Destinations · France
Updated June 2026Paris Travel Guide
The Eiffel Tower, world-famous museums, grand boulevards and café terraces on every corner — Paris is romance, art and food rolled into one walkable city. This Paris travel guide shows you when to go, what to do and how to plan the whole trip.
When to go
The best time to visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris is late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), with mild weather, long days and gardens in bloom. Summer is warm but busy; winter is cool, atmospheric and great value. Here’s how the seasons compare.
| Season | Months | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr – Jun | Mild, blossoms, lively terraces | Gardens, walking, photography |
| Summer | Jul – Aug | Warm, busy, some shops shut in August | Long evenings, river events |
| Autumn | Sep – Oct | Crisp, golden parks, fewer crowds | Museums, food, comfortable touring |
| Winter | Nov – Mar | Cold, festive lights, quiet | Low prices, Christmas markets, cafés |
For the best mix of weather and value, aim for May to June or September to October. Book the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Catacombs online in advance, and many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
Highlights
The best things to do in Paris
From iconic landmarks to hidden cafés, these are the experiences worth building your Paris itinerary around.
Eiffel Tower
Ride to the top for sweeping city views, picnic on the Champ de Mars, or watch it sparkle on the hour after dark.
Louvre & museums
See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay and modern art at the Pompidou.
Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité
Admire Gothic Notre-Dame, the stunning Sainte-Chapelle and the historic island where Paris began.
Café & food culture
Linger over coffee on a terrace, taste fresh croissants and cheese, and browse a classic Parisian market.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Climb to the Sacré-Cœur basilica for city views and wander Montmartre’s artist squares and lanes.
Seine river cruise
Glide past the great monuments on a Seine cruise, especially magical at sunset or after dark.
Bases
Where to stay in Paris
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements spiralling out from the centre. Here are the best areas to base yourself and who each suits.
Le Marais (3rd/4th)
Historic, trendy and central, with boutiques, galleries and great bars — walkable to Notre-Dame.
Saint-Germain (6th)
Elegant Left Bank cafés, bookshops and the Musée d’Orsay nearby — classic, refined Paris.
Eiffel Tower (7th)
Grand boulevards and tower views, quieter and upscale — lovely but pricier and more residential.
Montmartre (18th)
Bohemian hilltop charm, village feel and lower prices, though a longer walk from central sights.
Latin Quarter (5th)
Lively student area with budget eats, bookshops and history — great for first-timers on a budget.
Opéra & Grands Boulevards (9th)
Central for shopping and shows, with excellent metro links and a good range of hotels.
Plan
The perfect 4-day Paris itinerary
A first-timer route covering the landmarks, art and neighbourhoods of Paris without rushing. Buy a carnet of metro tickets or a Navigo pass, and book big sights ahead.
Eiffel Tower & the Seine
Eiffel Tower in the morning, a stroll along the Seine, and a sunset river cruise past the monuments.
Louvre & Tuileries
The Louvre early, then the Tuileries gardens, Place de la Concorde and a wander up the Champs-Élysées.
Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter
Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Latin Quarter, with the Musée d’Orsay in the afternoon.
Montmartre & markets
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre in the morning, then Le Marais for shopping, falafel and café-hopping.
Transport
How to get around Paris
Paris is compact and very walkable, with one of the best metro systems in the world for longer hops. Here’s how to get around.
Metro & RER
The dense metro network reaches everywhere cheaply; the RER links the centre with the airports and Versailles. A Navigo pass covers unlimited travel.
Walking
Central Paris is small and beautiful on foot — many landmarks are a short, scenic stroll apart along the Seine.
Bikes & Batobus
Vélib’ city bikes and the Batobus river shuttle are fun, scenic ways to cover ground between sights.
Airport transfers
The RER B and dedicated Roissybus/Orlybus link Charles de Gaulle and Orly with the centre; taxis have fixed flat fares.
Money
Paris trip cost & budget
Paris can be pricey but has plenty of free sights and affordable food. Here’s a rough daily budget per person, excluding international flights.
| Style | Per day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €80–120 (~$85–130) | Hostels or budget hotels, bakery and market meals, metro travel, a few paid sights |
| Mid-range | €170–280 (~$185–300) | 3–4☆ hotels, bistro meals, museum passes and a cruise or tour |
| Comfort | €400+ (~$430+) | Boutique and luxury hotels, fine dining, private guides and premium experiences |
Big savers: picnic with bakery and market food, use a museum pass, visit free first-Sunday museums, and walk between central sights. Rates are editorial estimates — check current prices before you book.
Stay safe
Is Paris safe?
Yes — Paris is generally safe for tourists, including solo and female travellers. Violent crime is uncommon; the main risk is pickpocketing and scams in busy tourist spots. A few sensible habits:
- Keep bags zipped and phones secure on the metro and around the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Montmartre.
- Politely decline petition, friendship-bracelet and “gold ring” scams near major landmarks.
- Use the metro or official taxis and rideshare apps; agree fixed airport fares in advance.
- Stay aware late at night around major stations and keep to well-lit, busy streets.
- Carry a copy of your ID and know the European emergency number, 112, just in case.
Before you go
Visa & what to sort before you go
Paris is in France’s Schengen area, so many nationalities (including the US, UK, Canada and Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days — always check your country’s current rules and the upcoming ETIAS requirement. Sort these essentials before you fly:
Questions
Paris travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), with mild weather, long days and fewer crowds than peak summer. Winter is cold but atmospheric and good value, with festive lights and quieter museums.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Three to four days is ideal for a first trip to Paris, enough to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame and Montmartre without rushing. With more time you can add Versailles, extra museums or relaxed days exploring different neighbourhoods.
How much does a trip to Paris cost?
Paris suits a range of budgets. Budget travellers can manage on around €80–120 (~$85–130) a day, mid-range travellers on €170–280 (~$185–300), and comfort travellers from €400+ a day, excluding international flights.
Do I need a visa to visit Paris?
Paris is in France’s Schengen area, so many nationalities including the US, UK, Canada and Australia can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check your country’s current rules and the new ETIAS travel authorisation before you go.
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for tourists, including solo and female travellers. Violent crime is uncommon. The main thing to watch for is pickpocketing and minor scams in crowded tourist areas and on the metro, so keep your valuables secure and stay aware.
How do I get from the airport to central Paris?
From Charles de Gaulle, the RER B train or the Roissybus reach the centre in around 45–60 minutes; from Orly, use the Orlybus, tram or Orlyval. Official taxis charge a fixed flat fare to central Paris, which can be good value for groups.
More guides
Keep planning
Ready for Paris?
Sort the basics — an eSIM, travel insurance and your airport transfer — and you’re set to go.
This Paris travel guide is independently reviewed editorial content. Prices, visa rules and opening times change — always confirm current details with official sources before you travel. Some links may be affiliate links that support TrekQuill at no extra cost to you.