Why visit Paris
The best things to do in Paris start with a simple fact: the city is a capital of culture, art, fashion, food and design, and much of it is concentrated in a compact area. A large part of the city, including the banks of the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which gives a sense of how much of its historic fabric has been preserved.
The main sights are well known, from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to Notre-Dame and Montmartre. What surprises many visitors is how much pleasure comes from simply walking: along the Seine, through the Tuileries, or between small streets lined with bakeries and cafes. Paris also has a very high number of Michelin-starred restaurants, but simple bistros and markets are just as rewarding.
Paris can be expensive and busy, so planning helps. Book timed tickets for headline attractions, choose a few neighbourhoods rather than trying to see everything, and leave space in the day for unplanned stops.
Top things to do in Paris
Eiffel Tower
The iron tower on the Champ de Mars is the symbol of the city. You can go up by lift or stairs, with views over Paris. Allow two to three hours including queues. Book timed tickets online ahead of time, and consider visiting near opening or in the evening for shorter waits.
The Louvre
One of the largest art museums in the world, home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of other works. It is too big for one visit to cover fully, so choose a few wings. Plan three to four hours, reserve a time slot online, and check which day it closes weekly.
Notre-Dame and the Île de la Cité
The cathedral stands on an island in the Seine and was damaged by fire in 2019, then restored. Check current access and any ticket rules before you go. The surrounding island and nearby Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stained glass, fill a pleasant half day.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
This hilltop neighbourhood has winding streets, small squares and the white basilica of Sacré-Cœur, with wide views from the steps. Allow two to three hours. Go early, as the area is busy by midday, and watch for pickpockets in crowded spots.
Musée d’Orsay
Set in a former railway station, this museum holds a major collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. It is more manageable than the Louvre, usually taking two to three hours. Check opening days and book ahead for popular periods.
The Seine and the Latin Quarter
A riverside walk links bookstalls, bridges and historic districts. The Latin Quarter, on the Left Bank, has student cafes and narrow streets. Boat trips on the Seine give a different angle on the sights, and typically last around an hour.
Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
The wide avenue leads to the Arc de Triomphe, which you can climb for views down the boulevards. It is more about the setting than the shops. Allow an hour or two, and use the underpass to reach the monument safely.
Best time to visit Paris
Paris has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and early autumn are widely considered the most pleasant, with mild days and fewer weather extremes. Summer can be hot at times and is the busiest period, while winter is cool and grey but quieter.
| Season | Weather | Crowds and prices |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Mild, some rain | Busy around Easter and May |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Warm to hot | Busiest, though some locals leave in August |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Mild, cooling | Moderate, easing by November |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cold, damp | Quieter, lower prices outside holidays |
April to June and September to October offer a good balance. Some smaller businesses close in August, so check before relying on a specific restaurant or shop.
How to get to Paris and around
Most international flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, with Orly as a second main option. Both connect to the centre by rail, bus or taxi, and you should compare current fares and journey times. High-speed trains reach Paris from many European cities, arriving at stations such as Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Gare de l’Est.
The Metro, RER suburban trains, buses and trams make up an extensive network, and most visitors rely on the Metro. Paris is also very walkable, and many sights are close together. Ticket options change, so check what is current for single rides, day passes or rechargeable cards. Be alert for pickpockets on crowded lines and at major sights. Taxis and ride-hailing are available, though traffic can slow them.
Where to stay in Paris
Paris is divided into numbered districts called arrondissements, and the right one depends on your priorities. Compare current rates, and check Metro access.
- Le Marais and Île Saint-Louis: central, historic and walkable, with shops and cafes. Good for first-time visitors.
- Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain: a classic Left Bank base with bookshops, student life and easy river access.
- Montmartre and the Pigalle edge: atmospheric and often better value, but hilly and busy at night.
- Near the Eiffel Tower and Invalides: quieter and residential, suiting travellers who want calm evenings.
How many days do you need?
Four days works well for a first visit, giving time for the main sights, a museum or two and a few neighbourhoods. Two days gives a quick overview, and a week lets you add Versailles, markets and slower afternoons. Museums tire people out, so pair each with a long walk or a café stop.
- Day 1: Eiffel Tower, then a walk along the Seine toward the Musée d’Orsay.
- Day 2: Louvre in the morning, Tuileries garden, then the Île de la Cité.
- Day 3: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, then dinner in Le Marais.
Day trips and nearby
Versailles
The former royal palace and its gardens lie southwest of Paris and are reached by RER train. Allow a full day, and book tickets ahead. Some parts are open on particular days only, so check the schedule.
Normandy
Normandy offers coastal towns, cliffs and historic sites, and is best done over a night or two. Rail and tour options exist from Paris, though distances make a single day long. Check current options before planning.
Strasbourg
This Alsace city is reachable by fast train from Paris in under two hours, and has a historic centre and canals. It works as an overnight rather than a rushed day trip.
Lyon
France’s gastronomic centre is a fast train ride from Paris, typically around two hours. It suits a weekend more than a day, with traditional bistros and old town streets to explore.
FAQ
Q1When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October are widely seen as the best months, with mild weather and a lively city. Summer is busy and can be hot. Winter is quieter and cheaper outside the holidays. Book major attractions ahead in any busy season.
Q2How many days do you need in Paris?
Four days suits most first-time visitors, covering the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, the Seine and a few neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace. Two days gives a rushed overview. Add a day for Versailles or another trip if you have time.
Q3How do you get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris?
Options include the RER B train, buses and taxis. The train is usually the cheapest and avoids road traffic, though it can be crowded and luggage-heavy. Fares and schedules change, so check current details before you arrive.
Q4Is Paris safe and expensive for tourists?
Paris is generally fine for visitors, but pickpocketing is common near major sights and on crowded Metro lines, so keep bags closed. It is a costly city, especially for hotels. Bakeries, markets and fixed-price lunches help keep daily costs down.
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Check current details with official sources before you travel. Read the France travel guide.
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