Currency
EUR (€)
Main airport
CDG
Best months
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Daily estimate (USD)
$120–200
Fare comparison
Search your own dates
Airfare
See current verified deals
Best for first-timers
Le Marais
Other neighborhoods
Montmartre
Transport
See airport and local guidance
Budget basis
Editorial USD estimate
Safety advice
Check current official advisories
Suggested trip length
3 days as an introduction; longer for a slower visit
Find flights to Paris
Compare current fares into CDG. Prices change fast — verify on the booking page.
When to go
July–August can bring heatwaves; carry water for outdoor sightseeing. November–February are chilly and often damp; pack warm, waterproof layers.
Best value window
Avoid if possible
Fare timing
How to get there cheap
Compare fares into CDG for your own departure airport and travel dates. The routes and dates shown below are observations, not guaranteed checkout prices. No historical fare or award price is assumed.
Why visit?
Paris combines dense historic architecture with a highly walkable layout along the Seine. The city contains a massive concentration of major art museums, distinct neighborhood identities ranging from the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter to the wide boulevards of the 8th arrondissement, and a deeply ingrained cafe culture. Visitors have immediate access to world-renowned landmarks, extensive public transit, and a dining scene that covers everything from casual street crêpes to traditional bistros and high-end gastronomy.
Suggested trip: 4-5 days · Best time: April through June and September through October offer mild weather and manageable crowds.
10 best things to do
- 1
Eiffel Tower
7th Arrondissement
A 330-meter iron lattice tower that serves as a major symbol of the city.
Tip: Book elevator tickets online several weeks ahead to bypass the physical ticket lines.
- 2
Arc de Triomphe
8th Arrondissement
A massive monument honoring those who fought for France, sitting at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle.
Tip: Access the base via the underground tunnel, not by crossing the roundabout.
- 3
Sainte-Chapelle
1st Arrondissement
A 13th-century royal chapel containing floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows.
Tip: Visit on a sunny morning for maximum light through the glass.
- 4
Catacombs of Paris
14th Arrondissement
An underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people in a network of old quarry tunnels.
Tip: The tunnels are damp and cool year-round; bring a light jacket.
- 5
Musée de l'Orangerie
1st Arrondissement
An art gallery famously housing eight large Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet.
Tip: Reserve a time slot in advance as walk-in capacity is strictly limited.
- 6
Panthéon
5th Arrondissement
A neoclassical mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens like Voltaire and Marie Curie.
Tip: Check the schedule to see the Foucault pendulum demonstration.
- 7
Musée Rodin
7th Arrondissement
A museum dedicated to French sculptor Auguste Rodin, set within his former mansion and an expansive sculpture garden.
Tip: Buy a garden-only ticket if you are short on time and money.
- 8
Fondation Louis Vuitton
16th Arrondissement
A contemporary art museum housed in a striking glass building designed by Frank Gehry.
Tip: Take the dedicated shuttle bus from the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile metro station.
- 9
Jardin des Plantes
5th Arrondissement
A historic botanical garden featuring specialized greenhouses and a small zoo.
Tip: The outdoor gardens are free to enter, but the greenhouses require a ticket.
- 10
Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
7th Arrondissement
A museum featuring indigenous art and cultures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Tip: Visit on Thursday evenings when the museum stays open late.
5 experiences beyond the obvious
Coulée Verte René-Dumont
12th Arrondissement
An elevated linear park built on top of obsolete railway infrastructure.
Tip: Access the staircase near the Opéra Bastille to walk the planted viaduct.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
19th Arrondissement
A steep, landscaped park featuring a suspension bridge, waterfalls, and a temple at its peak.
Tip: Wear shoes with good traction, as the paved paths can be steep and slick.
Petit Palais
8th Arrondissement
An art museum built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, surrounding a semicircular courtyard garden.
Tip: The permanent collection is free and requires no advance reservation.
Galerie Vivienne
2nd Arrondissement
A well-preserved 19th-century covered commercial arcade with mosaic floors and a glass roof.
Tip: Enter from Rue des Petits-Champs for the best photo angle of the mosaics.
Musée Marmottan Monet
16th Arrondissement
A museum holding an extensive collection of Claude Monet's works, located in a former hunting lodge.
