Planning a Paris vacation is a tremendous undertaking. From sightseeing agendas to trip logistics, you’re likley staring at a lengthy checklist. Don’t stress! Our Paris Travel Tips tackles it all, helping you to easily plan your amazing trip.
Paris is one of our favorite places to visit – and we have been tasked with planning a variety of experiences.
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We’ve traveled as a couple and with family; stayed for a month and a quick layover. No two Paris trips have been the same, but each visit has been much easier to plan.
20 Paris Travel Tips for Creating an Ideal Trip
Everyone has their own interpretation of the perfect trip to Paris. We don’t believe there’s a right or wrong way to see the city – but there are a few details that all travelers need to consider.
Our tips for visiting Paris focus on the essential aspects of trip planning. First, we share insight from our personal experiences regarding sightseeing.
Then we talk about creating itineraries and travel logistics, aka the boring part. Looking for a complete trip plan? Our outlined One-Week Paris Itinerary is the prime place to start!
Sightseeing Paris Tips for Travelers
The top reason most people visit Paris, France is for sights – and the city has an astounding number to see! The Parisian landscape is dotted with magnificent museums and dazzling landmarks.
#1 Which Paris Museums to Visit
There are more than 100 museums in the city center. It would be impossible (and certainly exhausting) to try to see even a fraction of them on a single trip.
When choosing which Paris Museums to go to there are a few things to consider – like time and cost.
Start by determining how long you want to spend inside each venue. It can be easy to get lost in the artwork, so it’s best to have an idea of which pieces you want to see upfront.
Top museums will likely have long lines for entry and security (even with skip-the-line tickets). Wait times should be taken into account when planning a trip to Paris.
Most cultural sites also require an entrance fee. Often, tickets can be purchased online – with the option of selecting a timeslot.
While choosing a timed entry will reduce how long you have to wait in line, it also makes your travel plan more rigid.
Some museums – even the most famous – are closed on certain days of the week, often on Monday and Tuesday.
For example, Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays and The Louvre shuts its doors on Tuesdays. Always make sure to check opening times and plan accordingly.
#2 Use the Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Museum Pass has always been a huge money-saver for us! We feel it’s a fantastic way to see a slew of sights – all at one set price.
The pass is valid for 2, 4 or 6 days and covers entry into more than 60 Paris attractions. In addition to the savings, the Museum Pass often includes Skip-The-Line access. With the right planning, it’s well worth the cost!
Note that there are numerous sightseeing passes in Paris. After comparing the offers, we determined the Museum Pass for Paris is the most valuable. (It’s not to be confused with the Paris Pass, which is more expensive but includes additional benefits).
#3 No Shame in Skipping Some Paris Sights
One of our top travel tips for Paris Sightseeing is this: Take a moment to consider which attractions you truly want to visit during your trip.
Many, many spots have been hailed as Must-See. Travel is not a contest. There is no shame skipping places if you don’t find them interesting.
Visiting attractions and museums can eat up a significant amount of vacation time (and money), so don’t squander it away on a place that doesn’t fascinate you.
We know someone who happily spent three days at the Louvre – and have other friends who have visited Paris without ever setting foot inside a museum.
Not a fan of contemporary art? Skip the Pompidou. Had it with the crowds? Bypass Versailles and go to Chateau de Fontainebleau instead.
#4 Observe Art on Parisian Streets
Here’s one of the Paris travel tips that not enough people talk about: Viewing art isn’t limited to museums. Art is everywhere.
Paris architecture is among the most beautiful in the world. Make sure to look up from the map to observe your surroundings!
We also recommend keeping your eyes peeled for street art. In addition to massive wall murals, notice the small, tiled works by famous Parisian Street Artist, Invader.
Street musicians and entertaining buskers are also prevalent in Paris. Slow down, listen and enjoy the atmosphere.
This is a city designed to be savored. While it’s good to have a checklist of sights, we also recommend relaxing in cafes and casually strolling along the Seine.
