Munich

Most travelers find 4-5 days ideal to explore the main neighborhoods, museums, and dining scenes without feeling rushed. A long weekend works for a focused visit, while a week allows for day trips and deeper neighborhood exploration.

Le Marais offers the best balance of central location, walkability, dining, and nightlife. Saint-Germain-des-Pres suits those seeking a quieter, more literary atmosphere. For first-time visitors who want proximity to major landmarks, the 7th Arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower is convenient.

Generally very safe for tourists. Standard big-city precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded metro stations and tourist areas, keep valuables secure, and stay aware of your surroundings at night. Avoid leaving bags unattended at cafe terraces.

April through June and September through October offer the best weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and pleasant temperatures for walking. July and August are hot and busy but have the longest days. Winter is cold but offers lower prices and shorter museum queues.

The metro is fast, cheap, and covers the entire city - stations are never more than 500 meters apart. Buy a Navigo Easy card and load t+ tickets. Walking is the best way to discover neighborhoods. Avoid taxis during rush hour; ride-sharing apps work well late at night.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, starting interactions with "Bonjour" goes a long way - Parisians appreciate the effort. Learn a few basics: "merci", "s'il vous plait", "l'addition" (the bill). Younger staff are typically more comfortable in English.