Paris is easy to love: grand boulevards, tiny bakeries, riverside walks and some of the best museums on earth. Three to four days is enough for the highlights; a week lets you slow down and enjoy it like a local.
Top things to do in Paris
- Eiffel Tower — book a timed ticket online to skip the long queue, or enjoy the view for free from Trocadéro.
- The Louvre — reserve a time slot in advance and plan a route — you cannot see everything in one visit.
- Musée d’Orsay — Impressionist masterpieces in a beautiful former railway station.
- Montmartre — climb to Sacré-Cœur at sunset and get lost in the small streets around Place du Tertre.
- Seine river cruise — a relaxing one-hour way to see the main monuments, especially at night.
- Versailles — an easy half-day trip by RER C train; go early and avoid Mondays (closed).
The most popular sights sell out in high season, so check skip-the-line tickets and guided tours in Paris a few days before you go — most can be cancelled for free.
Where to stay in Paris
Choosing the right area makes a big difference. Here are our favourite neighbourhoods — whatever your budget, compare hotel prices in Paris and pick a room with free cancellation.
- Le Marais (3rd/4th) — central, lively and full of cafés — great for first-timers.
- Saint-Germain (6th) — classic Paris charm, safe and walkable, a bit more expensive.
- Montmartre (18th) — village feel and better prices, a short metro ride to the centre.
- Latin Quarter (5th) — good value, student atmosphere, close to Notre-Dame.
Getting around
The metro is the fastest way around. Load tickets on a Navigo Easy card or your phone. Central Paris is very walkable, and Vélib’ bikes are good for short rides. From CDG airport take the RER B train (about 35–50 minutes) or the Roissybus.
Before you go
- Flights: prices usually rise as the date gets closer — compare flights to Paris and use the whole-month view to find the cheapest days.
- Insurance: medical care abroad can be very expensive, so get travel insurance before you leave.
- Internet: install an eSIM for France before you fly to be online as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
Practical tips
- Most museums are free on the first Friday evening or first Sunday of some months — check before you go.
- Watch your bag in crowded metro lines and around major sights.
- Say “Bonjour” when you enter a shop or café — it makes a big difference.
- Tap water is safe and free: ask for “une carafe d’eau”.
Plan your trip to Paris
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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