How to Plan the Perfect Trip to
Paris France
Are you planning a trip to France and wondering how much time to spend in Paris?
What are the best things to see and do? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Be inspired by this guide as you plan your next adventure to Paris, France!
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Welcome to Paris, the romantic French capital. Located along the banks of the River Seine, the city exudes an atmosphere of bliss, charm and love. Paris is a popular destination for engagements, weddings and honeymoons contributing to its reputation as the “City of Love.”
Paris is a city bursting with mouth-watering bakeries, café culture, high-end shopping and museums displaying world-renowned masterpieces. Significant landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral will captivate the hearts of visitors. There is no wonder why Paris is one of the most visited places in the world.
Paris is notoriously expensive compared to other neighbouring European destinations. If you only have a short period of time to visit or travelling on a budget, it’s still possible to enjoy all of the main attractions.
Main Attractions in Paris
Below is a sample of the best places to see and things to do in Paris. Find inspiration for your trip here!
How Many Days to Spend in Paris
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Paris can be seen in two to three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors spending a weekend in the city on a budget. Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Paris for a few days will certainly be a worthwhile trip.
When to Visit
Paris is a wonderful destination to visit year-round however some seasons are more expensive than others. To make the most of your budget, travel to Paris in the spring or fall. This will help to save money on flights and accommodation. More favourable weather allows visitors to walk around the city, rather than pay for transportation, and enjoy more free outdoor activities.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Paris. Temperatures are warm enough to walk around the city comfortably, locals start to spill out onto outdoor cafes and terraces, gardens start to bloom and the banks of the River Seine reawaken after the long winter months. Avoid travel over national holidays (Easter), as this attracts more tourists and higher prices.
Summer is peak tourist season in Paris. Longer days and warmer temperatures attract large crowds to the city’s most popular attractions. Make sure to book flights, accommodation as well as tickets to attractions well in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues. In August, many Parisians go on holidays leaving the city filled with mostly tourists. If you are seeking a more authentic, low-cost experience, opt to avoid Paris during peak season.
Autumn continues to bring many travellers to Paris despite shorter days and cooler temperatures. Tourist crowds have dispersed and the city is transformed by the bright autumn colours and fallen leaves along the promenades. Accommodation prices decrease but plenty of activities and events remain to make your time in the capital memorable.
Tourism and prices in Paris tend to surge during the winter and holiday season as couples and families arrive to spend their vacation time in the city. Flights and accommodation are quickly booked and streets become packed with holiday shoppers. Paris is a charming city during Christmas and New Year’s displaying festive lights and hosting several holiday markets. Parisian cafés offer seasonal baked goods and beverages. Prices tend to drop after the holidays, making the remainder of January and February the most affordable months to visit Paris.
To plan your perfect holiday to Paris, use this summary to understand seasons in France:
Spring – March, April, May
Summer – June, July, August
Autumn – September, October, November
Winter – December, January, February
How to Get Around
Paris has an abundance of attractions, restaurants and neighbourhoods to explore. Navigating the city is convenient for both locals and travellers due to its excellent transportation system. Paris is also one of the world’s best destinations to explore by walking.
Paris Metro
Paris’ underground metro system is a very convenient option for travellers as there are many stops concentrated around the city’s most popular destinations. Purchase a Paris Metro Pass for the duration of your trip as an affordable, timely and reliable transportation option. Pickpockets are known to target tourists using the metro. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep valuables close.
Airport Metro
The metro system (RER B Line) provides a direct rail link for travellers between Paris and Charles de Gaulle (CDG) International Airport. The journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes with a cost of €11.40. Free shuttles connect travellers from the metro station to the airport terminal.
Bus
Travellers have the option to stay above ground and sight-see while getting to their destination. There are numerous bus routes with connections all over the city. High road traffic congestion in Paris can cause delays especially during the weekday rush hour. Alternatively choose to purchase a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Tours stop at all the major landmarks while providing audio commentary.
