Paris travel guide: what to know before you go
Paris is best from April to June and in September and October, and three to four days covers the main sights. Reserve a time slot for the Louvre and book the Eiffel Tower summit in advance, and use the RER B or Metro line 14 from the airports.
Photo: Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October give mild weather and long days. July and August can be hot, and many small local shops and restaurants close for part of August, but the major sights stay open. Winter is cold and grey, with fewer queues and lit-up streets in December.
Public holidays such as 14 July (Bastille Day) and 1 May change opening hours. Many museums close one day a week, so check the day before you plan a visit.
How many days you need
Three full days is a good minimum. That fits the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower area, Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité, a walk through Le Marais and Montmartre, and one long meal.
Add a fourth day for Versailles, which is a train ride out of the city and takes most of a day.
Getting from the airport to the centre
Charles de Gaulle (CDG): the RER B train runs to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles and Saint-Michel, and takes about 35 to 50 minutes. The Roissybus goes to the Opéra area. Taxis from CDG have a fixed fare, set separately for the Right Bank and the Left Bank. A dedicated rail link called CDG Express is planned to open on 28 March 2027 and will run to Gare de l'Est in about 20 minutes. It is not running yet.
Orly (ORY): Metro line 14 now reaches the airport and runs through central Paris. The T7 tram connects to the Metro line 7. Beauvais (BVA) is far out: a coach runs to Porte Maillot and takes about 75 minutes.
Getting around
The Metro is the fastest way to move across the city, with the RER for longer trips. Buses and trams are useful when you want to see the city. Most visitors use a Navigo Easy card, which is a rechargeable card you can load with single tickets, day passes and the airport ticket. The Paris Region airports ticket is valid for Metro line 14 and Orlyval at Orly and for the RER B at Charles de Gaulle. Contactless bank card payment is being added in stages and is not yet available on most Metro and RER lines, so do not rely on tapping a bank card. Ask for current rules at a station, because ticketing has been changing.
Paris is a walkable city. The main sights in the centre are one to three kilometres apart, and walking between them is often quicker than changing Metro lines.
Where to stay
Le Marais and the Île Saint-Louis suit first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere. The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés suit people who like cafés, bookshops and quiet side streets. Montmartre suits travellers who want a village feel, but it has steep streets and many stairs. The area near Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est is convenient for trains and airports, but some streets feel rough late at night.
What to book in advance
The Louvre recommends booking a time slot online before you go, and tickets can sell out on busy days. The summit of the Eiffel Tower sells out often, and the stairs and lower floors have their own tickets. Sainte-Chapelle and the Catacombs also use timed slots and fill quickly.
Notre-Dame cathedral reopened in December 2024. Entry is free, and a reservation is optional but can shorten the wait. The Paris Museum Pass covers many museums, but you may still need to reserve a slot where one is required.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying tickets from street sellers or unofficial websites near the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Use the official sites.
Planning a museum visit on its weekly closing day. The Louvre is closed on Tuesday, and also on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. The Musée d'Orsay is closed on Monday.
Ignoring pickpockets on the Metro, around Sacré-Cœur and at the Eiffel Tower. Keep phones and wallets in inner pockets.
Stopping to talk to people who offer friendship bracelets or ask you to sign a petition. They are common scams.
Eating at restaurants with photo menus right next to major sights. Walk two or three streets away.
Money, tipping and practical notes
France uses the euro. Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, and a small amount of cash is useful for markets and some bakeries. Service is already included in restaurant bills. Leaving a few coins for good service is polite but not required.
The plug type is C and E, at 230 volts. Tap water is safe to drink and free in restaurants if you ask for a carafe d'eau. Hotels collect a local tourist tax, called the taxe de séjour, separately from the room price. Visa rules depend on your nationality, so check the official French government website before you travel.
Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Paris?
Three full days cover the main sights. Add a fourth day if you want to visit Versailles.
What is the best way to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to central Paris?
The RER B train is the most common choice and takes about 35 to 50 minutes to the centre. The Roissybus and taxis are other options. A new CDG Express train is planned for 28 March 2027.
Do I need to book the Louvre in advance?
It is strongly advised. The Louvre recommends booking a time slot online, and it is closed on Tuesdays.
Is Paris walkable?
Yes. Most central sights are within walking distance of each other, and the Metro helps for longer distances.
Do I need to tip in Paris restaurants?
No. Service is already included in the bill by law. A few coins for good service are a kind gesture only.
When is Paris least crowded?
November to March, apart from the Christmas period, has the fewest visitors. Weather is cold and days are short.