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3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 107 Comments

Thinking about spending 3 days in Paris? Great choice! We think that’s the perfect amount of time to spend in one of our favourite European cities, giving you the chance to see many of the top sights and attractions and really get a feel for the city.

Of course, if you have longer, that’s even better, but three days in Paris is certainly enough to see a lot, and works well either as a long weekend, or as part of a longer Europe trip itinerary like this .

To help you with your planning, we’re going to share with you everything we think you need to know to spend three days in Paris. We’re going to give you a suggested itinerary, tips for getting around, advice on where to stay in Paris, our thoughts on when is best to visit and even some suggested ways to save money in Paris.

Let’s get started!

3 Day Paris Itinerary

This three-day Paris itinerary has you hitting all the major sites and attractions in the city. Naturally we suggest you use this as a guide, and add to or remove from it as necessary.

We also suggest you check the opening times and days for each attraction. For example, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so depending on when your trip to Paris is, you might need to re-order the days to get everything in.

Paris Itinerary: Day 1

Eiffel tower.

What better way to start off your trip to Paris than with a visit to the Eiffel Tower . This is without doubt the most iconic landmark in Paris (if not France!), and a visit here is a must for any visit to Paris. When we visit Paris, we always visit at least once, and every time we are amazed at the sheer scale of this beautiful building.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower. First, you can just enjoy the views of the tower, which we think are particularly good from the Trocadero Gardens across the river, or the Champ de Mars gardens behind the Tower.

3 days in Paris - Eiffel Tower Paris_by_Laurence Norah

You can also go up inside the Eiffel Tower to one of the different floors, for expansive views of the city. We do like the experience of going up inside, but we don’t think it offers the best view of the city – because the view from inside the Eiffel Tower is missing the most famous part of the skyline – the Eiffel Tower itself!

Still, if this is your first visit to Paris, we highly recommend the experience. We do suggest that if you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, that you book your tickets in advance from the official website . The queues here for tickets can be very long, and with a pre-booked ticket you can skip the wait.

3 days in Paris - Eiffel Tower Stairs_by_Laurence Norah

Alternatively, if you are feeling fit, you can also take the stairs up to the first level. There is not usually a very long queue for the stairs, which have their own ticket line, and it is also slightly cheaper. See our guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower to help you plan your visit.

There are other options for visiting as well. A guided climb of the Eiffel Tower is included on the Paris Pass . This runs in the middle of the day, so if you want to take advantage of this, you will likely want to switch the Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise around in this itinerary. It’s also included on the Paris City Card , with a choice of timeslots.

Finally, this tour includes a guided visit (with elevator) to the second floor with the option to visit the summit if you want. It also includes free cancellation, which the official ticket does not.

Seine River Cruise

Another must-do experience in Paris is a river cruise on the Seine. This is a very popular activity, with multiple operators offering cruises up and down the river.

We’ve actually written a post about the various Seine River sightseeing cruise options which goes through the majority of the operators. If you’d prefer a dinner cruise, check out our guide to the best Seine River dinner cruises .

3 days in Paris - Seine River Cruise Paris_by_Laurence Norah

We can definitely recommend the Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise . These depart from just next to the Eiffel Tower, so fit in nicely with this itinerary, and they are included for free if you pick up a Paris Pass or a Paris City Card .

The cruise takes in all the highlights from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame, and there’s commentary included. So sit back, relax, and let the scenery roll by.

Hop on Hop off Bus

Talking of sitting back and relaxing, we find that a great way to get oriented in a new city and get an idea of the sights we want to see is to take a Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus tour.

Paris is no exception to this rule, and you can pick up a HOHO bus in Paris from right next to the Eiffel Tower, which will then take you around Paris’s key attractions.

3 days in Paris - Paris Hop on Hop Off Bus_by_Laurence Norah-2

There are multiple operators running different routes around the city. If you pick up a Paris Pass, it includes a 1 Day Big Bus Tour . We took this tour and enjoyed it – it’s both an easy way to get around the city, plus you can learn about many of the sights as you go.

However there are a few different HOHO options in Paris, so pick the one that works for you!

Paris Walking Tour

All this sitting around on buses and boats is great for getting oriented, but at some point you’re going to need to put your feet on the pavement! Paris is a wonderful city to explore on foot, and a guided walking tour is an excellent way to do that.

We think that if you are going to do a walking tour in a city, the first day is the best, as you can ask your guide for local recommendations such as their favourite places to eat or get a coffee, as well as get suggestions for hidden gems you might not find in the guidebooks.

There are lots of operators offering tours in Paris. We’ve taken a number of walking tours with Context Travel , and have always loved their detailed tours. They have a number of tours available in Paris, and you get 10% off with this link . We particularly enjoyed their Hemingway themed walking tour of Paris.

We also love Take Walks walking tours, and they have recently launched a number of Paris Tours . For example, they have a full day Paris tour , although this would require you to significantly alter this itinerary.

If you have a Paris Pass, it comes with a choice of free walking tours , which is worth looking into.

Tour Montparnasse

Last on our list for your first day in Paris is a trip up the Tour Montparnasse . I recommend this to everyone going to Paris, as it is, in my opinion at least, the location with the best view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

This is particularly the case at sunset, so if you can time your visit for sunset, you will get to witness a wonderful sunset across the Eiffel Tower, and then watch the city lights come to life.

The observation level is across two levels, one is inside and one is outside. The outside area is surrounded by glass, but there are cutouts so you can get reflection-free shots of the view. You can also bring a tripod up here! No wonder therefore that it’s on my list of favourite Paris photography locations .

There’s a fee to go up Tour Montparnasse, but it’s free for holders of the Paris Pass . You can also buy individual tickets online in advance here .

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

Our second day in Paris takes in some more iconic sites including some of Paris’s most famous museums and churches. It’s quite a full day, so do feel free to edit the itinerary to suit your particular interests, pace and needs!

Sainte Chapelle

It took me multiple visits to Paris before I finally made it to Sainte Chapelle . Now I urge everyone to make it a priority on their trip to Paris!

This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely outstanding. It will definitely take your breath away.

3 days in Paris - Saint Chapelle Paris_by_Laurence Norah

The 13th century Saint Chapelle is quite popular, and the small size and mandatory security checks mean that the line to get in can be long. This is why I have put it on my list as the first thing for your second day in Paris – you want to get here early, ideally get in line ten – fifteen minutes before the opening time. After all, no-one wants to spend their time standing in lines.

There’s a fee to enter Saint Chapelle, which is free to holders of the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass .

You can also buy tickets online in advance here , which is highly recommended as it can get busy here. There’s also a combination ticket for Sainte Chapelle and the nearby Conciergerie here , which is worth visiting.

No more than ten minutes’ walk from Sainte Chapelle is Paris’s most famous religious building, known for her flying buttresses, twin towers and, of course, hunchback resident.

You will definitely see two out of those three when you visit Notre Dame , the major Catholic cathedral in Paris. Construction of this magnificent building took nearly two hundred years, and was completed in 1345.

Unfortunately, on April 15th 2019 a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame. The cathedral will be closed for the foreseeable future as a result of this tragic incident.

We certainly think it is worth visiting the facade, but as you can’t go inside at the moment, you might wish to visit another nearby attraction like the Conciergerie (where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned) as well. You can get a combined ticket for that and Sainte Chapelle here

Musee d’Orsay

If you like museums, Paris has definitely gotten you covered. Our next stop is the Musee d’Orsay , but before you get here, you’re going to take a walk along Paris’s iconic left bank, from Notre Dame to the Musee d’Orsay. This isn’t too far, but you’ll see the booksellers and get a feel for this part of town.

Paris’s museums are quite logically set up, with three main art museums covering three distinct time periods.

The Musee d’Orsay, first on our list, covers art dating from the middle of the 19th century up to the early 20th century, and is home to masterpieces from the likes of Duchamp, Kandinsky and Picasso, to name but a few.

The Louvre (see below), covers the time period before this, whilst the Centre Pompidou covers the time period afterwards, right up to the modern day. The Centre Pompidou isn’t on this itinerary, but you could fit it in if you wanted to of course!

The Musee d’Orsay is absolutely stunning. It’s set in what was once one of Paris’s main train stations, and the grand central atrium is gorgeous – almost worth visiting in of itself.

There’s a fee to get in here, but holders of the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass get free entry as well as skip the line privileges.

You can also buy tickets and tours online in advance here or on the official site here .

If you only visit one museum in Paris, I can highly recommend making it the Louvre . This is one of the world’s most famous museums, and is home to an incredible collection of art, including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, to name but a few.

Obviously, seeing the Mona Lisa is on the wishlist for many visitors, but this museum, which covers art from ancient times up to the middle of the 19th century, has obviously got a great deal more to offer. True art lovers could lose themselves for days in the vast collection here!

Of course, if that’s you, you are welcome to do the same, although for the purposes of this itinerary we’d probably recommend you try and limit your time to two to three hours so you can fit more of Paris in.

We’d also highly recommend that you pick up either a Paris Pass , Paris City Card or a Paris Museum Pass , which will give you fast-track access to the Louvre.

Note that in the busy times, which tend to be the summer periods especially, the Louvre gets very busy. In summer 2019, there were multiple days when the museum actually sold out, and only holders of advance purchase tickets or timed reservations were able to enter the museum.

If you have a Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass , you must reserve your entry online on the official website . This is mandatory for holders of these passes in order to guarantee entry, and we highly recommend you do this in advance. If you do not reserve your slot in advance, you are not guaranteed entry even with the pass.

If you have a Paris City Card , you’ll book the timeslot you want when you book the card.

If you do not have a pass, you can buy your ticket and reserve your entry time either on GetYourGuide here (where we normally get our tickets), or online on the official website here . We’ve sometimes found that GetYourGuide has availability even when the official site is out, so it’s always worth checking if you want to visit and can’t find tickets on the official site.

Whichever ticket you buy, you will still have to queue for security, but the line for people with tickets is a lot quicker moving than the general admission line. In addition, when the Louvre sells out on its official website, tickets will usually not be sold on site, so you may not be able to just turn up and queue – only holders of advance tickets will be given entry.

Note the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. See opening times and more on the official site here .

Wine tasting

When you think of France, a few things likely come to mind, and I suspect that wine is likely one of them. So why not take a break from the sight-seeing and museums, and indulge in a little wine tasting.

Conveniently located just by the Louvre Museum, the Caves du Louvre is a wine-tasting experience which will guide you through the French wine making process and introduce you to a number of different French wines. Which you get to drink.

The tour is set in an actual 18th century wine cellar which originally housed the wine collection of the French King. Not a bad setting to learn about French wine we think!

There’s a fee for the tour (which includes the wine tasting), and it is included for holders of the Paris Pass. You can also book it separately here .

If you aren’t into wine tasting, there are a number of nearby cafes and restaurants where you can refresh and revive.

We can recommend afternoon tea at Le Meurice , the Ritz or the Hotel de Crillon if you like afternoon tea (see our guide to the best afternoon tea in Paris if so).

For a shorter and less expensive experience, the hot chocolate at Angelina Cafe is also superb.

Arc de Triomphe

We’re going to finish off the second day of our three-day Paris itinerary with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe , another of Paris’s iconic landmarks. From the Louvre you can either take public transport here, or you can walk up the Champs Elysees, Paris’s most famous shopping street.

The Arc de Triomphe, built in memory of those who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, is wonderfully photogenic.

From the top you get an excellent view of the city, which includes the roads spanning out into the distance and the Eiffel Tower.

As you journey up into the monument, you will also come to a museum which details some of its history. Below the monument, you will also find the tomb of the unknown soldier.

To get to the Arc de Triomphe, don’t try and cross the traffic roundabout. Head to one of the underpasses, and cross in safety.

Going up inside the Arc de Triomphe carries a fee, holders of the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass get free access with skip the line privileges.

You can also book a ticket online in advance here , which is worth doing as the lines can get quite long.

Paris Itinerary: Day 3

On the last day of our 3 day Paris itinerary we’re heading out of the city centre to take in one of Paris’s most famous Royal Palaces. We’re also including some extra sights in the city at the end if you can tear yourself away.

The really nice thing about having 3 days in Paris is that you have the flexibility to go a little further out of the centre. My suggestion for your third day is to visit Versailles , the incredible palace that was the seat of French political power and home to French Royalty, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

To truly appreciate Versailles, I would suggest allocating at least half a day of your third day in Paris, if not more. There is easily enough to see here to fill an entire day, which is why we don’t recommend coming here on our two day Paris itinerary .

We suggest starting off by touring the Palace. You’ll want to get here for opening time, as this is a really popular tourist attraction and it gets busier as the day goes on. Once you have toured the Palace and seen such highlights as the incredible Hall of Mirrors and the Kings Grand Apartments, you can head outside, where there is a great deal more to see.

A walk in the incredible (and vast!) gardens is a must. We particularity enjoyed heading over to Marie Antoinette’s estate, which is a slightly quieter part of the gardens, and home to a small model farm, tucked away temples, and walking paths.

It’s very easy to spend a whole day exploring Versailles and the grounds, and don’t feel bad if you do, it’s totally worth it.

Visiting Versailles is quite easy, you can get a train (RER C) from central Paris to the Gare de Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche, and from the train station to the Palace it is a well sign-posted ten minute walk.

Fast-track entry to the Palace, Gardens and other Versailles attractions is included on the Paris Museum Pass – although you will still need to join the security line. You can also book tickets online here , or book a guided tour online here .

If you manage to tear yourself away from Versailles, my suggestion for finishing off your last day in Paris is to head to the Montmartre region. This is home to a large hill, atop which sits the glorious Sacre Coeur de Montmartre, another of Paris’s iconic buildings.

This area of Paris was particularly famous as being home to artists, and folks like Dali, Picasso and Hemingway all either lived or frequented this area.

It’s still popular with artists, and the Place du Teatre is the place in Montmartre is the place to go to get your portrait or caricature painted. Fans of Dali will also want to visit the Dali Exhibition , home of the largest collection of works by Dali in France.

Montmartre is a maze of cute little streets, cafes and shops. The Basilica is free to visit, if you get here in time, although there is a small fee if you want to climb the tower.

Montmartre is also a popular place to watch the sunset across the city, and what better way to finish your 3 days in Paris than by watching the sun set across this magical city from atop Montmartre?

3 Days in Paris Itinerary Map

To help you visualise our 3-day Paris itinerary we’ve put together this helpful map which shows the attractions for each day. You can access this on Google Maps here .

3 Days in Paris Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick day by day breakdown of all the sights this itinerary covers:

Day 1 : Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Hop on Hop off Bus, Paris Walking Tour, Tour Montparnasse
Day 2 : Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre, Wine tasting, Arc de Triomphe
Day 3: Versailles, Montmartre

Where to Stay in Paris

As you would expect from a major European capital city, Paris has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. We’ve stayed in a variety of places, from hotels to homestays to apartments.

Ideally you want to be fairly central if you can, to minimise your travel time. Our suggestion is to take a look at the listings for Paris on booking.com . They’re our favourite booking engine when we travel, usually giving us the best choice and the best prices. They also have everything from apartments and hostels to high end hotels. Here are some options we suggest, depending on your budget.

Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4 star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
Ateliers de Montmartre , an apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacre Coeur
The People – Paris Marais , a well-reviewed hostel in the Marais, one of our favourite parts of Paris to stay
Hotel le Compostelle , a highly rated 3* hotel centrally located near the Louvre Museum

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, including a beautiful apartment in Paris with spectacular Eiffel Tower views. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find here .

When to Visit Paris

We’re actually happy to visit Paris at pretty much any time of year, and this Paris itinerary would work at any time of year.

Summer brings sunshine and warmth, although of course the city is a lot busier at this time of year, so if crowds aren’t your thing, you might want to skip the summer months.

We also love Fall and Spring in the city, when the temperatures are a bit cooler and the crowds less. In the run up to Christmas, the city is beautifully decorated and some of the stores in particular are worth visiting just to see the elaborate decorations they put up. After Christmas the city is a lot quieter, and of course temperatures are at their lowest.

Ultimately, we think Paris is worth visiting whenever you can, so just decide how busy you can handle, and if you’d prefer it to be warm or cold, and go from there!

How to Get to and From Paris

As the capital of France, Paris has multiple options for visitors looking to visit. There are three major airports in Paris. Charles de Gaulle is the main airport for international arrivals, with Paris Orly being the second most popular international airport. Both of these airports are easily reachable by public transport from the city centre.

Eiffel Tower from Arc de Triomphe_by_Laurence Norah

Paris Beauvais-Tille airport is where you will likely arrive if you are flying with a budget airline. This is some way out of the city centre, but regular shuttle buses are available to take you into the city.

Paris is also connected to the high-speed French and European rail network, and there are a number of train stations in central Paris. You can even travel from the UK by train, taking the channel tunnel to do so. See our guide to getting from London to Paris for more suggested options.

Finally, of course, you can reach Paris by car from France and the rest of Europe. Our advice would be to park your car in a secure long stay car-park on the outskirts of Paris and take public transport to the centre.

We recommend against driving in the city centre, as public transport is cheap and fast, and a lot easier than stressing about driving around the crowded city streets, and trying to find a parking space.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris has an excellent public transport network, and in particular the Paris Metro system is really good, getting you around all the major parts of the city at minimum cost. There’s also a good bus network, as well as local trains.

For public transport, you can purchase t+ tickets which allow for one-off travel on the Paris bus, RER trains and metros. These are available at train and metro stations using the ticket machines. These machines accept both credit cards and cash, and can be configured for English language.

Each ticket can be used for a single journey of up to 2 hours on the metro (including transfers) and 90 minutes on buses (including transfers). For more information on these tickets, see the official page .

From 2019, the Paris transport system has introduced the Navigo Easy Card. This is a rechargeable card system which is designed to replace the cardboard T+ tickets. A card costs €2 to buy, but allow you to buy a discounted pack of 10 tickets which will save you money if you do quite a bit of travel.

Other than being electronically stored, the tickets work the same, so we would recommend visitors to Paris using the Navigo Easy system as the most cost-effectivee method of paying for transport as a visitor to Paris.

For more on getting around Paris, see our detailed guide to how to get around Paris , which should help you plan all your transport in the city.

Walking Tours of Paris

If you’d like to take a guided tour of Paris, the two companies we usually use are Take Walks and Context Travel . These both offer small group walking tours in Paris, which are a great way to learn about some of the sights and history of the city. Of course, if you decide to take a walking tour you will have to adjust the itinerary accordingly to suit.

If you were interested in a tour, Take Walks has this Paris in a Day tour which includes a major Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre & a Seine River Cruise – an excellent introduction to the city!

Context travel offer a number of very focused tours of Paris , and these offer very specialised insights into particular subjects. We’d suggest maybe taking one of these for a specific area of interest that you really want to learn about, perhaps for Versailles . They also offer an introduction to Paris tour .