Tip: Look for Monet's 'Impression, Sunrise', the painting that gave the Impressionist movement its name.
Insider tips
- →Take the RER B train from CDG airport directly to central transit hubs to avoid traffic.
- →July and August bring heatwaves; carry water when walking the Esplanade des Invalides.
- →November through February are chilly and often damp; pack waterproof layers if staying in Le Marais.
- →Book tickets for the Eiffel Tower online to bypass the longer physical ticket lines.
- →Use Metro Line 2 to reach the base of Montmartre, arriving at Anvers station before walking up the hill.
- →The RER C train provides a direct transit connection to the Musée d'Orsay along the Left Bank.
- →The Place des Vosges offers a quiet, enclosed green space to sit after walking through the 4th arrondissement.
- →Cross between the Left and Right Banks via the Pont Neuf to access the Square du Vert-Galant at the tip of the island.
Where to eat
- Croissant - bakeries and cafes for breakfast
- Steak frites - traditional bistros and brasseries
- Macarons - specialized pastry shops
- Crêpes - street stands and casual creperies
Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards
9th Arrondissement · Budget · $$
A historic bouillon serving traditional French dishes in a grand dining room at low prices.
Bouillon République
3rd Arrondissement · Budget · $$
A lively, large-scale eatery offering classic French comfort food with fast service.
Du Pain et des Idées
10th Arrondissement · Café & bakery · $
A renowned bakery famous for its escargot pastries and traditional bread.
Rue Mouffetard Market
5th Arrondissement · Market / food hall
A bustling street market lined with fresh produce, cheeses, and casual food vendors.
Bistrot Victoires
1st Arrondissement · Casual · $$
A classic French bistro known for generous portions of steak frites and duck confit.
Le Cinq
8th Arrondissement · Splurge · $$$$
A highly acclaimed fine dining establishment offering complex, multi-course French gastronomy.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris
7th Arrondissement · Market / food hall
An expansive high-end grocery store with diverse prepared foods and gourmet ingredients.
Au Pied de Cochon
1st Arrondissement · Splurge · $$$
A classic brasserie famous for its pork dishes and traditional onion soup.
Best neighborhoods
Le Marais
shoppingnightlife
A historic district with museums, former mansions, and narrow streets lined with boutiques.
Montmartre
first-timers
A hilltop quarter around Sacré-Cœur featuring steep staircases and sweeping city views.
Latin Quarter
budget staysnightlife
A student-heavy area near the Sorbonne with affordable eateries and lively evening venues.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
foodshopping
An upscale neighborhood known for classic literary cafes, art galleries, and high-end fashion.
Belleville
foodrelaxed local feel
A hilly, diverse neighborhood marked by street art, independent coffee shops, and varied dining.
Les Halles
shoppingfirst-timers
A highly connected central commercial hub anchored by a massive underground shopping complex.
Three-day itinerary
Day 1 · 1st Arrondissement
Central Art and Gardens
- Morning
- View the vast art collections at the Louvre Museum.
- Lunch
- Grab a quick meal at the Foodcourt Rivoli - Carrousel du Louvre.
- Afternoon
- Walk through the manicured paths of the Tuileries Garden.
- Evening
- Stroll the arcades of the Domaine National du Palais-Royal.
- Getting around
- Walk or take Metro Line 1.
- Swap in
- Skip the Louvre and visit the smaller Musée de l'Orangerie nearby.
Stops: Louvre Museum · Foodcourt Rivoli - Carrousel du Louvre · Tuileries Garden · Domaine National du Palais-Royal
Day 2 · 18th Arrondissement
Montmartre Heights
- Morning
- Climb the steps to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre for city views.
- Lunch
- Dine on traditional French meats at Sacrée Fleur Montmartre.
- Afternoon
- Watch the portrait artists at work in Place du Tertre.
- Evening
- Enjoy Italian dishes in the multi-level dining room at Pink Mamma.
- Getting around
- Metro Line 12 to Abbesses, then walk or take the funicular.
- Swap in
- Explore the quieter streets behind the basilica instead of the main square.
Stops: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre · Sacrée Fleur Montmartre · Place du Tertre · Pink Mamma
Day 3 · Saint-Germain & Latin Quarter
Left Bank Classics
- Morning
- Admire Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d'Orsay.
