big no-no.Keep it hush hush
During your trip to Paris, remember that loud voices are not the norm and try to be aware of your surroundings so that you don’t disturb other restaurant-goers.Bread baskets? Yes please
Bread (not breadsticks) and tap water are often complimentary at restaurants in Paris, so you can start your meal off in the best way possible.Smoking is allowed outside
Unlike in the US, smoking is permitted on the terrace outside of restaurants in France.Be aware of dietary restrictions
If you have specific dietary requirements, always make sure to plan ahead and flag them to your waiter. For example there aren’t a lot of gluten free options in France, and when there are it’s not always specified upfront. For vegans, you may also want to scan some menus ahead of time to make sure there are options available for you. And as always, if you have allergies be sure to let your waiter know — unlike places in the US they won’t normally ask.How to pay and tip
Paying
Most establishments in Paris, including restaurants, accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, we recommend always carrying a backup payment option just in case credit is not accepted.
Wise is a great choice; the account allows you to convert dollars to euros at the mid-market exchange rate and spend like a local using your virtual or physical Wise debit card. Either way, if you’re asked to pay in dollars or euros, always select euros to avoid excess fees on currency conversion.
Tipping
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to. It will feel deeply unnatural not to have to end your meal with mental math, but trust us, tipping is not necessary or expected.
Service is included in the cost of your meal, so sit back, relax, and enjoy your escargot in peace. Having said that, if the service has been particularly good, feel free to tip between 5 to 10% of the bill as an extra merci.
Let's Bounce
Dashing from one place to the next?
Here’s some of the best ways to get across town without a foul.
The Vélib
Vélib is a public bike-sharing service. Rent regular or electric bikes from one of the many Vélib stations scattered every 300 meters on average throughout Paris and Île-de-France. Download the Vélib app to check bike availability at each station.
Pricing details:
Occasional users can opt to pay by the minute, starting at €2 for the first hour and €1 for every subsequent half-hour for regular bikes (double the cost for electric bikes).
Daily users can choose a maximum fare of €8.30, which includes the first hour free (€1 for electric bikes after the initial 30 minutes), followed by €1 for each half-hour.
Just keep in mind that not all roads have bike lanes, so stay safe out there.
Pricing details:
Occasional users can opt to pay by the minute, starting at €2 for the first hour and €1 for every subsequent half-hour for regular bikes (double the cost for electric bikes).
Daily users can choose a maximum fare of €8.30, which includes the first hour free (€1 for electric bikes after the initial 30 minutes), followed by €1 for each half-hour.
Just keep in mind that not all roads have bike lanes, so stay safe out there.
Taxis
Taxis in Paris are pretty standard, identifiable by their rooftop signs. Inside each taxi, you’ll find a meter and a license plate number.
Pricing details:
Minimum fare: €2.60.
Kilometer-based fare from Monday to Saturday between 10 AM and 5 PM: €0.96.
Kilometer-based fare from Monday to Saturday between 5 PM and 10 AM: €1.17.
As an alternative to taxis, there are several rideshare companies available, including Uber and Bolt.
And finally, if you’re up for a leisurely stroll, there’s no better way to soak in the sights and sounds of Paris than by wandering its charming streets and marveling at centuries of history and unique architecture, just like the locals do.
Pricing details:
Minimum fare: €2.60.
Kilometer-based fare from Monday to Saturday between 10 AM and 5 PM: €0.96.
Kilometer-based fare from Monday to Saturday between 5 PM and 10 AM: €1.17.
As an alternative to taxis, there are several rideshare companies available, including Uber and Bolt.
And finally, if you’re up for a leisurely stroll, there’s no better way to soak in the sights and sounds of Paris than by wandering its charming streets and marveling at centuries of history and unique architecture, just like the locals do.
The Métro
Paris’ underground is your go-to for navigating the city. Launched in 1900, it remains the quickest way to get around town. With 14 lines (and four more in the works) interconnected, along with the RER (suburban train), it’s sure to be your best bet.
Plan in advance:
During the week, the Métro runs from 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM.
On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as the eves of holidays, catch the Métro until 2:15 AM.
The RER operates daily from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:20 AM.
Plan in advance:
During the week, the Métro runs from 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM.
On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as the eves of holidays, catch the Métro until 2:15 AM.
The RER operates daily from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:20 AM.
The Bus
The bus network in the Île-de-France region is massive, boasting around a hundred lines in Paris alone. While bus schedules vary by route, here are some general guidelines:
Buses typically run 7 AM to 8:30 PM daily, with some major lines operating until 12:30 AM.
Many bus lines do not run on Sundays and public holidays.
For late-night travels, you’ve got the night buses to rely on. They operate from around 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM.
There are different types of fare options available, including single tickets (Ticket t+) and daily/weekly passes (Paris Visite and Passe Navigo).
Ticket prices will rise from €2.15 each, or €1.73 per book of 10, to €4 from 20 July to 8 September 2024.
Buses typically run 7 AM to 8:30 PM daily, with some major lines operating until 12:30 AM.
Many bus lines do not run on Sundays and public holidays.
For late-night travels, you’ve got the night buses to rely on. They operate from around 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM.
Pricing:
There are different types of fare options available, including single tickets (Ticket t+) and daily/weekly passes (Paris Visite and Passe Navigo).
Ticket prices will rise from €2.15 each, or €1.73 per book of 10, to €4 from 20 July to 8 September 2024.
Paris like a Parisian
Manage your money
