Paris Trip Planner &
Full Travel Guide 2025

First-time visitors:

Stay near the Seine (1st or 7th arrondissements) to be close to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and main sights.

Families:

The Latin Quarter offers space, safe streets, and plenty of casual restaurants for kids.

Couples:

Saint-Germain is romantic, full of wine bars, jazz clubs, and boutique hotels.

Budget travelers:

Montmartre and Belleville have affordable stays, vibrant nightlife, and easy metro access.

Eiffel Tower: Rising above the city, the Eiffel Tower is Paris's ultimate icon. Go at sunrise for quiet views or at night to see it sparkle.

Louvre Museum: The world's largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and 35,000 masterpieces across centuries.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Restored after the fire, this Gothic masterpiece invites you to admire its rose windows and soaring spires.

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées: Walk the grand boulevard, then climb the Arc for one of the best sunset views over Paris.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Montmartre): Perched on the city's highest hill, this dazzling white basilica offers sweeping panoramas and a touch of bohemian spirit.

Musée d'Orsay: Inside a grand former train station, discover Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and the world's best Impressionist collection.

Sainte-Chapelle: Step inside and watch light dance through 1,000-year-old stained glass, one of the most breathtaking sights in Europe.

Pompidou Centre: A bold, inside-out building with pipes on the outside and one of the world's most dynamic modern art museums within.

Opéra Garnier: All gold and marble, this opera house is a masterpiece in itself, and the setting of The Phantom of the Opera.

Picasso Museum: Tucked inside a 17th-century mansion, this museum showcases the genius and evolution of Picasso's prolific career.

Luxembourg Gardens: A Parisian favorite, with fountains, statues, and chairs you can drag anywhere to soak in the atmosphere.

Tuileries Gardens: A formal garden linking the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, perfect for a gentle stroll between museums.

Palais Royal Gardens: Elegant symmetry, chic cafés, and Daniel Buren's striped columns make this a hidden oasis in the city center.

Seine River Cruise: Glide past Paris's monuments from the water, especially magical when the city lights up after dark.

Palace of Versailles: Just outside Paris, Versailles dazzles with its golden Hall of Mirrors, sprawling gardens, and fountains that feel larger than life.

The Catacombs: An eerie maze of tunnels lined with bones, offering a glimpse into Paris's darker, fascinating history.

Père Lachaise Cemetery: Peaceful paths lead to the resting places of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and France's greats.

Canal Saint-Martin: With iron bridges, tree-lined banks, and hip cafés, this is where Parisians go for picnics and evenings by the water.

Covered Passages: Wander through 19th-century glass-roofed arcades like Galerie Vivienne for antiques, books, and old-world charm.

Panthéon: A neoclassical monument honoring France's greatest thinkers, with sweeping views of the Latin Quarter from its dome.

Fall 2025 (September–October)

What to Expect:

Autumn in Paris is all about golden leaves, crisp mornings, and fewer tourists after the summer rush. Average temperatures sit between 15–20°C, perfect for wandering Montmartre or sitting at a café terrace. Museums feel less crowded, and prices dip compared to July and August.

Travel Tip:

September is harvest season, wine festivals pop up across the city. October is ideal for photography, with soft light over the Seine and romantic walks in the Luxembourg Gardens. Pack layers for chilly evenings.

Winter 2025–2026 (November–February)

What to Expect:

Paris in winter has a charm all its own. Fairy lights drape the Champs-Élysées, Christmas markets line the Seine, and cafés glow with warmth. Expect cold weather (5–7°C) and short days, but also the lowest hotel and airfare prices of the year. January is especially quiet — perfect for travelers who prefer fewer crowds.

Travel Tip:

Dress warmly and use winter as your excuse to linger in museums like the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay. February is ideal for couples, fewer tourists and Valentine's specials make the city even more romantic.

Spring 2026 (March–May)

What to Expect:

Spring is when Paris feels alive again. Cherry blossoms bloom in April at Notre-Dame and along the Seine, café terraces fill up, and average temps rise to a comfortable 12–18°C. It's one of the most photogenic seasons, but also one of the busiest, especially around Easter.

Travel Tip:

Visit in late April or early May for the best balance of blossoms and manageable crowds. Book popular sights like the Eiffel Tower weeks ahead, and plan midweek museum visits to avoid weekend lines. Terrace dining becomes essential, reserve early if you want the best spots.

Summer 2026 (June–August)

What to Expect:

Summer in Paris is vibrant, festive, and full of energy. Days stretch past 10 pm, perfect for evening picnics by the Seine or concerts in the parks. Expect highs of 25–30°C, occasional heatwaves, and the heaviest tourist crowds of the year. Prices peak, and locals escape in August, giving the city a slightly calmer but different rhythm.

Travel Tip:

Pack light clothes but plan siestas, afternoons can be hot. July 14 (Bastille Day) features fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, but you'll need to claim your viewing spot hours in advance. August is great for travelers seeking quieter streets, but note that some smaller shops may close.

How many days do you need in Paris?

Most travelers find 3–5 days is the sweet spot, enough for top sights and a few neighborhoods.

What's the cheapest time to visit?

January–February and September–October usually offer the lowest airfare and hotel rates.

Is Paris safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Paris is safe if you take standard city precautions. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.

What's the best area for families?

The Latin Quarter and Le Marais are central, walkable, and family-friendly.

Do I need skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, especially for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay. Lines can be hours long.

What's the best time to see cherry blossoms in Paris?

Mid-to-late April is peak bloom, especially near Notre-Dame, Parc de Sceaux, and the Eiffel Tower.

Can you visit Paris on a budget?

Absolutely. Stay in Montmartre or Belleville, grab a multi-day metro pass, and enjoy free sights like Sacré-Cœur and the Tuileries Gardens.

Are day trips from Paris worth it?

Yes. Versailles is a must, while Giverny, Champagne, and Loire Valley are great for culture and scenery.

Is English widely spoken in Paris?

In tourist areas, yes. But a few words of French go a long way and locals appreciate the effort.

What food should I try in Paris?

Don't miss croissants, baguettes, crêpes, steak frites, escargots, and macarons, plus cheese and wine at local bistros.