Your Complete Paris Travel Guide for 2026

📋 How to Use This Guide

You can read this guide from start to finish or jump to the parts you need most. If you already know how many days you have, start with the itineraries and then check neighborhoods and passes.

🗺️ Paris Basics in 10 Minutes

How Paris is Laid Out

Paris is split into 20 districts called arrondissements. They spiral out from the center in a snail-like pattern, starting near the Louvre and Île de la Cité.

The River Seine runs roughly east–west and divides the city into the Right Bank in the north and the Left Bank in the south. Many big sights sit along or near the river, which makes planning walks between them simple.

Key Neighborhoods at a Glance

Here are the core areas you’ll hear about again and again:

⏰ What a Realistic Day Feels Like

Many first-time visitors try to see too much in one day. Big museums and major sights each need real time and energy, plus breaks.

📅 How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?

🗓️ Ready-to-Use Itineraries

These sample plans assume your hotel is in a central area like the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th. Adjust start times based on your jet lag and interests.

3-Day Itinerary: First-Timer Focus

5-Day Itinerary: More Neighborhoods, More Depth

For five days, start with the three-day plan and then add:

7-Day Itinerary: Versailles and Beyond

Add two more days to the above:

🎨 Are the Top Attractions Really Worth It?

Here’s a quick comparison of major sights, what they suit, and how intense they are in 2026.

Attraction	Best For	Time Needed	Crowd Level	Must Pre-book?
Eiffel Tower	First-timers, views, photos	2–3 hours	Very high	Yes for summit
Louvre	Art lovers, culture	3–4 hours	Very high	Yes
Musée d’Orsay	Impressionist art	2–3 hours	High	Recommended
Montmartre/Sacré-Cœur	Atmosphere, free views	2–4 hours	High	No
Seine Cruise	First-timers, evening views	~1 hour	Medium	Often
Arc de Triomphe	Views, quick museum stop	1–2 hours	Medium	Recommended
Versailles	History, palaces, gardens	Full day	Very high	Yes

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is still the symbol of Paris and remains a highlight for many visitors. The summit gives a broad view, but even the second floor feels very impressive.

For 2026, standard summit tickets are around the high twenties in euros, and lines for people without timed tickets can be very long. Booking ahead gives you a specific entry time and can save hours in peak months.

Book Eiffel Tower Tickets

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the largest and busiest museums in the world. You will not see everything, even in a full day, so you should choose sections and accept that you will miss others.

Timed entry helps manage crowds at the Mona Lisa area and at security. If you do not love big museums, consider a shorter visit and then spend more time in the Tuileries and nearby streets.

Visit Louvre Official Site

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre combines great views with older, winding streets. The basilica itself is free to enter, but there are charges to climb the dome or take certain tours.

The area around the main square can feel very touristy and busy. If you walk just a few streets away, you can find quieter corners that feel like a small hill town.

Notre-Dame Area and the Seine

Even while ongoing works change access to the cathedral itself, the island area around Notre-Dame is still one of the most atmospheric parts of Paris. You can walk the riverbanks, cross to Île Saint-Louis, and stop for ice cream or coffee.

A Seine cruise gives a very different view of the city and shows many major sights in one hour. Night cruises are especially popular because the monuments are lit up and the Eiffel Tower sparkles after dark.

💎 Hidden Gems and Local Moments

You do not need to leave central Paris to feel more local. You just need to wander a little off the main square and give yourself time.

Neighborhoods That Feel Local

Secret Streets, Parks, and Markets

There are many short streets and small squares that most visitors miss. In the Marais and near the river, old lanes and hidden courtyards give a different feel from the main boulevards.

Local markets can make a simple self-made picnic a trip highlight. You can pick up bread, cheese, fruit, and pastries and eat in a park instead of another restaurant meal.

🏨 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In (By Budget and Vibe)

Picking the right area can save you time and taxi money every single day. Here’s a simple overview for 2026.

Area	Vibe	Pros	Cons
1st	Classic, central	Walk to Louvre, Tuileries, river	Expensive, less “local” at night
Le Marais (3–4th)	Trendy, historic	Great food, shops, central location	Can be noisy, very popular
Latin Qtr / 5th	Student, lively	Cheaper eats, history, near river	Some streets very touristy
Saint-Germain / 6th	Elegant, cafe culture	Charming streets, central, safe	Higher hotel prices
7th	Quiet, upscale	Near Eiffel, calmer, family-friendly	Fewer late-night spots
9th / SoPi	Lively, mid-range	Good for food and nightlife, value	Slightly longer walks to main sights
10th / Canal	Hip, local	Cheaper, local bars, canal walks	More mixed feel, longer to main sights
18th / Montmartre	Village, mixed	Views, charm	Steep hills, some streets feel crowded

For First-Timers

If it’s your first time in Paris and you only have a few days, pick a very central area. The 1st, 4th (Marais), 5th, 6th, or parts of the 7th make moving around easy.

