Paris is ideal for a first-time city break, a romantic weekend, or a culture-packed long weekend. This guide covers what to do, where to stay, what to book ahead, and simple ways to explore Paris on foot and by metro.
Quick Facts
- Best for: City breaks, culture, food, museums, weekend trips
- Ideal trip length: 3 to 5 days
- Getting around: Metro / Bus plus walking (easy and efficient)
- Budget tip: Many highlights are free or low cost if you plan your museum visits
- Booking tip: Popular attractions sell out, pre-book key tickets
Top things to do in Paris
- Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum (or choose one main museum if time is short)
- Musée d’Orsay for impressionist art
- Notre-Dame area and Île de la Cité (plus Sainte-Chapelle)
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- Seine riverside walk at sunset
- Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain
- Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées (best early morning)
Where to stay in Paris (best areas)
Choose your base based on how you like to travel.
Le Marais (3rd/4th)
Great for: first-timers, walkability, cafes, shopping, easy sightseeing
Vibe: historic streets, lively, very central
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
Great for: classic Paris feel, cafes, museums, romantic trips
Vibe: elegant, central, slightly pricier
Latin Quarter (5th)
Great for: central stays on a budget, students, a lively atmosphere
Vibe: energetic, good transport links
Opera / Grands Boulevards (2nd/9th)
Great for: transport connections, shopping, theatres
Vibe: busy, convenient, practical base
Montmartre (18th)
Great for: views, character, a different Paris feel
Vibe: charming, hilly, a bit less central but memorable
What to book ahead (do not leave these last minute)
- Louvre timed entry
- Eiffel Tower tickets or a guided option
- Musée d’Orsay timed entry
- Sainte-Chapelle timed entry
- Versailles day trip (if you plan to go)
Easy itineraries
Paris in 1 day
Eiffel Tower area → Seine walk → Louvre area (outside or timed visit) → Notre-Dame area → Montmartre evening
Paris in 3 days
Day 1: Eiffel Tower + Seine + neighbourhood stroll (Marais or Saint-Germain)
Day 2: Louvre + Tuileries + Opéra/Grands Boulevards
Day 3: Montmartre + Musée d’Orsay or Sainte-Chapelle + sunset river walk
Paris in 5 days
Add a Versailles day, extra neighbourhood time (Marais, Saint-Germain, Canal Saint-Martin), one additional museum or gallery, and slower mornings with markets and parks.
Getting to Paris and getting around
- Arriving: Plan your airport to city route before you land (public transport or prebooked transfer)
- Getting around: Metro plus walking is the easiest mix for most visitors
- Comfort tip: Paris days rack up steps quickly, wear comfortable shoes
- Simple planning rule: Pick one main attraction in the morning and keep afternoons flexible for neighbourhood wandering
Book your Paris trip
Simple low-impact travel tips for Paris
- Stay in a walkable area so you can do most sightseeing on foot
- Carry a reusable water bottle and refill during the day
- Use the metro instead of taxis for most journeys
- Start early to avoid peak queues, it reduces stress and wasted time
- Choose local bakeries, markets, and independent cafes where you can
Paris essentials to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light rain layer or compact umbrella
- Portable charger
- Small crossbody bag with secure zip
- Reusable bottle and a small tote bag
- Travel adapter (if needed)