- Lunch
- Stop for a casual bite at Le Bistro des Augustins.
- Afternoon
- Relax by the fountains in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
- Evening
- Have dinner at Le Procope, one of the oldest cafes in Paris.
- Getting around
- Walk or take Metro Line 4.
- Swap in
- Visit the Panthéon instead of the gardens if the weather turns poor.
Stops: Musée d'Orsay · Le Bistro des Augustins · Jardin du Luxembourg · Le Procope
Opening hours and ticketing change — confirm on each official site before you go.
Budget travel advice
- • Plan for a moderate estimated daily budget per person excluding flights, adjusting based on your dining choices.
- • Visit the permanent collections at city-run museums like the Petit Palais, which are free.
- • Eat your main meal at lunch to take advantage of fixed-price menus (formules) at bistros.
- • Buy a Navigo Easy pass to load metro rides digitally at a discount compared to single tickets.
- • Skip bottled water and order a 'carafe d'eau' (tap water) to save money at restaurants.
- • Dine at historic bouillons for inexpensive traditional French dishes in grand dining rooms.
Practical information
- Airports & transfers
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY).
- Getting around
- Extensive Metro and RER train network, plus buses.
- Currency
- EUR (€)
- Paying
- Cards widely accepted; carry small coins for markets.
- Weather
- July-August can bring heatwaves; November-February are chilly and damp.
- Safety
- Watch for pickpockets around major transit hubs and crowded landmarks.
- Entry requirements
- Check the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website for current entry requirements.
How this guide was made
Places were selected from Google Places records (listed as operational when checked 2026-11-12) and official visitor sources, then written up with AI editing. It has not been reviewed by a person yet. Ratings are Google's recorded snapshot, not live ratings; confirm current details with each venue.
- Google Places (15 searches, 147 open places) · checked 2026-11-12
- Official visitor information: Paris je t'aime - Tourist office · checked 2026-11-12
- U.S. State Department: France travel information · checked 2026-11-12
- Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA) · checked 2026-11-12
Estimated daily spending (USD)
Budget
$120 / day
Dorm or simple room, casual meals, local transit
- Lodging
- $54
- Food
- $30
- Transit
- $12
- Activities
- $24
Midrange
$160 / day
Private room, restaurant meals, some paid activities
- Lodging
- $72
- Food
- $40
- Transit
- $16
- Activities
- $32
Premium
$300 / day
Higher-comfort planning allowance; not a hotel quote
- Lodging
- $135
- Food
- $75
- Transit
- $30
- Activities
- $60
| Style | Lodging | Food | Transit | Sights | Total / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget Dorm or simple room, casual meals, local transit | $54 | $30 | $12 | $24 | $120 |
Midrange Private room, restaurant meals, some paid activities | $72 | $40 | $16 | $32 | $160 |
Premium Higher-comfort planning allowance; not a hotel quote | $135 | $75 | $30 | $60 | $300 |
Editorial planning allowances in USD per person/day, allocated from the existing $120–200 range. Components sum to the displayed total. These are not surveyed current prices or hotel quotes; flights, insurance and unlisted fees are excluded. Accommodation assumes shared or simple lodging. Premium is a higher planning allowance, not a verified luxury price.
Getting around
CDG: RER B to central Paris. Confirm the service, terminal, luggage rules and current operation before departure. Within the destination, compare the routes serving your accommodation rather than assuming every sight is walkable.
Airport → city
Pro tip
Budget traveler mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the daily estimate is a bookable hotel price — check your own dates and occupancy.
- Treating a feed fare as guaranteed — confirm passenger totals, baggage and payment fees at checkout.
- Arriving at an attraction without checking its official entry requirements or reservation policy.
Safety & scams
Check your government's current travel advisory for France and local guidance before travel. Keep valuables secure, use authorized transport and confirm local restrictions. This guide does not provide a destination-wide safety rating or guarantee.
Plan & book this trip to Paris
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Sources and review scope
Destination place notes adapted from Wikivoyage: Paris, retrieved 2026-11-12, CC BY-SA 4.0. Sources were checked at article level, not for current fares, business hours or admission prices.
Travel conditions can change. Send a correction or read related travel advice.