#5 Explore the Districts of Paris
Many visitors jump from one attraction to the next, completely discounting the enchanting neighborhoods along the route. In our experience, exploring unique communities is often the most enthralling part of a trip!
See the sights of the Left Bank. Delve deep in the Marais District. Route your way to some of the lesser-known spots in the Paris City Center.
Use our Free Self-Guided Paris Walking Tours to discover some of the prime locales in the City of Light.
#6 Find Paris off the Beaten Path
As busy as the city is, it’s still possible to track down Paris Hidden Gems. One of our best tips for traveling to Paris is to make room in your itinerary to seek out lesser-known places.
Not only might you escape the crowds, but you will also get a glimpse of life that most tourists don’t get to see.
#7 Carefully Choose the Best Paris Day Trips
Taking a day trip from Paris is an excellent way to explore more of the region. Just keep in mind that some of these adventures can be long and tiring.
Many destinations can be reached by train, allowing you to plan your trip using public transportation. For some locations, however, we believe it’s best to book a tour. Viator is our go-to resource for organized tours.
Want to visit palaces? The Palace of Versailles, Chateau de Chantilly and Fontainebleau Palace are 3 gorgeous places that can be reached by train and organized on your own.
Disneyland Paris is also accessible by train – or you can purchase a package that includes private transport as well as entrance tickets.
Traveling further afield – for example to Loire Valley Castles or the Champagne Region – is best done on a guided tour.
It’s possible to visit Monet’s Gardens in Giverny by public transit, but it’s so much easier on an organized half-day trip.
The Normandy D-Day Beaches are a popular excursion from Paris. Just be aware that it’s a very long tour and the trip is by bus. Get the details.
Itinerary Planning Tips to Travel to Paris
Creating an itinerary is the most exciting aspect of the trip planning process – but it can also be an anxiety-inducing challenge.
No worries! We’ve rounded up a few Paris, France travel tips that will point you in the right direction.
#8 Determine How Many Days in Paris
Deciding how many days to spend in Paris is a big decision. Travelers will need to consider their budget, interests and overall time allotted for the trip.
For a first-time visitor, we recommend spending 3 nights in Paris – at a minimum. Visitors who really want to experience Paris should consider staying at least 7 days.
#9 Create Your Perfect Paris Trip Plan
Only you can decide how many days to stay in Paris! Below are simple sample itineraries for Paris that highlight what you can realistically see in 1 to 6 days. For 1 week, read our 7 Day Paris Itinerary.
1 Day in Paris
Creating a Paris One-Day Itinerary is an ambitious endeavor, but it is possible. We should know, because we’ve done it, twice!
Our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Iconic Paris covers the top sights and prime attractions in a speedy 1-day adventure.
2 Days in Paris
Day 2 moves just as quickly as our 1-day itinerary. However, it is a good starting point for anyone looking to spend a weekend in Paris.
Start by seeing Notre Dame Cathedral on Ile de la Cite, then navigate the Marais District and end in Montmartre to visit that area’s top sights and experience some Paris nightlife.
3-Day Paris Itinerary
Staying in Paris for 3 days allows enough time for an excursion. Our top pick is a DIY trip to Versailles to see the palace interior and the lush gardens. We even recommend having dinner in Versailles town.
4 Days in Paris Itinerary
Plan on spending the entire fourth day seeing sights on the Left Bank. From the Latin Quarter to the quirky (and creepy) catacombs to an evening under the sparkling Eiffel Tower, this day is filled with intriguing attractions.
Paris Itinerary 5 Days
With a fifth day, enjoy the gorgeous cityscape in the heart of Paris and visit the famous Galeries Lafayette Department Store and the Palais Garnier Opera House.
Spend the afternoon visiting another museum and then end the day on one of Paris’ most picturesque streets, Rue Montorgueil.
Six Days in Paris
On the final day, stray from the bustling center to discover the verdant green spaces on the east side of the city.
Peek in on the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, enjoy a picnic lunch at Parc des Buttes Chaumont and stroll the atmospheric Canal Saint-Martin.
