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Paris Tourist Map: your downloadable PDF map

You are planning an upcoming visit to the City of Light and you need a tourist map that you can easily access on your smartphone, your tablet, even without an internet connection? PARISCityVision offers you a PDF Paris tourist map you can download completely free of charge. This map lists museums, monuments and must-see destinations and is a useful tool, whether you are spending a few hours or several days in France’s most beautiful city.

Click here to download the plan

More than a simple downloadable map of Paris

We are offering you much more than a basic downloadable Paris offline map. You will find all the information you need to make your visit to the capital city an unforgettable experience , gathered on one unique map.

Among all the must-see tourist destinations, locate the most beautiful and most popular Paris tourist attractions within a few seconds. On the same map, you can find Paris most emblematic places : enjoy one of the greatest views of the capital city from the Eiffel Tower and dive into the history of Notre Dame de Paris . Discover the famous Arc de Triomphe on the Place de l’Etoile. To experience the perfect french experience, enjoy a show at the Palais Garnier Opera House . Take your time while visiting the infinite galleries of the Louvre Museum . Last but not least, climb the stairs of Montmartre to visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica , a breathtaking place offering a wonderful panorama over the city.

The greatest museums of the city are also indicated: on your map, pinpoint the location of the Louvre or the Orsay museums on the banks of the Seine, find the Centre Pompidou in the heart of the Marais district, and locate the most beautiful cultural buildings of Paris.

Organize your visits of Paris tourist attractions

Here are some tips to schedule the visit of some of the main monuments of the city. The Eiffel Tower is probably one of the most visited places in the world. Each day, all year-long, thousands of visitors come to climb the 674 steps leading to the second stair of the Iron Lady. In order to try to avoid the crowd, we recommend you to go early , before 10:30 a.m. or on the contrary, at the end of the day , after 6:00 p.m. To discover the mysteries of the Louvre in a nice atmosphere, we advise you to schedule your visit out of the weekend. The Louvre is often crowded, but during the week , out of holidays, you might have the opportunity to enjoy a calmer atmosphere. to optimize your time, book your tickets online beforehand, so you don’t have to wait in line too much time. Last, some of Paris greatest places are free to visit , so don’t hesitate to look for hidden places and mysterious districts to truly dive into the Parisian atmosphere.

A tourist map which offers another view of Paris

Do you want to see a different side of Paris and visit hidden places, away from the major tourist sightseeing tours? Veritable gems await visitors who want to explore the authentic districts of the City of Light: covered passages around the Palais Royal , narrow streets and squares in the district of Montmartre. On our map, next to the most popular destinations, we spot other amazing tourist sites that will provide you with a unique travel experience. Our practical PDF map is always accessible. Are you looking for a Paris tourist map that you can print and slip into your pocket? Do you want to download a map to take with you and use, even when there is no internet connection? We will provide you with access to the best tourist attractions in Paris, free of charge , and all in one document! Gather all Paris tourist attractions on one map. Our Paris tourist map identifies the must-see destinations and tourist attractions : Museums

• Orsay Museum
• Centre Pompidou
• Grévin Museum
• Picasso Museum
• Rodin Museum
• Musée des Invalides
• Cité Des Sciences
• Eiffel Tower
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Sacré-Cœur
• Arc De Triomphe
• Garnier Opera House
• Moulin Rouge

Tourist areas

• Palais Royal
• Latin Quartier
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Other downloadable tourist offline maps

Plan your trip in advance and download our different Paris offline maps on your smartphone or tablet:

• Map of Paris monuments
• Map of Paris museums
• Map of Paris districts
• Map of Montmartre

PARISCityVision provides you with the best information in order to facilitate your stay in the capital city of France. With our Paris offline maps, take the entire capital in your pocket and choose the places you are most interested in to schedule your visits . On our plateforme, you will also find a wide range of priority tickets to visit the most beautiful places of Paris, different types of tours to discover the city at your own pace, and unique experiences to suit all of your desires. With PCV, make each stay a memorable experience.

The Ultimate FREE Paris Tourist Map (Things to Do, Photo Spots & More!)

Last Updated: April 25, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

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

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Paris Printable Tourist Map

Download & print the map

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Save more than €100 on your trip to Paris with the Paris Pass . Get free entry to over 60 of the best attractions, unlimited public transport and even a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Free printable Paris tourist map

Take our free printable tourist map of Paris on your trip and find your way to the top sights and attractions. We've designed this Paris tourist map to be easy to print out. It includes 26 places to visit in Paris, clearly labelled A to Z. Starting with the Eiffel Tower up to to the world-famous Louvre museum. With this printable tourist map you won't miss any of the must-see Paris attractions.

Make the most of your trip to Paris with the help of Tripomatic. Locate the best things to do and see in Paris on a map. Select the ones you like the most and create your own printable Paris tourist map.

More printable maps

• New York Printable Map
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Map of Paris - Interactive Map of Paris

Information about the map.

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.

Icons on the Paris interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

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2-Day Paris Itinerary

If you are staying in Paris for a few days and want to see and visit the city's top tourist attractions and museums, read our itinerary, which includes detailed information on what to see and how to get to the places.

General Information

If you’re planning your visit to Paris, you might be wondering what travel documents you need to travel to France, what the country's currency is, and other frequently asked questions all answered here below:

• 14 March 2024

The Ultimate Travel Map to Paris | Hotspot Overview

The ultimate travel map to paris | all hotspots pinned on an easy to use map.

Welcome to the City of Lights, the capital of France, Oui Oui Paris! In Paris, every corner tells a story and reveals new beautiful locations and amazing bars and restaurants. To enhance your experience during your next weekend trip to Paris, I present a personalized travel map, which is a carefully curated guide that unveils the best hot spots, hidden gems, and delectable dining options scattered throughout this mesmerizing city. This ultimate travel map to Paris gives you a perfect overview of amazing locations. 

Allow the map to be your compass, leading you through the charming streets and vibrant neighborhoods. Personally, I always love to see hotspots pinned on a map, as it allows you to explore a city and find the nearest great location when you are seeking some food or a drink. Furthermore, it provides a visual overview of how to structure your trip. Whether you find yourself lost in the allure of a bustling market, sipping espresso at a sidewalk café, or discovering a hidden boutique, each moment promises to be a unique part of your Parisian adventure. The travel map to Paris is designed to be flexible, allowing you to create your own narrative and discover the city’s treasures at your own pace.

Indulge your senses, embrace the spontaneity, and let the City of Lights unfold before you. Paris awaits, and your weekend adventure is about to start. Save the map for your next stay and bon voyage!

- Your Ultimate Paris Travel Map -

Are your favourite hotspots missing? Feel free to reach out to [email protected] to let me know what should be added! 

My favourite hot spots in Paris

Although the map gives a great overview of great places to go in Paris, I of course have some personal favourites based on my latest trip to Paris. If you can’t choose from the map and want a bit more guidance, I definitely recommend the following hotspots. 

Picture Locations:  Definitely visit one of the great locations for the perfect Instagram photo of the Eiffeltower, such as Rue de L’ Universite, Avenue De Camoens or Le Recrutement Cafe.

