Paris is the classic first trip to Europe for many Americans, and it lives up to it: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame, but also the simple pleasure of a café terrace, a market morning or a sunset along the Seine. The city is compact and best explored on foot and by Métro, one neighborhood at a time.
A few things to know: many top sights require timed tickets booked in advance, several museums close one day a week, and August is quieter because many Parisians take holidays. This guide covers where to stay, what to book ahead and a five-day plan.
- Ideal trip length
- 4–6 days
- Main airport
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY)
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Best months
- April–June, Sept–Oct
Best time to visit Paris
April through June and September through October bring mild weather and long days. July and August are warm and busy with visitors. Winter is cold and gray but cheaper and festive in December.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April–June | Blossoms, mild weather and outdoor cafés; book popular sights early. |
| July–August | Warm and busy; some smaller restaurants close in August. |
| September–October | Pleasant weather and cultural season in full swing. |
| November–March | Cold and quieter with lower hotel rates; holiday lights in December. |
Month by month, with weather, crowds and events: best time to visit Paris.
Where to stay in Paris
The right base saves hours of travel time. These are the areas we suggest most often, and what each one is best for.
Le Marais (3rd/4th)
Mid-range Luxury
Historic streets, galleries, falafel and boutiques, central to everything. A favorite for first-timers.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
Luxury
Classic Left Bank cafés, bookshops and elegant streets near the Luxembourg Gardens.
Latin Quarter (5th)
Good value Mid-range
Lively, central and often better value, near Notre-Dame and the Panthéon.
Montmartre (18th)
Good value Mid-range
Village feel, views from Sacré-Cœur and lower hotel prices; a bit farther from the center.
Ways to do Paris: Essential, Signature or Luxury
Choose the comfort level that fits your budget. We'll quote flights, lodging and extras for your dates.
Essential
- A comfortable, well-reviewed 3-star hotel
- Economy flights at sensible times
- Shared airport transfers
- The plan's must-do tours, the rest at your own pace
Area to consider: Latin Quarter (5th)
Request EssentialSignature
- A 4-star hotel in a well-located area
- Economy or premium economy, best-timed flights
- Private airport transfers
- Guided tours and reservations for the key days
Area to consider: Le Marais (3rd/4th)
Request SignatureLuxury
- A 5-star hotel, with room upgrades where available
- Premium cabins where available
- Private transfers and guides
- Spa, dining and special-occasion reservations
Area to consider: Le Marais (3rd/4th)
Request LuxuryPrices depend on your dates, departure city and hotel, so we quote each comfort level on request. You can mix and match, for example a Signature hotel with Essential transfers.
Top things to do in Paris
Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro
Book summit or second-floor tickets on the official site well ahead, or simply admire it from Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars. The tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour after dark.
Culture · Romance · Family · Half day
The Louvre
Home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Book a timed ticket, arrive at opening, and focus on a few wings. Closed Tuesdays.
Culture · History · Half day
Musée d'Orsay
The world's great collection of Impressionist art in a former railway station. Closed Mondays.
Culture · Half day
Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité
Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened in December 2024 after its restoration; entry is free. Pair with the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle (timed tickets).
History · Culture · Half day
Seine river cruise
An hour on the river past the city's landmarks, especially lovely at dusk.
Romance · Relax · Family · Evening
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Climb to the white basilica for views, then wander the artists' square of Place du Tertre and quiet backstreets.
Culture · Romance · Half day
Le Marais walk and Place des Vosges
Paris's oldest planned square, hidden courtyards, the Picasso Museum and great falafel on Rue des Rosiers.
Culture · Food · Shopping · Half day
Palace of Versailles
Louis XIV's palace, Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens, about 40 minutes by RER C train. Book timed palace tickets; closed Mondays.
History · Culture · Full day
Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain
Pull up a green chair in Paris's favorite park, then browse cafés and bookshops nearby.
