How many days do you need in Paris?
Many travelers find that 3 to 4 days covers the main sights at a comfortable pace, and 5 or more lets you add day trips, neighborhoods and slower meals. With two days you can do the highlights, but you will have to choose carefully. If you are fitting Paris into a longer route, see our two week Europe planning guide.
Paris neighborhoods
Paris is divided into 20 districts called arrondissements, which spiral outward from the center. A few areas popular with visitors:
- Le Marais (3rd and 4th): Historic streets, boutiques, galleries and cafes.
- Latin Quarter (5th): Student area with bookshops, close to the Sorbonne and the Pantheon.
- Saint-Germain-des-Pres (6th): Classic cafes, publishers and art galleries.
- Louvre and Tuileries (1st): Central, close to museums and the river.
- Montmartre (18th): Hilltop area with Sacre-Coeur and winding streets; lively but busier near the main squares.
- Eiffel Tower area (7th): Quiet and residential, with famous views.
For a first visit, a central base near a Metro station makes everything simpler.
Top sights
- Eiffel Tower: Book tickets in advance if you want to go up.
- Louvre Museum: Home to the Mona Lisa and huge collections. Advance booking is recommended, and you cannot see everything in one visit.
- Musee d’Orsay: Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in a former railway station.
- Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle: Gothic landmarks on the Ile de la Cite. Check current access and booking arrangements for Notre-Dame, since these may change.
- Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees
- Palais Garnier, the opera house
- Palace of Versailles, usually done as a half-day or full-day trip
Many museums close one day a week, often Monday or Tuesday, so check hours.
Getting around
- Metro: The fastest option for most trips. Tickets and passes are sold at stations and through official apps; check current fares and options on the official transport website.
- Walking: Central Paris is walkable, and walking often shows more than the Metro.
- Buses and trams: Useful for sightseeing and for avoiding stairs.
- Airports: Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly connect to the city by train, bus and taxi; compare options for your arrival time.
- Trains: Several major stations link Paris to the rest of France and to London, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Eating in Paris
Bakeries sell croissants and baguettes for breakfast. Cafes are good for people-watching. Bistros serve classics such as onion soup or steak frites. Restaurants often have fixed-price lunch menus that can be better value than dinner. Reserve at popular restaurants. Service is usually included in the bill, though some diners leave a small extra tip.
As for the “5 to 7 rule,” it commonly refers to the French tradition of the “cinq a sept,” the early-evening slot after work, often associated with drinks. Usage varies, and in a travel context it is mostly a nod to the hours when cafes fill up before dinner.
Day trips
- Versailles: Palace and gardens.
- Giverny: Monet’s house and gardens, usually open spring through fall.
- Fontainebleau and Chantilly: Castles and forests.
- Reims or Champagne: For tastings.
- Disneyland Paris, if traveling with children.
For wider France trip ideas, see the top Europe destinations and the top things to do in Europe.
Is Paris safe right now?
Paris is visited by millions of people each year, and most trips go smoothly. As in any large city, petty theft and scams are the most common issues, particularly around major sights and on the Metro. Practical steps include keeping bags zipped and in front of you, being cautious with strangers offering petitions or bracelets, and keeping phones out of reach near open doors. Conditions, protests, strikes and security alerts can change, so check your government’s current travel advice and local news shortly before you travel.
When to go and extra tips
Spring and fall are popular for weather, while summer is hot and busy, and winter is quieter and cooler. If you travel in autumn, see our packing guide for Europe in fall. Other tips:
- Learn a few French phrases, such as “bonjour” and “merci,” and greet staff when you enter shops. A translation app from our apps for international travel roundup can help with menus and signs.
- Buy a museum pass only if you plan to visit several sites; compare the price with individual tickets.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk a lot on uneven pavement.
- Take a day to explore beyond the center.