There are of course other options for various tours in Paris, including all the tours on this page , which offers a variety of things to do from different providers.

For example, there’s this delicious looking food tour , this in-depth tour of Hemingway locations in Paris or this tour of Montmartre .

So definitely check out the options to figure out what is best for you!

How to Save Money in Paris

Being a major European city, Paris is definitely not a budget destination. There are a few ways to save money of course, even on an itinerary as packed with attractions as this one is. Food is one way – rather than eating out for every meal for example, you could stay in an apartment or hostel that lets you cook your own meals.

If that’s not an option, consider having picnic lunches or breakfasts, and eating out in the evenings. Also, keep an eye out for the “menu du jour”, most restaurants offer a fixed lunch or evening menu which includes a number of dishes at a fixed price.

You can usually get a meal for between €12 & €25 which includes two or three courses, bread, and sometimes even wine or coffee. Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Paris for lunch deals.

The cheapest way to get around Paris is to walk of course, followed by the excellent public transport system. We usually walk as much as we can, and then take the metro for the longer trips. Taxis can be convenient, but they will eat into your budget very quickly.

One of our favourite ways to save money when we visit a major city where we want to see a lot of sights is to invest in a city sightseeing pass. In Paris there are three main passes that we recommend, the Paris Pass ( buy yours from the official site here ), the Paris Museum Pass (buy here ) and the Paris City Card .

Calculating if a pass is worth it for you will of course depend on exactly which attractions you want to visit.

From our itinerary, here’s what’s included on which passes, as well the cost of individual tickets as of December 2023 and links to book each attraction directly.

Eiffel Tower (€38 for guided tour, €11.30 for standard stair access ticket) – tour included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book tickets on the official website here
Seine River Cruise (€18) – included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
Hop on Hop off bus (€45) – included on Paris Pass. Book online here .
Paris Walking Tour (~€35) – various options included on Paris Pass. Book online here .
Tour Montparnasse (€19) – included on Paris Pass. Book online here .
Sainte Chapelle (€11.5) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
Musee d’Orsay (€16) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
Louvre Museum (€17) – included on Paris Museum Pass and Paris City Card. Book on GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here .
Wine Tasting (€35) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
Arc de Triomphe (€13) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
Versailles (€19.5) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .

Adding all the above together and you are looking at around €270 in entry fees.

Our recommendation is to consider a 3-day Paris Pass.

We suggest the 3-day Paris Pass because it actually comes with a 2-day Paris Museum Pass.

With that, you get access to pretty much everything on our itinerary, as well as many more activities and attractions including more museums, walking tours, and even dining activities!

You just have to plan your itinerary so you visit the sites covered by the Paris Museum Pass on two out of your three days in Paris. Hint – we’ve already done that for you in our itinerary!

As of December 2023, a 3 day Paris Pass costs €194 for an adult, saving you around €75 per person if you do everything in our itinerary.

Of course, your individual situation will vary, and you might have different attractions you want to visit. In addition, you should be aware that if you are an EU citizen under the age of 26 that many attractions are free or discounted to visit (you need ID!).

Also, on the first Sunday of every month, many museums are free to visit – although very crowded as a result!

We think the Paris Pass can be good value for money ( click here to buy ), but do feel free to check out our detailed reviews of both the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass , and come to your own decision as to what works for you!

You might also decide that purchasing individual tickets makes more sense. In that case, we highly recommend booking online in advance, especially for major attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, which can get very busy and even sell out a long time in advance.

Finally, we can also suggest checking out the Paris City Card . This includes a guided Eiffel tower ticket, Seine River cruise and access to the Louvre. It also comes with an audioguide to Paris, as well as a further 10% discount on other Paris attractions.

This is a good option if you aren’t planning on visiting everything in our itinerary. It also has the advantage that you book the timeslots for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower when you book the card, so can be convenient.

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Paris is a safe city in our experience, although it does have a reputation for being home to a number of scams. Most of these are easy to avoid once you know about them (read up on some of the common scams in Paris here ).

As with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home.

We’ve not had any problems in Paris, although there are a few scams to be aware of – check our guide to avoiding common Paris scams so you are prepared in advance.

Electricity in Paris is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the US will need an adapter like this . See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

US travellers need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter. As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

Paris is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get Euros from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city and in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. If you are travelling from the USA, consider a Google Fi package which lets you use your data overseas.

Alternatively, consider an eSIM service like Airalo .

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water

The water in the taps in Paris is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like one of these to save on having to buy water bottles.

We love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for travel as they are lightweight, easy to clean and the company is a certified B-Corp.

Eating in Paris

If you want to eat at one of the more popular restaurants in Paris , we recommend that you book in advance. We recommend and use La Fourchette (the fork), which is the most popular online restaurant booking website in France.

It’s easy to use and makes booking restaurants a breeze, especially if you don’t speak French. Check it out here to find reviews, sample menus and book a table.

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Deidre Smith says

22nd December 2023 at 6:04 pm

We arrive at the paris airport at 8am on a Sunday, will have to get our luggage and take it to our hotel. I was hoping to be to hotel by 10am. I thought of doing: Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Hop on Hop off Bus, Notre Dame, Tour Montparnasse.

Monday: Sainte Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre, Catacombs, Arc de Triomphe (do Tour Montparnasse this day if didn’t have time on Sunday)

Tuesday: Versailles in the morning, leave to go get our luggage at hotel at 3pm, get to hotel at 4pm, get to airport by 5pm for 7pm flight to Venice.

I had to move Notre Dame on your days to Sunday, since it’s closed Monday. So my question is, is this doable? Second, I was going to get the Paris Pass but it seems that wouldn’t work on Versailles if I use it on Monday at Notre Dame, so is there a better pass for me to buy. I was worried if I bought the paris pass, and then used it to book Versailles, it might not work since it’s not consecutive days.

Laurence Norah says

22nd December 2023 at 6:47 pm

So, Notre Dame itself is not due to re-open until the end of 2024. The only area you can currently visit is the Crypt, which you are correct, is closed on Mondays. So I just wanted to clarify that that was what you meant.

For the general timing, if you don’t mind having quite a long day on the Monday you should be ok. My main concern would be that the Hop on Hop off bus is likely going to take a while (it’s a sightseeing experience rather than a quick way to get around the city). Also if you plan on using the Paris Pass or similar pass, you should be aware that some attractions are visited with a guided tour, specifically the Eiffel Tower. Those tours only run at specific times.

Given your schedule with Versailles on the Tuesday and the fact that the Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum Pass, you are correct that this might not be the best pass for you as the 2 day Musuem Pass would expire by Tuesday. One option would be to just get a 2 day Paris Museum Pass and use it for the Monday / Tuesday attractions. From your list it should cover everything except the Catacombs I believe. Then you could just book individual tickets for the other sights. There are passes which include some of the sights on your list such as the Go City Explorer Pass . However I honestly don’t think that it is going to offer better value than just booking individual tickets for each attraction.

I hope this helps, have an amazing time in Paris and let me know if I can offer any more help!

Catrina says

24th November 2023 at 3:13 pm

My husband and I will be celebrating our 20 year anniversary in March and are planning a trip to Paris! I love the 3 day itinerary, giving us a couple days to visit Disneyland Paris. I am interested in a budget friendly-ish stay that allows for a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower as in your photo above. Any way to narrow down my hotel/apartment search? Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks for all the info already given. Super excited for our trip 🙂

24th November 2023 at 4:47 pm

Congratulations and your anniversary and what a lovely way to spend it 🙂 So there are definitely quite a few hotels and apartments with views of the Eiffel Tower. The downside is that properties are aware that this is a desirable feature, so these rooms tend to cost a bit more. We actually have a complete guide to the Eiffel Tower which has a section on recommended hotels , with many of them offering views.

We cen definitely personally recommend the Pullman , which has lovely views from many of the rooms.

Otherwise, your best option is going to be to search properties in the region of the Eiffel tower (like this search I’ve set up for you ). Any hotel or apartment with a view of the Eiffel Tower will definitely make that obvious in it’s description. You just want to be sure you book a room with a view of it, which should also be pretty clear in the room description!

I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris and if you have any more questions please let me know 🙂

Catrina Baugus says

28th November 2023 at 9:43 am

Thank you so much! This gives us a great place to start 🙂

G. Heartwell says

20th March 2023 at 4:32 pm

Thank you so much for the details on the 3 day Paris tour. Sounds perfect for starting a 7 day first visit.! My granddaughter and I are planning to go after the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! Any helpful travel do s and don’ts for that time period?

24th March 2023 at 6:29 pm

It’s my pleasure. So the main advice I would give is to book any attractions you want to visit as far in advance as possible. This is especially the case for popular attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, which can book out months in advance at busier times of year. I’d also recommend picking a hotel with air-conditioning. It’s not always included, but summer in Paris can be hot so be sure to pick somewhere that specifically states it has A/C for a more comfortable stay.

Otherwise have a great time in Paris!

27th January 2023 at 12:07 am

Hello from snowy Toronto, Canada

My son (almost 18) and I would like to travel to France end of July for perhaps a week or so then on to England. With respect to France he wants to see the Eifel Tower and Louvre and from what I read a sunset river cruise would be great too. We can visit the Notre-Dame and anything else you suggest. I personally would then like to go south to Nice, Cannes etc. If we base ourselves in Paris for sites would you suggest base in Nice and branch from there to surrounding areas? Are Roven, Marselle and Carcassone (sp) worth visiting? Would you suggest other areas? Bordeaux looks beautiful but being that this isn’t a wine tour for myself I don’t want to visit this time. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

29th January 2023 at 9:21 am

It’s great to hear from you. So for Paris I think this guide should cover most of the highlights of what you want to see. For the south of France, it is definitely a good option to pick one or two locations as a base. However, it’s worth pointing out that France is quite a big country, so you will want to plan what you want to see. Carcassone is very pretty and definitely worth visiting, but it’s about 350 miles from Nice for example. So I think you would want to work out exactly what you wanted to see and then decide which location or locations makes the most logical sense. You will also want to figure out how you want to get around. The train network in France is very fast and good value, but it doesn’t go everywhere, so you might also consider hiring a car for example. With only a week total, I’d suggest picking one other location outside of Paris and focusing on that. Bordeaux would actually be a great option as it’s about 3 hours by fast train from Paris and there is plenty to see (lots of which doesn’t involve wine!).

Have a great trip 🙂

jacques Martial says

9th January 2023 at 3:26 am

Interesting site.. we have some friends visiting Paris for 3 days and we found your site.. Being a Parisian myself, I was surprised that you included Versailles and a Wine Tasting visit into your planning. Nothing against Versailles, it is a beautiful place but there is more to see in Paris that spending time in Versailles and tasting wine when you are not a drinker. Suggest that you give these visits as alternate. One suggestion: why don’t you have a Romantic 3 days in Paris planning? Many young couples may appreciate more for honeymoon, wedding anniversary or other. Thank you Jacques from Vancouver in Canada

11th January 2023 at 9:02 am

Hi Jacques,

Thanks for your input! We definitely appreciate that this itinerary will not work for everyone, and of course we always suggest folks adjust for their own personal interests and tastes. Many visitors to France do want to try French wine, hence the wine tasting. We also think Versailles is worth visiting with three days in Paris, but of course, everyone can make their own choice 🙂 Thanks for the idea about the romantic visit to Paris as well, we shall definitely consider that!

Marybeth says

5th January 2023 at 10:00 pm

Your information is fabulous! I will be traveling to France in June for a wedding. The wedding will take place in Provence. I plan on starting in Paris for at least 3 days. Then off to Lyon, Avignon and Provence. I am open to suggestions on what to see between Paris and Provence. Lastly, 3 or 4 days for Paris? My travel dates are a bit flexible. Thank you for any suggestions you may offer.

11th January 2023 at 9:32 am

Thanks Marybeth, and sorry for the slow response, we’re currently traveling in Uganda with limited internet!

Given your planned route from Paris to Avignon with a stop in Lyons, a few suggestions that might work for you are below. However, this depends on if you are driving or traveling by train.

Fontainebleau – most famous for Fontainebleau Palace. A nice quieter alternative to Versailles if you are not already visiting that on this trip.

Guédelon Castle near Treigny, France which is a 13th century castle they are building using traditional materials and methods

Dijon – heart of Burgundy region so lots of vineyards in area, city has a number of attractions like Musée des Beaux-Arts

Beaune – lovely walled town with cobblestones, distinctive tiled roofs and the Hôtel-Dieu Museum

3rd January 2023 at 3:09 am

Hi, Your itinerary is so great! Thank you for doing this as I plan to follow it. I’m going in February. I’d like to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up what’s the best time to get there? Thank you

3rd January 2023 at 4:46 pm

So the Eiffel Tower automatically lights up within 10 minutes of it getting dark. It’s an automated system that is based on the light. In February, the sunset in Paris is normally around 6pm (6.30pm at the end of the month), so anytime around then if you just want to see it lit up. It’s also worth noting that the tower also sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour once it’s been lit up, so that would likely take place at 7pm when you are there. I’d definitely recommend watching that as well!

Have a great time in Paris, let me know if you have any more questions! We also have a detailed guide to the Eiffel Tower you might find useful 🙂

Andrej ands Heather says

5th July 2022 at 4:58 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica Norah

We were planning the Paris trip, actually a trip to Europe, with the first stop in Paris. We found your web blog, read it carefully and decided to follow your advice in the detail. We stayed for 4 days and used 3 days Paris pass, it is good value for the money we paid for. That was the best decision we made!

We create our own itinerary, we scheduled our trips and we made it even more than we predict. We bought a weekly Navigo on arrival( it is good to have two photos with) and travel all around by public transport, a lot of walking up and downstairs( we are 50 and 51), but we managed. We are extremely grateful for your work and effort. Thank you, guys!

5th July 2022 at 11:12 am

Hi Andrej and Heather,

I am so pleased that you had a good time in Paris (and Europe!) and that you found our sites useful. It is very kind of you to take the time to stop by and let us know, it is very much appreciated. Also for the tip on the Navigo. Here’s to many more years of adventures ahead!

All the best,

6th June 2022 at 11:03 pm

So can I upgrade the Eiffel Tower tour to an elevator one all the way to the summit with the Paris pass? That says guided climbing tour only to the second floor. Thanks

7th June 2022 at 11:45 am

This is a great question! I reached out to Experience First who handle the tour that comes with the Paris Pass, and they responded as follows:

You can First book your tour with Paris pass through: https://www.exp1.com/paris-tours/book-with-pass/

Then, after booking you will receive an email with a Booking reference number which you can use it to upgrade to summit.

To Upgrade after booking : https://upgrade.exp1.com/

So in summary, yes, you can upgrade to the summit access tour with the Paris Pass, although obviously this will be subject to availability.

Have a great time in Paris!

13th November 2021 at 7:57 pm

My husband and I will be visiting Paris in a couple weeks for 4 days (Sun – Wed). This is our first time visiting France and working on a draft itinerary. I plan on getting the Paris Pass for the 1st 2 days so to include all the museum visits. Also your thoughts on doing the river cruise at night (Bateaux Parisiens Seine River) instead of during the day one.

Sunday – Bus hop, Eiffel Tower and late afternoon head to watch the sunset…Arc de Triomphe and do Tour Montparnasse Monday – Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, The Louvre, Wine tasting, River ride at sunset Tuesday – The catacombs or Montmartre then Versaille in the afternoon

Thanks in advance!

14th November 2021 at 11:10 am

Great to hear from you! Your plan sounds great to me. The only thing I’d mention, which might be obvious, is just to remember that in winter the sun sets around 5pm in Paris. I’m sure you factored that in, but just something to remember if you’re wanting to catch the sunset from the Tour Montparnasse.

It definitely sounds like you have arranged everything in a sensible order. I am not sure how busy Versailles is at the moment. In the old times visiting in the afternoon without a guided tour booked was a challenge due to the long ticket lines, but now they have timed tickets I suspect it’s less of an issue – we’ve not been since they introduced the time slots.

For the Seine River Cruise, we’ve done both day time cruises, sunset cruises and an evening dinner cruise. I think sunset is a good time as you get the mix of the city at day and at night, with the potential for a nice sky as well. If it was my first time, I’d probably not do a tour at night, just because it’s obviously dark and so harder to see everything. But that’s just my personal preference. Seeing everything lit up is lovely as well!

Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help! Have a wonderful trip to Paris – we’re planning to be there at the start of January 😀

amanda Pimm says

31st October 2021 at 4:12 pm

Hi , my husband and I plan to take my daughter and her friend to Paris next may 2022 for her 16th birthday. We have never been before and can’t speak any French, will this be a problem. I also wondered what pass would be good to buy for our 3 day sight seeing please. Would be very great full for any advice.

31st October 2021 at 6:33 pm

Great to hear from you. Let me do my best to answer your two questions.

In terms of not speaking French, this shouldn’t be a major problem, especially in Paris. It’s a popular part of the world with visitors, and English is widely spoken. However, I would say that you will likely have a better experience if you learn a few basic phrases, such as hello (bonjour), thank you (merci) please (s’il vous plait), and do you speak English (parlez vouz anglais). The Parisians have developed a bit of reputation for being rude to foreigners, but in my experience, if you start off with a simple “bonjour”, they will pretty much instantly realise that you are not a native speaker, and nine times out of ten they’ll respond in English. However, if you start in English, they’ll be less receptive. I guess you could imagine the reception if it were reversed, and a French person arriving in the UK or USA and trying to start a conversation in French. So even learning “hello” can be a bit step in getting things off on the right foot!

For city cards, this will very much depend on what you want to see. For most visitors, a trip to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and a Seine River Cruise are popular, so the Paris City Card is a good starting point as it includes those things. You then get a 10% discount for additional attractions you book through the site. If you plan to see more sights, then you might instead consider the Paris Pass , which includes a lot more attractions and activities, but it will definitely depend on what you plan to do to make sure it is good value. For example, if you plan to do most of the attractions in this itinerary, it will likely offer cost savings.

I hope this helps, have a great trip to Paris and let me know if you have any more questions!

21st April 2020 at 11:55 pm

Exploring the City of Love is such a dream come true! This 3-day Itinerary in Paris is such a great help to those who are planning to discover Paris. Thanks for sharing, nice article.

22nd April 2020 at 10:36 am

Thanks James!

rj digma says

11th February 2020 at 7:08 pm

Great site. Very helpful. One question, if I buy the paris museum pass but want to hire a private guide to take us to the museums and give us art history info, would you know someone.

11th February 2020 at 11:20 pm

Thanks very much! We don’t know any private guides personally, however we have regularly used Context Travel , who do provide private guides, so that would be worth looking into.

Good luck, and have a great time in Paris!