You will pay more per night, but you save time and transport stress every day. This trade-off is worth it for short stays.

For Couples and Nightlife

Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and the 9th can work very well for couples who like food and evenings out. You get a mix of pretty streets, bars, and easy metro access.

Avoid staying very close to the loudest bar clusters if you are sensitive to noise. Look a little deeper into side streets that are quieter at night.

For Families

Families often like the 7th and parts of the 15th because the streets are calmer and you are close to parks and the river. Look for hotels or apartments with easy access to playgrounds and simple bakeries.

Being near a metro line that connects quickly to major sights is more important than being near nightlife. Having a few quick lunch options nearby also helps with kids.

For Budget Travelers and Repeat Visitors

Areas like the 10th, 11th, and 20th offer more local life and lower prices. Canal Saint-Martin and nearby streets are good examples.

For a first visit with only three days, long metro rides may become tiring. For a longer or repeat trip, these areas can give a more everyday feel.

🍽️ Food, Cafes, and How to Eat Like a Local

Paris food does not have to mean formal three-course dinners every night. Many locals mix bakeries, markets, casual spots, and the occasional treat meal.

Must-Try Dishes and Eating Patterns

Across a short trip, you might want to try:

• Fresh croissants and baguettes from local bakeries
• Bistro dishes like steak-frites, confit duck, or onion soup
• Crepes, both sweet and savory, from dedicated crêperies
• Cheese plates and simple charcuterie with wine

Lunch often starts a bit later than in some countries, and dinner can feel late if you are used to early meals. Booking popular spots is a good idea, particularly on weekends.

How Locals Actually Eat Out

Locals use bakeries for breakfast and cheap lunches. They often rely on a mix of neighborhood bistros, small ethnic restaurants, and markets.

You can copy this pattern by grabbing bread and pastries in the morning, then having a sit-down lunch “formule” (fixed-price menu). In the evening, pick a bistro, wine bar, or brasserie rather than eating directly next to major monuments.

🚇 Getting Around Paris, Made Simple

Paris is very walkable, but the metro and buses will save your legs. For most visitors, public transport is the best option.

Metro, Buses, and Walking

The metro runs roughly between 5:30 and 1:15, staying open later on weekends. Trains are frequent on most lines, and signs are clear once you learn line numbers and directions.

Buses can be scenic but slightly slower. In many cases, walking one or two metro stops is faster and more pleasant than changing lines.

Tickets and Passes in 2026

For 2026, here are key price points:

Airport Transfers

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly, you can reach the city by RER train, metro links, buses, taxis, or ride-shares. The dedicated “Airport Ticket” around €14.00 covers your route into central Paris and includes transfers.

Trains are usually faster in traffic, while taxis and ride-shares are more comfortable with heavy luggage or children. Decide based on your arrival time, budget, and willingness to navigate stations after a long flight.

💰 Money, Costs, and Where to Save or Splurge

Paris is not cheap, but you can control spending with a few smart choices. Think in terms of daily ranges rather than exact numbers.

Typical Daily Budget in 2026

A mid-range traveler in 2026 might budget roughly:

Where to Splurge

Consider spending more on:

• A well-located, quiet hotel that cuts commute time and stress
• One or two standout meals that you will remember
• A guided tour for a complex sight like the Louvre or Versailles, especially if you care about the history

Where to Save

You can save money by:

• Eating bakery breakfasts and market lunches
• Choosing a museum pass if you plan several big sights in a short period
• Using public transport rather than taxis for most trips

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Paris

You can visit Paris any month of the year. The right time depends on your tolerance for crowds, heat, and higher prices.

Spring and Fall

April to June and September to early November are often the sweet spots. You get milder temperatures, more daylight, and slightly fewer crowds than peak summer.

These months work well for walking, park time, and river views. Rain showers can happen, so pack layers and a light jacket.

Summer

July and August bring long days, busy streets, and more heat waves than in the past. Certain small businesses may close for holidays, while big sights remain open and crowded.