Restaurants: The famous  Pink Mamma   is worth the hype (make your reservation early!), moreover Chez Cartier is a real experience (be prepared to queue) and Chez Janou  was also one of my favourite options.

Bars:  Paris is full of speakeasies and amazing wine bars, don’t miss out on Le Baron Rouge,  L’Epicier and Mamacita (a restaurant that turns into a party area).

Visit: Of course, during a trip to Paris you can’t miss out on some main sights such as the Eiffeltower, Louvre, Jardin de Luxumbourg, L’ Atelier des Lumieres and Musee d’Orsay.

Are you looking for an alternative destination in France? Why not check out the bubbly champagne region around Reims and Epernay?

More about France

• 11 September 2020

A bubbly weekend in the Champagne Region

Learn more about france, pin for later:.

Privacy Overview

What's On in Paris

Performances.

• Christmas in Paris
• The Eiffel Tower

Monuments in Paris

Historic churches, history museums.

• The Louvre Museum
• Musée d'Orsay

The Top Paris Museums

Artist museums, more paris museums.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line

The 6 essential day trips, 10 more iconic day tours, what to do in paris, seine river cruises, night in the city of light, paris city tours, walking tours, your own private paris.

• Romantic Dinner Cruises

The Top Left Bank Hotels

The best hotels in paris, boutique & romantic, top hotels near…, preferred 5-star hotels, the palaces of paris, affordable hotels.

Le Marais Food & Wine Tour

Food & wine activities, the foods of paris, memorable paris dining, best paris restaurants, paris restaurant guide.

• Bistros & Brasseries

Top-Rated Restaurants

• Visit the Champagne Region

Paris Attractions

You ask, we answer, visiting burgundy, paris miscellanea, top ten lists, unusual paris sights, paris gardens & parks, the paris explorer.

• What's On When You're Here

Airports & Transfers

Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, the maps of paris & the paris guide books we like the most.

Ready to savor the city? Here we'll guide you to one guide we consider as well as a couple of lightweight, easy-to-carry maps. Let's start with this advice — a Paris tourist map or guide book is the right choice when you just want to see the sights and enjoy your time in Paris, but don't need to drill down to specific street numbers. If that's you, read on to learn about our favorite pocket guides.

Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

Frommer's paris day by day, 23 smart ways to see the city.

• Maps scale varies • 184 pages • Good Metro map • Includes fold-out map • 8.6 ounces

We're not big fans of mainstream guide books, but this pocket guide by Frommer impressed us. It has good sections with useful suggestions on walks, the Paris gardens, full day tour ideas, and so on. The Paris tourist maps that accompany each of the suggested itineraries are surprisingly good.

The front covers unfolds into a good Metro map , with a tourist map of Paris on the other side. The book also includes a small (that is, easy to handle) folded paper map as well.

Streetwise Paris Map

Laminated city center map.

• 1/14,000 • 2-sided accordion fold • Good Metro map • Weighs nothing!

Streetwise Paris is different from most folded maps. It has an accordion fold, making it easy to use on the street or Metro. It's laminated, making it waterproof and tear-proof, a real benefit. And, there's a very good Metro map in the classic style.

The Streetwise map covers the areas of Paris where most of the tourist action is. Streetwise is highly recommended by travelers, who consider it the ultimate tourist map of Paris. While we like it, our eyes tell us that the scale is a bit small for easy reading.

Our Most Popular Day Trips from Paris

Artwise paris, laminated museum map.

Based on the Streetwise map, Artwise Paris concentrates on things cultural like museums and art galleries, covering the city from Boulevard de Port Royal in the south to Boulevard Haussmann in the north.

The map index provide details on hours of operation, admission costs, addresses and phone numbers.

We like that the Metro stops are clearly indicated , and it also has a nice, separate Metro map.

Paris Planning Guides

Copyright © 2010-2023 Voconces Culinary Ltd, all rights reserved. Original photos © Mark Craft, all rights reserved.

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Home > Paris Travel Tips > Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

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 (%).

>>   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.

But at the same time, the high season in Paris is not the best season to plan a trip to Paris in terms of budget (best accommodation sold out, higher prices). 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.

Click here to read more Paris Tips

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About WORLD IN PARIS

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.

• Paris Arrondissements

Map & Guide

Paris Arrondissements Map & District Guide

If you're planning a visit to Paris, you've perhaps already come across the word "arrondissements"   and maybe figured out that it somehow relates to location.  But what exactly are Paris arrondissements?   

Basically, arrondissements are administrative districts.   Despite being a fairly compact city, Paris contains 20 arrondissements. Instead of having names, they're known by their numbers:  1 through 20.   So again, at a basic level each area designates a specific area, or part of the city.

You might reasonably think that if the numbers simply designate an administrative area, you don't need to give them another thought, right? 

But in reality, you do because everyone uses the numbers to mean not only location, but much, much more.

Here's why:

Each of the 20 Paris districts has its own unique identity, history, and personality, and vibe, along with popular attractions, special events , and other interesting things to do and see.

So when someone says to you, "You'd probably love staying in the 8th," that means that you might like the leafy Right Bank location as well as the many designer boutiques, wonderful bistros, occasional views of the Eiffel Tower, and elegant, upscale vibe."

Favorite Paris Arrondissement Tours

Although these tours (which are among my own personal favorites) focus on neighborhoods within and across arrondissements, they give you a great way to feel the vibes of each special area:

• Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour in Le Marais - Small group tour in the 3rd & 4th arrondissements - highly rated
• Iconic Paris Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour - Choose from several different neighorhoods; discover top attractions and secret places
• Montmartre Cheese, Wine, & Pastry Guided Walking Tour - Highly rated food & sightseeing tour in the 18th arrondissement

Whether you're planning your first visit or a return trip to the City of Light, knowing which Paris arrondissements have the attractions, activities, neighborhoods, and events you want to experience will help you make the most of your time, decide where to book a hotel room or reserve an apartment, and discover more to do and see nearby. 

In our Paris Arrondissement Guide below, you'll find a quick explanation of the city's layout, an interactive arrondissement map , highlights about top neighborhoods, destinations, activities, major events, tours, and hotels in each district, the best arrondissements to stay in based on what you want to see and do, and tips for using the district numbers to help you plan your trip to Paris.

We've packed lots of useful information into this article, but it's long .  If you're looking for details about a specific topic or district, use these Quick Links to find it fast: 

Arrondissement Map

Arrondissements Guide:  1st Arr   -  2nd Arr   -  3rd Arr   -  4th   -  5th   -  6th   -  7th   -  8th   -  9th   -  10th   -  11th   -  12th   -  13th   -  14th   -  15th   -  16th   -  17th   -  18th   -  19th   -  20th   - FAQs

Top photo:  Paris arrondissement map, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

Paris Arrondissement Map:  Understanding the City's Layout

You'll find single-digit arrondissements in the center of Paris , which is also the oldest part of the city.  They are where you can explore most of the top historic attractions and not surprisingly, find the most tourists. 

As you can see when you look at our Paris arrondissements map below, districts with higher numbers spiral out clockwise from the center (kind of like the shell of a snail, or that favorite French food, an escargot). 