Cab/Taxi
Hiring a cab/taxi in Paris will be more expensive but offers convenient door-to-door service especially if transporting luggage or travelling with small children. Paris drivers unfortunately have a reputation of overcharging tourists or taking detours to extend trips. Cab/taxi trips generally will take longer than taking the metro due to high traffic congestion. Ride share services such as Uber also operate in Paris.
Walking
Paris is a very walkable city with broad boulevards, pedestrianized streets and open green spaces. The most visited sites in the city, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, are concentrated within only a few blocks of each other. Join a walking tour to learn more about the history of Paris and discover a few hidden gems you may never have found on your own.
Bicycle
Cycling in Paris is a popular tourist activity. Hire a bicycle from one of the many docking stations (Vélib’) scattered throughout the city as a unique way to see the sights. Cycling with a group or as part of a bike tour is highly recommended. Professional guides take guests to all the main attractions as well as off the beaten track.
River Bus
Travelling on board the Batobus, provides a unique view of Paris from the River Seine with stops at some of the city’s most famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre). There are also sightseeing and dining cruises available to enjoy a romantic experience on the water. Boat service operates from May to September.
Where to Stay
There are a number of unique neighbourhoods in Paris that each cater to a specific type of traveller. Regardless of whether you are on a tight budget, only in town for the weekend or visiting with children there are many accommodation options available. Keep in mind that Paris is a popular tourist destination year-round, so book early to secure your preferred location at the best price.
The city of Paris is divided into 20 districts, called arrondissements. Arrondissements are numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral, starting from the Louvre on the right bank of the Seine River. Lower-numbered arrondissements are more centrally located and typically considered the best places to stay in Paris for first-time visitors. Tourists typically stay in arrondissements 1 to 9.
Louvre (1st Arrondissement)
The Louvre district is considered the royal heart of Paris and the ideal place to stay for first-time visitors. The main attractions, cafés, restaurants and museums are conveniently located within walking distance. Due to its central location, accommodation prices will be more expensive but may be worthwhile if you are only visiting for a short period of time. Nearby attractions include: Musée du Louvre, Palais Royal & Pont des Arts.
Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
The Latin Quarter is filled with history, architectural beauty and old-world charm. Here you will find an ethnically-diverse neighbourhood, home to students and young professionals. This is the perfect location for party-seeking travellers. There’s a high concentration of pubs that come alive at night, offering endless entertainment. The energetic streets have excellent options for dining and shopping. Central Paris attractions are within walking distance or a short ride away on public transit. Nearby attractions include: Panthéon & Notre Dame Cathedral.
Luxembourg & Saint Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
This is a great location for families with children, offering a quieter, more relaxed experience. There are a number of art galleries, antique shops, charming sidewalk cafés and greenspaces to explore. Nearby Attractions include: Jardin du Luxembourg.
Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement)
This area is located further from the city centre, but remains a popular choice for travellers wanting a view of the Eiffel Tower from their accommodation. Expect to pay more to stay here and watch for pickpockets/scammers that are known to target unsuspecting tourists. Nearby attractions include: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay & Pont Alexandre III.
Champs-Élysées (8th Arrondissement)
Champs-Élysées is the main shopping street in Paris. This is the perfect place to stay for fashion-lovers and those looking to browse high-end shopping boutiques. Be prepared for noise and traffic congestion. Nearby attractions include: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe & Place de la Concorde.
Opéra (9th Arrondissement)
The Opéra district offers more affordable accommodation options and a less touristy experience compared to more central arrondissements in Paris. For those on a budget, this area is a great base for exploring the city. Many main attractions are only a short ride away. The Opéra is in close proximity to the charming Montmartre neighbourhood as well as essential transit connections (Gare du Nord & Gare l’Est). Nearby attractions include: Moulin Rouge & Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, plan to stay in the fairy-tale Montmartre district. Enjoy sweeping views of Paris from its hilltop location. This neighbourhood is full of charm with its winding cobblestone streets, quaint sidewalk cafés and inspirational art studios. Nearby attractions include: Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Coeur Basilica & Wall of Love.
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