Veronica Webster says

1st February 2020 at 11:36 pm

Hi Laurence, We have already cleared doubts with Jessica about our London trip, and now we’re working on the Paris part. We will be visiting Paris from March 27th to April 1st. Arriving on Friday around 11:00 am. We know that being a weekend everything will be more crowded, but it is what it is. We have made our numbers and we’re thinking that the Museum Pass will work better, given that the Paris Pass 3 days only includes 2 days museums, and we have actually 4.5 days, so not really need to fit all museums in 2 days (and we’re visiting Versailles too) My question is: The delivery options for the Museum pass is pick up at arrival or Fedex (24euros to Canada). If we arrive on a Friday, if I want to reserve time slot for Louvre on Saturday, is there’s a risk I won’t find available the time I’m looking for? Same for Orsay on Sunday morning (we want to be there for both at 9:00 am) Given that we would be already saving time by avoiding lines and buying the tickets, the 24 euros fee to have the pass with us sooner and book weeks ahead sound like a reasonable option. Your thoughts please?

here’s a draft of our trip: Friday after 1 pm: Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise (we pay for those 2) Sat: Louvre (9am, museum pass), Hop OnOff (we pay) Champs E./Arc the T (mpass) Sun: Orsay (9am mpass) Montmartre Mo: Saint Chapelle (mpass), Notre Dame (just views), Pantheon (mpass), Invalides (mpass) Tu: Versailles (mpass) – We think Versailles will be less crowded on Tu, but we could switch this to Sunday.

Thank you in advance to you and Jessica! your blog has been very useful to plan this trip!!

2nd February 2020 at 3:32 pm

Hi Veronica,

Thanks for your comment. To answer your question, for the Louvre, it has become very popular, and if you want to guarantee a particular time for your entry, then paying for the delivery of the museum pass is definitely going to be the way to do that. You need the number on the pass in order to make the reservation, which obviously you will need the pass for. If you decide to do this, make sure you bring both the pass and proof of reservation with you, and then join the correct line at the Louvre for those with reservations.

Of course, Paris in March / April is not as busy as it is over the summer months, so it may be that the Louvre has plenty of availability. However, it’s all down to your personal risk preference 😉

For the Musee d’Orsay, as far as we know you can’t book in advance with this museum, you just turn up with your pass. This is the case for most of the museums in Paris, it’s only the Louvre that has the timed requirement due to its popularity.

For Versailles, the weekends are usually very busy, however, bear in mind that many sights in Paris are also closed on Tuesdays (like the Louvre), so this also means more folks head out to Versailles. We would urge you to arrive early at Versailles, as the lines can get very very long for entry. Again, March / April should not be *too* busy, but it is best to err on the side of caution in our experience!

You have done a great job with the itinerary, putting the busiest places first 🙂 Let us know if you have any more questions and we’ll try to help. Have a fantastic trip – do feel free to join our facebook group and share your experiences in our friendly facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/ 🙂

Afitha says

31st August 2019 at 12:47 pm

Hi Laurence, Me and my husband will be going to paris-switzerland-italy for 11 days trip..pls gve me an advise regarding howmany days we will stay per country…eagerly waiting for ur reply..TIA

2nd September 2019 at 6:12 am

It really depends on which cities you want to visit and your personal interests. I haven’t visited Switzerland for a while but I would say if you were to do something like Paris for 3 days, then Switzerland for 3-4 days, then Italy for 4-5 days. I would suggest with that much time that you could visit 2 cities in Italy, so I’d say maybe Rome and Venice. You could also base in Rome and do day trips to places like Florence.

Have a great time!

19th August 2019 at 11:55 am

Hello Laurence and Jessica, I’m planning to go on a solo trip on January 2020 to Paris (and going to Italy). It will be my first time in Europe, and I’m very excited. I know it’s winter and it will be very cold, but I was wondering if you have any tips for a 21 year old solo female traveller? I’m planning to book an AirBnB so I can also cook some meals to be able to save some money. How much do you think I need for the three day sightseeing in Paris alone? I’m hoping to hear from you guys soon. Thank you.

19th August 2019 at 12:01 pm

So I will briefly answer your question on solo female travel. We definitely aren’t experts in that area as we usually travel as a couple, however, Paris is no more or less safe than other major western European cities, so if you practice the same sort of safety precautions that you would in your own home cities, then you shouldn’t have any problems.

For budget, January is not too busy in Paris so you should be able to find an apartment on AirBnb in the region of $60 – $100 a night. The other main costs will be food and sightseeing. For food, lunch is the best time to go out for meals generally as restaurants tend to have fixed price menus. So if you do choose to dine out during your stay, we’d recommend doing so at lunch. Otherwise we suggest croissants from a bakery for breakfast and there are lots of supermarkets for picking up supplies for cooking 🙂

Sightseeing will be your other major costs. The price will obviously vary depending on exactly what you want to do and see. If you plan on going inside many museums and attractions, then we recommend either the Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass. The best one for you will depend on what you want to see. Note that neither of them includes Eiffel tower access. If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, the cheapest way is to buy second floor tickets with stair access. You can do this online or in person – see our full Eiffel Tower guide for more on that.

https://independenttravelcats.com/eiffel-tower-paris-france/

Overall, I would say that if you budget $60 – $100 a day for accommodation, $20 – $50 a day for attractions and $15 – $30 a day on food that would be reasonable. Of course, you could go above or below these figures based on your own preference, but that is a ballpark.

Have a great time in Paris, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any more questions!

29th July 2019 at 4:15 am

I am looking into going to Paris July 3-5 2020. I have never traveled or anything else like that how would I go about making sure I had enough money. Thank you in advance.

29th July 2019 at 7:42 pm

Well, that’s quite a big question 🙂 It will depend a bit on your travel style (hostel – luxury hotel), what attractions you want to see and what sort of food you want to eat. Also how you get around, from walking -> taxis. The main costs will be your flight to and from Paris, your accommodation, and then your sight-seeing and food costs. It’s hard to give an exact number as everyone will be different, but if you take a look at my guide to the costs for travelling in the UK, this will give you an idea of what to estimate. Paris will be a bit more expensive, as capital cities often are, but you should at least get a rough estimate. You can see that guide here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

29th July 2019 at 9:34 pm

Thank u so much I’ll check that link in just a few when I have a bit more time ????????

7th July 2019 at 3:57 am

Hi Laurence!

My husband and I will be going to Paris for six days in October. However, it’s our first time there, and I’m starting to think that we might have too many days in Paris and we might run out of activities.

Any suggestions or thoughts on that based on your experience?

9th July 2019 at 3:42 pm

You definitely won’t run out of things to do. I have just covered the major highlights in this post – there is so much more to the city! We usually visit for 5-7 days at a time, and have done so multiple times, and have never run out of things to do!

9th September 2019 at 11:13 pm

My sister and I who are in our 70 are going on a river cruise with Viking on Oct 6 an want to come in a few days early.. What hotel and tours . Is the show mon la rougue still there as I saw it 20 years and want to see it again.

11th September 2019 at 5:50 pm

Thanks for your e-mail. So the hotel you choose will very much depend on your budget, but we have some suggestions in this post for you to choose from. If you’d like to stay near the Eiffel Tower, we also have a lot of suggestions in our guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower, which you can read here . Of course, you might want to find out where your cruise departs from so you are not too far away.

The Moulin Rouge is still very much in operation, and we visited quite recently. You do need to book in advance, I have a full guide to the Moulin Rouge here which you might find helpful.

Rupali says

25th June 2019 at 2:47 pm

Hi I really like the detailed itinerary. It very good to look if you are planning the trip to Paris in advance. I would like to know if the Paris pass includes guided tours or some discount on guided tours in the museums? Also, if now do you think it is worth to take the guided tours to know about the significance of that place.

25th June 2019 at 3:20 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 So some city passes do include discounts on walking tours. However, the Paris Pass does not include many discounted guided tours. Looking at the inclusions, it includes a Montmartre walking tour, as well as discounts on a Segway tour, cycling tour and Citroen 2CV tour. It also includes the guided Opera Garnier tour. You can see some of the tours it includes on this page – just filter by Paris tours.

So if you want to do a guided tour of the museums, or a guided tour in Paris in general, then you would want to book that separately. I do think that a guided tour is a good way to learn about the city, and I link to some suggested walking tours in the post. It’s really up to you though if you want to do that. If you take a full day walking tour of Paris, then you might not find the Paris Pass offers such good value as most tours include entry to a number of attractions.

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

9th June 2019 at 7:07 pm

Hi Laurence, We stumbled across your blog recently while planning for our trip to Paris in September this fall. We enjoyed reading it. We will be arriving Paris on a Wednesday morning and leaving by plane on a Saturday 5:50pm flight. On Thursday we’ve booked a Versailles morning tour that ends 1:45pm and on Saturday morning we’ve booked the Louvre tour that ends 12:45 pm, then we will retrieve our luggage from hotel and on to the airport. Questions: Should we stay at a hotel that is near the Louvre for our convenience of Saturday’s luggage retrieval before airport Or should we stay at a hotel that is a short walk to the Hop on Hop off bus route so we can visit most of the top attraction via the bus and not to let the luggage retrieval limit the hotel location ? Could you please give us a few hotels suggestions and what top attractions we can fit in our schedule?

9th June 2019 at 8:53 pm

Thanks for your comment!

So, I think it’s up to you in regard to the hotel location. However, as the Louvre is a popular location for visitors, most Hop on Hop off buses will have a stop close by. So you can do both – just pick a hotel close to the Louvre and it will also be close to the Hop on Hop off bus.

In terms of specific hotels, it’s hard to give advice without a budget. I’d suggest using this link to start , and then narrowing your filter by price, date and what type of accommodation you are looking for. I’d generally also suggest looking for properties with a good review score, ideally an 8 or higher 🙂

PS – sorry about the slow response, we’ve been travelling for the past few days with limited internet 😀

Angela B says

9th June 2019 at 3:30 pm

Laurence & Jessica, Such an amazing and thorough explanation. My daughter (13) and I will be arriving into Paris next Sunday (16th) to watch USA play in the World Cup. My husband will be working the Paris Air Show, so my daughter and I have 3 days (17-19) to ourselves, meeting my husband at night for dinner and sightseeing. I think we will do the 3 day tour with Versailles on the last day. Based on this itinerary, does the 3 Day Paris Pass still make the best option? I am guessing it does since it includes travel, entrance, and skipping lines. We are sooooo excited!!!!! Angela

9th June 2019 at 8:57 pm

Thank you so much Angela – sounds like you’ve got a great trip coming up!

So I would say that the Paris Pass would make sense if you intend on using the various additional features it offers like the Seine Cruise, transport and so on. The one thing to be aware of is that whilst the pass is three days, it only includes a 2 day museum pass. And that pass is what you will use for places like the Louvre, Versailles and so on.

I have structured this itinerary to account for that, however, if you want to move things around, it might make less sense, and instead you might consider the 4 day Paris Museum Pass, and then a separate travel card. Of course, it’s up to you.

We have a full review of both types of pass if you would like some further reading to help you decide! They are at the following links:

https://independenttravelcats.com/tips-buying-using-paris-museum-pass/ https://independenttravelcats.com/buying-paris-pass-review-worth-it-tips/

Sumona says

30th May 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thank you so much for writing this. Really helpful and very well written!

30th May 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thank you very much Sumona – have a wonderful trip to Paris and do let us know if you have any questions 🙂

17th May 2019 at 4:52 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica! I am travelling to Paris soon and your elaborate writing and practical tips is what exactly I was looking for. Brilliant! Thanks : )

17th May 2019 at 5:53 pm

Thank you very much Jasma – have a wonderful time in Paris! Do let us know how you enjoy the city 🙂

17th May 2019 at 7:27 pm

I will sure have a good time in the City of love . Also, Your expert advice on the accommodation pls- the place I am planning to stay is at Courbevoie. Per the owner it says 10 mins to Paris. Do you think during my stay at Paris for 3-4 days this place will be in proximity to the list you had advised in your blog. Thanks Jasma

17th May 2019 at 7:33 pm

It’s hard to tell as Courbevoie is a little bit outside the city centre, and so it will depend on which metro or train station you are near, and how far it is to the metro station. In a best case scenario it will be 10 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe, in a worse case scenario, more like 40 minutes. The Arc de Triomphe is the closest attraction in our itinerary though to Courbevoie, other attractions are further away. So it is definitely not the most convenient location, but it will work. However, if you can find somewhere more central it might work out more easily for you.

18th May 2019 at 3:33 pm

Thanks a million Laurence. You are doing a great job and I truly appreciate it. Regards, Jasma

Godfrey says

29th March 2019 at 8:41 pm

You guys are amazing..just about saved me hours of research into finding things to do in 3 days…This is exactly what fits within our 3 day visit..Keep up the great work!

30th March 2019 at 12:12 am

Thanks Godfrey – we will certainly try! Have a lovely trip to Paris and let us know if we can be of any help!

22nd February 2019 at 5:50 pm

hi! I like your blog,it’s very informative and easy to follow. but can I just know, roughly how much do we need to prepare? I mean if Im a big spender how much money will I probably spend for the tours? excluding the food. I would really appreciate if you could give me the figure so we can save for it. thanks! ☺️

23rd February 2019 at 7:25 am

It’s really hard to give figures as budgets vary greatly between people. So you can see from the tours I have suggested what they cost, and also if you buy one of the passes then many of the attractions will be included. So then your other costs will be accommodation and food. For this itinerary, including food and accommodation, you would probably be looking in the region of €500 – €1000 per person, but that would vary hugely depending on your tastes and accommodation quality.

I hope this helps a bit!

Anjana says

12th February 2019 at 11:17 pm

Hello. I liked the itinerary you suggested. We are planning to be there by mid April. Can you please guide us for weather. Also, I am an artist and wish to visit art gallary, can you please suggest?

13th February 2019 at 9:05 pm

The weather in Paris in April will be fairly warm, like around 17 – 22C. It might be cooler in evenings. Rain is always a possibility, but you would be unlucky if it rained a lot.

If you want to visit an art gallery, I would suggest the Louvre, or the Centre Pompidou if you prefer modern art!

12th February 2019 at 4:52 pm

How to get Paris Pass and the bus passes. Required details about the inclusions and exclusions of the Paris Pass .

12th February 2019 at 5:28 pm

You can buy the Paris Pass with this link .

You can see the inclusions here .

Enjoy your time in Paris!

12th February 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thank you so much.. I will sure be in touch with you if i require any more details .

Regards Shree

13th February 2019 at 7:45 am

Hi Is it mandatory to get the paris pass before hand or the same can be availed after reaching the destination as well..

13th February 2019 at 7:09 pm

You can buy the pass in Paris as well, but they don’t offer sales as they sometimes do online,

Amanda Che says

19th December 2018 at 3:09 am

If I want to visit Montparnasse will I need to purchase tickets if I have the Paris pass? Or do we just show up and they will let us in at whatever time?

19th December 2018 at 8:03 pm

If you have the Paris Pass the Tour Montparnasse is included, so you can just turn up at any time and they will let you in. It’s best at sunset if you can make it them!

Have a great trip

19th December 2018 at 10:02 pm

Thank you for responding!! I’m glad I got he passes! Does this apply to the wine tasting as well?! I’m just not sure about the places that have specific times that need reservations when visiting.

19th December 2018 at 11:10 pm

My pleasure! The wine tasting was the same when we used the Paris Pass – we just turned up and it was fine. However, if you have any doubts you can always reach out to either the attraction or Paris Pass folks to confirm 😀

24th October 2018 at 9:29 pm

Thank you so much for making my life easy!!! You have the best detailed itineraray in Paris. I purchased the 3 day Paris Pass. 🙂 I’m so excited to visit next month!

25th October 2018 at 8:13 pm

Thanks so much! Have an awesome trip 😀

Evelyne says

23rd October 2018 at 10:23 am

Hello, I am a Parisian and I read your post. I think this itinerary is very heavy (espécially days 2) unless you don’t visit the museums and just shoot the buildings. It is just an accumulation of monuments to visit but it does not give the feel of what is Paris. Fortunately, Paris is not just an opan air museum.

23rd October 2018 at 1:03 pm

Hey Evelyne!

Thanks for your feedback. I definitely make that clear at the beginning that this is a very busy itinerary, and people should adjust to suit their own pace 🙂 We usually visit Paris for no less than seven days at a time when putting these posts together, but we know not everyone has that luxury, so we try to fit everything in that people might want to see, based on our conversations with folks planning a trip 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

kunal gupta says

30th September 2018 at 10:45 am

After having read so many posts, I felt this is the best post. It has all the tips, recommendations and anecdotes that I was looking for to create an itinerary. I am visiting Paris next month and will surely provide you guys my feedback on the experience.

Any tips on finding Indian or vegetarian lunch/dinner will be extremely helpful too !

1st October 2018 at 2:26 pm

Thanks Kunal! I’m not personally an expert on vegetarian dining, but the search engine happycow.net lists vegetarian restaurants around the world, so that would be a good place to look 🙂 Have a great trip!

Kritika says

13th September 2018 at 8:22 am

Hi, Your blog is one simple answer to all the queries I had while planning for my trip. 🙂 We are a couple visiting Paris from 29 Sept to Oct1. We would like to visit a vineyard and taste wine over there. Do you have any information regarding any vineyard nearby and how to commute? Also, We would be going to Lyon for a day. Can you suggest me a short itinerary for the same?

Regards Kritika

13th September 2018 at 11:47 am

Hi Kritika!

Thanks very much, we are happy to have been of help 🙂 We would suggest that the closest wine region to Paris is going to be the Champagne region, and the easiest way to get there would be to take a tour from Paris, which will save you figuring out transport. Plus someone else will drive, leaving you to enjoy the wine 🙂 I found this one which has good reviews so that would be my suggestion, although there are sure to be other options!

For Lyon, we haven’t visited there yet, so I can’t make any recommendations unfortunately 🙁

Have a great trip!

9th September 2018 at 7:25 am

Hi! Just read your wonderful article helps out a lot we are a family of 6..would metro\bus be cheaper or renting a car..staying in a hotel near cdg since all the good/affordable ones are taken near the center….and how I the weather in the end of September? 6 days all Together and Disneyland is included please let me know confused about driving and or bus thanks 🙂

9th September 2018 at 11:38 am

I would recommend against hiring a car as driving in Paris is not so much fun, plus you will have to spend time finding parking and paying for it. Instead I would recommend either taking the metro, or hiring a taxi to take you in. For a group of people, you would have to find the right size of taxi of course, but it should be possible. For Disneyland, the easiest way is the RER from Paris.

The weather in Paris in September should be quite good, not too hot but not too cold, I would say around 12 – 22C, so you will want to have some warmer clothes for the evenings. There is always the possibility of rain as well, so a rain jacket or umbrella would be wise 🙂

Hope this helps!