The city of Paris annexed most of the outer arrondissements such as the 18th, home to the Montmartre neighborhood, back in the 1800s when they were villages, and you can still experience plenty of their original charm. 

They are mostly residential and aside from the gorgeous Sacre Coeur Basilica perched on the highest hill of Montmartre and a few popular attractions such as Atelier des Lumières in the 12th and Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th, you usually won't see many tourists.

Our interactive Paris map shows the 20 arrondissements with attractions and landmarks, the city's two great forests, the Seine River, and top attractions plus a few key destinations outside of the city such as Versailles, Disneyland Paris, La Vallée Village discount shopping center, the La Défense business district, and the three closest international airports. 

Zoom in to get a closer view of Paris streets and neighborhoods, or zoom out to see more of France.

Right Bank, Left Bank, and the Seine River Islands

The blue line of the Seine River divides the city into the Right Bank (above the river) and the Left Bank below it. 

In the middle of the Seine are two small islands, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis.  

Île de la Cité, the historic heart of the city includes parts of the 1st and 4th arrondissements.  This is where the area's first settlers, a Celtic tribe called the Parisii , made their home over 2,300 years ago.  It is also where you'll find some of the city's most famous attractions. 

Île Saint-Louis belongs to the 4th district, and is a quiet residential area with 17th century homes, a main street lined with boutiques and bistros, and a few small upscale hotels.

The large green areas at each side of Paris (think of them as the snail's head and tail) represent two enormous tree-filled parks ( bois ), sometimes called the "lungs" of the city because their many trees contribute to the quality of the city's air.

The Périphérique: Paris's Circle Road

One final thing you should know about Paris's layout is that an almost-constantly congested multi-lane highway, the Périphérique (Parisians normally call it "la Périph"), circles the outer districts (but not the parks). 

If you take a taxi or private transport to or from Charles de Gaulle Airport, you'll most likely experience the Périph first-hand - for better or worse.  (Usually for worse, unless you're very, very lucky.)

Paris Arrondissement Guide 

Now, let's take a look at the landmarks and attractions that make each arrondissement special to help you choose where to stay and what to see and do during your visit.

1st Arrondissement:   Louvre Museum, Sainte-Chapelle, Les Halles, Tuileries Garden

Why visit:   Famous attractions, spectacular gardens, and excellent cafés, restaurants, and boutiques pack the 1st arrondissement with must-see "bucket list" sights for first-time as well as returning Paris visitors

Top Attractions in the 1st Arrondissement

Discover:   The Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and many other treasured works of art.  Tuileries Gardens, filled with flowers and statues, pools and fountains, cafes, and a giant ferris wheel.  Musée de l'Orangerie , featuring Monet's lush waterlily paintings.  Musée des Arts Decoratifs is a must if you're into design, decorative items, or just like beautiful things.

Find more ways to experience the Louvre

Experience:  Royal Paris in the almost-hidden Palais Royal Garden and shopping arcades, two of the city's biggest and best Christmas Markets during November and December, the soaring stained glass windows and concerts at Sainte-Chapelle, and Marie Antoinette's last days in the Conciergerie, a medieval palace and infamous Reign of Terror prison.

Join a walking tour of Ile de la Cité

The Vibe:  Elegant, lively, historical, with almost-hidden pockets of tranquility

Shop:  Famous designer boutiques along Rue Saint-Honoré, market streets, and the most popular French cookware shops in Paris pack the 1st. 

Explore:  Les Halles, once the city's largest food market before being torn down in the name of urban renewal, now attracts enthusiastic crowds with its new shopping, entertainment, and dining plaza.  Don't miss the jazz clubs in nearby Rue des Lombards or the epic market pedestrian-only street, Rue Montorgueil.

Visit:   Île de la Cité, the tiny Island in the Seine River straddling the 1st and 4th arrondissements where you'll find the historic heart of Paris, medieval masterpieces, hidden gardens, and lots more.

Fun 1st Arrondissement Wine & Food Experiences

• French Wine Tasting Class with Sommelier - Savor French wines, Champagne, and fresh bread as you learn about France's wine region, how Champagne is made, and lots more from the popular O Chateau wine bar about a 5-minute walk from the Louvre
• 2-Hour Seine River Lunch Cruise - See the Louvre Museum and other famous sites in the 1st arrondissement and other parts of Paris as you cruise by while relaxing over a wonderful 3-course lunch
• Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting - Tour the former wine cellars of the King of France across from the Louvre Museum, learn how wine is made, find about about different French grapes and wine regions, and taste some delicious wines

1st Arrondissement Complete Guide:  Find more things to do & see

Where to Stay in the 1st Arrondissement 

• Top Hotels in the 1st - See our recommendations for best places to stay near the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, Rue Saint-Honoré and Les Halles shopping districts, and other top 1st District attractions

Best places to stay in the 1st District during winter months

See Top Attractions from a Seine River Cruise

2nd arrondissement - covered arcades, sentier, bourse.

Why visit:   You'll love the 2nd arrondissement's covered 19th century shopping arcades, the best Japanese and Korean restaurants in Paris, and fascinating glimpses of the Paris's thriving wholesale textile and design industries in the Sentier neighborhood. 

Top Attractions in the 2nd Arrondissement

The 2nd Arrondissement sometimes gets overlooked as being a mostly-business district dominated by the Bourse (Palais Brongiart), the former Paris stock exchange now used for special trade shows, and at its east end by the Sentier quartier, home to the Paris textile industry and wholesale-only clothing showrooms.

However, you'll find some hidden treasures tucked away in the 2nd - especially if you enjoy shopping and dining.   And at the lively western end of the district, excellent shopping, hotels, and restaurants near the Paris Opera House and bustling Avenue de l'Opéra attract numerous visitors.

Discover:   Japanese restaurants lining Rue Saint-Anne.  Designer boutiques around Place des Victoires, and more affordable shopping along Avenue de l'Opéra. 

Explore: 19th century Passages Couverts , the glass-roofed covered retail arcades and galeries lined with boutiques and bistros - inspiration for today's indoor shopping malls.  Look for Galerie Vivienne (elegant shops and bistros), Passage du Caire (wholesale textiles and clothing), Passage de Choiseul (Korean specialties), Passage du Grand Cerf (art, crafts, esoteric collections), and Passage des Princes (toys and games).  Treasure hunters will want to explore the stamp, coin, and antique dealers in Passage des Panoramas not far from the Drouot Auction House in the 9th.  Explore on your own - or join a secret passages tour.

In and around Sentier, hip restaurants started popping up a few years ago, and now chic hotels are following, making this an increasingly trendy neighborhood for visitors - plus Sentier is next door to the even trendier Marais.

The Vibe:  A buzzy mix of chic and industrial, with fascinating slices of old Paris next to the new and trendy

2nd Arrondissement Complete Guide:  Find more things to do & see

Where to Stay in the 2nd District

• Hotel Edouard VII - 4-star hotel in a superb location on Avenue de l'Opéra, less than a 5-minute walk from the Paris Opera House.  Find current rates
• Hotel Bachaumont - Lovely 4-star hotel with an Art Deco vibe on a quiet side street between the pedestrian-only Rue Montorgueil market street and a stretch of Rue Montmartre lined with luxury boutiques.  Compare rates
• The Hoxton - Elegant and contemporary, located in a gorgeous 18th century building in the bustling Sentier district.   Find lowest rates

Find more hotels in the 2nd arrondissement

Want to Get Around Paris the Fun & Easy Way?

