Visiting Paris: what can you expect and how do you prepare for your city trip
What should you have seen when you visit Paris?
Famous sights in Paris
Less well-known sights in Paris
Sainte-Chapelle
Is Paris worth visiting?
My first visit to Paris was in 2015. That trip was not well prepared, which meant I ended up seeing less than I had wanted. Because I had not arranged tickets in advance, I spent a lot of time waiting in long lines at popular sights. I also had hardly looked into traveling by metro, so I mostly stayed in the city center. Many places that had been on my list beforehand, I unfortunately did not get to visit.
In the years that followed, I returned to Paris several times, with my most recent visit in April 2025. During these later visits, I approached things differently. I planned my days better, bought tickets in advance, and explored the different neighborhoods of the city more thoroughly. That made a big difference. I discovered Paris in various ways and took more time at each sight. Personally, I therefore think Paris is a city that lends itself well to returning multiple times.
Whether Paris is worth visiting for you also depends on what you are looking for in a city trip and where your interests lie. For travelers who enjoy culture, museums, architecture, and plenty of variety, Paris offers many possibilities.
Day trips and excursions from Paris
Paris itself offers more than enough to fill several days, but if you have some extra time, you can also visit interesting places outside the city. From the city center, you can reach locations relatively quickly by public transport or an organized tour that show a different side of the region. These outings require a bit more planning, but they can be combined well with a city trip.
The nicest shopping streets in Paris
For many visitors, shopping is part of a city trip to Paris. The city is known for its large department stores, famous shopping streets, and smaller boutiques spread across different neighborhoods. Depending on what you are looking for, it is worth tailoring your visit accordingly.
Practical tips for a visit to Paris
Good preparation makes a visit to Paris much more enjoyable. The city is large, and public transport plays an important role in getting around between sights and neighborhoods. Knowing in advance how the metro system works and which transport passes are useful for tourists saves time and helps avoid unnecessary stress during your stay.
In addition, it is wise to decide in advance how you will travel from the airport to the city center. Depending on where you are staying and the time of arrival, one option may be more practical than another. On this page, I therefore refer to more in-depth information about transportation in Paris.
Public transport in Paris
From the airport to the center of Paris
Paris has several airports, and there are different ways to travel from the airport to the city center. Depending on where you arrive and where you are staying, you can choose to travel by train, bus, or taxi. Some connections are mainly fast, while others are more attractive because of the price.
Staying overnight in Paris
A suitable place to stay plays a major role during a city trip to Paris. The city is extensive, and the choice of a neighborhood or arrondissement affects how easily you get around and how much time you spend traveling. In addition, prices vary greatly depending on the location, the season, and the type of accommodation.
Whether you want to stay close to the city center or prefer a quieter neighborhood a bit farther away, it is worth comparing options in advance. Below you will find an overview that helps with finding affordable hotels in Paris, with attention to location and price level.
Frequently asked questions about a visit to Paris
How many days do you need to visit Paris?
For a first visit to Paris, three to four days are sufficient. During that time, you can visit several well-known sights and see different neighborhoods. If you want to visit more museums or add extra places, you will need more days.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is in spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October). During these months, the weather is usually mild and it is less crowded than in summer. In July and August, it is busier and waiting times are more likely to increase.
Is Paris an expensive city to visit?
Paris can be expensive, but costs vary depending on your choices. Staying overnight and eating in tourist areas is often pricey, while outside these areas it is more affordable. By buying tickets in advance and using public transport, you can save money.
Do you need to book sights in Paris in advance?
For many popular sights, booking in advance is recommended. This helps avoid long waiting times, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Without a reservation, it may happen that you cannot enter immediately.
Can you explore Paris well on foot?
Within individual neighborhoods, Paris is easy to explore on foot. The distances between sights are often large, so a combination of walking and public transport is practical.
Is Paris suitable for a first city trip?
Paris is suitable for a first city trip, as long as you take the size of the city into account. By planning ahead and limiting the number of sights per day, you can avoid spending too much time traveling and waiting.
Edward
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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Last update: 27 January 2026