Susan Morris says

30th August 2018 at 4:14 am

Hi, I have just read your 3-day itinerary for Paris, and I thought it was awesome. Very clear and easy to follow. I look forward to following it when we head to Paris next year! My husband is also keen to visit the area of the D-Day landings at Normandy (Omaha Beach I believe). Do you have any similar itineraries or advice for a 1 or 2 day visit to that area? Many thanks

30th August 2018 at 10:50 am

Thanks very much Susan. We certainly do, we have a two day itinerary which we think you should find useful 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/normandy-2-day-itinerary-d-day-beaches-mont-st-michel/

24th August 2018 at 9:15 pm

Hi I am traveling to Paris in second week of oct 18… what would be the climate that time? Do I need to carry a lot of winter clothing?

24th August 2018 at 9:26 pm

October in Europe varies. I’d say the best option is to bring layers, and to have sufficiently warm clothes for cold weather and rain in particualr. The temperature will likely be between 5 degrees C and 15 degrees C, although if it is windy it might feel a lot colder. So it’s not like visiting Iceland or Finland in winter, but you’ll want to be prepared.

I don’t have a guide for Paris, but we do have a packing list for London at any time of year, which should help a bit:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/london-packing-list-what-to-pack-for-london-and-the-uk-at-any-time-of-year/

Qinwan says

22nd July 2018 at 1:02 pm

Hi Laurence, I am planning my visit to Paris in Oct 2018, the blog of 3 days itinerary is very much helpful and perfect for my plan. Where do you recommend to proceed after Paris for a 10 day Europe trip?

22nd July 2018 at 9:31 pm

Awesome! Well, if this if your first time in Europe, I’d probably recommend some of the other capital cities, like London or Rome, and then maybe Barcelona, depending on how much time you want to spend in each location. You can easily spend three or four days in both Rome and London. From Paris to London it’s an easy journey, as you can take the train direct. Then there are mutliple flights from London to Rome. If you like the sound of Barcelona, there’s an overnight train from Paris straight to Barcelona. Another idea might be to do Paris – > London, Edinburgh and then a bit of Scotland as well.

I’d definitely suggest not trying to see too much, and spending a bit longer in each location. Three days is a nice amount of time to see a city 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Elizabeth Higgins says

22nd July 2018 at 5:26 am

This post is just so detail-oriented, Laurence! Any reader would not be having a difficult time browsing because you have also included hyperlinks to the sub-sections. Everything has just been written so wonderfully that I felt spoon-fed with information, in a really great way. I am so glad to find your blog! Thank you so much!

22nd July 2018 at 8:54 pm

Hi Elizabeth – thanks so much! It’s always wonderful to hear that people are finding our posts helpful! Hopefully you have a great trip, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! Laurence

Tisaygwapa says

9th July 2018 at 9:56 am

Hi, I am a fan of your blog. My planning for my euro trip makes it easier. I have an inquiry though, can you tell me what is the difference between and Paris Pass and a Paris Explorer pass? What airport is near to the attraction on day1?

We will be in Paris for 3 days.

9th July 2018 at 10:03 am

Hi Tisaygwapa 🙂

Thanks very much! The Paris Explorer Pass is a much more limited pass, and instead of giving you free access to all the attractions, it lets you choose from 3, 5 or 7 attractions. For our itinerary, we definitely suggest either the Paris Pass or the Paris Museum Pass for cost saving.

For airports, Paris has three major airports. The two closest to the city and that most people arrive at are Paris Orly and Paris Charles De Gaulle.

From Paris Orly to the Eiffel tower you can take the Ouibus, it only takes around 16 minutes: https://www.ouibus.com/routes/paris-paris-orly-sud-airport

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a little further away, you can take the RER train from the airport – it’s probably more like an hour.

Shashank says

20th June 2018 at 5:11 pm

Hi, would like to know if we can walk in directly to Bateux Parisiens any time with the Paris Pass? Do we need to reserve online even if we have the Paris Pass?

20th June 2018 at 7:03 pm

Hi Shashank!

In our experience you can just walk up and show your pass at the ticket booth, no reservation required 🙂

Hope this helps – have a great trip!

18th June 2018 at 9:29 am

I would like to know more details of 3 day Itinerary . In the mentioned Places , how long it will take? that is regarding time span we can spent there comfortably .Can u pls suggest

20th June 2018 at 7:10 pm

IT’s really up to you and your interests as to how long you want to take. The itinerary as laid out is doable, but if you spend four hours at each location, obviously not so much 🙂 So my advice would be to look at each location and decide how much time you would like to spend their. As an example, Sainte Chapelle is quite small, so 15 – 20 minutes would be fine. The Louvre is gigantic, so will take a bit longer! But it’s really up to you 🙂

Karuna says

11th June 2018 at 5:31 pm

Thanks a lot, we are planning to visit Paris, and Italy for 12 days of vacation and this is very helpful for Paris. Can we have an advice on Hotels where we can stay like 4* hotels work walk around to these attractions if possible or nice evening walks?

And can we have an itinerary for Italy for 9-10 days trip,

Thanks a lot

11th June 2018 at 11:29 pm

Thanks very much! In the post I do link to a centrally located 4* hotel, under the accommodation section. The hotel is this one, but I’m sure you can find some other options 🙂

http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/dress-code-amp-spa.html?aid=385205&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1&label=FTU3DaysinParis

I will update the post in the next few weeks with some more specific recommendations. For the Italy guide, I will add an itinerary to the to do list, you should subscribe to the blog so you get notified of future posts and don’t miss out.

Sunil Chawla says

31st May 2018 at 8:44 am

I will be travelling to Paris with my wife in the month of August. This detailed information will surely be helpful to plan our trip Thank you very much Sunil Chawla India

31st May 2018 at 7:23 pm

Thanks Sunil! Have a great trip 🙂

Chitra Shah says

16th May 2018 at 8:36 pm

I am travelling with my husband and 2 kids ( 7 years and 1 year) to Paris in June. This is exactly what I was looking for, Thanks you. Do you think Paris is stroller – friendly or you recommend a baby carrier.

17th May 2018 at 9:26 am

Thanks Chitra! I must preface my response by saying that we don’t have kids, so haven’t faced this problem 😉 Certainly, part of Paris would be stroller friendly, but things like the metro for example are definitely not easy for stroller access as there are often only stair entrances and exits. So a baby carrier might be easier, depending on how you want to get around the city. I hope this helps a bit – have a great trip!

3rd May 2018 at 7:51 pm

This is one of the best, well elaborated and detailed article. Thank you for putting up so much effort and sharing your experience. It is indeed a great help!

3rd May 2018 at 8:35 pm

Thank you very much 😀

Nitin Bansal says

21st April 2018 at 7:15 pm

That’s a brilliant detailed summary of 3 day Paris itinerary. I am travelling to Paris soon although for a short time and will be looking forward to cover most of the places from your list here.

22nd April 2018 at 10:17 am

Thanks very much Nitin – have a great trip 😀

kristin says

28th March 2018 at 2:25 pm

I envy you guys living in Edi and being able to jet away for so many long weekend trips for cheap! I was pricing Europe from Nashville this summer, and I can’t find anything for under $1000, no matter the hub I fly into =/

29th March 2018 at 9:49 am

We are lucky on that front for sure 😀

Matheresa says

21st March 2018 at 7:49 pm

To go through in u’ll article/blogging i find it very informative and the easiest way for me to make my itinerary,,, specially i saw the Spain article but i didn’t leave a comment there coz of wanted to check for paris too,,, Spain features was fantastic keep it up LOVERS all the best in your Wanderlust started to following u’ll…

22nd March 2018 at 9:19 am

Thanks very much Mathresa 🙂 Have a wonderful trip!

kazim Gurmani says

19th March 2018 at 1:53 pm

The amazing place for the lovers. You guys are so lucky enjoying all this

Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

How to plan a trip to paris, france.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris in 2024, you will want to read this Paris Travel Planner . Paris for first-timers can be overwhelming; there are so many things to see and do! That’s why we want to help with our Paris Trip Planner .

This Paris Trip Planner covers everything you need to know to plan a trip to Paris, including the best time to visit Paris, where to stay, what to do, how to move around, and more.

Do you need help with your Paris trip planning? So let’s get started! Here’s how to plan a trip to Paris, France, you’ll never forget in easy steps that works for any kind of trip — no matter how long you’re going for! Just follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be off to Paris in no time!

Paris Travel Planner 2024 Content:

Best Time to Visit Paris
Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris
Travel Insurance
Where to Stay in Paris
Accommodation in Paris
How to Get from Paris Airport to City
The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner
Paris Itinerary Planner
What to Eat & Drink in Paris
Day Trips from Paris
Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

There is no best way to plan a trip to Paris, France, but if you follow this step-by-step Paris Planner, you won’t forget the essentials.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you are planning a honeymoon to Paris or a family trip to Paris, you can complete the reading of this Paris Travel Planner with our specific guides:

Paris honeymoon guide
Quick guide to Paris for kids

1. Best Time to Visit Paris

When is the best time to travel to Paris? “ Paris is always a good idea , ” and there is never a bad time to travel to Paris. The city has beautiful parks and picturesque streets that are great to explore under the sun. It also has some of the world’s best museums and other interesting indoor options when it rains, or it’s too cold to be outside.

TIP: In general, the best time to go to Paris is from May to October, and then December for the Christmas Holidays .

If you are flexible with dates, important things to consider when you are planning a Paris trip are the low /high tourist seasons and the weather in Paris. This is what you need to know:

Seasons in Paris

What is the best season to visit Paris? This graphic below represents the weather in Paris year-round, with average temperatures (in Celsius) and average rainfall (%).

Weather in Paris year round, Best Time to Visit Paris - Planning a Trip to Paris

>> Spring is a good time to visit Paris. Spring means blue skies, the gardens in Paris in bloom , and animated café-terraces. The city is also famous for its cherry blossoms (check out our favorite cherry blossom spots in Paris ), usually in March and April.

However, temperatures are still fresh (minimums of 4C° to 10C°), with frequent showers. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and a jacket in your day bag!

Spring Months in Paris

>> Summer in Paris comes with longer days and nice temperatures (maximums of 23C° to 25C°). With a long list of local festivals and events and cool outdoor activities everywhere, no wonder Paris is one of the best summer destinations in Europe !

However, summer is also the high season in Paris, which means more tourists, long lines to visit the main attractions, and higher prices.

Summer Months in Paris

>> Fall is, in our opinion, the best season for a first time in Paris. The colors of the trees are gorgeous, temperatures are still pleasant (maximums of 11C° to 21C°), and there are fewer tourists. In the last couple of years, we could organize outdoor activities until mid-November, with bright and sunny days.

Fall Months in Paris

>> Winter in Paris is not the best time to visit Paris in terms of weather (minimums of 2C° to 7°C and only 4 to 5 hours of light), and sunset in Paris is very early. However, some people love to travel to Paris at Christmas time to see Paris’s decorations and illuminations and the best Christmas markets in Paris .

Paris is also a popular destination for Saint Valentine’s in February. There are many romantic things to do in Paris !

Winter Months in Paris

Tourist Seasons in Paris

>> The high season in Paris is considered from 1st April to 31st October. It means nice weather and more hours of daylight and many people will tell you this is the best time to visit Paris.

At the same time, the high season in Paris is not the best season to plan a trip to Paris in terms of budget (the best accommodation is sold out, and prices are higher). Also, the city is too crowded with tourists – especially in the summer – while locals are somewhere else on holiday.

>> The low season in Paris goes from 1st November to 31st March, except for Paris at Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Paris . This is the cheapest time to travel to Paris and the best time to visit Paris to avoid crowds. If you decide to travel off-season, you will get a more local experience, and it will be easier to find good deals on accommodation, for example.

In the end, Paris is a movable feast and (sun or rain) you will have a great time!

Paris Olympics 2024

The Summer Olympics 2024 will be held in Paris and France from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2024 . This will be the biggest event ever organized in the country, so expect more visitors than usual (=book everything NOW!).

If you are planning a trip to Paris around these dates, check out our Paris Olympics 2024 Guide so you don’t miss anything on such a historical event.

Best Time to Visit Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

Be flexible with your dates. Flexibility is key, especially if you are planning a trip to Paris on a budget. Flight tickets or train tickets to Paris will be more expensive:

During the school holidays in France ;
During holidays in France or Europe;
Weekend trips (Friday to Sunday);
During special events like New Year’s Eve or Saint Valentine’s Day.

If you are a museum lover visiting Paris for the first time, the best time to go to Paris will probably be the first weekend of the month when you can visit many museums in Paris for free. Some of these museums have this offer all year round, while other museums are only free during the winter months.

2. Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris

Flight Tickets to Paris

Paris has three airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) , north of Paris; Paris Orly (ORY) , south of Paris; and Paris-Beauvais (BVA) . Despite its name, Paris Beauvais is not in Paris but in the city of Beauvais (80 km north of Paris, in the Hauts-de-France region).

If you are traveling to Paris from somewhere overseas, you will probably land at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is used mainly for flights to /from Europe and North Africa, while Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) is mainly for Ryan Air flights.

Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport are more or less at the same distance from Paris, so if you are traveling from Europe, you can choose whatever flight (or flight company) you like. We don’t like Orly Airport (ORY) that much, so we always try to book flights from /to Paris Charles de Gaulle. But this is just our opinion.

Lately, we like to book our flights with Omio , a search engine for all major forms of transport that is very easy to use! It has different filters – time, number of scales, departure time – so the research and booking process is straightforward – Click here to buy your flight tickets to Paris with Omio

Train Tickets to Paris

If you live in Europe, high-speed trains are a good and definitely a more eco-friendly option for your trip to Paris. Here are some of the main European destinations served from the stations in Paris.

Gare du Nord: London (Eurostar), Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam (Thalys)
Gare de l’Est: Germany, and Luxembourg
Gare de Lyon: Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich), Italy, and Catalunya (Girona, Barcelona)
Gare d’Austerlitz: Western Spain.

We like and recommend Omio to book train tickets from /to Paris. The website is straightforward to use, it is written in English, and it proposes interesting promotions from time to time – Click here to buy your train tickets to Paris with Omio

Our readers from the UK and Australia, however, prefer Trainline , probably because it has its headquarters in the UK. Trainline is also in English and works more or less like Omio.

So there’s the Omio team and the Trainline team, but you should always find the same information and ticket prices in both sites.

3. Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance

Don’t skimp on Travel Insurance when you plan your trip to Paris 2024. Since anything can happen while traveling, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be insured.

Before going through other aspects of your Paris planning, ensure you are completely covered before traveling to minimize the financial risks of theft, loss of luggage, or flight cancellation.

SafetyWing has super affordable plans for budget travelers for long and short trips. While marketed as “Nomad Insurance,” you can get it for as little as five days. You can sign up for SafetyWing insurance even if your journey has already started! – Click here to get a quote for your next trip to Paris.

HeyMondo is another option for your Paris trip. It offers travelers insurance that combines medical and travel-related coverage for single trips (leisure and business trips), annual multi-trip, and extended stays (with COVID-19 coverage included). Use this link to get a 5% off .

You can also compare plans, prices, and coverage with Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs. Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

Schengen Area Travel Insurance

For those who require a visa to enter France or any other Schengen country , travel insurance covering repatriation and medical expenses is compulsory. The necessary visa to enter Europe will not be issued unless you provide proof of suitable coverage – Buy your travel insurance with HeyMondo

4. Where to Stay in Paris

Planning a trip to Paris for the first time can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding which area you want to stay in Paris.

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (=districts of Paris), which are also administrative divisions. In each Paris Arrondissement , there is a town hall (Mairie), a mayor and elected officials, a council, a politician, and so on. Of course, each division is still subject to the city’s overall policy and the mayor of Paris, the socialist Anne Hidalgo.

To find your bearings in Paris , there is a little trick: the 1st Paris arrondissement is in the center of Paris, then the other Paris arrondissements are located forming a spiral turning clockwise, to finish in the 20th in the east. Check out our Districts of Paris Guide to learn more about the Arrondissements of Paris.

Where to stay in Paris? The best area to stay in Paris very much depends on the sort of trip you’re planning. Check our suggestions below for sightseeing, luxury, family, and first-time trips to Paris.

5. Accommodation in Paris

So you got your train or flight tickets for your Paris trip, and the countdown starts! In the previous chapter, you have more or less decided where to stay in Paris (the Arrondissement of Paris). The next step of your Paris travel plan is to book accommodation in Paris.

Hotels and Hostels in Paris

Hotels can be so much more than a simple place to rest your head, and a city like Paris cannot disappoint in terms of accommodation: your Paris hotel can be just as memorable as your sightseeing!

When it comes to booking your bed in Paris, the best site to search and compare different accommodation options in Europe is Booking.com because you have everything from hostels to luxury hotels. What we have found quite regularly on Booking.com is that you can get a room in a small hotel for the same price as a hostel. Research makes all the difference!

Click here to book your hotel with Booking.com

>> For a top Paris experience, stay in a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower or, even better, in one of the fabulous historic hotels of Paris . All these hotels are gorgeous and the beginning of a five-star Parisian experience!

>> Truth be told, these historic hotels are not for all the pockets. But there are many unique themed hotels in Paris that certainly know how to give their guests a memorable and colorful stay for less money. If you plan a trip to Paris in the summer, consider one of the Paris hotels with a pool for the warmest days.

>> For those people traveling on a budget, we hand-picked the best hostels in Paris (with dorms but also private rooms). You will be surprised at how cute our proposals are, but in a city like Paris, it could not be otherwise!

Check out these lists of best hotels in the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:

Best hotels near the Louvre Museum
Best hotels in Le Marais
Best hotels in the Latin Quarter
Best hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Furnished Apartments in Paris

For a much more local experience, consider renting an apartment in Paris . This is definitely a much more local option than a hotel or a hostel, plus you can even cook some of your meals to save money. And there are some apartments with Eiffel Tower views too!

If you decide to rent an apartment in Paris, we recommend Booking.com , which also does apartment rentals for travelers with excellent service. With Booking.com, you can have all your hotel and apartment bookings under the same dashboard, plus their customer service is excellent – Find the Best Apartments in Paris with Booking.com

GOOD TO KNOW: Furnished apartments are very requested in Paris, especially in tourist areas. For this reason, apartment owners prioritize bookings for longer stays rather than just a weekend.

Accommodation in Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

>> Book in advance for more options and better prices.

>> Avoid Famous Places in Paris if you are traveling on a budget.

>> Consider one of the best hotels near Gare du Nord for late arrivals or early departures from this train station. They are good, safe, and cheaper than in the most popular neighborhoods.

>> Check out our Hotel Recommendations in our articles by Paris Arrondissement .

6. How to Get from Paris Airport to the City

If you don’t live in Europe, you will probably fly to Paris. There are currently 153 air companies flying to Paris so that you can fly to the City of Light from anywhere in the world!