Hop On/Hop Off double-decker buses give you an easy way to explore Paris arrondissement and see the city's top attractions.  Your ticket gives you access to 3 different tour routes  past all the famous landmarks, sights, and shopping areas.   Hop off as often as you wish to explore on foot, and then hop back on to see more attractions as you enjoy the panoramic views from the top deck.   For a few additional Euros, you can get a 2 or 3 day ticket - a fun and economical way to get around the city as you sightsee.

3rd Arrondissement ( Temple ) - Picasso Museum, Upper Marais, Musée Carnavalet

Why visit:   Known as the Haut ("Upper") Marais, the 3rd Arrondissement gives you a glimpse of medieval Paris plus plenty of ornate 17th century mansions, popular museums, and fashion boutiques.

Top Attractions in the 3rd District

You'll find a number of outstanding museums here including the famous Picasso Museum housed in a 17th century mansion, Musée des Arts et Métiers with its displays ranging from airplanes to perfume, and Musée Carnavalet.  

- Find all the best ways to visit the Picasso Museum

Discover:   Jewish culture in France in the Museum of Jewish Art and History.

Dine on tasty couscous or kebabs at an outdoor table next to the food stalls at Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris where residences have shopped for 400 years. 

Stroll along narrow cobblestone streets and explore the indie designer boutiques.

The Vibe:   Tranquil, arty, family-friendly, with quiet residential enclaves and flower-filled gardens

Recommended Self-Guided Paris Walk:  Rue Payenne Gardens

Where to stay in the 3rd arrondissement

4th Arrondissement - Notre Dame, Pompidou Center, Île Saint-Louis, Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Ville

Why visit:   The 4th Arrondissement is "must see" area for first time and return visitors. So many famous historic sites and top attractions are located here - plus the medieval Marais neighborhood offers some of the best shopping in Paris. 

Top Attractions in the 4th Arrondissement

The 4th includes Île Saint-Louis, half of Île de la Cité, and a swath of the Right Bank, including part of the Marais, and is packed with top attractions, historic neighborhoods, chic shopping, and superb restaurants.

Discover:   The magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame on Île de la Cité.  Bertillon ice cream, considered the best in Paris, in Île Saint-Louis.   

Explore the trendy boutiques and galleries in the Marais, and visit antique stores and artisans in historic Village Saint-Paul.  

Admire modern and recent art on a private tour at Centre Pompidou, go for carryout falafel in Rue de Rosiers in the Marais home of the oldest Orthodox Jewish community in Paris, and picnic in picture-perfect Place des Vosges.

The Vibe:   Trendy and lively

Fun Ways to See the Marais

• Le Marais District & Jewish Quarter Guided Walking Tour - On this small group tour with maximum 8 people, you'll see important attractions and beautiful parks, and explore the historic Jewish Quarter and its wonderful kosher restaurants and boutiques.  Find out more 
• Marais Walking Food Tour: Cheese, Wine, & Delicacies - You'll stroll around this charming neighborhood and see its many art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and centuries-old architecture as you stop at 8-10 places to sample cheese, wine, pastries, and seasonal specialties.  This tour lasts 3+ hours.  Find out more
• Marais Pastry & Chocolate Tour - You'll explore small streets and hidden nooks of the Marais while learning about the neighborhood, visiting chocolate shops and bakeries, and tasting some samples.   Find out more

Best places to stay in the Marais

Where to stay in the Marais during winter months

Best Paris Arrondissements for Your Visit

Which district should you choose when choosing where to make hotel reservations or book an apartment for your Paris visit?  Here's a quick guide:

Are you a . . .

• First-time (or return) visitor who wants to see top Paris attractions?  Focus on these arrondissements:  1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, part of 16 (Trocadéro) and part of 18 (Montmartre) 
• Return visitor who wants to explore the "real" Paris off the tourist path and discover hidden treasures?   Explore these arrondissements:    2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (beyond Trocadéro), 17, 18 (beyond Montmartre), 19, and 20

5th Arrondissement - Latin Quarter, Cluny Museum, Arènes de Lutèce, Panthéon

Why visit:   Layers of history, the famous Latin Quarter and other top attractions, charming street markets, and winding cobblestone lanes make the 5th Arrondissement another "must-see" part of the city for first-time and returning visitors.

Top Attractions in the 5th Arrondissement

Discover:   The famous Pantheon, towering majestically over much of the district  

The Roman-era Arènes de Lutèce and Roman baths under Musée Cluny, home to magnificent tapestries and other medieval treasures. 

The Jardin des Plants, where you'll find an ancient botanic garden, Natural History Museum, and the small but appealing Paris Zoo.

Don't miss the Rue Mouffetard street market, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, and Tunisian pastries and tiny glasses of mint tea at the Arab Institute's terrace restaurant overlooking the most scenic parts of Paris.

The Vibe:   Relaxed and still slightly bohemian, thanks to all the students in the area - although upscale in a low-keyed way

Find best hotels & apartments in the Latin Quarter

6th Arrondissement - Luxembourg Garden, Saint Germain des Prés, & Saint-Sulpice Church

Why visit:   The lovely 6th arrondissement, famous for its formerly bohemian Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and a slice of the chill Latin Quarter, is a lovely upper-class mostly-residential district with commercial areas devoted to superb boutiques, art galleries, and dining.

Top Attractions in the 6th Arrondissement

Discover:   Beautiful Luxembourg Garden.   Cafés and bistros along Boulevard Saint-Germain made famous by French Existentialists and American writers during the last century.

Visit: The magnificent Church of Saint-Sulpice, setting for The Da Vinci Code, and Paris's oldest church, Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Explore: The district's wonderful antique shops, home furnishing boutiques, and clothing stores.  

Buy:  Holiday gifts at the large Christmas market by Saint-Germain Church from mid-November through December

The Vibe:   Reminiscent of a 19th century romantic painting of the city, a favorite of many American tourists

Recommended 6th Arrondissement Tours

• Saint-Germain Pastry & Chocolate Walking Tour - You'll sample pastries, chocolates, and breads on this walking tour through this posh Paris neighborhood
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Private Tour - From famous cafes and churches to fantastic chocolate and pastry shops, your guide will customize this private tour to suit your interests

Where to Stay in the 6th Arrondissement

• Hotel Clémont - This charming 2-star boutique hotel with 28 guestrooms has air conditioning and an elevator, and serves a fantastic breakfast; great value near the Saint Germain Market and Saint Sulpice Church
• Hotel de Buci - This charming 24-room boutique hotel on the Rue Buci market street features furnishings with a romantic Louis XV 18th century très-Parisian vibe
• Hotel Madison - Lovely 4-star boutique hotel with 50 rooms and suites across from Saint Germain des Prés church in a fantastic location near two metro stations
• Hôtel Montalembert - Excellent 5-star boutique hotel in Saint Germain de Prés near museums, the Bon Marché luxury department store and food hall, and numerous small boutiques and antique shops Find best rates
• Hotel de Seine (52 Rue de Seine) - This centrally-located small 3-star boutique hotel features 30 guestrooms, air conditioning, and an elevator in an excellent location near the Seine River - Book Now

Find more hotels & apartments in the 6th arrondissement

Where to stay in Saint-Germain-des-Pres during winter months

7th Arrondissement - Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Bon Marché, Champ de Mars 

Why visit:   The 7th arrondissement is where you'll find the world's most famous landmark - the Eiffel Tower - as well as several top museums, the only department store on the Left Bank, a popular market street, and many top-notch restaurants.

