Paris Travel Guide

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Planning a trip to Paris? This Paris travel guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from when to go and where to stay to getting around, how many days you need, and the best things to do.

Why visit Paris

Why visit Paris? Why not visit Paris? Art. History. Food. Architecture. Fashion. Paris is rich with all of the above and you can create your perfect Parisian itinerary by choosing the things that excite you.

How to Get to Paris

Getting to Paris is pretty straightforward, whether you’re flying in from overseas or arriving from elsewhere in Europe.

Main Airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): The largest international airport, located about 45 minutes northeast of the city. Most long-haul flights arrive here.
- Orly Airport (ORY): A smaller, closer option mostly serving European and domestic flights—about 30 minutes from central Paris.
- Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA): Budget airlines like Ryanair fly here, but it’s nearly 1.5–2 hours from the city, so factor in extra travel time.
Getting Into the City:
- From CDG, you can take the RER B train straight into central Paris, or opt for a taxi or shuttle.
- From Orly, the Orlyval train connects to the RER B, or you can take a bus, tram, or taxi.
- From Beauvais, a dedicated shuttle bus runs to Porte Maillot in Paris.
By Train:
Coming from London, Brussels, Amsterdam, or elsewhere in Europe? The Eurostar or TGV makes train travel into Paris fast, scenic, and city-center to city-center. You’ll likely arrive at Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon, depending on the route.

The Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall are widely considered the sweet spots for visiting.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Paris is pure magic. The cherry blossoms are blooming, café terraces come back to life, and the city feels like it’s waking up from winter. Temperatures are mild (think 50s–60s °F), and crowds are smaller than in summer, especially if you visit in March or early April.

Fall (September to early November)

Fall brings crisp air, golden leaves, and fewer tourists. The weather is still pleasant, and it’s a great time for museum-hopping, cozy bistros, and exploring neighborhoods without the summer crowds.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is lively and full of events, but also the busiest (and hottest) time. Expect longer lines, higher prices, and lots of tourists—though Paris Plages (the pop-up urban beaches) and late sunsets do add a fun twist. Note: many Parisians leave the city in August, so some local shops and restaurants may be closed.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is chilly but romantic—especially with holiday lights, cozy cafes, and fewer tourists. It’s a great time to score deals on airfare and hotels. Just pack layers and an umbrella! I was there in January and while it rained for the first half of my trip, the second half had clear blue skies and crisp, but not cold temperatures!

Best Overall
For that classic Parisian experience without the crowds or heat, April–May and September–October are hard to beat.

Average Temperatures in Paris
January 37° F / 44° F
April 45° F / 59° F
July 60° F / 77° F
October 48° F / 61° F

How Many Days Should I Spend in Paris?

Let’s be honest: you’ll never see all of Paris in one trip—and that’s part of its magic. The city is layered with history, beauty, and hidden gems that could take a lifetime to uncover. But don’t worry—you can absolutely see and do a lot in just a few days.

3 Days is enough for a highlights trip: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a walk along the Seine, and a few cozy cafés in between. Perfect for a first-time visit or a long weekend escape.
5–7 Days gives you time to explore at a more relaxed pace, add in some neighborhood wandering (hello, Montmartre and Le Marais), and even take a day trip to places like Versailles or Giverny.
Staying longer? Lucky you! You can dig deeper into Parisian life—visit smaller museums, linger in markets, explore lesser-known corners, and truly settle into the rhythm of the city.

Paris always leaves you wanting more, and it’s the kind of place that welcomes second—and third—visits with open arms. So see what you can, savor every minute, and don’t stress about checking everything off a list. The city will be here waiting for you next time.

Whether you’re looking for a 3, 4, or 5-day itinerary, here are 8 Must-Do Experiences for your first visit to Paris!

Paris Neighborhoods and Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements, each with its own distinct personality. Where you stay can have a huge impact on your trip, especially if you’re traveling solo. Here are a few of my favorite areas…

1st Arrondissement – Classic & Central

If it’s your first time in Paris and you want to be right in the heart of everything, this is it. Home to the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and walking distance to the Seine, staying here puts you steps from major sights.