There are two airports near Paris: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). You have different options to get to Paris, depending on which airport you land at.

Best Transportation Options from Paris Airports to City

Our personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups , a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

>> Full list of transportation options from CDG Airport to Paris

>> Full list of transportation options from ORY Airport to Paris

7. The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner

The next step of your Paris plan is to decide what to see and do. If this is your first trip to Paris, the lists below cover the main attractions and the most iconic things to do in Paris.

>> 50 Iconic Things to Do in Paris

>> Paris Checklist

>> Best Rooftop Bars in Paris

>> Best Cabarets in Paris

>> Top Things to Do in Paris at Night

>> Most Beautiful Covered Passages of Paris

>> Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

>> Famous Buildings in Paris

>> Famous Paris Landmarks

TIP: Check out the best Paris combo tickets , good combinations of 2-3 Paris tickets & tours that make you save time and money!

8. Paris Itinerary Planner

If you are planning a trip to Paris for the first time and need some inspiration for your Paris travel plan, these Paris itineraries for one day to a week will be helpful.

>> One Day in Paris Itinerary

>> Two Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Three Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Four Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Five Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Six Days in Paris Itinerary

>> One Week in Paris Itinerary

Layover in Paris

If your vacation includes a layover in Paris, it is possible to get a glimpse of what the city offers before your next flight.

If your top priority is to see the Eiffel Tower , it is possible to have a quick ride from the airport to the city center to check it out from your bucket list. Head here for the best ways to go to the Eiffel Tower from Charles de Gaulle Airport, or check out this article for the best ways to go from Orly Airport to the Eiffel Tower.

With a long layover in Paris , you can consider a short itinerary to see some of Paris’ main sites. Check out how to spend a layover in Paris , with some proposals for short itineraries and our best tips.

TIP: This Paris layover tour from the airport always gets the best ratings!

9. What to Eat & Drink in Paris

When you travel to Paris, be sure to learn about French food in Paris and the best things to eat in Paris. If you’re not trying the food, you are far away from getting to know the culture. We have hand-picked our best food articles for this Paris Trip Planner 2024.

>> Paris Food Guide

>> Where to Eat in Paris

>> French Wine Regions near Paris

>> Famous Foods to Try in Paris

>> Best Bistros in Paris

>> Best Cheap Eats in Paris

>> Best Parisian Cakes (born and perfectioned in Paris!)

>> Best Desserts in Paris

If you are looking for restaurant recommendations, this blog also lists the best restaurants in Paris by district .

10. Day Trips from Paris

If you have an extra day or two, don’t hesitate to go beyond Paris. Check out the ultimate list of best day trips from Paris , featuring historic cities, seaside towns, world heritage wonders, and adventures in the great French countryside.

Versailles is the most popular day trip from Paris. Home to the Kings of France between 1662 and 1789, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most important landmarks in French history, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The Gardens of Versailles are beautiful to see too! Check out our Versailles Quick Guide to get the most out of this wonderful place.

Disneyland Paris is a must for families visiting the French capital. Check out how to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris and this Disneyland Paris crowd calendar for the quietest days in Mickeyland!

For a more local feeling, there are many picturesque small towns near Paris very easy to reach by train.

11. Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

Check out our Paris insider tips for your first time in Paris.

>> Most of the hotels and hostels in Paris offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. You can also get a prepaid SIM card for your trip, which will allow you to communicate with other numbers in France and keep you connected to the internet all the time. Here are the best prepaid SIM cards for France (and how to get them).

>> Paris is one of the most visited cities on this planet. In 2018, 17.95 million international overnight tourists visited the city mainly for sightseeing and shopping. Read how to avoid the longest lines in Paris’ main attractions .

>> The Parisian Metro is nearly 115 years old, the second oldest metro after London’s tube system! The metro now serves 6 million out of 10.5 million people in Paris. Learn how to navigate the Parisian metro with our Paris Metro Guide .

>> Arguably the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre Museum is also the biggest! Indeed, it would take 100 days to see all of the art in the Louvre Museum. Learn how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less .

>> The Parisian style is simple, chic, and beautiful. Parisian’s motto is ‘Less is More,’ with a minimum of versatile and easy-to-combine items. If your Paris planning includes making the perfect packing list, check out our suggestions for men and women on what to pack and what to wear in Paris to blend in with the local crowd.

>> One week before leaving for Paris, check out this post about the Paris strikes 2024 . Just in case…

Consider a Paris Tourist Pass

Lines to visit the main Paris tourist attractions are guaranteed. Long lines. If you are planning a Paris trip and you want to visit most of its famous sights, you may want to consider a Paris Tourist Pass for you Paris trip plan.

The Paris Museum Pass offers visitors direct access to 55 of Paris’s top attractions and museums in Paris. The Paris Museum Pass is available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days. If your schedule in Paris is tight and you don’t want to spend your time waiting in line, the Paris Museum Pass is for you.

There are other interesting tourist passes for visiting Paris; check out our Paris Pass Comparison for the full list.

So there you have it, how to plan a Paris trip 2024 you’ll never forget. Go on reading this Paris travel blog 2024 for more information and the history and culture in Paris.

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Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

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Paris Itinerary 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Europe , France , Itinerary

How to Get to Paris & What to do in Paris for 4 days

Oh, Paris…Who has not dreamed of Paris? You finally bought a flight ticket and cannot wait to jump on that plane. Congratulations! Not to bust your dream, though, planning a trip to Paris can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.

Everyone who has been to Paris would agree that 4 days in Paris will not be enough. Paris is a HUGE metropolitan city with rich history and culture. The City of Light offers plenty of things to do – perhaps overwhelmingly too many.

Here is my Paris itinerary for 4 days to include as many top things to do in Paris as possible while best utilizing Paris Museum Pass (more on that later). If you loathe tourist-crowded places, too bad. You simply cannot avoid that in Paris! But in this plan, I present a good balance of both popular sites that you gotta visit once in your lifetime and lesser-known local things to do.

This itinerary will surely tire you out yet help maximize your time during the stay. But with tips on how to take this itinerary as an example to customize yours, you should be able to create your perfect Paris itinerary. Let’s do this!

Table of Contents

Check out my other articles to plan your perfect trip to the City of Light!

Start here >> Paris Itinerary for 4 days Then this >> Where to Stay in Paris First Time Should you buy Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass? 10 Best Small Museums in Paris Without the Crowds Female Solo Travelers >> How to Take a Fabulous Solo Trip to Paris & 15 Things to Do Alone Shopping: 10 Trendy Travel Shoes for Paris Shopping: Best Shopping Guide in Le Marais Food: 25 Iconic French Desserts in Paris Food: 20 Best Casual Restaurants in Paris Paris Neighborhood Guide: Hidden Gems in Montmartre Paris Neighborhood Guide: 22 Amazing Things to Do in Le Marais 7 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris Day Trip: How to Survive Overcrowded Palace of Versailles in Summer Day Trip: Best Paris Day Trip for Spring & Summer: Giverny Monet’s Gardens Weekend Trips from Paris by Train or Car

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4 Days in Paris: This detailed Paris itinerary suggests the most efficient way to see the highlights of the city for first-time visitors | #paris #France #europetravel #ParisItinerary #paristhingstodo

Disclosure : This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you . Click here to read full disclaimer.

Paris Itinerary Summary

Day 1 : Palais-Royal Garden → Louvre → Tuileries Garden → Place de la Concorde → Champs-Élysées → Arc de Triomphe → Seine River Cruise Day 2 : Notre Dame → Saint-Chapelle → Sacré-Cœur → Montmartre → Moulin Rouge Day 3 : Jardin de Trocadéro → Galerie Lafayette → St-Germain → La Grande Épicerie → Eiffel Tower → Champs de Mars Day 4 : Musée d’Orsay → Le Marais → Canal St. Martin

How to Get to Paris

Charles de gaulle to paris.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport is located outside of Paris in Roissy-en-France. You may opt for an RER B train from CDG airport to Gard du Nord in Paris (€11.40 one way) , which takes about 30 minutes. At Gare du Nord, you can transfer by metro or bus to your final destination. (If your hotel is closer to Châtelet-les-Halles or Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, you can also get off there.)

I found it challenging to drag and carry my luggage over the stairs out of metro stations and on the street. My poor husband took one luggage up one flight of stairs at a time while I watched for the other. Unfortunately, Paris is not the safest city to leave your luggage out of sight!

The best way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris is a private airport shuttle for its convenient door-to-door service. Especially for group (or family) travelers, it makes sense to hire private airport transport (Book: a group up to three or four passengers ). You may also ask your hotel for an airport shuttle service to compare pricing.

Orly to Paris

Orly Airport does not offer direct train service to Paris. Take an airport shuttle called Orlyval to the RER B station at Antony. Transfer to an RER B train, which goes to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-les-Halles and Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame. The Orlyval + RER combo ticket costs €13.30. The total journey takes about 40 minutes and up.

For a more convenient and faster option, hire a private transfer from Orly airport to anywhere in Paris . It takes about 30 minutes.

Paris Travel Essentials

>> Paris City Pass : Consider getting tourist discount cards such as Paris Museum Pass or The Paris Pass . Not only do they save you money, but you can also skip the line on the most popular sites. That’s a huge time-saver! (READ>> Is Paris Museum Pass Worth It? )

>> SIM card : Orange is France’s No.1 telecom company with the best coverage. I used this Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM , which worked well throughout Europe without hiccups. But if you have any trouble using it or need to recharge, you can walk into any Orange store for help (so many in Paris!).

>> Wine Corkscrew : Yeah, I know it is an unusual item for travel. But if you plan to drink wine in France (and you should!), bring a simple, reliable corkscrew yourself. (I hate when a cheap grocery store corkscrew breaks the cork!) Believe me, it will come in handy when you go on a picnic as this itinerary suggests.

Day 1 of 4 Days in Paris : Louvre, Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Palais Royal | #ParisItinerary #Paris #TravelEurope

Palais-Royal Garden

The Palais Royal and its garden were created by the Cardinal Richelieu in 1633 to house royal families until the construction of the Palace of Versailles.

Perhaps the most iconic Paris thing here is the Colonnes de Buren. Designed by artist Daniel Buren, 260 black and white striped octagonal columns stand in the courtyard.

We will visit Domain National du Palais-Royal as early as its opening at 8 am for the iconic Paris photo opportunity. Make it a quick stop before heading over to Louvre.

Admission : Free Hour : 8 am – 10:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum - Louvre Pyramid | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre)

Your Paris trip would not be complete without taking a few snaps with Louvre Pyramid. Like the Eiffel Tower, it was controversial when it was being constructed. But now, no one questions that Louvre Pyramid is one of France’s most recognizable architectural icons.

The glass pyramid was designed by legendary Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei in 1989. He built the 71-feet-tall geometrical structure using glass and stainless steel.

Located in the heart of the court of Napoléon, the Louvre Pyramid is actually an entrance into the Louvre museum’s lower-ground exhibition area. Due to its popularity, this entrance gets crowded. So we won’t get in through here. For now, let’s appreciate the Pyramid and take some photos.

Hour : Thur/Sat/Sun/Mon 9 am – 6 pm, Wed/Fri 9 am – 9:45 pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre

Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

Once a royal palace, the Louvre houses enormous universal collections of Greek, Eastern, Egyptian, Roman antiquities, and Islamic arts, ranging from the Middle Ages to 1848. In its eight departments, 35,000 arts are on display.

Of course, you cannot possibly see everything in Louvre in one day! So you need a game plan . You will need to have your checklist to make the most of your time. If you are not sure how to navigate this gigantic museum, follow this trail recommended by the museum.

I took a Western Arts History class in college. This helped me recognize the Louver’s treasures and why they are considered masterpieces. A few of them I recommend checking out:

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

(Left) Aphrodite, “the Venus de Milo” | (Right) The Winged Victory of Samothrace, “Nike”

Aphrodite, “the Venus of Milo” : This ancient Greek sculpture is one of the most famous Venus statues depicting the ideal Greek beauty despite missing two arms. The sculpture highlights contrapposto (standing with the weight on one leg) and drapery flowing on the body.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, “Nike”: The Greek statue represents the goddess Nike standing on a ship. Its torso and wings were painstakingly restored from numerous marble fragments. The head and arms are still missing.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum, Mona Lisa | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa – Don’t expect too much, though. My professor taught me to walk left and right in front of Mona Lisa to see if her eyes followed me. In reality, there is no way I could do that over cameras and cell phones of the crowd. It is a tiny painting, to begin with. Did you know it got famous only after it was stolen once?

Update : The museum has set up a line so visitors can have a chance to see Mona Lisa up close and personal. Smart move!

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum - Delacroix | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

Liberty Leading the People – This painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution of 1830. This large oil painting on canvas is a universal symbol of liberty and democracy.

La Belle Jardinière “Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist” – The painting by Italian Renaissance artist Raphael portrays Mary, Christ and a young John the Baptist. Note that three figures make the pyramid structure, with Mary being the focal point.

Beat the Crowd : The Wednesday and Friday late-night openings (until 9:45 pm) tend to attract fewer crowds. If you can plan your itinerary to accommodate the visit on Wednesday or Friday, it’s worth pushing it back to the evening.

Insider’s Tip : Although booking a time slot is mandatory , the Louvre is the world’s most-visited museum and will be crowded. Instead of entering through the super-crowded Pyramid, opt for an underground entrance via Carrousel du Louvre [ Open Google Map ]

Admission : Online €17 [ Book tickets with an audio guide . Included in Paris Museum Pass ]. At door €15. Hours : 9 am – 6 pm Last entry 1 hour before closing. (Closed on Tuesdays, Jan. 1, May 1 and Dec. 25) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Concorde

Louvre Guided Tours

Unless you want to study Louvre art collections in advance, I recommend joining a guided tour. Louvre Museum is enormous and crowded ALL THE TIME. Without knowing what to look for and appreciate it, you won’t enjoy your time or get much out of it.

>> This guided tour (fast-track admission included) explores the highlights of the Louvre with an expert for 2-3 hours.

>> Book a private live guide tour for your group to see the crown jewels of the Louvre at your pace. Different languages are available upon request.

>> Family travelers can appreciate the treasures of the Louvre in the most educational yet fun way with this private tour specially designed for families with kids .

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Tuileries Garden | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

The Tuileries Garden was initially built as part of the Palais des Tuileries in 1564 by Queen Catherine de Medici. Its French formal garden style did not come alive until King Louis XIV’s famous gardener, André Le Nôtre, re-landscaped this enormous garden.

It is a large garden to stroll and people watch. There are some chairs to sit in front of the fountains. Free public toilettes are at one end near the Place de la Concorde.

If you can prepare sandwiches or snacks from Monoprix, you can eat lunch on one of the benches here. Or, the famous Angelina Paris [ Open Google Map ] is right on Rue de Rivoli. (Be sure to make a reservation.)

Admission : Free Hours : April/May/Sept. 7 am – 9 pm, June/July/Aug. 7 am – 11 pm, or the rest 7:30 am – 7:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Tuileries or Concorde

Musée de l’Orangerie (Optional)

Located in the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l’Orangerie is most known for the Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet. The modern art collection also includes Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, Matisse and Picasso masterpieces, ranging from impressionism to contemporary arts.

But if you have had enough with museums for today, maybe best to save the Musée de l’Orangerie for the next time. I personally was overwhelmed and dead-tired after my visit to Louvre.

Admission : €12.50 [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] (book your time slot). Hours : 9 am – 6 pm (Closed on Tuesdays.) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Concorde

>> READ: Take a Paris Day Trip to Giverny. Monet's Garden & House is breathtakingly gorgeous!

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is one of the major public squares in Paris. This 18th-century plaza is adorned with beautiful fountains, statues and an Egyptian obelisk.

During the French Revolution, notable public executions took place, where King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre were guillotined.

The plaza’s centerpiece is the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk, given by Egypt in 1829 as a diplomatic gift. It is called Luxor Obelisk because it once marked the entrance to the Luxor Temple.

Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Concorde

(Image Credit: Hannah Reding from Unsplash)

Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is an ostentatious bridge named after a Russian czar that connects the Invalides on the Left Bank and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank. It is the most symbolic and ornate bridge in Paris , boasting gilt bronze sculptures of winged horses. Enjoy the impressive view of the Eiffel Tower and the city over the Seine. This is also a great starting point to walk towards the Avenue de Champs-Élyées.

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Invalides

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Champs-Élysées | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #champselysees

Frankly, I enjoyed the luxury vibe more than shopping on Champs-Élysées.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is the most luxurious and grandeur avenue in Paris , if not in the world. This pedestrian-only road stretches two kilometers from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe. The area is lined with high-end restaurants, luxury boutiques, iconic flagship stores (Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Guerlain, Ferrari, Mont-Blanc, etc.) and clubs.

While super commercialized and extremely touristy, you just have to get a taste of it at least once in your lifetime. I did not spot any limited editions you cannot find somewhere else, so I recommend soaking up the atmosphere instead of shopping.

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Depending on from which point you want to start walking: Concorde, Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George V, Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

>> READ: 10 Best Paris Small Museums WITHOUT the Crowds

A stunning view of Paris from the rooftop terrace!

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe is another iconic architecture built to commemorate the victory of Napoleon’s Great Army against the Austro-Russian troops in 1805 (a.k.a. the Battle of Austerlitz). Since Napoleon I ordered, it took 30 years to complete in 1836. Although his army could not march through it on their return to Paris, Napoleon’s ash did upon its return from Saint Helena in 1840.

Fun Facts about Arc de Triomphe:

The national monument is engraved with the names of battles and Generals from wars fought by France during the Revolution and the First Empire. ( See the left photo above .)
On the ground, the inscriptions commemorate recent events such as the proclamation of the Republic on September 4, 1870.
The eternal flame has been rekindled every day at 6:30 pm since it was first lit on November 11, 1923.

Located in the center of the Place de l’Étoile, the terrace showcases the spectacular 360-degree view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower. Note: You need to go up the spiral staircases! ( See the right photo above )

There is a long line of people standing in the median to snap a shot with Arc in the background. A photographer (or your tripod) needs to be in the middle of the road to get the entire architecture. Watch out for oncoming cars around the rotary. You can also go to the other side to capture photos without the crowd.

Admission : €13 [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Booking a time slot not required. Hours : 10 am – 10:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

Dinner Options near the Arc de Triomphe

I failed to make a reservation at any of these restaurants. That said, if you want to have a nice sit-down dinner with a romantic view, do your diligence and book as soon as you know the date.

L’Oiseau Blanc [ Open Google Map ]: A Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant with a rooftop terrace.
Terrasse de l’hôtel Raphael [ Open Google Map ]: A rooftop garden serving all-day snacks, cocktails, and champagne with a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Open April through September. Book your stay at Hôtel Raphael >>

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Seine River Cruise | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #seineriver

Seine River Cruise in the Evening

Perhaps the most romantic way to end your first day in Paris is to see the City of Light on the Seine River. Simply hop on an evening cruise from a dock near the Eiffel Tower. Admire the Eiffel Tower light show and enjoy the most iconic sights of Paris on a cruise.