Top Attractions in the 7th District

Discover:   Sweeping Paris views from the top of the Eiffel Tower.  

Find out how to get skip-the-line-priority entrance to the Eiffel Tower

See Impressionist masterpieces at Musée d'Orsay, non-western art at the Branly Museum, and magnificent sculptures and a romantic garden at Musée Rodin. 

Find skip-the-line tickets & guided tours to the Orsay Museum

Shop for luxury goods and gourmet food and wine selections at Le Bon Marché.  

History buffs will want to explore Les Invalides , where you'll find the Musée de l'Armée and Napoleon's tomb in Dome Church (get a priority entrance ticket that covers both).  

After your visit, walk a few blocks to reach the popular Rue Cler market street, overflowing with small cafes and yummy bakeries where you enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner.  Or buy a few gourmet goodies and head over to nearby Champ de Mars for a picnic.

The Vibe:   Elegant, quiet, upscale (except for the tourist-packed area around the Eiffel Tower)

Where to Stay in the 7th Arrondissement

Find best hotels near the Eiffel Tower

Best hotels in Paris's 7th arrondissement

8th Arrondissement - Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Golden Triangle, Parc Monceau

Why visit:   With the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées as major tourist attractions, the 8th arrondissement ranks high on the "must visit" list for most first time visitors.  But there's so much to see and do here that you'll want to return whenever you're in Paris.

Top Attractions in the 8th Arrondissement

Discover:   Expansive views from the top of the Arc, the beautiful but blood-soaked Place de la Concorde, and an eternal flame marking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the base.   Excellent art collections, exquisite architecture, and a little-known tea room overlooking a lovely garden at the Petit Palais .  Special exhibits at the enormous glass-roofed Grand Palais.  Luxury goods on display in designer showrooms along the Golden Triangle.  

Need a change of pace in this wealthy, tourist-filled arrondissement? 

Head over to tranquil Parc Monceau , and visit one of the nearby specialty museums - Musée Cernuschi , Musée Nissim de Camondo , or Musée Jacquemart-André.

Fun Things to Do in the 8th Arrondissement

• View Paris from the top of the Arc de Triomphe - You'll experience panoramic views of the entire city and all its iconic sites.  That's where we took the photo of Sacre Coeur at the top of this page.  Tickets are cheap - but admission lines can be long, so do yourself a favor and get a skip-the-line ticket online before you go.

Find out more about visiting the Arc de Triomphe

Best places to stay in the 8th arrondissement

Fun Ways to See & Do near the Arc de Triomphe

9th arrondissement - palais garnier, pigalle, galeries lafayette, printemps, wax museum, covered passages.

Why visit:   For most tourists, the top reason to visit the 9th arrondissement is shopping at the Grands Magasins (big luxury department stores) - Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps - in this lively district filled with gorgeous19th century Haussmannian architecture.  

Top Attractions in the 9th Arrondissement

More to discover:  

• The spectacular Opéra Garnier (Paris Opera) - the largest and possibly the most flamboyant opera house in Europe, and a must-visit destination for Phantom of the Opera fans.

    Explore the Paris Opera House, a Baroque masterpiece

• Musée Grévin, the wax museum, located in Passage Jouffroy, one of the many historic covered arcades in the 9th. 

    Get your Grevin Museum tickets online and skip the (usually) long ticket queue at the entrance

If you enjoy exploring newly hip neighborhoods, head to trendy South Pigalle, known as SoPi where you can visit the Musée de la Vie Romantic (but do know that SoPi's northern edge bordering the 18th can still feel a bit sketchy due to the remaining sex shows in this former red-light district, although in reality it's quite safe). 

Stop by the famous Drouot auction house, and explore the surrounding streets where you'll find many dealers specializing in stamps, coins, antiques, and other collectibles.

9th Arrondissement Complete Guide:  Find more things to do & see

Where to stay in the 9th arrondissement

Best places to stay in the 9th during winter months

10th Arrondissement - Canal Saint-Martin, Place de la République, Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est

Why visit:   The diverse 10th arrondissement contains two major Paris train stations, Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Ést, surrounded by numerous popular bistros and cafes, and a variety of neighborhoods - some more gentrified (which means more hotels, etc) than others. 

What to Discover:   Scenic bridges and locks along Canal Saint-Martin - Take a cruise, or simply stroll around the neighborhood and enjoy the colorful street art, lively cafes, and boutiques - in particular, look for up-and-coming young designers and pop-up stores.  

Place de la République (shared with 11th) - another trendy spot filled with bars and bistros, nightlife, and towering over the square, a magnificent statue of Marianne, Goddess of Liberty and symbol of the French Republic.

Where to stay in the 10th arrondissement

11th Arrondissement - Place de la Bastille, Oberkampf, Nightlife, Atelier des Lumieres

Why visit:   The 11th arrondissement is a pleasant mostly residential area, formerly working class but now trendy and increasingly gentrified, with no major landmarks aside from Place de la Bastille and the enormous Opéra Bastille where you can catch a Paris Opera concert or ballet. 

For a unique immersive digitized art and music experience in a former iron foundry, visit Atelier des Lumières.

If you are looking for a lively nightlife scene, check out the bars and clubs in the Oberkampf neighborhood.  If you need any camera equipment or accessories while you are in Paris, you may want to visit one of the specialized camera stores along Boulevard Beaumarchais, near the Chemin Vert Metro Station.

Discover:    Lots of ethnic and French cafes around and near Place de la Bastille.  Vintage furniture and clothing stores around Rue de Marché Popincourt and Rue Nueve Popincourt. 

The Bastille Arts and Crafts Market held from 9am - about 6pm every Saturday along Boulevard Richard Lenoir, starting just beyond the Bastille Métro Station. 

If you are adventurous, explore the almost-hidden passages and interior courtyards along the north side of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, once occupied by 19th century furniture makers and artisans, and now art galleries, craft studios, and boutiques.

12th Arrondissement - Proménade Plantée, Marché d'Aligre Market, Bercy Village

Why visit:   Although the 12th arrondissement is primarily residential, it has several attractions worth exploring if you're on a return visit to Paris and want to interesting sites beyond the major tourist attractions.  On the 12th's eastern side is the largest public park in Paris, Bois de Vincennes, complete with a chateau, English-style gardens, and a zoo.