4th Arrondissement (Le Marais) – Trendy Meets Historic

Le Marais blends cobblestone streets with hip boutiques, cozy cafés, and centuries-old architecture. It’s lively, central, and full of personality—with easy access to Notre-Dame, the Seine, and the Picasso Museum.

7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Views & Elegant Vibes

This is the postcard version of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, grand boulevards, and charming markets. It’s quieter and more residential, perfect for travelers who want something classic and refined.

18th Arrondissement (Montmartre) – Bohemian & Romantic

If you’re dreaming of Paris with winding streets, artists painting in the square, and Sacré-Cœur views, this is your spot. Montmartre has an old-world, artistic feel that’s hard to resist and it’s my favorite neighborhood that I visited on my trip to Paris!

Not sure which Paris neighborhood is right for you? I’ve got a whole guide on Where to stay in Paris.

Pro Tip: Paris is very well connected by metro, so even if you’re not staying in the center, it’s easy to get around. Choose a neighborhood that matches your travel vibe—Paris will feel magical no matter where you wake up. I stayed in the 11th because I had Hyatt points that allowed me to stay for free (with an Eiffel Tower view!) and I had no trouble hopping all over the city via the metro!

Getting Around Paris

Paris is incredibly easy to navigate, and you don’t need to spend a fortune getting around. The Metro is usually the fastest and most affordable option, but Paris is also wonderfully walkable, and buses, taxis and bikes give you plenty of alternatives.

Metro: Fast and inexpensive

Walking: My favorite way to explore neighborhoods

Bus: Great for sightseeing above ground

Taxi/Uber: Useful late at night or with luggage

RER: Helpful for airports, Versailles and Disneyland Paris

Paris safety

I feel like safety in big cities like Paris is something of a loaded question. As long as you have good situational awareness, most big cities (Paris included) can be safe. Keep track of your belongings, don’t put a phone or wallet in your back pocket, and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.

There are a couple of common scams to be aware of in Paris including someone putting a friendship bracelet on your wrist, then demanding payment, or individuals distracting you with a petition of some sort while their accomplice tries to pickpocket you. A good rule of thumb is that nothing in life, or in Paris, is free and that if someone’s trying to distract you, there’s usually a reason for it.

Food

Paris is famous for its baked goods. From croissants and baguettes to macaroons and tarte tatin, you can (and should) eat your wait in sweets while in Paris. But Paris is also known for its delicious cheeses, wine, and dishes like escargot and beef bourguignon, so save some stomach space for more savory dishes!

Best Things to Do in Paris

If it’s your first trip to Paris start with my guide on the 8 must-do experiences for your first trip to Paris!

Rainy-day alternatives

Into every vacation, a little rain may fall. Check out my favorite things to do in Paris when it rains.

Is Paris Solo Travel Friendly?

Paris is one of my favorite European cities for solo travel. It’s incredibly walkable, public transportation is easy to use, and sitting alone at a café doesn’t feel remotely strange. You can spend an entire day wandering neighborhoods, popping into museums, stopping for a glass of wine or lingering over lunch without ever feeling like you need a companion.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t things solo travelers should know—particularly when it comes to pickpockets, navigating the Metro and choosing where to stay. But overall, Paris is a city I’d happily recommend to women traveling alone.

Is Paris Expensive to Visit?

Like any city, it can be. But it doesn’t have to be. I used credit card points and miles to visit Paris for (almost) free!

Day trips

While there’s plenty to do in Paris, there are also some must-do day trips from this fantastic city! Head to Versailles and explore the Palace of Versailles, visit Normandy and see D-Day landing sites, sip bubbly in Champagne, or if you’re a kid at heart, head to Disneyland Paris!

More Paris Travel Guides

Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Get Inspired

13 Must-Read Books to Transport You to Paris

Paris is Always a Good Idea

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifth, Paris never runs out of charm, beauty, or surprises. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, from solo strolls through quiet neighborhoods to unforgettable meals at sidewalk cafés, the City of Light has a way of making every moment feel special. Hopefully, this roundup has sparked some ideas, answered a few questions, and helped you feel more confident (and excited!) about planning your adventure.

Just remember: you don’t have to see it all—Paris is best enjoyed slowly, with curiosity and an open heart. And the best part? It’ll be waiting with open arms whenever you’re ready to come back.

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