France ? Europe
Paris Travel Guide
Iconic landmarks, museums, and cafes along the Seine.
Quick highlights
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre
- Montmartre
Before you go
Arriving in Paris, plan extra time to reach your accommodation during peak hours. Use the airport transfer option that best matches your schedule and budget.
Reserve key attractions in Paris ahead of time if you travel in high season, and keep a digital copy of your tickets.
Travel tips
- Book museum tickets online
- Use the metro
Cost overview
Budget: $90-120
Mid-range: $160-220
Luxury: $320+
Meals: $12-20 casual
Transport: $10-15 day pass
Lodging: $150-230 mid-range
Museums and lodging add up.
Transport
Airport: CDG, 35-50 minutes by train.
Local: Metro covers the city well.
Car rental: Avoid driving in Paris.
Public transport in Paris is the easiest way to move between neighborhoods. A day pass often saves money if you take multiple rides.
Clothing by season
Winter: Warm coat, scarf, water-resistant shoes.
Spring: Light coat, layers, small umbrella.
Summer: Light layers, comfortable shoes for walking.
Autumn: Light jacket, scarf, rain layer.
Pack with Paris's typical weather in mind and include one extra layer for evenings.
Where to stay
- Le Marais
- Saint-Germain
- Montmartre
For first-time visitors, staying near Le Marais keeps attractions and transit close.
Money and connectivity
Payments: Cards are widely accepted in Paris, but carry small cash for markets, taxis, or tips.
Connectivity: A local SIM/eSIM keeps navigation reliable in Paris; download offline maps as backup.
Tipping: Tipping customs vary; check local norms and note that service may be included.
Safety
Use standard big-city precautions in Paris: keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.
2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Louvre
- Seine walk
Day 2
- Eiffel Tower
- Montmartre
Full travel guide
This guide summarizes the key decisions travelers make before visiting Paris.
Best time to visit: April to June and September. Use this as the baseline for weather and crowd levels.
Arrival and first steps: Arriving in Paris, plan extra time to reach your accommodation during peak hours. Use the airport transfer option that best matches your schedule and budget. Reserve key attractions in Paris ahead of time if you travel in high season, and keep a digital copy of your tickets.
Getting around: Metro covers the city well. Public transport in Paris is the easiest way to move between neighborhoods. A day pass often saves money if you take multiple rides.
Where to stay: For first-time visitors, staying near Le Marais keeps attractions and transit close. Neighborhoods to consider include Le Marais, Saint-Germain, Montmartre.
Budget reality: expect $90-120 for budget travel and $160-220 for mid-range. Meals are typically $12-20 casual and lodging is $150-230 mid-range.
Clothing by season: Winter ? Warm coat, scarf, water-resistant shoes. Spring ? Light coat, layers, small umbrella. Summer ? Light layers, comfortable shoes for walking. Autumn ? Light jacket, scarf, rain layer..
Money and connectivity: Cards are widely accepted in Paris, but carry small cash for markets, taxis, or tips. A local SIM/eSIM keeps navigation reliable in Paris; download offline maps as backup. Tipping: Tipping customs vary; check local norms and note that service may be included.
Safety: Use standard big-city precautions in Paris: keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.
If you only have two days, follow the itinerary above and keep attractions clustered by area to reduce transit time.
FAQ
- How many days?
- 3-4 days for highlights.
- Is English common?
- Yes, in tourist areas.