Discover:   Interesting city views and exquisite gardens along the elevated parkland of the Proménade Plantée.  Thrilling ballet performances at the glittering Bastille Opera.  Treasures (and junk) at the Marché d'Aligre, the city's most popular flea market.  Spend an afternoon browsing in the boutiques and sipping wine at an outdoor cafe in Bercy Village, converted from 19th century wine warehouses next to the Seine.

Find best places to stay in the 12th arrondissement

Paris Arrondissement Numbers:  4 Ways You Can Use Them

• Avoid getting lost:  Most street signs display the arrondissement number - an easy way to confirm roughly where you are. 
• Find your destination's location:  Not sure where you're going?  Look up the address, which almost always include a 5-digit postal code . The code's last two digits are the arrondissement number, which tells you where your destination is located.   For example, if you look up the address for the Picasso Museum, you'll see the street address plus the postal code: 75004.  That means the museum is in Paris's 4th district.   (Paris addresses always have " 75 " as the first two digits.)
• Plan your trip:   Do you have a bucket list of attractions and places you want to visit?   Look up their addresses, note the district numbers, and plan your itinerary based on locations to minimize your travel time between attractions.
• Choose where to book accommodations :  Once you identify the arrondissement where most of your bucket list attractions are located, choose a hotel or apartment in the same district for ultimate convenience.

13th Arrondissement - Gobelins Tapestry, Place d'Italie, Street Art, Butte aux Cailles

Why visit:   Fans of street art will find plenty to enjoy in the 13th arrondissement, where an innovative mayor and many modern concrete high-rise buildings provide a welcoming canvas space for street art professionals and amateurs.  Otherwise, this is another mostly residential neighborhood - no major tourist attractions, but plenty of interesting local spots to explore.

Discover:   How tapestries are made at Gobelins Manufactory, creators of museum-worthy pieces since the mid-1400s.  A large enclosed shopping mall - a rarity in Paris - in Place d'Italie.  Charming leafy streets in the hilly Butte aux Cailles neighborhood.  And of course, look for street art - some discrete, some mammoth - wherever you go in the 13th.

How to Explore: 

Street Art in the 13th District Walking Tour - You'll see a lot of exciting street art including some by internationally famous graffiti artists in this fascinating tour of the 13th arrondissement- Find out more & book your ticket

Off the Beaten Track in Paris - Travel in style in a vintage Citroen 2CV convertible to see Butte aux Cailles in the 13th as well as a number of other hidden but wonderful places around the city:  the beautiful Place des Vosges park in the Marais, the Roman arena Arènes de Lutèce, the site of the Bastille Prison, arty Village Saint Paul, and seven other special places you might not find on your own - Find out more & book your ticket

14th Arrondissement - The Catacombs, Montparnasse Cemetery, Fondation Cartier

Why visit:  The 14th arrondissement offers an interesting mix of commercial and residential areas, with plenty of cultural and historical attractions worth seeing, including the always-popular Paris Catacombs.

Discover:   A maze of underground tunnels where the remains of about 6 million people are buried in the Catacombs.  The tombs of famous artists, writers, and performers in Montparnasse Cemetery.  Contemporary art exhibits at Fondation Cartier, in a striking building designed by architect Jean Nouvel.  Lots of theaters, restaurants , and several famous bistros in the area around the triangle formed by the Montparnasse-Bienvenue, Edgar Quinet, and Vavin Métro Stations. 

Find out why & how to get skip the line priority tickets for the Catacombs

See all the Skip the Line and Priority Access ticket choices for the Catacombs

Must-visit destination for history buffs:  Musée de la Liberation, a museum that examines the history of the French Resistance and the Liberation of Paris from the Nazis during World War II by focusing on heroic actions of individuals. 

Next to the 14th, on the other side of the Périphérique:   Vanves Flea Market

15th Arrondissement - Parc André Citroen, Montparnasse Tower, Beaugrenelle Mall

Why visit:   The 15th arrondissement is a large, mostly residential middle-to-upper income district with lovely parks, a spectacular shopping mall, and easy access to Île-des-Cygnes (Island of the Swans), an almost-hidden park in the middle of the Seine. Visit the 15th to get a feel for how real Parisians live and play.

Discover:   Hot air balloon rides at Parc André Citroen.  Spectacular views of Paris from on top of Montparnasse Tower.   The weekend antiquarian and used book market at Parc Georges Brassens.   A collection of top clothing and specialty stores in the upscale Beaugrenelle shopping mall.  

For the perfect afternoon, head to the Mirabeau Bridge and walk down the ramp to Île-des-Cygnes, a lovely sliver of an island in the Seine with excellent views of the Eiffel Tower.

Find out where to stay in the 15th district

16th Arrondissement - Trocadéro, Palais de Tokyo, Musée Marmottan, Bois de Boulogne, Paris Aquarium

Why visit:   Although much of the 16th arrondissement is a wealthy residential area (a favorite of well-off American ex-pats), numerous superb museums, excellent Eiffel Tower views, and the huge Bois de Boulogne park give you plenty of reasons to visit. 

Discover:   Unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower from the marble-paved platform at Trocadéro.  A large collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet at Musée Marmottan.  The French Open, Fondation Louis Vuitton, a chateau and lake, a zoo, and greenhouses containing 100,000 plants in the Bois de Boulogne park. 

You could easily spend days exploring treasures in the 16th's many specialty museums - anthropology at Musée de l'Homme, avant-garde contemporary art at Palais de Tokyo, Asian art at Musée Guimet, fashion at Musée Galliera, 20th century masterpieces at Musée d'Art Moderne, and the world of counterfeiting at Musée de la Contrefaçon, to name just a few.  And if you're visiting Paris with kids, the Paris Aquarium will be a big hit.

Find recommended hotels in Paris's 16th arrondissement

17th Arrondissement - Batignolles Square, Martin Luther King Park

Why visit:   The 17th Arrondissement's economic diversity makes it hard to categorize, and because it lacks any major tourist attractions aside from the Arc de Triomphe (which it shares with the 8th and 16th), you might easily skip over it on your first, second, or even third trip to Paris. 

But if you want to explore the "real" Paris, head to the leafy Batignolles neighborhood in the eastern part of the 17th, where you'll find a mix of 19th century charm and 21st century modernization.

Discover:   Gourmet treats from all over France and freshly harvested organic produce in the Batignolles outdoor markets.  

Charming sidewalk cafes lead up to Batignolles Square, a neighborhood park filled with landscaped hills and dells, a duck pond, and pétanque courts. 

On the other side is Parc Clichy-Batignolles, a gorgeous new recreational arena once occupied by freight yards, where you'll find a skate park, basketball courts, and a playgound surrounded by natural landscaping, scenic walks, and sustainable energy displays including wind turbines and solar panels.

Explore the Artsy & Bohemian Side of Batignolles in this 3-Hour Walking Tour

Find the best places to stay in the 17th arrondissement

18th Arrondissement - Montmartre, Sacré Coeur, Moulin Rouge, Les Puces Flea Market

Why visit:   Famous attractions, village-like neighborhoods once populated by artists and writers, and fantastic views of Paris attract large numbers of visitors to the 18th Arrondissement.  You'll also find plenty of appealing cafes and boutiques, especially along Rue des Abbesses where a Christmas Market pops up during December.