#10 Organize Your Paris Trip
As you plan your vacation to France, you need to keep track of the details! Our Printable Travel Planner features more than 20 templates.
Logistical Travel Tips for Paris
Now that you know what to see in Paris, it’s time to talk logistics. It’s not the most glamorous part of planning a Paris trip, but our advice is designed to make it a bit more bearable!
#11 Set Your Paris Budget
It’s a pricey destination, so it’s essential to consider your Paris trip cost. How much you spend will ultimately depend on your travel style and interests, but there are ways to save a little money.
Travelers who want to plan a trip to Paris on a budget will need to start preparing early (at least 6 months) to secure affordable flights, hotels, food and activities.
As budget-conscious travelers ourselves, we know it is possible to plan cheap Paris vacations – but it does take some work.
To track your expenses, you can download our Free Budget Worksheet. Plus, we’ll send you our honest insights for saving money on your holiday.
#12 Decide What To Eat and Drink in Paris
French food is exceptional. Onion soup, escargot, steak frites and duck confit are some of the dishes travelers might want to try.
Cheeses, chocolates and macarons are pure delight. While fresh baked pastries and coffee in a Parisian café are foodie experiences not to be missed.
French Wine and Champagne compliment many meals, but don’t discount Paris Craft Beer if you’re a fan of microbrews.
A good way to get a taste of the regional cuisine is on a Paris food tour. Join a local guide for an excellent introduction to fine French gastronomy.
#13 Make Reservations for Paris Restaurants
To ensure you get a seat at the restaurant of your choice, we highly recommend making advance dinner reservations.
We found this to be true even at local spots not frequented by tourists. Most restaurants allow you to book online, sometimes directly through your map app.
However, with a full sightseeing schedule, eating lunch on the go is the best option. Savory crepes from kiosks, jambon beurre baguettes from bakeries or picnic lunches assembled from markets or grocery stores (like Monoprix) are the best options.
#14 Decide When To Go to Paris
When is the best time to go to Paris? We actually don’t feel there is a bad time to go to; it’s always a good idea, right?!
Still, there are pros and cons of each season. Not only does the time of year affect what activities you do, but it will also have an impact on how to pack for Paris.
Summer in Paris
Summers are often hot and usually crowded. Lines are long. Prices are higher. For those reasons, you might not want to plan a Paris trip for summertime.
However, summer can be sensational in Paris. The long days provide more time for sightseeing and the evening temperatures are sensational for dining alfresco.
Plus, summer is the only time of year to enjoy the Paris Plages – the pop-up sandy beaches that line the Seine River!
Paris in Autumn
What we love about visiting Paris in fall is that there are generally fewer crowds, but the weather can be wonky! You could experience all four seasons in a day – and it tends to be the rainiest time of year.
That said, off-peak prices can make visiting Paris outside of the summertime a more affordable getaway.
Paris Trip in Winter
We were unsure what to expect of Paris in the wintertime – but it was wonderful! The city was lively with locals and decorated in lights for the holidays.
In fact, Paris is one of the Top European Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve! Bakeries churn out delectable traditional treats and there’s an undeniable festiveness in the air.
Paris in Spring
On our springtime Paris visits, we’ve gotten caught in rain and experienced warmer days than expected. So be prepared with a travel umbrella or raincoat…and some sunscreen, just in case.
In early spring, the public parks and pretty gardens have yet to come to life – but by late spring, most green spaces are in full swing.
We also felt that throughout the spring the crowds were still minimal, which was fun for sightseeing.
#15 Plan on Flying to Paris
Most travelers will arrive in Paris by plane. There are two major Paris Airports: Charles de Gaulle (GDG) and Orly (ORY). Some budget airlines within Europe (like Ryanair and Wizz Air) fly into Beauvais-Tille Airport (BVA).
SkyScanner is a great resource for comparing routes, times and fares. However, before booking your plane ticket, be sure to read our hacks for Getting the Best Prices on Airfare!
