Paris Travel Guide 2026
Paris is the most visited city in the world — and it earns that title every day. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Seine river, the cafes, the bread, the fashion: Paris is beautiful in a way no other city quite matches. It can also feel expensive and crowded if you do not plan well. This guide explains when to go, what it costs, where to stay, and the best things to do — in simple English, so you can enjoy Paris without stress.
Paris — the Eiffel Tower at sunset.
TL;DR — The Short Version
Best time: April to June and September to October — mild weather, flowers, and fewer crowds than summer.
Budget: from around $120–$180 a day for a mid-range trip.
Stay: Le Marais, Saint-Germain, or near the Eiffel Tower for first-timers.
Do not miss: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and a walk along the Seine.
Visa: Schengen visa for most non-EU visitors — see our Schengen visa guide.
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Best Time to Visit Paris
The best months are April to June and September to October. The weather is mild — around 15–22°C — the gardens are in bloom, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. July and August are warm and very busy, with long lines at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
November to February is cold and grey, but hotels are cheapest and the city feels quiet and romantic, especially at Christmas. For the best mix of weather, prices, and atmosphere, choose May or September.
How to Get to Paris
Most visitors land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The RER B train takes you to the city centre in about 35–50 minutes, and the RoissyBus is a good alternative. Taxis have a flat fare to central Paris.
Orly Airport (ORY) is closer to the city and used by many European flights, with the OrlyBus and metro connections. The Eurostar train from London is another great option — it arrives right in the heart of Paris. Use the flight search above to compare ticket prices from your city.
Where to Stay in Paris
Le Marais: the most loved area for first-timers — old streets, cafes, shops, and the Place des Vosges.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: elegant and calm, with bookshops and classic cafes.
Eiffel Tower area (7th arrondissement): the best views, but quieter at night.
Montmartre: the artists' hill — pretty, hilly, and full of character. Budget hostels start from around $40 a night, mid-range hotels from around $120–$180, and luxury hotels from around $300. Book early in spring and summer. Compare prices with the hotel search above.
Top Things to Do in Paris
Eiffel Tower: go up at sunset — book tickets online in advance, because the lines are long.
The Louvre: the world's largest museum and home of the Mona Lisa. Book a timed ticket and go early.
Notre-Dame: the great cathedral on the Île de la Cité, now restored and open again.
Seine river walk or cruise: the best free view in Paris is walking along the river at dusk.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: the white church on the hill has the best view over the city.
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: the famous avenue and the arch at its end.
Paris cafes: sit outside with a coffee and a croissant and watch the city go by — it is a Paris tradition.
Day trip to Versailles: the palace of kings, an easy half-day by train.
How Much Does a Paris Trip Cost?
Paris is expensive, but careful planning helps. Typical daily ranges:
| Style | Hotel (per night) | Food (per day) | Transport + fun (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | from $40 | from $25 | from $20 |
| Mid-range | from $120 | from $50 | from $40 |
| Luxury | from $300 | from $120 | from $100 |
A mid-range traveller should plan roughly $200–$280 per day. A budget traveller can manage on about $100–$130 a day with hostels, bakeries, and picnics. A baguette, cheese, and fruit from a market is a wonderful — and cheap — Paris lunch.
Paris Travel Tips
Money: the currency is the euro (EUR). Cards work almost everywhere.
Metro: the Paris Metro is fast and easy — buy a Navigo Easy pass or use your phone.
Book ahead: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles are much easier with online tickets booked in advance.
Language: a few French words go a long way — always start with “Bonjour”.
Pickpockets: watch your bag around the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and on the Metro.
Free sights: many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, and the parks, gardens, and river walks are always free.
Day trips: Versailles, Disneyland Paris, and the Loire Valley châteaux are all easy from Paris.
A Perfect 3-Day Paris Itinerary
Day 1 — The icons: start early at the Eiffel Tower — book your ticket online and go up as the tower opens, before the longest lines. Walk along the Seine to the Trocadéro for the classic photo, then through the gardens to Les Invalides.
In the afternoon, visit the Louvre: book a timed ticket, go straight to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, then wander the Denon wing.
End the day with dinner in Saint-Germain and a walk along the river as the city lights come on — Paris is called the City of Light for a reason.
Day 2 — Old Paris and Montmartre: start at Notre-Dame on the Île de la Cité, then walk through the Latin Quarter's narrow streets and bookshops. Cross to the Marais for lunch — falafel on Rue des Rosiers is famous for a reason — and explore the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris.
In the afternoon, take the metro to Montmartre: climb to the Sacré-Cœur for the best view over Paris, watch the artists in Place du Tertre, and have dinner in a small bistro on a side street.
Day 3 — Day trip or slow Paris: take a half-day trip to Versailles — the palace and gardens of the kings, an easy train ride from the city. Go early and book online.
Or stay in Paris: visit the Musée d'Orsay for the best Impressionist paintings in the world, walk through the Luxembourg Gardens, and spend the afternoon shopping and cafe-sitting in the Marais. End your trip with a Seine river cruise at sunset — the monuments lit up from the water are the perfect goodbye to Paris.
Plan Your Trip in 5 Steps
Step 1 — Pick your dates: April to June or September to October is best. Avoid August — it is crowded and many small shops close.
Step 2 — Book your flights: compare fares on Aviasales. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main airport, Orly (ORY) is closer to the city.
Step 3 — Book your hotel: choose the Marais, Saint-Germain, or the Latin Quarter for a first visit, and book early for spring and autumn.
Step 4 — Book your tickets: buy Eiffel Tower and Louvre tickets online before you fly — the lines at the door can take hours.
Step 5 — Pack and go: bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for the evening, and a small bag — pickpockets love the metro and the area around the Eiffel Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Paris?
Four to five days is ideal — three days for the main sights and one or two days for museums, neighbourhoods, and a day trip.
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Yes, Paris is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on the Metro, as in any big city.
What is the best area to stay in Paris?
Le Marais or Saint-Germain for first-timers, Montmartre for character, and the Eiffel Tower area for views.
Do I need a visa for France?
France is in the Schengen area. Most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa. Read our Schengen visa guide for the full process.
Is Paris expensive?
Yes, it is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. But bakeries, markets, parks, and many museums make a budget trip possible.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
The Metro is fast and easy, and central Paris is very walkable. The river walk from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower is one of the best walks in the world.
What food should I try in Paris?
Croissants, baguettes, crêpes, French onion soup, escargots (if you are brave), and macarons. A bakery breakfast is a must.
When is the cheapest time to visit Paris?
January and February are usually the cheapest for hotels, and November can be good too.
Related Guides
London Travel Guide · Schengen Visa Guide · How to Find Cheap Flights · Travel Insurance Guide
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