Admission : [Book Seine River Cruise with Dinner . Included in The Paris Pass .] Hours : 12 – 9 pm Location : Port de la Bourdonnais [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Pont de l’Alma or École Militaire

Alternative Neighborhood Walking Tours

>> This Paris highlight tour takes you to all Day 1 stops plus Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. This is a great way to explore Paris if you want to see Paris in a limited time.

>> Join this affordable private tour with a local guide to customize your itinerary.

>> For those who do not want to walk, you can consider an e-bike or Segway tour .

Day 2 of 4 Days in Paris : Île de la Cité & Montmartre

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Notre Dame de Paris | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #notredame

Île de la Cité: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement. While it is often simply referred to as Notre Dame, it is one of many Notre-Dame cathedrals scattered all over France.

Victor Hugo’s historical novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” is set in this church. This medieval cathedral is also known for its bold and graceful architecture featuring ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and gargoyles. It stores priceless artifacts and religious relics, such as the holy crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ, the cross on which Jesus was crucified, the 2000-year-old archaeological crypt, etc.

Since the mass fire on April 15, 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris has been closed for restoration until further notice. Before the unfortunate incident, the church was open (free of charge) to the public, and visitors could climb up the tower to see the view of Paris with gargoyles (at an additional fee).

Nevertheless, you can still visit the site to take photos outside and tour the crypt. After all, how can you say you have been to Paris without visiting this iconic site?

Admission : €9 for Crypt [ Book tour here . Tour included in The Paris Pass ] Hour : Indoor is temporarily closed. Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

>> Alternative Tours : The Île de la Cité guided tour explores places like Notre-Dame and St. Severin Church. Or meet a neighborhood group tour for Notre Dame.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Point Zero | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Île de la Cité: Point Zéro

Point Zéro des Routes de France is the center of Paris in Notre Dame square. This is a geographic marker from which the distance from Paris to all other places is measured .

Apparently, there are many rituals people like to follow here. Some throw coins to make a wish, while others kiss a loved one above the plate for eternal love. I want to believe that I will one day return to Paris if I take a photo of my feet on the plate.

It is a surprisingly low profile on the ground in a crowded square. It is super easy to miss if you don’t look for it. So look down!

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Au Vieux Paris d’Acorle | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchcafe #frenchfood

Lunch: Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is a pretty cute cafe in a 16th-century townhouse near the Notre-Dame. Its purple chairs and cascading Wisteria vines on the exterior wall immediately captured my eyes. (Wisteria blooms in April!) The small restaurant is filled with antiques creating an inviting atmosphere. It has decent food at a reasonable price.

Hours : 12-2:30 pm, 6:30-9:30 pm (Wed only open for dinner) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Le Saint-Regis [ Open Google Map ] is another nearby brasserie if you are looking for more options. Or, just a hop over the Seine river is also a cute neighborhood you can explore. You can grab a seat at Le Petit Châtelet [ Open Google Map ], a French bistro with classic dishes.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Berthillon Ice Cream | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchdesserts #frenchfood

For desserts, Berthillon Ice Cream [ Open Google Map ] is supposedly the best ice cream in Paris. But I have to say, it was just ok for me.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Odette Paris | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchdesserts #frenchfood

I recommend Odette [ Open Google Map ], a quaint pastry shop with a desirable terrace. Its colorful cream choux puffs are delightful. Its terrace is also an excellent place to rest your tired feet. Bonus, I witnessed a French wedding in the church across the street.

>> READ: Discover 25 Iconic French Desserts in Paris!

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Saint-Chapelle | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #SaintChapelle

Île de la Cité: Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a gorgeous 13th-century Gothic chapel. While the ground floor might not impress you with souvenir stalls, wait until you go upstairs. Wowza! You will be mesmerized by 1,113 stunning stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and a rose window. (I got goosebumps!!)

Louis IX was a bit obsessed and bought a lot of Christian relics from the emperor of the East Roma. He built Sainte-Chapelle in the Palais de la Cité to house the relics of the Passion of Christ, including the crown of Jesus.

Insider’s Tip : Paris Museum Pass doesn’t technically get you a no-queue privilege here. I stayed in line for 30 minutes with everyone else before passing the security line outside the building. Once I got in, I skipped the ticket line with the pass.

Admission : €18.50 for Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Hour : April – Sept. 9 am – 7 pm, Oct – March 9 am – 5 pm (Closed on May 1, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Palace of Justice | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #conciergerie

Conciergerie locates below the Palais de Justice.

Île de la Cité: Conciergerie

Right next to the Sainte-Chapelle is the Conciergerie. It is a Gothic riverside fortress and palace built by King Philip the Fair. In the 14th century, it was converted into prison cells.

During the French Revolution, it became the central prison. After Louis XVI was executed, Marie-Antoinette was locked up here alone and said to have aged so fast from the stress that her blonde hair turned silver in less than 3 months.

Admission : €18.50 for Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Hour : 9:30 am – 6 pm (Closed on May 1, Dec. 25) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Île de la Cité: Clock Tower

Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge du Palais de la Cité) is the first public clock in Paris , installed in 1370, to help people be aware of the time. This elaborate clock is on the corner of the Palais de la Cité on the Boulevard du Palais. Two prominent figures in the frame represent Law and Justice.

Admission : Free Hour : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

I’m posing with a parked bike on the hilltop of Montmartre. But I had to climb up some steep stairs to get here!

Montmartre: Rue de l’Abreuvoir & Place du Tertre

Montmartre is an artsy and bohemian neighborhood up on the hill in the northern 18th arrondissement. It is home to artists and revolutionaries who have played an essential part in the history of Paris. This particular area of Paris has inspired Picasso, Dalí, Van Gogh, and many other artists.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Place du Tertre | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

I suggest starting at Lamarck – Caulaincourt (Take the metro at Châtelet, transfer at Madeleine to Line 12). Pass sculptures like Buste de Dalida [ Open Google Map ], a statue of French music icon Dalida. Take a famous Rue de l’Abreuvoir [ Open Google Map ], where Emily in Paris was also filmed. See that pink house, La Maison Rose [ Open Google Map ]. Then you will soon reach Place du Tertre [ Open Google Map ], where artists offer portraits and artworks for sale.

Insider’s Tip : Climbing up the stairs is too challenging for you? Take funicular [ Open Google Map ] directly to the top to reach the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In this case, you will have to skip most of the Montmartre spots, but can stop by on the way down. Metro card also works for a funicular.

Hidden Gems in Montmartre, Paris: Moulin Rouge | #HiddenGems #Montmartre #Paris #TravelEurope

>> READ: Discover 20+ Hidden Gems in Montmartre & Munch-Worthy Shops

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Sacré Cœur | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

Montmartre: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

On the hilltop of Montmartre, you will eventually reach a white-dome church — Sacré-Cœur Basilica (The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris)! The church is recognized for its Roman-Byzantine style. Inside, the ceiling features the most giant mosaic in France at about 480 square meters.

This place has one of the best panoramic views of Paris from the highest hill in the city.

Insider’s Tip : Stay alert in Montmartre. I have heard many stories of scams, threatened soliciting, etc., happening in this area.

Admission : Free Hours : 6 am – 10:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Love Wall | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

Montmartre: Wall of Love

Head down the hill in the direction of Abbesses Metro Station. Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime) is a mural with “I love you” written in many different languages. Make a pit stop here. It’s fun to find your own language.

Admission : Free Hours : 8 am – 5:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Montmartre: Van Gogh House

Walk 10 more minutes, and you can easily recognize a vibrant blue door of Van Gogh House. This is an apartment Van Gogh used to live and work with his brother Theo from 1886 to 1888. You can’t go in, but it is exciting to see the area that inspired master artists like Van Gogh.

Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Montmartre: Moulin Rouge

Your self-guided tour of Montmartre ends at Moulin Rouge. Its bright red decor and windmill at the bottom of Montmartre are so eye-catching that you cannot miss them!

The famous 19th-century cabaret theater features a dance performance and dinner. It is the most popular cabaret show in Paris. Book the dinner show at the Moulin Rouge or just with Champagne .

Admission : Varies per time and season. Hours : Martinées 1 pm & 2:45 pm| Evening 7 pm, 9 pm & 11 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Blanche

Alternative Tours :

>> Check out Sacré-Coeur & Montmartre group or semi-private walking tours to discover hidden gems of Montmartre.

>> Follow a Montmartre foodie trail for a cheese & wine experience while visiting key tourist sites in Montmartre.

>> Should you buy Paris Museum Pass or The Paris Pass? If you follow the above two days in this itinerary, you will already save money. Check out how.

Day 3 of 4 Days in Paris : Eiffel Tower & St-Germain

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Jardin de Trocadéro | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #EiffelTower

Jardins du Trocadéro

Jardins du Trocadéro is a large public park built in 1937 in the upscale residential area of Paris 16th arrondissement. The garden is beautifully decorated with lush trees, sculptures and a water-jetting fountain. But it is most well-known for its unobstructed direct view of the Eiffel Tower.

Be there before 8 am to get the best shot with no crowd. Have the park and the view of the Eiffel Tower all to yourself.

Insider’s Tip : Go to Cafe du Trocadero [ Open Google Map ] for breakfast or Carette [ Open Google Map ] for crêpe and macaroons.

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Trocadéro

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Galerie Lafayette | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frencharchitecture

Galerie Lafayette Haussmann

Galerie Lafayette Haussmann is a century-old department store with a steel-frame art nouveau glass dome . Even if you don’t mean to shop (but why wouldn’t you?), its architectural beauty makes it impossible to skip this place!

By law, French department stores and shops must hold two major sales a year : one in January and the other in July. So if you happen to travel at this time, chi ching, you might score a deal!

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Galerie Lafayette Rooftop Terrace | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Another reason the Galerie Lafayette Haussmann is a must-stop? Head up to La Terrasse (8th floor, 10 am – 8 pm, free access) for a magnificent view of Paris with Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Galerie Lafayette Food Court | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

There is a fancy outdoor terrace restaurant you can dine in, as well as an indoor food court where you can grab a decent lunch and wine.

Interesting facts : The department stores are separated by women and men. I mean not by the floor but in separate buildings. Imagine the size of the collections?

Hours : 10 am – 8 pm. Sunday 11 am – 8 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: St-Germain | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

A gorgeous cafe and eye-catching artworks in the streets of Saint Germain

Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Now let’s head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the quarters in the 6th arrondissement. This area is centered around the city’s oldest church, the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, many famous artists and writers lived in this cultural heritage neighborhood.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Le Procope, a traditional 1600s French brasserie | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchfood #frenchgourmet #frenchcafe

The quarter is dotted with famous, historical restaurants frequented by artists, authors and intellectuals . If you are interested in dining at the same place with Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, or Albert Camus, grab a meal or drink at one of these restaurants:

Les Deux Magots [ Open Google Map ]
Café de Flore [ Open Google Map ]
Brasserie Lipp [ Open Google Map ]
Le Procope [ Open Google Map ]

Some classic French gourmet we had at Le Procope, including French onion soup, escargot, coq au vin and steak

St-Germain is also known for art galleries, antique stores, theaters and shopping. Check out Decathlon [ Open Google Map ] for affordable athletic goods. For duty-free French beauty shopping, head over to CityPharma [ Open Google Map ]. Anyone with a sweet tooth will be in heaven at Pierre Hermé [ Open Google Map ] or Ladurée [ Open Google Map ]. Luxembourg Garden [ Open Google Map ] is also in this neighborhood.

>> Alternative Tours : Don’t know where to stop by? Gobble your way around with the St-Germain food tour !

La Grande Épicerie de Paris

Le Bon Marché [ Open Google Map ] is an upscale department store for high-fashion labels in St Germain. But its gourmet market across the street would win the heart of the foodies. (And this stop is kind of important for this itinerary.)

La Grande Épicerie de Paris is a high-end gourmet grocery store and the foodie’s heaven. This market is the true epitome of French gastronomy , and you simply cannot miss it.

This multi-floor supermarket is very well organized by section. But due to its expansive selections, allow yourself to explore at least two hours here. You can find cheese, cured meats, yogurt, foie gras, caviar, chocolates and sweets, jams and spread, truffle everything (oil, mayo, etc.), fruits and fresh produce, ethnic food, baked goods, the salad, and other ready to eat food, a wide selection of wines, and waters of the world.

Let’s grab a bottle of wine and packable dinner for our picnic. But feel free to get some edible souvenirs for home, too, like jams and chestnut spread.

Hours : 8:30 am – 9 pm, Sunday 10 am – 8 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Sèvres

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: The Eiffel Tower | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower (Climbing Optional)

Opened in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. It has become the iconic symbol of Paris and France that doesn’t require any further introduction.

I personally prefer to appreciate the Eiffel Tower from a distance rather than climb it up. But going up the Eiffel Tower is a super popular activity on many tourists’ bucket lists. So I included it here as an option.

With a whopping 7 million visitors a year, you can only imagine it will get crowded. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of booking your tour in advance. Also, unless you plan to challenge yourself to climb up a 330-meter (1,083 ft) tower by stairs, sign up for elevator access.

Interesting Facts : When Germany occupied France, the French resistance cut the elevator cables. Hence, the Nazis had to climb the stairs to hoist their flag on top.

On the 2nd floor , enjoy the city view of the Louvre, Notre Dame, and other landmarks. This is where you find the souvenir shops, the Michelin-starred restaurant Jules Verne, and Pierre Hermé macaroon bar. ( Book Eiffel Tower 2nd floor by elevator here >> )

The Summit features a panoramic view of Paris from 276-meter (906 feet) above the ground. Grab a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar. Check out the secret apartment where Gustave Eiffel hosted VIP parties. ( Book Eiffel Tower direct access to Summit by elevator here >> )

Do you want the whole shebang ? You can visit the 2nd floor, the Summit, Champs de Mars (our next stop), and Jardin du Trocadero (our first stop) with an all-in-one Eiffel Tower Tour here .

Note: Children under 18 or EU residents under 26 do not receive free access to the Eiffel Tower. Only children under 4 get free access.

Admission for 2nd floor (by elevator) : €17.10, Age 12-24: €8.60, Age 4-11 & Disability: €4.30 Admission for Summit (by elevator) : €26.80, Age 12-24: €13.40, Age 4-11 & Disability: €6.70 Hours : May 5 – June 17 9:30am – 10:45 pm, The rest 9 am – 11:45 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Bir-Hakeim or Champ-de-Mars Tour-Eiffel (RER)

Champs de Mars

Can you really get enough of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Probably not. Good news. We will have a very romantic Parisian picnic at Champs de Mars.

Champs de Mars is a landscaped park with an expansive lawn where the Eiffel Tower is. Grab a seat (it’s good to have a towel or blanket) and have a picnic while waiting for the Eiffel Tower illumination. The Eiffel Tower sparkles every evening from sunset to 1 am. It is so magical and romantic that your tired eyes will wide open!

What does not make this picnic not so romantic is people consistently soliciting cheap Eiffel Tower key chains and low-quality wines. But if you already got everything you need, you just say no thanks and turn away.

Insider’s Tip : If you skipped La Grand Epicerie de Paris above, there is a Carrefour City nearby [ Open Google Map ].

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : École Militaire

>> Alternative Tours : If you instead take the Eiffel Tower tour to the Summit and evening cruise on the same day, skip Champs de Mars and join this combo tour .

Day 4 of 4 Days in Paris : Orsay, Le Marais & Canal St. Martin

Musée d’Orsay

If you are a fan of Impressionist art, Musée d’Orsay is the place you do not want to miss. The museum has the largest collection of famous Impressionist paintings by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Cézanne and Seurat. It also houses western arts from 1848 to 1914.

The museum had been converted from an abandoned train station in 1986. Its unique beauty is credited to keeping the original architectural details.

Compared to Louvre or Notre Dame, the crowd level is much more manageable. But I recommend visiting early in the morning, getting an audio guide and map to plan out your visit.

Insider’s Tip : Start from Level 5 – the crown jewel of this museum – and make your way down.

Head straight to Level 5 to beat the crowd to capture an Instagram-worthy silhouette shot of the famous clock. The clock is all the way back in front of a souvenir shop.

The museum map indicates the most critical art collections and their locations.

On Level 5, take your time to enjoy all the impressionist & Neo-impressionist collections and Rodin’s sculptures, including:

Manet: Lunchoen on the Grass, Olympia
Monet: La Rue Montorgueil
Degas: Ballet l’étoile
Renoir: Danse á la Ville

Don’t miss Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait and Starry Night over the Rhône and Gauguin on Level 2. Check out Millet, Courbet, Bazille, Pompon and Delacroix on Level 0.

If you want to eat lunch here, Orsay Museum has beautiful restaurants on the 2nd, 4th and 5th floors.

Admission : €16. After 6 pm €12 [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Hours : 9:30 am – 6 pm. Thursdays open until 9:45 pm (Closed on Mondays, May 1 & Dec. 25.) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Solférino or Musée d’Orsay (RER)

>> Alternative Tours : Book a ticket and guided tour of Musée d’Orsay with different language options

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Le Marais - Rue de Rosier | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Marais

In the 4th arrondissement, Le Marais (South Marais) is a charming historic neighborhood dotted with boutiques and art galleries. Explore Paris’ hippest fashion, LGBTQ scene and Jewish Quarter.

The district is also home to many heritage museums in the 17th/18th-century mansions, such as Musée Picasso Paris [ Open Google Map ] and Maison de Victor Hugo [ Open Google Map ]. It is also considered a gay district with many LGBTQ-friendly restaurants, gay bars and clubs.

For this itinerary, I suggest you explore from south to north.

Hôtel de Ville [ Open Google Map ; metro station: Hôtel de Ville] is the city hall of Paris located near the Seine Riverbank. It is more than an administrative center as it regularly hosts art exhibits. And the Neo-Renaissance building is gorgeous to just look. Not far away from here is Rue de Barres [ Open Google Map ], one of the prettiest streets in Paris with the 14th-century houses.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Le Marais | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Marais

I had a delicious shawarma platter for lunch at L’as du Fallafel.

Head to the Rue de Rosier [ Open Google Map ], the epicenter of the Parisian Jewish community with Kosher restaurants and pretty little shops. L’as du Fallafel [ Open Google Map ] is a Middle Eastern restaurant with delicious shawarma, kebabs and falafels. Swing by the Rosiers-Joseph Migneret Garden [ Open Google Map ], a small community garden tucked between historic mansions.

You may also want to check out Place des Vosges [ Open Google Map ]. It is the oldest planned square in Paris, built by Henri IV in 1612. The small park is surrounded by lush trees, red brick houses, little shops and cafes.