Top Montmartre Attractions

Discover:   The sloping hills, vineyard, and stories about famous artists and musicians who once lived in Montmartre.  The charming village of Abbesses.  

Enjoy: Spectacular views from Sacre Coeur.  

Treat yourself to:  Unforgettable shows and dinner at Moulin Rouge.  

Find out about a VIP evening at Moulin Rouge:  Champagne, dinner, and tickets to the hottest show in town

Explore:   Five floors of dazzling textiles and trims at the Saint-Pierre Fabric Market .

Spend a day at:  The biggest flea market in Paris (and the world), Marché aux Puces (Flea Market) in Saint-Ouen located just north of the Peripherique at Clingancourt.  And no, Saint-Ouen is not part of Paris (historically, this was to avoid taxes) and Les Puces isn't technically in the 18th - but it's just across the city line.

Find top Montmartre hotels & apartments in Montmartre

Recommended Montmartre Tours

19th arrondissement - parc de la villette, buttes chaumont park, paris plages.

Why visit:   Cultural, recreational, and scenic attractions fill the 19th Arrondissement's two huge parks - plus the district boasts the city's largest artificial lake, the site of summer festivals, sports, and even a "beach."

Discover:   Cité de la Science et l’Industrie science museum, Cité de la Musique music instruments museum, and Philharmonie de Paris concert hall at Parc de la Villette.  

Enjoy:  Bassin de la Villette's beach and row boats during Paris Plages.   Flower-covered slopes, a waterfall, and some of the best views of Paris in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Find out about the 17 best locations to see spectacular Paris skyline views

20th Arrondissement - Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville, Street Art

Why visit:   The 20th's biggest attraction is Cimetière du Père-Lachaise - the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery - where rows of ornate tombs and monuments of famous writers, musicians, artists, philosophers, and politicians perch on the landscaped hills.  The 20th District also includes a swath of the sprawling and dynamic Belleville neighborhood, which spans parts of the 19th, 10th, and 11th districts as well.

Discover:   The final resting spots of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Frédéric Chopin, Edith Piaf, Rossini, and many other luminaries at Père-Lachaise, along with some of the city's most fascinating and poignant tombstones.  For a special experience, take a guided tour (or choose a small-group or private option).

Where to find the most famous 101 graves at Père-Lachaise

Enjoy:  Sweeping views of Paris from a hilltop covered terrace adorned with graphic art in Parc de Belleville , and at the back, a small historic vineyard; down the side of the hill is a 300-foot long tiered waterfall-fountain, plus expanses of award-winning flower gardens.

Explore:  The interesting street art, indie boutiques, art galleries, green space, and the city's second largest Chinatown (complete with wonderful, affordable restaurants) in Belleville.  And on the other side of the Périphérique from the 20th:  Montreuil Flea Market

Find out where to stay in Paris's 20th arrondissement

Paris Hotel Map - Where to Stay in Your Favorite Paris District

Want to find a convenient Paris hotel or apartment close to your bucket list attractions? 

Find out where to stay on your first trip to Paris:  best neighborhoods

Use this map to find available accommodations & best rates for your travel dates, and make your reservations:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

More to Know about Paris Arrondissements, Names, Quarters, & Neighborhoods

Paris districts:  do they have names.

Yes.  Each arrondissement has a historic name in addition to a number.  But there's no need to learn them because they are not normally used in daily conversation, directions, or much of anything else.

You'll almost always hear Parisians refer to districts by only the number .  For example, "She works in the 7th."

Confused?  Don't worry about it.  By the time you've spent a few days in Paris, all of this will make more sense.

The practice of compartmentalizing Paris into administrative districts and numbering them sequentially dates back to 1795 when the city was divided into 12 arrondissements.  

In 1860, Emperor Napoleon III more than doubled the size of the city by annexing 11 surrounding towns and expanding the number of arrondissements to the present 20. 

The recent formation of "Paris Centre" by administratively combining the first four districts doesn't really change much.  The only practical difference is that now the Paris Centre arrondissements share one mayor and one city hall.  So don't worry - everyone still refers to them as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Is a Quartier (Quarter) the Same as a Neighborhood in Paris?  

Sometimes - but not usually.

Each of Paris's 20 arrondissements contains four distinct quartiers (administrative sub-districts) and each quartier has a historic name.

Although many quartier names such as Croulebarbe and Gaillon are no longer used in everyday conversation, others such as Les Halles (1st arrondissement), Sentier (2nd), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) - serve double duty as neighborhood names , although (just to keep things confusing) neighborhood boundaries usually don't align with quartiers boundaries.

Additionally, some neighborhood names such Latin Quarter and Marais   reflect what Parisians have traditionally called the area, and have no relationship at all to the names of their quartiers.

For example, the Latin Quarter covers an area in the 5th, 6th, and even a bit of the 13th districts where students from all other Europe gathered during the Middle Ages while studying at the Sorbonne University.  They spoke Latin as their common language, and that's how this Paris neighborhood got its name. 

Similarly, the chic Marais neighborhood spanning large swaths of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements used to be swamp land, and so Parisians called it (somewhat derisively) Le Marais ("the swamp").  

Bottom line:  Paris neighborhood names and locations within or across arrondissements are useful to know.   Quartier names, not so much.

What Arrondissement Has the Most Tourist Attractions? 

Probably the 1st arrondissement (although not everyone may define "tourist" attraction the same way).

In this old and historic Paris area, you'll find the Louvre Museum (former Palais du Louvre, home to Paris kings and queens, and now the world's most-visited museum.

More to the point, Paris 1 is where you can visit Sainte Chapelle with its stunning gorgeous medieval stained glass walls and wonderful classical concerts and La Conciergerie, a medieval palace and Reign of Terror prison.  Both are located on Ile de la Cité  - but only half of the island is in the 1st; the rest, including the part with Notre Dame Cathedral) is in the 4th. 

Across the Seine on the Right Bank is the rest of the 1st, and that's where you'll find da Vinci's Mona Lisa) in the Louvre, Monet's famous water lily paintings in Musée de l'Orangerie, the Forum des Halles shopping center where the old Les Halles wholesale food markets once stood, some of the city's best kitchenware stores (including Dehillerin), part of the appealing Rue de Montgoreiul market street, along Rue Saint Honoré  with its numerous designer boutiques, Tuileries Garden, and the Palais Royal Garden, just to name a few of the top attractions. 

And last but certainly not least, the 1st is where you'll find the super-popular Tuileries Christmas Market and Hotel de Ville Christmas Market.  

What Does "1er" Mean?  What about "1ère"? 

This is how Parisians (and everyone else in France) abbreviates "1st Arrondissement" ( "la premier" in French) - and yes, there's a very short ("1er" or "2e" etc) and a slightly longer ("1ère" or "2ème") way (which you'll much less frequently see written as "1ière" or "2ième") to do this and both are used interchangeably.  

Although the longer version is technically incorrect, that doesn't stop people from using it - so don't be startled if you see it.

