What is the best time to visit Paris, France?

The best months to visit Paris are May, June, and September. These months generally offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to peak summer months, making sightseeing and exploring the city more enjoyable for travelers.

How safe is tap water in Paris, France?

Tap water in Paris is safe to drink. The city maintains high quality standards for its public water supply, ensuring that tourists can drink tap water without any health concerns, which is convenient and cost-effective during your stay.

How do I get around Paris, France?

Paris has a public transport score of 8 out of 10, featuring an extensive metro, bus, and train network. This makes traveling around the city efficient and affordable, with easy access to most tourist attractions and neighborhoods.

How many tourists visit Paris each year?

Paris attracts around 30 million tourists annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. The high number of visitors reflects its global appeal as a cultural and historical destination.

Is Paris, France expensive for tourists?

While Paris is known for its cultural richness, costs can vary. Transportation is affordable thanks to a strong public transit system, and tap water is safe to drink, which can help reduce expenses. However, dining and accommodation prices may be higher depending on the area.

2-Day Springtime Parisian Adventure

Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Paris, France, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy

Browse FREE walking tours

Day 1Iconic Landmarks & Artistic Immersion

Morning

Free Walking Tour

~2 hours

Start your day with a free walking tour to get acquainted with the city's layout and history. Many tours depart from central locations like Notre Dame Cathedral.

Book FREE walking tour

Late Morning

Louvre Museum

4.7(361k reviews)~3 hours

Dedicate ample time to the Louvre, prioritizing key exhibits like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo to make the most of your visit. Consider pre-booking tickets online to save time.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Late Morning

Louvre Museum

Dedicate ample time to the Louvre, prioritizing key exhibits like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo to make the most of your visit. Consider pre-booking tickets online to save time.

4.7(361k reviews)~3 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Afternoon

Jardin des Tuileries

4.6(117k reviews)~2 hours

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Look for sculptures and fountains as you wander.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Afternoon

Jardin des Tuileries

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Look for sculptures and fountains as you wander.

4.6(117k reviews)~2 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Late Afternoon

Sainte-Chapelle

4.6(48k reviews)~1.5 hours

Visit Sainte-Chapelle to marvel at its breathtaking stained-glass windows. This Gothic chapel is best visited on a sunny day for optimal light.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Late Afternoon

Sainte-Chapelle

Visit Sainte-Chapelle to marvel at its breathtaking stained-glass windows. This Gothic chapel is best visited on a sunny day for optimal light.

4.6(48k reviews)~1.5 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Evening

Île Saint-Louis

4.6(639 reviews)~2 hours

Explore the charming Île Saint-Louis, known for its narrow streets and traditional Parisian architecture. It's a great place to wander and enjoy the Seine river views.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Evening

Île Saint-Louis

Explore the charming Île Saint-Louis, known for its narrow streets and traditional Parisian architecture. It's a great place to wander and enjoy the Seine river views.

4.6(639 reviews)~2 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

BreakfastGrab a quick breakfast at any boulangerie, and try a traditional croissant or pain au chocolat with coffee.$7

Breakfast

Grab a quick breakfast at any boulangerie, and try a traditional croissant or pain au chocolat with coffee.

$7

Lunch$20

Find a cafe in the Latin Quarter and enjoy a classic Croque Monsieur sandwich with a side salad for lunch.

Macaron

Dinner$40

For dinner, seek out a traditional bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and indulge in French onion soup followed by a flavorful Coq au vin.

Crème brûlée

Paris is best navigated using its extensive public transport system, including the Metro, RER, and buses. Consider purchasing a Navigo pass for unlimited travel. While ride-sharing apps like Uber are available, the per-kilometer cost for taxis can be around $2.50 EUR.

Accommodation— Saint-Germain-des-Prés (classic Left Bank neighborhood)

This area is known for its literary and artistic history, offering a charming atmosphere and proximity to many attractions.

Hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (classic Left Bank neighborhood)

$100-150/night

This area is known for its literary and artistic history, offering a charming atmosphere and proximity to many attractions.