There are so many boutique shops in this area. Whichever catches your eyes, you can go in. One of the shops I went to is Merci [ Open Google Map ], a trendy 3-story boutique and coffee shop. You will find a collection of clothes, shoes, kitchen, and interior items. The concept is similar to Anthropologie – not cheap but hip designs.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Le Marais - Marché des Enfants Rouges | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Marais

Finally, I recommend checking out Marché des Enfants Rouges [ Open Google Map ]. It is a covered market in the alleyways lined with restaurants, cheese shops, fruit and vegetable sellers, etc. You can grab quick bites and drinks or buy fresh produce.

>> Alternative Tours : Explore the historic Le Marais on an e-bike or munch on French delicacies with Le Marais Food Walking Tour .

Du Pain et des Idées

Between Le Marais and the next destination, there is a very famous traditional French boulangerie I highly recommend you try: Du Pain et des Idées. This award-winning bakery has won the heart of picky Parisians since 1875. Luckily, my hotel was nearby, so I religiously visited this bakery during my stay. Try their signature pain des amis and different flavored escargot pastries .

Hours : 7 am – 7:30 pm (Closed on Sundays.) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : République

↡↡ Looking for hotels in Paris? Book Your Paris Hotel here ↡↡

My Hotel for 4 Days in Paris #paris #france

Speaking of hotels, book your hotel way in advance! I was scrambled to find a hotel 3 weeks before my trip in panic mode because all decent hotels were booked. I ended up staying at Hôtel Beaurepaire Paris ( Book here ) near République metro station. The hotel is nothing fancy — no A/C, coffin-like elevator and narrow shower booth, which are common in Paris. But the airy, bright room is clean and comfortable. The neighborhood is also convenient with supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants/cafes, (of course, Du Pain et des Idées), and plenty of public transportation. The République is only one-stop away from Gare du Nord and a major transfer station with direct access to multiple lines. It was not the best hotel I stayed in; however, my experience was overall great!

Canal St. Martin

Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement is lined with chestnut trees and adorned with Venetian-style bridges. It is a nice little place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon/evening, hang out with friends or sit on the bench with your significant other.

I suggest you go picnic here, relax and imbibe in the romantic Paris vibe as much as possible on the last day of Paris. I brought a bottle of wine, fruits and other snacks for my picnic. I ordered Pink Flamingo Pizza nearby and sat at the bench to feast.

Pink Flamingo has recently closed down. But this neighborhood has a vibrant food scene with lots of restaurant options:

Le Petit Cambodge [ Open Google Map ] with authentic SE Asian rice noodle soups
Le Comptoir Général [ Open Google Map ], a cafe/bar along the canal with a cozy, inviting ambiance
Siseng [ Open Google Map ] with Asian-influenced burgers, spring rolls and creative cocktails

Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station: République

Day 5 : Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles

Day Trip from Paris: Château de Versailles | #versailles #Paris #europetravel #daytripfromparis

One extra day in Paris? I suggest visiting Château de Versailles. This is one of the top things to do in Paris; however, four days in Paris is too short to include a full-day trip to Versailles.

If you are inclined to, you may take one day out from the 4-day itinerary above and replace it with Versailles. It spreads in a massive estate, and I experienced the worst line and crowds there. Be there early and allocate an entire day.

Like the Louvre, I strongly believe that Versailles is one of the places worth joining tours with an expert guide and transportation to/from Paris. These tours usually use a separate entrance from the crowds, granting skip-the-line access .

>> Versailles Palace & the Trianons Tour by Coach : This full-day guided tour takes you to the majestic Palace and tickets to the Garden Show.

>> Palace & Gardens Skip-the-line Tour (optional Musical Gardens & Fountain Shows)

>> Versailles Tour by RER Train (optional Musical Gardens & Fountain Shows)

Read my detailed guide on the Paris day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Lots of tips and hacks on how to beat the crowd in Versailles in summer! >>

How to Plan Your Paris Itinerary

1. start with your paris bucket list..

Make a list of what you want to experience in Paris. There is no way one trip will cover all of them. But it helps to see the complete list to prioritize the places you want to visit this time and save others for the next time. Check your bucket list against my itinerary to see which needs to be adjusted.

2. Group them by geographical proximity.

Once you decide what to do in Paris in 4 days , look them up on Google Map to check the locations. This step is necessary to save your travel time within the city.

Paris is a planned city with 20 arrondissements (districts). Starting with the first arrondissement in the center, the number goes up clockwise in a circle outwardly, resembling a snail shell. Understanding this helps locate each location and group them together.

3. Check opening dates and hours.

The next step is to assign a group of daily activities on the day of the week. Opening days and hours vary by attraction. Some museums open in the late evenings on certain days of the week, attracting fewer crowds.

4. Consider purchasing Paris tourist cards.

Whether you get Paris Museum Pass or The Paris Pass , these tourist cards usually pay for themselves, bringing you good savings. Your itinerary can be grouped as pass days vs. non-pass days. To maximize your savings, try to keep pass days closely together so you can shorten the length of the pass validation dates (=saving money).

(READ>> Is Paris Museum Pass Worth It? )

5. Booking tickets and a time slot is now mandatory, not a recommendation!

Avoid wasting time in line. The rule of thumb is to purchase tickets and book every place you want to visit in advance. I find it absolutely necessary for any season of the year in Paris. In fact, many Paris attractions now require you to book tickets and a time slot before you show up!

6. Check your eligibility for free admission.

Most of the Paris museums and historical places grant free admission for those under 18 or EU residents under 26. Booking a time slot is still required.

The first Sunday of each month is a free museum day at national museums. But personally, I would avoid the most visited museums like Louvre and the Orsay on this day, especially if you have the Museum Pass.

7. Finalize your plan.

Voila! Based on all these factors above, you should be able to have your customized itinerary.

Hello, I'm Chloe!

I'm an aspiring world traveler, who moved across the Pacific Ocean twice. After leaving my PR career, I'm currently exploring Asia from Taiwan and learning Chinese. Follow my journey as I will share my travel experiences, tips & tricks and cultural insights.

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Map of Paris - Interactive Map of Paris

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Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Paris. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

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2-Day Paris Itinerary

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Get inspired for your trip to Paris with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Travel Time Map Generator & Isochrones

I know i can get from a to b by public transport within my selected time, but it's not showing up.

If you're using public transport to do your analysis, it can look like we don't include a specific transit line. But it is rare that we have forgotten to add it! We have a full data team collecting transport data, and they're rarely caught out. It's usually due to understanding how we calculate travel time catchments. We build the area to include:

Walking to the station platform
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Depart on the station on the other side.

That means if you set your max travel time at 30 minutes, and the train journey you think should be included takes 28 minutes, it probably won't show up, because the other steps push it over the max 30 min limit. Try adding an extra 5-10 minutes to your max catchment area and see if this helps! Understand how we built our public transport model

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We recommend that you do a little experiment.

Open another mapping app of your choice and enter an A to B route
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The average mapping provider gives very vague driving estimations. It's not uncommon to see a journey estimation between 30 minutes up to 2 hours. That's a lot of buffer room!

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How to create a drive time radius map or other modes

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This web page is a limited demo that can do the following:

Create up to 3 time polygons visualising where's reachable within 2 hours or less. Our API can create large travel time areas, talk to sales.
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The Ultimate FREE Paris Tourist Map (Things to Do, Photo Spots & More!)

Last Updated: April 25, 2024

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Looking for a Paris tourist map that covers all the main sights?

Great news! Hi – I’m Christina, a shameless travel nerd who has already made one. WITH cute stamp icons… that are colour coded.

So yes, below, you’ll find a handy Google Map that you can use on your phone that includes…

Top Paris museums & sights
The prettiest photo spots and views in Paris
Paris food & drink recommendations
Fun shops to visit in Paris

I hope you find it helpful!

Save this Free Paris Map for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

My Free Paris Tourist Map

On mobile? Click this link here and the map should automatically open on your Google Maps app.

NOTE: Free sights are marked with a green background – be sure to expand the Map Legend to see the different layers and categories I’ve included!

Paris Travel Tips Video

First time in Paris? Here’s a video that explains some of the important must-knows to keep in mind before your trip.

More Paris Travel Resources

Finally, if you’re a bit more old school, then here are some articles and blog posts to help you out with your Paris planning!

Free Things to do in Paris
Paris Travel Tips
France Travel Tips
Paris to Disneyland Paris Day Trip Guide
Disneyland Paris Tips

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

Paris Transportation Zone Map

Paris and the surrounding area is divided into 5 circular transportation fare zones for use in pricing Paris public transportation passes & multi-use tickets. This applies to passes used on Paris RER trains, buses, trams and Transilien commuter trains. Note : These fare zones do not apply to the Paris Metro system! For the Paris Metro, all Metro lines and all Metro stations are not affected by fare zones. We can effectively consider Paris Metro trains as operating in a single zone even if the Metro line crosses into zone 2 or zone 3.

Paris fare zones apply to transit passes/multi-use tickets used on RER trains and Transilien trains to Disney, Versailles, CDG/Orly airports, etc. By default, Navigo Week Pass passes cover all 1-5 zones. For the Paris Olympics, the Paris 2024 Pass covers all 5 zones . Multi-use tickets like Paris Visite and other passes like Navigo Jour Day pass have several fare zone options, like Paris zone 1-3 or Paris zone 1-5. Examples of popular destinations and their zones:

Chateau Versailles & Orly Airport – Zone 4
CDG Airport & Disneyland® Paris – Zone 5
Fontainebleau – Zone 5

This Paris Train Zone Map (880KB PDF) displays train zones for RER trains, Transilien trains, Trams throughout fare zones 1 to 5 which applies to:

Pass Navigo / Pass Navigo Decouverte
Paris Visite Pass
Ticket Mobilis (day pass) discontinued Jan. 4, 2024
Ticket Jeunes (day pass for 25 and under, valid only on weekends/holidays)

Paris Metro Zone

Paris Metro (urban city subway) is all a single zone even though it has stations in Zones 1, 2 & 3 as shown on this more detailed zone map including Paris Metro, RER and Transilien (intercity) trains (900KB PDF, opens a new window). Paris Metro tickets are valid for travel anywhere on the Paris Metro system, end-to-end, since it is a single continuous, zoneless system requiring only a single Metro Ticket / Ticket t+ (even if the Metro station is outside of Zone 1).

The Paris regional RER train system is different & uses zones to set fare prices.

Travel between any RER stations in Paris zone 1 are the same price: the price of a single Paris Metro ticket .

Thus, we can use Paris Metro tickets to ride Paris RER trains, but only within zone 1.

Once a Paris RER train crosses the border between zone 1 and zone 2, a RER ticket (billet origine-destination) is required. For example on the south eastern edge of zone 1 are two RER C stations right next to each other: Bibliothèque François Mitterrand (in zone 1) and Ivry sur Seine (in zone 2). This trip takes 3 minutes, but costs 2.30€ with the proper RER ticket while a Paris Metro ticket (not valid for this trip) costs 2.15€ (in 2024).

Paris Zone 1 to Zone 2 needs RER ticket

If riding Paris Metro line 1, be careful at La Défense when exiting the Metro area. Be sure to use the Metro exit and not the RER exit, both of which may be available to you due to fences which may be opened at particular times (rush hour). A RER ticket is required to pass through RER exit turnstiles, while the Metro exit will not require a ticket and will open with weight or infrared operated gates & turnstiles.

What’s visible on the Zones map:

Fare Zones (“Zones Tarifaires”) 1 through 5
RER A , RER B , RER C , D, E train lines
RER & Transilien train network in Ile-de-France (administrative region around Paris)
Station names along all RER/Translien train lines
Connections (“Correspondances”) and transfer possible between different RER, Transilien, and RER to Transilien trains
Shuttle bus (“navettes bus”) from RER C station: Pont de Rungis and Orly Airport
Orlyval train to Paris-Orly Airport between RER B station: Antony and Orly West / Orly South airport terminals, which requires a special fare (“tarification spéciale”)
Major tourist sites (“Sites touristiques”) accessible from certain stations

(Zone map courtesy of RATP )

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Paris Metro

The fastest way to get around the French capital

The Paris Metro is a good option to move from one point to another, it has 16 lines and 302 stations throughout the city.

The metro lines in Paris are differentiated by colors and are numbered. This it is the third longest tube network in Europe, after the London Underground and the Madrid Underground .

Maps and plans of the Paris Metro

You can also see the Paris metro on this interactive map

Paris Metro tickets and passes

The price of the tickets varies according to the type of pass, they can be for a single trip (€2.10 ) daily, weekly or monthly ; several trips are usually purchased at the same time (card), with which we will save money; In addition, with the metro tickets you can also use the RER (suburban train) and the bus .

These are the most popular options:

Pass Ticket t+ (single or single ticket option for a single trip or a block of 10 single tickets)
Navigo Pass (Long and local stays)
Paris Visite (visitor pass)

The single ticket, called Ticket t+ it costs €2.10 / 10 tickets are €16.90 / 10 tickets with reduced rate €8.45.

This ticket allows transfer with RER and buses . See more details on the Pass Ticket t+ page.

Children up to 4 years old can use the Paris Metro for free . Between 4 and 10 years old they pay half (reduced rate).

Always validate your tickets , the fines are quite high. And keep your ticket to leave the station.

Other options for getting around Paris

RER (trains)
Boats in Paris

Bike rental in Paris

All transports in Paris

Paris Metro schedule

The service starts at 5.30 in the morning and ends at 1 in the morning.

More about transport in Paris

Use this practical information to get around in Paris like a fish in water.

Pass Ticket t+

The ticket for access to the metro, buses, streetcars and RER trains (within the center) in Paris.

Trains in Paris

With the RER trains you can also move around the center of Paris, the service is very well complemented by the metro.

Paris Ships

In Paris there are boat services with unlimited stops at various points in the center. Also cruises on the Seine.

If you want to get around Paris in a more environmentally friendly way, you can rent a bike.

Low-angle view of the Eiffel Tower, as seen from a Paris street.

©James O'Neil/Getty Images

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

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Paris is made up of 20 different city districts (called arrondissements), each with their own distinct charms. Get to know them with our handy guide.

While it’s hard for anyone to leave Paris, these day trips offer bucolic nature, gorgeous cathedrals and more – all only an hour or so away.

Money and Costs

With savvy planning and a bit of local know-how, you'll find a wealth of ways to enjoy Paris without blowing your budget. Here are our top tips.

Transportation

Walking is the best way to explore Paris' individual neighborhoods, but you'll need the bus, metro and RER to go further afield.

Free Things to Do

Look beyond the French capital's most famous sights and you'll discover many free things to do in Paris – and get a local's perspective on the city too.

Traveling with Kids

Whether you're traveling to Paris with babies, toddlers or tweens, we can help you find the right activities to keep the whole family happy.

Discover architectural jewelry, local design, vintage finds, and tiny treasures in Paris' independent shops and markets.

Plan with a local

Experience the real France

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Paris and beyond.

9 Paris Apps You Need to Download Before Traveling

Are you looking for the best Paris Apps to help you to navigate the French capital? That’s smart because using apps for Paris is your secret weapon to counter the language barrier, unfamiliar streets, and the maze of Metro lines.

And these are only a few examples on how downloading the best Paris Apps can lift your Paris experience to the next level.

But what are the best travel apps for Paris? Look no further because in this article, I have you covered. I am presenting you with a list of the 9 most useful and popular apps for Paris.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

If you purchase through links on this site, I may earn – at no cost to you – a small commission. This helps me cover my costs and keep my website running. Thank you so much for your support 🙂 Learn more

CHECKLIST for your Paris Trip

✔ Hotel booked?

Budget: Hotel France Albion (8.6)
Midrange: Hôtel des Arts (9.6)
Upscale: Millésime Hôtel (9.2)
Luxury: La Demeure Montaigne (9.1)
My Favorite: Hôtel Monte Cristo

✔ Tickets booked?

Eiffel Tower ( book here )
Paris City Pass ( book here )
Louvre ( book here )
Arc de Triomphe ( book here )
Hop On Hop Off Bus ( book here )

Paris Survival Tips

Buy your SIM card in advance
Get a Travel Adapter
Book your airport transfer
Download the free survival guide

Fun Activities

Explore the Covered Arcades
Discover the quaint Bookstores
Find Paris Hidden Cocktail Bars
Take an easy Day Trip by train

And these Paris apps are not only great according to me!

I asked my favorite Paris travel community ( It’s free, join here ) about the applications that they found most helpful during their time in Paris, and what can I say? They delivered.

Having a right combination of apps on your phone is your secret weapon for navigating the City of Light like a local.

Whether you’re a first-timer aiming to easily navigate Parisian or a seasoned traveler looking for local gems, these apps will certainly enhance your experience.

Tip: Stay online while traveling! Roaming fees can be a nasty surprise when using your smartphone abroad. And they often remain unnoticed until a hefty bill makes an unwelcome appearance after your trip.

The Solution? An eSIM ! Safeguard your wallet by planning ahead and buying the data package you need, for an ease of mind and no surprise bills. See all data plans here .(they are cheaper than you might think)

The 13 Best Travel Apps for Paris

So, without further ado, here is the shortlist of the 13 best Paris apps according to locals and travelers.

#1 Google Maps

Google Maps is your Swiss army knife for exploring Paris. It’s more than just a navigation app . In fact, it’s my go-to Paris app for all sorts of things that I use every day.

Whether I need to know the best Metro or Bus connection , search for a spot to have lunch or simply want to know if my favorite Cocktail bar is open. I can be sure Google Maps has the answer.

If you are not keen on Google, Maps from Apple works as good. It’s just a matter of preference, but know that one of the two will absolutely be enough to find your ways around Paris.

My Google Maps Tip: Create Lists

Create lists with locations you want to see or restaurants you would like to eat at . This way, you find them back on the map. You can even share this list with your travel partner, so everyone can add their favorite spots.

My husband and me, for example, have a shared list on Google Maps with restaurants we stumble upon and want to eat at. It’s very helpful and a great way to organize our favorite addresses and make sure not to lose them.

Viable Alternative: CityMapper

City Mapper is a great navigation app for Paris because it connects the usual map and navigation function with external services: Uber, Vélib, Bolt and many more.

Offline Alternative: Maps.me

If you would rather not depend on mobile data or get a eSim Card , maps.me is a great app for downloading apps and then use them offline later on.

Good Read: 5 ways to get from the Airport to Paris

One of the most popular apps for Paris regarding transportation is Uber. If you are not familiar with it, it’s the easiest way to get a taxi, just that it’s not a taxi, it’s an Uber.

You type in your destination and your location, and the app calculates the price of the trip and connects you with a driver.

It’s safe and uncomplicated, and also easy in terms of payment. The price that is calculated before ordering your ride is the price you pay. No surprises. And: You can simply pay through the app .

If you use Uber already in your hometown, no need to download it in Paris. It’s international.