However ... older street signs may show the arrondissement number as a Roman numeral  - so if you're feeling fuzzy about whether "IX" means 9 or 11 (or maybe 4 or 6), brush up on those as needed.  (This really isn't a quiz, but here's the "answer":  IX = 9)

Here's a cheatsheet with arrondissement numbers in English, French (along with Roman numerals), short and longer French abbreviations, and historical names in case you do happen to hear them:

Arrondissement

• First (1st)
• Second (2nd)
• Third (3rd)
• Fourth (4th)
• Fifth (5th)
• Sixth (6th)
• Seventh (7th)
• Eighth (8th)
• Ninth (9th)
• Tenth (10th)
• Eleventh (11th)
• Twelfth (12th)
• Thirteenth (13th)
• Fourteenth (14th)
• Fifteenth (15th)
• Sixteenth (16th)
• Seventeenth (17th)
• Eighteenth (18th)
• Nineteenth (19th)
• Twentieth (20th)
• Première (I)
• Deuxième (II)
• Troisième (III)
• Quartrième (IV)
• Cinquième (V)
• Sixième (VI)
• Septième (VII)
• Huitième (VIII)
• Neuvième (IX)
• Dixième (X)
• Onzième (XI)
• Douzième (XII)
• Treizième (XIII)
• Quatorzième (XIV)
• Quinzième (XV)
• Seizième (XVI)
• Dix-septième (XVII)
• Dix-huitième (XVIII)
• Dix-neuvième (XIX)
• Vingtième (XX)

Abbreviations

•  2e (2ème)
• 10e (10ème)
• 11e (11ème)
• 12e (12ème)
• 13e (13ème)
• 14e (14ème)
• 15e (15ème)
• 16e (16ème)
• 17e (17ème)
• 18e (18ème)
• 19e (19ème)
• 20e (20ème)
• Hôtel de Ville
• Palais-Bourbon
• Observatoire
• Batignolles-Monceau
• Butte-Montmartre
• Buttes-Chaumont
• Ménilmontant

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Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

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• Paris to Antwerp drive
• Paris to Cologne drive
• Paris to Istanbul drive
• Paris to Valencia drive
• Paris to Seville drive
• Paris to Liverpool drive
• Paris to Birmingham drive

Explore nearby places

• Le Pre Saint Gervais
• Kremlin Bicetre
• Saint-Mande
• Ivry-sur-Seine
• Levallois-Perret
• Charenton-le-Pont
• La Plaine-Saint-Denis
• Neuilly-sur-Seine
• Romainville
• Aubervilliers
• Asnieres-sur-Seine
• Saint Maurice
• Vitry-sur-Seine

All related maps of Paris

• Map of Paris
• Map of Gentilly
• Map of Montrouge
• Map of Le Pre Saint Gervais
• Map of Kremlin Bicetre
• Map of Bagnolet
• Map of Saint-Mande
• Map of Les Lilas
• Map of Ivry-sur-Seine
• Map of Arcueil
• Map of Pantin
• Map of Malakoff
• Map of Vanves
• Map of Levallois-Perret
• Map of Clichy
• Map of Charenton-le-Pont
• Map of La Plaine-Saint-Denis
• Map of Vincennes
• Map of Neuilly-sur-Seine
• Map of Montreuil
• Map of Saint Ouen
• Map of Romainville
• Map of Cachan
• Map of Aubervilliers
• Map of Bagneux
• Map of Villejuif
• Map of Chatillon
• Map of Asnieres-sur-Seine
• Map of Saint Maurice
• Map of Courbevoie
• Map of Vitry-sur-Seine

Paris throughout the year

• Paris in January
• Paris in February
• Paris in March
• Paris in April
• Paris in May
• Paris in June
• Paris in July
• Paris in August
• Paris in September
• Paris in October
• Paris in November
• Paris in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Paris?

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

• 1-Day Paris Itinerary
• 2-Day Paris Itinerary
• 3-Day Paris Itinerary
• 4-Day Paris Itinerary
• 5-Day Paris Itinerary

Q&A about Paris

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

Further Reading for your 3 Days in Paris

We have visited Paris on a number of occasions, and have written a good deal about our experiences in the city. To help you further plan your stay in Paris, here are some of our favourite posts and external resources.

• A detailed guide to 2 Days in Paris , should you be there for a shorter period or are looking for some alternative options
• We also have a guide to spending a day in Paris , if you’re on a really tight schedule and just want to focus on the highlights
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• Our guide to the  best photography locations in Paris , to help you get the best shots on your trip
• A guide to  choosing a Seine river cruise , choosing a Seine River dinner cruise , buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and our tips for  the best restaurants in Paris for lunch .
• Our  review of the Paris Pass  and the Paris Museum Pass to help you decide if these might save you money during your time in Paris
• Galeries Lafayette is one of the most well known stores in Paris. However, there’s more to do here than shop! See our complete guide to visiting Galeries Lafayette for more information.
• A guide to  Airbnb Alternatives  to help you find the right accommodation
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• If you are heading out of town, check out our itinerary for 2 Days visiting Normandy and the D-Day beaches
• We have reviewed many travel related products you might find useful. Check out our guide to the best travel routers , best travel cameras and best travel wraps to get started!
• If you want a book, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition

And that’s it for our guide to spending 3 days in Paris! As always if you have any feedback or questions, just let us know in the comments below.

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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

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Apple Maps Is Making It Easier to Navigate Paris in Time for the Summer Olympics

Visitors to Paris can now add the city's metro pass directly to their Apple Wallet.

The Paris Olympics are around the corner, and Apple is making it a bit easier to get around for tourists who flock to the City of Light for the momentous event.

The tech company is introducing a seamless way to board Paris transit by allowing travelers to add a Navigo pass directly to their Apple Wallets, Apple shared with Travel + Leisure . Travelers will be able to buy tickets from their iPhones or Apple Watches and tap to ride.

The Navigo pass is a refillable card used to access the Paris Métro .

“In the lead-up to what will surely be an amazing summer for the Paris region, we’re thrilled to bring Navigo cards to Apple Wallet and provide Parisians and visitors with an incredibly convenient and secure way to ride transit in Paris and explore the city,” Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Users will love the safety, security, and seamlessness of purchasing passes and riding with a Navigo card in Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch.”

To add a Navigo pass, riders must open the Wallet app, tap the add button (+), select “transit card,” and then follow the instructions. Travelers who add the pass to their phones or watches will not need to visit a ticket vending machine or reload at a retailer.

To pay, riders can either select the Navigo pass from their Apple Wallet and double-click the side button, or enable Express Mode and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a card reader.

Apple will also offer t+, t+ reduced price, OrlyBus, RoissyBus tickets, and Navigo Day passes.

In addition, Apple is adding real-time transit information in Apple Maps in Paris starting this week. This information will be available for the Paris Métro, RER trains, the tramway, RATP buses, and more. 

Travelers will be able to see live departure and arrival times along with system connections, outages, and delays.

The updates come just a couple months before the Paris Olympics are set to kick off on July 26, with travelers expected to flock to the city in droves. In fact, Air France has increased service to Paris from the United States , including bringing back its route from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Paris on a daily basis.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .