Paris

Cafe terraces, river walks, and art on every corner

Region

Europe · France

Best time to go

Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant, with mild days and cafe weather. Summer is warm and busy, and winter is cool, gray, and quieter, with holiday lights in December.

Getting there

Nonstop flights from many US cities into Charles de Gaulle; connections from elsewhere.

Why go to Paris

Paris is best explored neighborhood by neighborhood, balancing major museums and monuments with time along the Seine. Its compact historic center, extensive Metro, and strong cafe culture make it workable for a first visit or a return trip.

Food lovers History lovers Night owls

Things to do in Paris

CultureThe LouvreThe Louvre is a former royal palace and one of the world's largest art museums, with collections spanning ancient civilizations through nineteenth-century painting. Reserve a timed entry, choose one or two wings, and use the less busy entrances when available.Explore related tours

CultureEiffel Tower and Champ de MarsThe Eiffel Tower anchors the western end of the Champ de Mars, a broad public lawn with classic views of the iron structure. Book timed tower access in advance if you want to go up, then return around dusk for the lights.Explore related tours

CultureNotre-Dame and Ile de la CiteNotre-Dame stands on Ile de la Cite, the historic island at the center of Paris, beside river walks and older bridges. Check current visitor arrangements before going inside, and combine the area with Sainte-Chapelle or a walk to Ile Saint-Louis.Explore related tours

CultureMusee d'OrsayMusee d'Orsay occupies a grand former railway station and is especially strong for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Visit in the morning or later in the day, and make time for the upper-level clock view toward the Seine.Explore related tours

CultureMontmartre and Sacre-CoeurMontmartre is a steep, village-like hilltop district crowned by the white basilica of Sacre-Coeur and filled with small lanes. Go early to explore quieter streets, then use the basilica steps for a wide city view.Explore related tours

NatureSeine riverbanksThe pedestrian-friendly riverbanks link many of Paris's best-known sights, from the Eiffel Tower toward Notre-Dame and beyond. Walk one stretch near sunset, bring comfortable shoes, and pause on a bridge rather than trying to cover both banks at once.Explore related tours

FamilyLuxembourg GardensLuxembourg Gardens is a formal Left Bank park with tree-lined paths, fountains, lawns, and the Luxembourg Palace at its edge. It is a useful slower-paced stop between museums, and chairs around the central basin are ideal for a short rest.Explore related tours

CultureLe MaraisLe Marais combines medieval lanes, elegant mansions, small museums, independent shops, and Place des Vosges. Wander without a rigid route, but arrive before midday if you want the narrow streets to feel less crowded.Explore related tours

FoodSaint-Germain-des-PresSaint-Germain-des-Pres is a classic Left Bank neighborhood of bookshops, galleries, cafes, and streets close to the Seine. It works well for an unhurried morning walk, especially when paired with the nearby Luxembourg Gardens or Musee d'Orsay.Explore related tours

NatureCanal Saint-MartinCanal Saint-Martin is a quieter waterway lined with iron footbridges, trees, and residential streets northeast of the center. Visit for a neighborhood walk rather than a checklist sight, and use the nearby Metro to avoid a long cross-city walk.Explore related tours

CulturePere Lachaise CemeteryPere Lachaise is a large landscaped cemetery with winding paths, monumental tombs, and the graves of many writers, artists, and musicians. Download or pick up a map before entering, since the grounds are substantial and easy to navigate slowly.Explore related tours

FoodMarche d'AligreMarche d'Aligre is a traditional market area with produce stalls, specialty food counters, and a lively everyday atmosphere. Go in the morning, bring a small bag for purchases, and treat it as a food stop rather than a formal attraction.Explore related tours

Where to stay in Paris

Le Maraishistoric, stylish, walkableLe Marais has narrow historic streets, museums, boutiques, and a wide choice of casual food stops. It suits first-time visitors who want central access without staying directly beside the busiest monuments, and travelers who enjoy wandering after dinner.first visitswalkersshopping

Saint-Germain-des-Presclassic, literary, polishedSaint-Germain-des-Pres sits on the Left Bank near galleries, bookshops, museums, and the Seine. Its central position works especially well for couples, art-focused visitors, and anyone who wants to spend long stretches exploring on foot.couplesart loverscentral base

Latin Quarterlively, historic, student-filledThe Latin Quarter mixes old streets, university life, the Pantheon, and access to the Luxembourg Gardens. It has a less formal feel than Saint-Germain and works for travelers who like a busier neighborhood with many walkable sights nearby.familieshistorylively evenings

Montmartrehilltop, artistic, residentialMontmartre offers village-like streets, Sacre-Coeur views, and a more residential mood north of the center. It is a good choice for repeat visitors and photographers, though its hills and longer Metro rides are less convenient for packed sightseeing days.photographersreturn visitorsquiet streets

7th Arrondissementelegant, calm, landmark-closeThe 7th Arrondissement includes the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and several major museums, with calmer streets after dark. It suits travelers prioritizing a quieter base near landmark walks, although neighborhood variety can feel more limited than in central districts.Eiffel Towerquiet stayscouples

When to go

Spring

March to May

Weather: Mild temperatures with changeable rain and blooming parks.
Crowds: Busy around school breaks and major holidays.
Value: moderate to higher rates

Summer

June to August

Weather: Warm days, long daylight, and occasional heat.
Crowds: The busiest period at major sights.
Value: highest rates

Autumn

September to November

Weather: Mild early weeks, then cooler and wetter conditions.
Crowds: September remains busy, then numbers ease.
Value: usually better value

Winter

December to February

Weather: Cool, gray days with short daylight.
Crowds: Quieter outside the year-end holidays.
Value: often the best value

Getting the best value

Winter, outside the year-end holidays, usually brings lower demand and a quieter city. Late autumn and early spring can also offer better value than summer, while school holidays and peak summer generally cost more.