Search hotels in this area

Day 2Royal Grandeur & Artistic Charm

Morning

Palace of Versailles

4.6(163k reviews)~4 hours

Dedicate the morning to exploring the opulent Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Grand Apartments. Afterwards, wander through the vast Gardens of Versailles, perhaps renting a boat on the Grand Canal.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Morning

Palace of Versailles

Dedicate the morning to exploring the opulent Palace of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Grand Apartments. Afterwards, wander through the vast Gardens of Versailles, perhaps renting a boat on the Grand Canal.

4.6(163k reviews)~4 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Afternoon

Luxembourg Gardens

4.7(123k reviews)~3 hours

Spend the afternoon relaxing in the Luxembourg Gardens. Admire the Medici Fountain, watch children sail toy boats in the central basin, or simply find a quiet spot to read a book.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Afternoon

Luxembourg Gardens

Spend the afternoon relaxing in the Luxembourg Gardens. Admire the Medici Fountain, watch children sail toy boats in the central basin, or simply find a quiet spot to read a book.

4.7(123k reviews)~3 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Late Afternoon

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

4.7(123k reviews)~2 hours

Stroll through the charming streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the late afternoon. Explore its famous literary cafes, art galleries, and designer boutiques.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Late Afternoon

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Stroll through the charming streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the late afternoon. Explore its famous literary cafes, art galleries, and designer boutiques.

4.7(123k reviews)~2 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Evening

Musée d'Orsay

4.8(111k reviews)~3 hours

Conclude your day at the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former railway station. Focus on its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, especially works by Monet, Manet, Degas, and Renoir.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Evening

Musée d'Orsay

Conclude your day at the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former railway station. Focus on its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, especially works by Monet, Manet, Degas, and Renoir.

4.8(111k reviews)~3 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

BreakfastGrab a quick breakfast at any boulangerie and try a classic croissant or pain au chocolat.$7

Breakfast

Grab a quick breakfast at any boulangerie and try a classic croissant or pain au chocolat.

$7

Lunch$20

Find a traditional bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and savor Coq au vin, a classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, lardons, and mushrooms.

Coq au vin

Dinner$7

Visit a patisserie near the Musée d'Orsay and indulge in a colorful Macaron, a delicate meringue-based confection with various flavored fillings.

Macaron

Paris is best navigated using the Metro, bus, or RER. For more direct routes or late-night travel, use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt. The estimated taxi cost is around $2.5 per kilometer.

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Get your trip plan as a PDF with maps and a CSV spreadsheet.

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$100

Food / day$40

Transport / day$10

Activities / day$50

Daily total$200

Trip total$400

Daily total: $150 (mid-range budget). Trip total: $300. Includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Differential will be settled in the final bill.

Good to Know

Power Plug Types: France uses C and E type plugs. Bring an adapter if needed.

Best Taxi Apps: Uber, Bolt, and Heetch are popular and convenient options.

Public Transport: The Metro, RER, and buses form an efficient network. Consider a Navigo pass for longer stays.

Tap Water: Paris tap water is safe and clean to drink. Save money and reduce plastic waste by refilling your water bottle.

Languages: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations.

Tipping Culture: Service is often included in the bill. Tipping is appreciated for excellent service but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill is common.

Foreigner Friendliness: Paris is a diverse city with a welcoming atmosphere for foreign visitors.

Walkability: Paris is a highly walkable city, perfect for exploring its charming streets and discovering hidden gems on foot.

Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, to avoid pickpockets. Violent crime is generally low.

Food Scene: Paris boasts an exceptional food scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros and delicious street food.

2-Day Springtime Parisian Adventure

2-Day Springtime Parisian Adventure

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle

Île Saint-Louis

Île Saint-Louis

Accommodation— Saint-Germain-des-Prés (classic Left Bank neighborhood)

Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay

Export Your Trip

Budget Breakdown

Good to Know

Pre-Trip Checklist