The Complete Paris Travel Guide
Paris rewards travelers who plan ahead. Between the Louvre queues, Eiffel Tower time slots, and the sheer density of neighborhoods worth exploring, a thoughtful itinerary is the difference between a magical trip and a stressful one. This guide covers a proven 7-day plan, the best areas to base yourself, and the practical tips locals wish tourists knew.
Best Time to Visit Paris
Late April through early June and September to mid-October offer the sweet spot: mild weather, long daylight, and thinner crowds than peak summer. July and August bring heat, closed local businesses, and packed attractions. December has holiday charm but expect rain and short days.
If you can only travel in summer, book museum tickets and restaurants at least three weeks ahead.
Where to Stay in Paris
The Marais (3rd/4th arrondissement) is the best all-around base: walkable, packed with cafés and boutiques, and central to the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Bastille. Saint-Germain (6th) suits classic Left Bank travelers. Montmartre (18th) trades convenience for atmosphere and hills.
Skip the areas around Gare du Nord and Pigalle for a first trip.
A Proven 7-Day Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, walk the Seine from Pont Neuf to the Eiffel Tower, dinner in the Marais. Day 2: Louvre morning, Tuileries and Palais Royal afternoon. Day 3: Musée d'Orsay, Saint-Germain wander, sunset at Sacré-Cœur. Day 4: Day trip to Versailles. Day 5: Montmartre morning, Canal Saint-Martin afternoon. Day 6: Latin Quarter, Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens. Day 7: Île Saint-Louis pastries, last-minute shopping, departure.
A personalized version of this itinerary with restaurants matched to your travel style takes about 90 seconds to generate.
Getting Around
The Métro is the fastest way across the city. Buy a Navigo Easy card at any station and load carnets of ten tickets. Uber and Bolt work well after Métro hours (last trains around 1am, 2am on weekends).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Paris?
Five days is the minimum to see the major landmarks without rushing. Seven days lets you add a Versailles day trip and explore two or three neighborhoods in depth.
Is Paris expensive for tourists?
Paris is mid-range for Western European capitals. Expect $180–$260 per night for a well-located mid-tier hotel, $25–$45 per person for a bistro dinner, and roughly $12 per day for Métro travel.
Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower and Louvre in advance?
Yes. Both regularly sell out during peak season. Book Louvre timed entry two to three weeks ahead and Eiffel Tower summit tickets as soon as they release (60 days out).