If you visit in summer, book major attractions early and plan indoor visits during the hottest hours. Aim for early starts and late evenings instead of spending midday in direct sun.

Winter

Winter has shorter days and a greater chance of grey skies. But you gain lower hotel prices and fewer crowds at some major sights.

December can feel festive with lights and markets. January and February are quieter but colder, which can work if you focus on indoor museums, cafes, and food.

🎫 Tickets, Skip-the-Line, and Reservations

The biggest time-savers in Paris are smart tickets and a bit of planning. You do not need a tour for everything, but you should not show up ticketless to key sights in peak season.

What to Book in Advance

For busy months, book some of these a few weeks to a few months ahead. You can still leave many smaller sights and neighborhood days more flexible.

Tickets vs Guided Tours

A standard ticket gets you in, but you still wait in security lines and sometimes entry lines. Guided tours can include priority access and context, at a higher price.

They are often worth it when:

• You care deeply about art or history
• You are traveling in peak season and really hate lines
• You are with kids or older relatives and want a smoother day

Museum Passes and How to Use Them

The Paris Museum Pass offers 2-, 4-, and 6-day options and covers more than 60 sights. You get fast-track entry at many museums and monuments, though you may still pass security checks.

It is most valuable if you:

• Plan to see three or more covered sights per day for several days
• Prefer to pop in and out of many places instead of doing one or two long visits

For a slower trip with only a few major museum days, individual tickets might be better. Do a quick price comparison based on your exact plan before you buy.

Learn More About Museum Pass

🛡️ Safety, Scams, and Etiquette

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty scams do exist. A few habits will remove most risk.

Common Scams and Pickpocket Zones

Safety Tips:

• Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, not on your back on crowded transport
• Avoid engaging with street hawkers near famous landmarks
• Never put your phone or wallet in an open jacket pocket

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

A small greeting goes a long way. Starting with “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” before you ask for help shows respect.

In restaurants, service is usually included, so tipping is modest. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros for good service is appreciated but not required at high percentages.

Dress is mostly casual-smart, but loud behavior in quiet neighborhoods or religious sites is frowned upon. Inside churches and formal spaces, speak softly, cover shoulders where signs suggest it, and follow posted rules.

🚂 Day Trips from Paris That Are Worth It

Not every day trip fits every traveler or every trip length. Think about your energy and interests before you book.

Versailles

Versailles is a full-day outing for most people. It includes the palace, the grand gardens, and the Trianon estates with the Queen’s Hamlet.

A classic day often runs like this:

• Morning: Train from Paris and early palace entry to see the State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors
• Late morning: Walk the gardens, especially near major fountains
• Midday: Lunch by the Grand Canal or a nearby cafe
• Afternoon: Explore the Trianon estate and then return by late afternoon or early evening

It’s fantastic if you love royal history and grand design. But if you only have three days in Paris, giving up a whole day is a significant trade-off.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland is ideal for families or fans who want theme park fun on a European trip. It takes most of a day, once you include the RER trip each way.

Ask yourself whether you want to use one of your Paris days for a park you might visit elsewhere. For children, the mix of Paris and Disney can be perfect; for others, it may not be the best use of time.

Visit Disneyland Paris Site

Champagne Region and Giverny

The Champagne region offers cellar tours, countryside views, and tastings. It pairs well with a longer stay and suits adults who enjoy wine and slower days.

Giverny, famous for Monet’s garden, makes a gentle and pretty day in season. You can combine it with a small town visit nearby and be back in Paris by evening.

🎒 Packing for Paris

Packing well helps you enjoy walks and cope with surprise weather. Think about comfort first and style second.

Essentials Year-Round

You will almost always want:

• Comfortable walking shoes that you have already broken in
• A small, secure day bag with zippers
• A light jacket or layer for cooler evenings
• A compact umbrella or light rain jacket

Neutral clothes that can mix and match will help you blend in and keep your luggage light. You do not need overly formal outfits for most places.

Seasonal Adjustments

❌ Common Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many problems in Paris come from the same patterns. You can sidestep most of them with a few changes.

✅ Quick Decision Frameworks and Checklists

A few small decisions shape your whole trip. Use these simple rules to move from “idea” to “plan.”

Pass and Ticket Checklist

Before you travel, sit down with your plan and check:

Day-Before-Departure Checklist

The day before you fly, check:

Doing this once on your sofa is much nicer than scrambling at the airport.

🤔 “What If” and Troubleshooting Scenarios

Even the best plan will meet surprises. Here is how to adapt without panic.

🎯 Conclusion