An Uber will get you from CDG to the center for about 50 euros. One of our Paris budget travel tips is to save money by taking the bus or train instead.
#16 Consider Taking the Train to Paris
Paris is well connected to the rest of Europe by rail. There are six different stations, so be sure to check your train ticket to find out exactly where you will arriving at or departing from!
Gare du Nord ranks as the busiest train station in Europe. From Gare du Nord, there are connections to Metro lines, as well as a train to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
#17 How To Get Around Paris
Part of the Paris charm is found on the streets that are lined with incredible architecture and boutiques. The said, to cross far distances it’s best to use public transit.
The Paris Metro is an easy way to get around and relatively inexpensive. Single Ride Metro Tickets can be purchased from machines at the entrance to the station. However, buying a Navigo Easy Card or a Paris Visite Pass might save you money.
#18 Book Your Paris Hotel Far in Advance
Throughout the years, we have stayed in all kinds of Paris accommodations – from bunk beds in dorms to chic apartments to boutique hotels.
Whether you are seeking a luxury hotel with an Eiffel Tower view, a Paris Airbnb in a classic neighborhood or a humble hostel with a shared kitchen, book it early.
Beyond early booking, our Best Hotel Tip is to find a place that is close to a Metro stop for easy access to the rest of the city. We use Booking.com (which has a great map feature) to start our search.
#19 How To Pack for a Trip to Paris
Packing is often the biggest source of angst when planning any trip – and the conundrum is compounded when going to Paris.
You will want to balance comfort with style, which is never an easy task. To help, we are sharing our honest Paris travel advice regarding packing.
Luggage
First, let’s talk about luggage. Cobblestoned streets and narrow staircases are the enemies of wheeled suitcases. Teeny elevators (if there is one) and small rooms are the nemesis of large bags.
We have found that travel backpacks are better than suitcases for Paris trips. Furthermore, it is essential to keep your luggage to a minimum. Seriously, resist the urge to overpack!
Versatile Shoes
You will most certainly be clocking some steps when sightseeing in Paris. Make sure you pack a good pair of comfortable travel shoes. I prefer trainers from New Balance and Kris goes with trail shoes from Merrell.
Trip Accessories
An easy way to dress up (and stretch) your travel wardrobe is with fashionable accessories. Pack eye-catching scarves and bold jewelry, but leave the expensive pieces at home!
Travel Camera
Use a real camera to capture the beauty of Paris! We travel with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. It takes quality photos and is a relatively affordable camera for travelers.
Day Pack
A good day bag is not only necessary for carrying everything you will need while sightseeing, but it needs to have zippered pockets to keep pesky pickpockets at bay.
Translator App
Google Translate is a fantastic app for travelers. It can read typed text, photo images (of a menu, for example) and even spoken words via the Conversation mode.
While English is spoken at the top tourist attractions, knowing a few words in French will go a long way in Paris. Greet people with a simple ‘bonjour’ and don’t forget the ‘merci’ on your way out.
#20 Keep Your Stuff Safe
Like many popular tourist destinations, Paris also attracts scam artists and petty thieves. We already mentioned pickpockets, but you also want to steer-clear of common tricks.
Do not engage with anyone offering friendship bracelets, gold rings, petition signature requests or anything resembling a gambling game.
Travel insurance may be useful if you encounter flight cancellations or lost luggage, and can come in handy for illness or injury abroad. If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider the rates with World Nomads.
Bonus Paris Travel Tips: Set Expectations
Our final travel tip for Paris is to adequately set your expectations. While it is a romantic place full of light and love – it’s still a functioning metropolis.
While it’s fun to see places through the rose colored glasses of social media, the reality is that Paris can be a bit gruff and grimy.
Waiters are not trying to be your best friend. Foul scents hang heavy in the air on public transit. The most popular sights are likely overwhelmed with fellow tourists.
To avoid disappointment – and the so-called Paris Syndrome – go in with realistic expectations, plenty of patience and a good sense of humor. C’est la vie!
Start planning your trip to France! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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