France · Planning guide

Plan a better trip to Paris

Paris rewards slow mornings, long lunches, landmark architecture, and the feeling that every neighborhood is its own small world. Most visitors should allow 4–5 days.

See how Perfect Trip turns Paris inspiration into a plan.

Is Paris right for your trip?

Why go

Paris rewards slow mornings, long lunches, landmark architecture, and the feeling that every neighborhood is its own small world.

Best for

first-time Europe travelers, art lovers, food-focused couples, and travelers who prefer walking to scheduled tours.

At a glance

Ideal trip length: 4–5 days
Best months: April–June or September–October
Where to start: Le Marais for cafés and central walks; Canal Saint-Martin for a quieter stay
Recommended pace: Keep one museum-heavy day, then alternate neighborhoods and parks.
Getting around: Metro and walking cover almost everything; use RER for Versailles.
Typical daily budget: $150–280 per person/day

When to visit Paris

April–JuneLong park days and terrace weather; reserve major museums and popular dinners.

July–AugustLong daylight but high visitor pressure; use early starts and remember some locals take holidays.

September–OctoberA polished shoulder-season window with cooler walks and strong cultural programming.

Where to stay in Paris

Choose your base around the days you actually want to have. The most central address is not always the best fit.

Le MaraisFirst-time visitorsCentral and atmospheric, but weekend streets are busy.

Saint-Germain-des-PrésClassic ParisBeautiful and polished; expect higher hotel prices.

Canal Saint-MartinLocal eveningsQuieter feel, with fewer major sights at the door.

MontmartreRomance and viewsHilly, and less convenient for cross-city plans.

Your dates change the answer

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Start planning Paris

How many days in Paris?

Paris in 3 daysLouvre and Tuileries, Île de la Cité and the Marais, then Montmartre and the Seine.

Paris in 5 daysAdd the Musée d'Orsay, Saint-Germain, Canal Saint-Martin, and a half-day in Versailles.

Paris in 7 daysSlow down with a market day, a second museum, and Giverny or a Champagne escape.

Top things to do

Must-see

Louvre at opening · Seine at blue hour · Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro

Food

Market breakfast · Left Bank bistro · Pastry crawl

Hidden gems

Covered passages · Père Lachaise · Petite Ceinture

Food, restaurants, and reservations

Croissants, steak-frites, crêpes, and a careful cheese course.

Where to eat

Bastille and Oberkampf are energetic; Saint-Germain is polished; Belleville is diverse and excellent value.

What to budget

€12–20 casual lunch; €35–70 for a memorable dinner; coffee and pastry €5–9.

Reservation note: Book small dining rooms for Friday and Saturday. Lunch is often the better-value reservation.

Best day trips from Paris

VersaillesA half or full day for the palace; take the RER early.

GivernyBest in the garden season; reserve timed entry.

What does a trip to Paris cost?

Travel style	Daily planning range	What it usually covers
Budget	$150–280 per person/day	Simple room, casual meals, transit, a few paid sights
Midrange	About 1.5× the guide baseline	Well-located hotel, restaurants, taxis, and signature experiences
Luxury	About 3× the guide baseline	Premium stay, destination dining, private transfers, and flexible booking

These are planning ranges, not quotes. Flights, festivals, school holidays, and the neighborhood you choose can move the total quickly.

Practical information

CurrencyEuro (EUR)

LanguageThe local language is useful for signs and courtesy in Paris; tourist areas generally handle basic English.

TippingService is usually included; round up or leave a small amount for warm service.

ConnectivityAn eSIM is the simplest arrival option; download an offline map and save your accommodation address.

SafetyUse normal city precautions, keep valuables closed in crowded transit, and save local emergency details offline.

Getting aroundMetro and walking cover almost everything; use RER for Versailles.

Sample day

Morning at the Louvre, lunch in the Marais, sunset from the Seine quays.

Questions travelers ask about Paris

How many days should I spend in Paris?

4–5 days is a practical first visit, with enough time for the highlights without rushing.

What is the best time to visit Paris?

April–June or September–October generally offers the best balance of weather, daylight, and manageable crowds.

Is Paris expensive?

A realistic starting range is $150–280 per person/day; your hotel choice, restaurant style, and paid experiences will move the total most.

Can I plan Paris without a car?

Metro and walking cover almost everything; use RER for Versailles. Build each day around one area and you can avoid expensive, tiring cross-city transfers.

Planning Paris?

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