Relax · Food · Family · Half day
Food market and cooking class
Visit a market like Marché d'Aligre or Rue Cler, or take a pastry or cheese-and-wine class.
Food · Culture · Half day
Bistro dinner
Classic French bistro dishes: steak frites, duck confit and a carafe of wine. Reserve ahead for popular spots.
Food · Romance · Evening
Musée de l'Orangerie and Tuileries
Monet's Water Lilies in oval rooms, next to the Tuileries Garden. Closed Tuesdays.
Culture · Relax · Half day
Cabaret or jazz evening
A classic cabaret show or a smoky jazz cellar in the Latin Quarter.
Nightlife · Evening
Book tours & activities
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Airport transfers from Paris airports · France eSIM on Airalo
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5-day Paris itinerary
Sample itinerary. Classic Paris by neighborhood, with museums timed around their closing days and an evening on the Seine. Suggested base: Le Marais or Saint-Germain. See the full 5-Day Paris Itinerary: Louvre, Eiffel Tower & Versailles or the 4-Day Romantic Paris Itinerary.
Île de la Cité and the Marais
Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and a dusk cruise.
- Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité
- Le Marais walk and Place des Vosges
- Seine river cruise
Louvre and Tuileries
Avoid Tuesday, when both are closed.
- The Louvre
- Musée de l'Orangerie and Tuileries
Eiffel Tower and Left Bank
Tower in the morning, gardens and bistro later.
- Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro
- Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain
- Bistro dinner
Versailles
Avoid Monday closures; book palace tickets.
- Palace of Versailles
Montmartre and Orsay
Hilltop views, then Impressionists before you leave.
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- Musée d'Orsay
What to eat in Paris
- Croissants and pain au chocolat
- Steak frites
- Duck confit
- Cheese and charcuterie boards
- Macarons and pastries
Getting there and getting around
Most travelers fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). Currency: Euro (EUR).
- The Métro is fast and comprehensive; use a contactless card or a Navigo Easy pass.
- RER B connects Charles de Gaulle with central Paris; Orlyval or the Orlybus serve Orly.
- Walking along the Seine connects many top sights.
Budget tips for Paris
- The Paris Museum Pass can save money and time if you visit several museums in two to four days.
- Many national museums are free on the first Sunday of some months; check each museum's policy.
- Eat a fixed-price lunch menu (formule) at bistros; it's often much cheaper than dinner.
- Stay in the 11th, Latin Quarter or Montmartre for better hotel value.
Insider tips for Paris
Most Parisian restaurants serve lunch from around noon to 2 p.m. and dinner from 7:30 p.m.; many kitchens close in between. Bakeries and cafés fill the gap. Service is included in the bill, and rounding up is a kind extra.
Pickpockets target crowded Métro lines, the area around the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. Keep bags closed and in front, and ignore petition signers and 'friendship bracelet' sellers.
Book the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle and Versailles before you fly. If you only do one thing in advance, make it the Louvre, since walk-up entry can mean very long waits or no entry at all.
How to book a Paris trip with RoamPlanned
Use the Trip Planner to build a Paris itinerary around your dates and interests, or request one of our sample itineraries. We'll help you compare flights, hotels and tours from trusted travel partners. You approve everything first and pay the provider directly. Here's how booking works.
Paris travel FAQ
How many days in Paris is enough?
Four days covers the major sights; five or six lets you add Versailles and slower café time.
Where should I stay in Paris for the first time?
Le Marais, Saint-Germain or the Latin Quarter keep you central and walkable.
Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower in advance?
It's strongly recommended, especially for summit tickets in spring and summer. Book on the official website.
Is the Louvre closed on Tuesdays?
Yes, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. The Musée d'Orsay is closed on Mondays.
What do US travelers need to visit France?
A passport valid for your stay. The EU's new Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travelers at the border, and the ETIAS travel authorization is scheduled to follow; check official EU and US State Department sites before you travel.
Last reviewed November 2026. Seasons, reservation systems and entry rules change, so confirm details with official sources before you travel.
