Paris was the place to be summer 2024. From attractive concerts, highly rated shows and the city hosting the summer olympics, there was no shortage of things to do in Paris. If you have your sights set on the city of love, you are not alone. You will join the millions of travelers who descend on the city annually for a once in a lifetime experience. Even if you weren’t lucky enough to score tickets to the Olympics, planning an epic trip to Paris is definitely possible. If this is the year you plan to cross Paris off of your bucket list, then there are a few things you want to know.
I had dreams of Paris from as far back as my teen years. It is so romanticized in movies. A ton of big fashion brands were born there (Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Dior). Food critics are constantly raving about French food. Heck, Beyonce and Jay-Z even filmed a music video in the Louvre (admittedly that was after I went the first time). When my friends suggested that we travel to Paris, I was all in. However, my first trip didn’t go exactly as I imagined.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve had some of my best trips abroad to Paris. After I stopped trying to be a tourist there and learned how to navigate the city effectively, I quickly began to understand why people love this city. If you are wondering how to plan a trip to Paris, this guide will provide the insight you need to make it epic.
Getting There
The first part is easy. You will likely arrive in to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) international airport which is about 22 miles from Paris city center. In some cities, that’s nothing. In Paris, that is a bit of a haul. If you’ve packed light and are looking to save time and money, the best option to get into the city is by train. You can purchase tickets at the airport and there is no advantage to purchasing in advance. The RER B train runs every 10 minutes and provides express service to the Gare du Nord station. The journey to the city will take about 35 minutes then you will need to get to your hotel from there.
Travelers with a lot of bags, might want to opt for a car. If you’re feeling bougie, book a car service. If you are bougie on a budget, Uber and taxi are both available. Taxi’s have a flat rate from the airport to the city center, so ask at the airport to get the latest rates if this is the option you plan to take. Just keep in mind, traffic can be an obstacle in Paris and travel times will vary depending on the time of day. Of course, there is also a bus but I have no patience for them and have never considered this option when planning a trip to Paris.
Where to Stay
I got this all wrong on the my first visit to Paris. Here are a few insights I wish I had before I descended on the city. Paris is divided into 20 different neighborhoods called arrondissements. The more popular ones are closer to the river and generally closer to interesting tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower (7th arrondissement) and the Louvre (1st arrondissement).
The Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) and St Germain (6th arrondissement) get a lot of attention and for all the right reasons. They are filled with bars/cafes that have meticulously placed outdoor seating, cute shops to get locally designed goods and some lesser known places to experience art. For my first visit, I unknowingly chose a place that was far from all the cool stuff and I ended up having to take the metro every time I wanted to go for dinner or visit a famous attraction. It was really a hassle.
Budgets will certainly guide your decision on where to make your base in Paris. Once you reconcile what you can afford with the neighborhood/arrondissement you want to call home, you are ready to start your search. I’ve only stayed in hotels but in today’s environment, there are many different options to explore. If you are up for a splurge, stay at the Ritz Paris (arr 1), Cheval Blanc (arr 1) or Cour des Vosges (arr 4). They are all equally fabulous and are certain to check all the ‘posh’ marks of even the most discerning traveler. A little farther out but still in a cool area is the reasonably priced Hotel Square (arr 16). I stayed here a few years back and it was adorable. There are a ton of options so choose where you want to spend most of your time and start there.
Understanding hotel rating systems
This is where things get a bit tricky. In many parts of the world, hotels are often rated using a star system to indicate their level of quality and service. However, there is no global standard for those ratings and they tend to shift based on the country. In fact, until a change by the government in 2009, French hotels only went to 4 stars. Instead of focusing on star ratings, focus more on what you want from your hotel stay. For example, do you want an onsite gym or restaurant. Or do you want to get closer to the action. Those needs are what should drive your decision.
Whatever your choice, prepare yourself for rooms that can be quite small. Not all hotels have itty bitty spaces but many of them do. Even some well known brands have been known to cramp your style with incredibly small spaces. That goes for the bathrooms too. With a little luck you can find the one with appropriate space that works for you.
What to Do
This city is jam packed with attractions. There are even 4 different routes on the usually reliable “hop on, hop off” buses. You can spend your entire day at the Louvre trying to take picture of a picture. Or hours standing in line to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I suggest you take a breath and choose a few must see spots while saving time to sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the park.
If you have 3 days
My first trip to Paris was 3 days. I wouldn’t say this is ideal, however, if you are being aggressive with your itinerary you can see a lot. Here are a few must do’s for planning a three day trip to Paris.
Mornings – Be a smart tourist
Assuming you have zero jet lag, you don’t want to waste time. Head to the nearest Hop On Hop Off Bus Stop and grab a two day ticket. Review the map and circle the stops you absolutely want to make. Some things you can see from the bus and be just fine. For example, the Arc de Triomphe is amazing but if you’re not planning on hiking up the 284 steps to the top, just grab the photo from the bus and keep it moving.
However if you love art, a stop at the Louvre is imperative. But be warned, you could spend a month in the Louvre and not see everything. Give yourself a few hours to fight through the crowds around the Mona Lisa and the see the details in the sculpture Winged Victory of Samothrace then get out to see the rest of the city.
