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.
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)