Check tour dates

Getting there and around

Getting there

Paris is served mainly by Charles de Gaulle Airport, CDG, and Orly Airport, ORY, with rail links and road transfers into the city.
Nonstop service is widely available from major US hubs, while many West Coast itineraries are nonstop or connect through a US or European hub.
US citizens need a passport for France and should check current entry rules before booking.
Airport trains, official taxis, private transfers, and shuttle services connect both airports to central Paris, so choose based on your arrival time and luggage.

Getting around

The Metro is the fastest way to cover longer distances, and a contactless payment option can simplify individual rides.
Central Paris rewards walking, but plan one or two neighborhoods at a time rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
Taxis and ride services are useful late at night or with luggage, though traffic can be slow.
A rental car is unnecessary for the city and adds parking and driving complications.

Eat and drink

Boulangerie breakfastStart with a croissant, pain au chocolat, or baguette from a neighborhood bakery, ideally early when the selection is freshest.French market lunchBuild a simple picnic from a market with bread, cheese, fruit, and prepared foods, then use a public garden or Seine-side bench.Classic bistro dishesLook for seasonal French cooking such as onion soup, roast chicken, duck confit, or steak with fries, and expect meals to move at a relaxed pace.Cheese courseTry several regional cheeses with bread after a meal or from a specialty counter, and ask for guidance if the selection feels overwhelming.Pastry shopsParis pastries range from simple tarts to elaborate individual desserts, making an afternoon stop an easy way to sample a neighborhood.Wine and cafe cultureOrder wine with a meal or coffee at a sidewalk terrace, and remember that table service is part of the experience rather than a rushed stop.

Day trips from Paris

Palace of VersaillesVersailles is the former royal residence southwest of Paris, known for the Hall of Mirrors and extensive formal gardens. Take a direct train from central Paris, reserve palace entry in advance, and allow most of a day for the full visit.Explore related tours

GivernyGiverny was Claude Monet's home and contains the gardens that inspired many of his water-lily paintings. It is best visited when gardens are in season, with rail and shuttle options from Paris.Explore related tours

FontainebleauFontainebleau combines a royal chateau with a historic town and the forest that surrounds it. It is a good alternative to Versailles for travelers who want palace history with a less concentrated visitor flow.Explore related tours

ReimsReims is a Champagne-region city with a major Gothic cathedral and longstanding connections to French royal coronations. Fast rail service makes it practical for a day centered on the cathedral, city walk, and regional food culture.Explore related tours

Sample itineraries

5 days in Paris

Day 1Walk from the Seine through Ile de la Cite, see Notre-Dame from outside, then explore the Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens.
Day 2Use a timed entry for the Louvre, stroll through the Tuileries, and continue to Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees.
Day 3Visit the Eiffel Tower area and Champ de Mars, cross to the Trocadero, then spend the evening along the Seine.
Day 4Tour Musee d'Orsay, wander Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and browse the streets of Le Marais.
Day 5Explore Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur in the morning, then choose Canal Saint-Martin or Pere Lachaise for a different side of the city.

Browse activities for this itinerary

7 days in Paris

Day 1Start on Ile de la Cite, then walk the Seine to the Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens.
Day 2Visit the Louvre with a defined route, then see the Tuileries and nearby historic squares.
Day 3Spend time around the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Trocadero, and the riverside paths.
Day 4See Musee d'Orsay and spend the afternoon in Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
Day 5Wander Le Marais, Place des Vosges, and the nearby market streets at an unhurried pace.
Day 6Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles and allow time for the gardens as well as the palace.
Day 7Visit Montmartre early, then choose Canal Saint-Martin or Pere Lachaise before a final Seine walk.

Browse activities for this itinerary

Good to know

Reserve timed entries for the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and other high-demand sights before your trip.
Carry comfortable shoes because cobblestones, Metro stairs, and long museum galleries add up quickly.
Keep valuables secure in crowded Metro cars and around major attractions, especially when stopping for photos.
Use tap water refills where available and carry a reusable bottle during warm months.
Learn a few basic French greetings, since opening with bonjour makes everyday interactions smoother.
Build in unscheduled time for neighborhood walks, because Paris is more enjoyable when every hour is not booked.

Questions people ask

What is the best month to visit Paris?

Late spring and early autumn often balance mild weather with manageable crowds. Summer has the longest days but generally feels busier.

How many days do I need in Paris?

Five days covers the central highlights at a comfortable pace. A week allows room for neighborhoods, smaller museums, and Versailles.

Is Paris safe for visitors?

Central tourist areas are generally manageable with standard city awareness. Watch belongings in crowds, on public transit, and at outdoor tables.

Do I need a car in Paris?

No. The Metro, buses, taxis, and walking cover the city far more easily than driving and parking.

What currency is used in Paris?

France uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but carrying a small amount of cash can help for minor purchases.

Is Paris good for families?

Yes, especially with a flexible pace. Parks, river walks, markets, and kid-friendly museum routes help break up formal sightseeing.

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