Evenings – Soak Up the City
A few neighborhoods just have a better evening crowd than others. You want to be there with the locals sipping wine at one of the many patio decks. I would recommend the Latin Quarter or St Germaine. There you will find some of the finest restaurants in Paris, including a few Alain Ducasse outpost. If you are near the Trocodero, you can get and awesome view of the Eiffel Tower light show while sipping wine on the patio deck there.
If you are still feeling the energy, hit a couple of trendy night spots to dance the night away. Or be a real tourist and find a great cabaret show.
What to skip
It’s hard to say what you should skip as everyone has a different view of a perfect holiday. That said, if you only have 3 days you don’t want to waste any time. If you are planning a trip to Paris, here are my to 3 skips:
- Skip the walk up the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Don’t get me wrong, it is a beautiful avenue and there are plenty of restaurants and shops along the way. But the truth is, this avenue is incredibly crowded. With a few exceptions, many of the restaurants are mediocre. And if you have dreams of buying the perfect piece in the flagship Louis Vuitton store, prepare to stand in what can be a very long line.
- Skip the dinner at the Moulin Rouge Show (and possibly the show). The show is famous and most people want to experience a cabaret show here. Consequently, it is incredibly crowded and there are much better places to have dinner in Paris.
- Skip the afternoon at the Eiffel Tower. That’s not to say skip the Eiffel Tower. You will want to see it if even if you don’t take the elevator up to the top. If you go at the wrong time, you can waste valuable hours standing in line. But if you’re going to do it, buy your tickets online and opt to enter with the early crowd if you want to take in the view. Alternatively, go very late to see the lights and perhaps have dinner. You won’t get the clear view of the city but you will enjoy the twinkling of the city lights.
- Skip the entry to the Louvre near the pyramid. It’s great for a photo op but if you want to get in to this spot without waiting in a long line, head for one of the other entry points like Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions to save time.
If you have 5 Days
Planning for a five day trip to Paris gives you just enough time to get outside of some of the more common areas of the city. You may even have the opportunity to explore outside of Paris albeit not far.
Day 4 – Slow Down
You’ve rushed around town on the bus already so do a walking tour of one of my favorite areas Montemare. Here you’ll find local artisans sharing their craft with visitors throughout the area. Pop into some of the cool artsy stores in the neighborhood. Stroll up Rue de l’Abreuvoir and gaze upon the cathedral as you ascend the hill. We found some really nice cafes to drink wine, eat cheese and chat. If you hang around late enough you will see the stairs near the cathedral fill up with people watching the sunset and drinking wine.
In the afternoon, look for some of the spots from the series “Emily in Paris” like Jardin du Palais Royal or Café de l’Homme located in Trocadéro. Try to get that instagram worthy photo on the Pont Alexandre III bridge.
Day 5 – Get Out of the City
By now, you’ve seen the city so get out. Reims is soooo close to Paris that you can almost smell the grapes during harvest season. Take the train over and explore the amazing champagne region of France. This is probably the only place you can get real champagne at a reasonable price. You can get the fancy stuff too but try something new while you’re here. Or head out to the 17th century Palace of Versailles and explore the amazing gardens. If you’re feeling it, rent one of the boats and paddle around the lake. Spending the day outside of the bustling city is a great way to slow down the pace and immerse yourself.
Other Practical Tips
Paris is a big city with big city problems. With the more recent Olympics in town, you are sure to find a lot more resources around to ensure everything goes smoothly. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise diligence as you move around the city. As you are planning your trip to Paris, make plans to stay comfortable and safe.
Secure your Valuables. I was so fascinated by the the beauty of the city and overwhelmed with all of the activity, I forgot to secure my bag effectively and was the victim of one of the crafty pickpocketers that operate all over the city. Watch out for people that get too close in crowded spaces like trains or busy streets like the Champs Elysees. Lock away your passport in your hotel safe and take a photo copy of it with you in case you need it. Leave your flashy jewelry at home. Bring a bag with a zip closure and don’t forget to zip it. Keep cash separated for easy access and use credit cards for transactions when possible. Politely decline any beggars and stay clear (as much as possible) from over crowded areas.
Wear good/comfortable shoes. No matter what happens, you will walk and walk a lot. Taxi drivers will turn down short trips and point you to the nearest train station or bus stop. My friends and I were kicked out of a taxi after dinner at the Eiffel Tower because our trip was not far enough. Sadly we were wearing heels so made for a painful end to a nice night out. There are plenty of trains and buses around but exploring by foot is the best way to enjoy this city.
Avoid taxis near popular tourist sites. I’m not sure how they get away with it, but there are taxis stationed near places like the Eiffel Tower that charge absorbent rates for even the shortest ride. I was quoted 30 Euro to go about 2 miles. And it wasn’t even a busy day. Just walk a few blocks away and you will find metered taxis charging standard rates.
Learn a little French. It doesn’t take a lot to show respect. And learning a few phrases in the local language is a great way to honor the culture. Saying bonjour, s’il vous plaît, and merci will go a long way with the locals.
In addition to these, spend some time reviewing my post International Trippin’ to get more tips on what to consider when planning a trip.
My Perspective
I’ve visited Paris a few times now and it still fascinates me. I wouldn’t say that I am a pro, but I am definitely a bit more comfortable with the city and have found some neat little spots off the beaten path. I’ve had my best visit when we had no agenda and let the city take hold of us. On one trip, my friend and I drank champagne in the park while the swans lingered nearby. Whatever you decide when planning your trip to Paris, make sure it is epic!
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