Alternatively, you can use Bolt or G7.

Bolt is the big competitor of Uber in Paris, and it can be worth it to compare prices. Depending on the demand, the difference can be huge. They often give you a few discount codes upon signup.

G7 is the transport app in Paris for the official Taxis Parisien . The difference is, that the price is only calculated throughout the journey, not before.

Paris Apps for driving services in overview

Get €10 off your restaurant bill by signing up here

is a wonderful app in Paris to find and reserve a table in a restaurant . The app is in English, reservations are online, and you can choose among hundreds of eateries.

Regularly they have promotions if you book through the app, like 20% off the bill, or the 2nd dish free.

It’s certainly worth it. For an extra €10 off your bill, use my code .

#4 Bonjour RATP

Download for Android | Download for iOs

RATP is the company that runs the public transportation in Paris: Metro, Bus, RER and Tram . And while I think for navigation purposes this app is rather useless because Google Maps has you 100% covered, you still should get this app.

Also interesting: How to use the Metro in Paris – The complet guide

Because: You can use the Bonjour RATP App to buy and top up your Navigo Travel Card . No need to stress out over vending machines anymore. Simply pick the ticket option you like, select your payment method (credit card or other) and top up your card.

One fo the best apps for Paris Metro: - how to buy a ticket through Bonjour RATP

You can also use the Bonjour RATP app to read your Navigo Travel Pass to see how many tickets you have left.

➲ Read my guide here on how to rent a Vélib in Paris

If you intend to explore Paris by bike , then the Vélib app is absolutely necessary. It holds all your account information and access codes, but most importantly, it shows you how many bikes are available at the closest station. And: in which state they are.

Because through the Vélib app, you will be prompted to rate the bike you got, and it’s a very valuable indicator for the next person.

Paris by bike - use the paris App for Vélib to know how to rent a bike in Paris. Picture: rainy day in Paris with man on bike

#6 Google Translate

If you don’t speak French, a translator app is of course a no-brainer. And Google Translate is doing the job just fine. Maybe you won’t win a literacy price with it, but it will provide you with a translation that gets the job done.

Google Translate Tip: use the Camera

Google Translate has a camera function. Instead of typing in the word you want to have translated, open the camera and let Google Translate let do the work for you.

#7 Google Lens

Google Lens is my favorite app when traveling abroad to a destination, where I don’t speak the language. Especially, when I can’t read the language.

Google Lens is the image search tool from Google . You can take a picture of a sight or painting, or anything really, click on Google sense, et voilà, all the info you want.

But, and here it’s getting interesting: you can combine Google Lens with the translator app, and this means that the written word will be translated for you.

Works perfectly with menus in restaurants , simply take a picture of the menu and click translate.

#8 Flash Invaders

Also read: Best Fun things to do in Paris with Teens

Flash Invaders is one of my favorite Paris Apps. Ok, it has very little to do with travel planning, but it is a fun app that I suggest you look into. Especially if you are traveling to Paris with kids or teenagers.

Like in a real time video game, you can hunt down space invaders all over Paris, get points, create a collection and compete with your friends.

But… what are Space Invaders?

Invader art in Paris refers to the work of an anonymous artist known as Invader , who places mosaic pieces inspired by the 1978 arcade game Space Invaders around the city.

These pieces are recognizable by their pixelated and fun designs, mimicking video game characters. Invader’s mosaics can be found on all sorts of buildings, bridges, and any kind of surface, really, across Paris.

Turning the city into an open-air gallery with almost 1500 installations scattered all over Paris.

Flash invader app layount: one of the most fun Apps for Paris

The app is simple: When you see a Space Invader in Paris, open the app and flash the mosaic, hence, take a picture of it using the app.

Depending on the size of the mosaic, you get points and the app shows you when the piece was installed. Some date back to the early 90s.

It’s a fun app, and it encourages you to look around and discover more than you normally would.

#9 ICI Toilettes

Worried about where to find a public restroom in Paris? Then you need to get this app.

It shows you on an interactive map where to find the nearest toilette and even the best (and fastest!) way to get there. It covers public toilets that you find all over Paris, but also restrooms in parks or along the Seine.

Voilà, these were the 9 most useful apps for Paris that you should download before heading to Paris. If you know more, please share them with us in the comment section.

For the ease of mind and to avoid hidden fees, I recommend getting this eSim card from Airalgo for your mobile phone – it’s a simple solution to stay connected throughout your trip.

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Travel time from Paris

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According to James Maxwell Anderson, by the late eighteenth century, the region of the Ile de France had the best-constructed roads in Europe, much admired by foreigners. But, when traveling by horse-drawn vehicles over vast distances, travelers found that the roads sometimes became just bumpy tracks and that the trip was slow and tiresome. Going to Bordeaux or Strasbourg from Paris took six days; traveling to Toulouse took seven or eight-day and to Marseille, nine days.

The trip from Paris to Calais by fourgon also took six days; by diligence, the travel time was two and a half days.

Isochrone Map from Paris (1882)

Here is another map from 1898 showing the decrease of travel times for five dates than the 17th century. For each of these dates, the 17 cities are depicted at a distance reduced proportionally to reducing travel time. So the outlines aren’t isochronic lines but explain how close the outline of France would appear to 17th century Parisians if they could travel at speeds of those future dates.

Map of reduction of travel times from Paris compared to 17th century

Nowadays, everything has changed. Now you can drive through all of France in one day.

Travel time from Paris by car (2020)

Below is another version map of travel time from Paris by car.

Where can you go by train in 8h?

This map shows you how far you can travel from each station in Europe in less than 8 hours.

Hover your mouse on the map to see the isochrones from that city, search for a station, or click on one of the examples below.

This map is based on estimated travel times, using data from the Deutsche Bahn through Direkt Bahn Guru . Actual timetables may vary.

A street corner in Paris, where customers lounge at a cafe and pedestrians pass in front of storefronts.

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Eater Travel

How to Eat Your Way Through 24 Perfect Hours in Paris

Brioche pastries for breakfast, a Michelin-starred tasting menu for lunch, an ambitious vegetable-forward dinner, and all the wine and oysters you can handle in between

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This gastronomic tour of Paris is not one of those bucket lists that demands you frantically check off boxes of “famous places” just to say you did. Instead, these are my suggestions (after nearly 40 years of living in the city) for how to spend a perfect day and night eating and drinking. The places in this guide paint a delicious portrait of the city and reveal its exalted culinary reputation. Think of it less as an endurance test and more as a culinary carousel to hop on and off according to your stamina and appetite.

1:30 a.m. Late-night feast at Au Pied de Cochon

Originally opened in 1947 to feed market workers at Les Halles (Paris’s main food market) back when it was located down the street, this almost 24/7 brasserie has a festive atmosphere. The intriguingly diverse and louche clientele make for some of the best people watching in the city, so it’s just the spot for a middle-of-the-night, only-in-Paris feast to banish jet lag. Some onion soup, freshly shucked oysters, and steak tartare are enough of an intro, but you could also make a pig of yourself by ordering the Tentation de Saint-Antoine (the Temptation of Saint Anthony): An ode to the patron saint of charcutiers, the plate includes a muzzle, ears, breaded pig’s foot, and a tail with lashings of bearnaise sauce. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m. 6 Rue Coquillière, 1st arrondissement

7 a.m. Morning snack from Du Pain et Des Idées

Pick up a croissant that will flake to golden crumbs when you pull it open, or maybe an escargot aux pralines roses (a curled brioche pastry ornamented with cracked melted almonds in a hard pink-sugar shell), to eat while you walk along the moody Canal Saint-Martin. Buy a baguette too, because they’re so good — and because you might impulse-buy some pate, charcuterie, or cheese later. (Always travel with a knife and a corkscrew in Paris. You never know.) 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 10th arrondissement

Two customers sit in front of a cafe with snacks.

La Patisserie

French pastry alone is reason enough to buy an airplane ticket to Paris. Stop into any of the city’s best patisseries whenever you feel a craving:

Christophe Michalak

A superstar who loves to play with the fussy, frilly side of French pastry, Michalak has shops all over Paris. His religieuse, a choux pastry with a cute little collar of salted-butter caramel, has made many converts.

Des Gâteaux et du Pain

After stints at Fauchon, Ladurée, Le Bristol, and the Plaza Athénée, pâtissière Claire Damon has won an avid following. Her bestsellers include Le Kashmir (a pastry with oranges, dates, vanilla, and saffron) and a blackcurrant Mont Blanc.

Pain de Sucre

Pâtissiers Nathalie Robert and Didier Mathray have a talent for making the right modest tweak to classic items, but their own inventions are worth a trip. Don’t miss Le Rosemary, a rhubarb-raspberry-rosemary tart.

The pair of vest-pocket Tapisseries on each bank, run by the team behind Septime , offer a limited selection of items daily, like a baba (sponge cake) infused with mezcal, blood orange, and piment d’Espelette.

9 a.m. Breakfast or cooking class

French couple Nico Alary and Sarah Mouchot spent some time living in Melbourne before returning to Paris and opening this hopelessly popular all-day breakfast spot near the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement. The menu is a Gallic take on Australian, English, and American breakfast favorites: pancake and egg dishes with a la carte sides including mushrooms, sausage, hash browns, bacon, and baked beans. The excellent coffee is from Belleville Brûlerie, a roaster that has helped a wave of specialty cafes overthrow the bitter brews that used to prevail in Paris. 5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 10th arrondissement

If you’re still feeling fortified by your snack from Du Pain et des Idées, as an alternative to eating breakfast out you can sign up to learn how to make croissants and other French breakfast pastries at the acclaimed La Cuisine cooking school overlooking the Seine in the Marais. Learning to make your own croissants might be the best souvenir from Paris. 80 Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, 4th arrondissement

10:30 a.m. Sandwich at La Fontaine de Belleville

For the French, the baguette jambon-beurre is the misty-eyed equivalent of the cheeseburger in the United States. The one at this cafe, made with Prince de Paris ham and butter from excellent cheese shop Beillevaire, is the best in town. 31–33 Rue Juliette Dodu, 10th arrondissement

A galette filled with fried egg and meat.

11:30 a.m. An obligatory crepe at Breizh Café

Feeling a little peckish? Head to this famous Breton creperie in the Marais and tuck into a buckwheat galette decked with smoked salmon, salmon roe, and creme fraiche. 109 Rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd arrondissement

Food Tours and Tastings

Don’t feel up to tackling the entirety of French cuisine on your own? Join one of these great food tours and tastings in town:

Jennifer Greco

Originally from New Orleans, American expat Jennifer Greco launched a project in 2007 to taste every cheese produced in France. So far, she’s managed 400 (out of roughly 1,500). Tag along on her quest during a tour of Paris’s cheese shops or a tasting workshop.

Original Food Tours

This tour de force experience of French pastry and chocolate includes several of the most famous pastry and chocolate shops in Paris.

Vinophiles might want to sign up for the well-conceived wine tasting at Ô Chateau. There’s a premium tasting too, offered for 169 euros per person, and wine and cheese lunches are available as well.

1 p.m. Lunch at Le Clarence

Early afternoon is an ideal time for a splurge meal at one of the haute-cuisine restaurants that’s still worth the wound to the wallet. Chef Christophe Pelé earned two Michelin stars for this elegant 19th century townhouse just off the Champs-Élysées, which belongs to Prince Robert of Luxembourg, owner of the Château Haut-Brion in the Bordelaise region. The tasting menus showcase Pelé’s witty, iconoclastic, and deeply satisfying 21st-century French haute cuisine cooking, including dishes like langoustine ceviche with elderflowers and black sesame in a radish bouillon with rhubarb juice, elvers with lamb brains, grilled red mullet with beef marrow and ginger, and rice pudding with sorrel and apple. 31 Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 8th arrondissement

4 p.m. Ice Cream at Pozzetto

The Sicilian pistachio is a favorite at this ice cream shop with two locations. The nuts from Bronte have a superb depth of flavor that crosses sweetness with umami. The chocolate-hazelnut has been known to induce rapture, too. 39 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 4th arrondissement

5:30 p.m. Aperitif at L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer

It’s time for a glass of wine and a snack, so head for chef Yves Camdeborde’s seafood-themed small-plates place. This popular standing-room-only spot is a great place to meet people, snag some roasted razor-shell clams, and clock the contemporary vibe of Saint-Germain-des-Près, which has evolved beyond its woefully outdated bohemian image. 3 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 6th arrondissement

7:30 p.m. Oysters at Huîtrerie Régis

The best oysters in the world come from France, and many of them have made their way to this hole-in-the-wall bar in Saint-Germain-des-Près. The minimum order is a dozen per person — challenge accepted — and you’ll want to start with the Fines de Claire moyennes (medium sized) from the Marennes-Oléron oyster beds in France’s Charente region. 3 Rue de Montfaucon, 6th arrondissement

Chefs at work in an open kitchen lined with light wood.

Le Chocolat

Paris is a world capital of chocolate. Here are four shops you shouldn’t miss:

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse

The best bean-to-bar atelier in Paris was created by pastry chef Nicolas Berger and Alain Ducasse. They scoured Europe for vintage chocolate-making machinery and now produce some spectacular offerings.

Jacques Genin

Located in the Marais, this superb chocolate and pastry shop is where Mick Jagger stocks up on his favorite mint-filled chocolates.

Patrick Roger

Roger attracts plenty of gawkers with the dramatic chocolate sculptures decorating the windows of his boutique. The wares inside taste as good as they look.

Les Trois Chocolats

Chocolatière Emiko Sano worked at the Plaza Athénée Hotel before opening her own shop in the Marais. Her stunning creations often include flavors from her native Japan, including miso, yuzu, and smoked cherry.

9:30 p.m. Dinner at a hot restaurant

When Paris restaurants feature in Hollywood movies, they usually serve traditional bistro dishes like boeuf bourguignon or blanquette de veau on red-and-white checkered tablecloths. There’s no doubt that type of food is delicious, especially at places like Josephine Chez Dumonet, Le Quincy, or Le Bistrot des Tournelles. But for dinner, check out one of the modern restaurants making Paris the most interesting food city in Europe all over again:

If you’re up for a walk on the wild side, book a table at Vaisseau, where the dark, minimalist decor is an anodyne backdrop for young chef Adrien Cachot’s tasting menus, designed to push your limits with wildly inventive dishes. You might find mochi “cachot e pepe” prepared like a risotto with pepper and citrus; sweet potato with lentils cooked with anise and sea crab; or veal three ways. Not recommended for timid or fussy eaters. 35 Rue Faidherbe, 11th arrondissement

At her luminous, nearly all-white restaurant in the upper Marais, chef Manon Fleury’s cooking stars vegetables, fruits, pulses, and grains. Flavors are subtle and techniques are flawless. The menus evolve regularly to follow seasonal produce and the chef’s fascinating gastronomic imagination. Memorable dishes have included raw shrimp dressed with cream of fermented rice, peaches, and shiso. 13 Rue des Gravilliers, 3rd arrondissement

Géosmine is chef Maxime Bouttier’s first restaurant of his own, and it occupies a loft-like white duplex in a former textile factory in the 11th arrondissement. At Géosmine (“odor of the soil,” as in a freshly plowed field), Bouttier features items like artichokes barigoule (braised in white wine and herbs) wrapped in fine ribbons of lardo di Colonnata (fatback), or green asparagus slathered with pistachio cream and chickweed. Don’t miss the baked-to-order cake of chocolate, vanilla, praline, and fleur de sel. 71 Rue De La Folie Méricourt, 11th arrondissement

12 a.m. Bar snacks at Cravan

Located in a 17th-century building, this multilevel space by Franck Audoux has single-handedly made touristy Saint-Germain-des-Près hip with night owls again. Drinkers flock to Paris’s largest cocktail bar to quaff something from the long cocktail list, including a Royal Immortelle: Champagne mixed with extract of immortelle, a wild plant that tastes like curry. Alongside, there’s mushroom tempura to dip in black-garlic sauce and grilled baby leeks in mousseline. Open until 1 a.m. during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends. Reservations recommended via the website. 165 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement

Alexander Lobrano is a Paris restaurant expert and author of Hungry for Paris, Hungry for France , and his gastronomic coming-of-age story My Place at the Table . He blogs about restaurants and writes often for the New York Times , the Wall Street Journal , Saveur , and other publications.

Where to Eat in the Marais

The definitive parisian macaron taste test, mastering the art of french dining.

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The one at this cafe, made with Prince de Paris ham and butter from excellent cheese shop Beillevaire, is the best in town. 31-33 Rue Juliette Dodu, 10th arrondissement. Breizh Café galette ...
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3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary

3 Day Paris Itinerary

Paris Itinerary: Day 1

Seine River Cruise

Hop on Hop off Bus

Paris Walking Tour

Tour Montparnasse

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

Sainte Chapelle

Musee d’Orsay

Wine tasting

Arc de Triomphe

Paris Itinerary: Day 3

3 Days in Paris Itinerary Map

3 Days in Paris Itinerary Overview

Where to Stay in Paris

When to Visit Paris

How to Get to and From Paris

How to Get Around Paris

Walking Tours of Paris

How to Save Money in Paris

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Internet Access

Water

Eating in Paris

Further Reading for your 3 Days in Paris

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Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

Paris Travel Planner 2024 Content:

1. Best Time to Visit Paris

Seasons in Paris

Tourist Seasons in Paris

Paris Olympics 2024

Best Time to Visit Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

2. Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris

Flight Tickets to Paris

Train Tickets to Paris

3. Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance

Schengen Area Travel Insurance

4. Where to Stay in Paris

5. Accommodation in Paris

Hotels and Hostels in Paris

Furnished Apartments in Paris

Accommodation in Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

6. How to Get from Paris Airport to the City

7. The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner

8. Paris Itinerary Planner

Layover in Paris

9. What to Eat & Drink in Paris

10. Day Trips from Paris

11. Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

Consider a Paris Tourist Pass

About WORLD IN PARIS

Paris Itinerary 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

How to Get to Paris & What to do in​ Paris for 4 days

Paris Itinerary Summary

How to Get to Paris

Orly to Paris

Paris Travel Essentials

Day 1 of 4 Days in Paris : Louvre, Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

​ Palais-Royal Garden

Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre)

Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

Musée de l’Orangerie (Optional)

Place de la Concorde

Pont Alexandre III

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Arc de Triomphe

Dinner Options near the Arc de Triomphe

Seine River Cruise in the Evening

Day 2 of 4 Days in Paris : Île de la Cité & Montmartre

Île de la Cité: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Île de la Cité: Point Zéro

Lunch: Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

Île de la Cité: Sainte-Chapelle

Île de la Cité: Conciergerie

Île de la Cité: Clock Tower

Montmartre: Rue de l’Abreuvoir & Place du Tertre

How to Get to Paris & What to do in Paris for 4 days

Palais-Royal Garden