Best things to do in Paris — top-rated attraction
Paris travel guide highlight — popular destination 2
Paris travel guide highlight — popular destination 3
Paris travel guide highlight — popular destination 4
Paris travel guide highlight — popular destination 5

Paris Travel Guide

Everything you need to plan 3 to 5 days in Paris, France — neighborhoods, food, budget, and day-by-day itineraries.

$615–$1075/personBest: April - June2 itinerariesmid-range budget

Choose Your Duration

Each guide includes a full day-by-day itinerary, budget breakdown, map, and local tips.

3-Day
3-Day Paris Itinerary: Classic Icons & Hidden Neighborhoods (2026)
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to Paris
~$615/personBest: April, May, Septembermoderate pace
5-Day
5-Day Paris Itinerary: First-Timer's Complete Neighborhood Guide (2026)
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to Paris
~$1075/personBest: April - Junemoderate pace

Top Neighborhoods

Get a quick feel for each area before you arrive.

Le Marais neighborhood in Paris — things to do and see

Le Marais

excellent

Historic Jewish quarter, vintage shopping, LGBTQ+ nightlife, Place des Vosges, designer boutiques

Montmartre neighborhood in Paris — things to do and see

Montmartre

moderate

Sacré-Cœur Basilica, artist studios, panoramic views, Moulin Rouge, Place du Tertre

Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood in Paris — things to do and see

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

excellent

Literary history, upscale shopping, art galleries, Café de Flore, Luxembourg Gardens nearby

Île de la Cité neighborhood in Paris — things to do and see

Île de la Cité

excellent

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, flower market

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

excellent

Luxury shopping, Arc de Triomphe, grand boulevards, flagship stores

What to Eat in Paris

The essential dishes to try — full eating guides with etiquette and meal strategies are on each itinerary page.

Must-try dishes

Steak Frites — must-try food in Paris at Bistrot Paul Bert or Le Comptoir du 6ème
Steak Frites

Bistrot Paul Bert or Le Comptoir du 6ème · $25-30

French Onion Soup — must-try food in Paris at Au Pied de Cochon or Les Halles
French Onion Soup

Au Pied de Cochon or Les Halles · $12-15

Escargot — must-try food in Paris at L'Escargot Montorgueil
Escargot

L'Escargot Montorgueil · $15-18

Duck Confit — must-try food in Paris at L'Ami Jean or traditional bistros
Duck Confit

L'Ami Jean or traditional bistros · $28-35

Croque Monsieur — must-try food in Paris at Any decent café or Schwartz's Deli
Croque Monsieur

Any decent café or Schwartz's Deli · $8-12

Macarons — must-try food in Paris at Pierre Hermé or Du Pain et des Idées
Macarons

Pierre Hermé or Du Pain et des Idées · $2-3 each

Street food highlights

Falafel · Le Marais (Rue des Rosiers) · $8-12Crêpes · Any street corner · $5-8Baguette sandwiches · Every boulangerie · $4-7

Getting Around

Master the Metro system

Buy a carnet of 10 tickets for €14.90 versus €2.15 per single ticket. Line 1 is automated and connects most tourist areas. RER B goes directly to Charles de Gaulle airport (€11.40, 45-60 minutes). Metro runs until 1:15am weekdays, 2:15am weekends.

Full transit details including booking instructions and platform tips are in each day-by-day guide.

Budget at a Glance

Budget Range
$615 – $1075
From 3 days to 5 days
Daily Average
$219
per person/day
Budget Tier
mid-range
accommodation, food, transport, activities

Per-person estimates in USD. Full category breakdowns available on each guide page.

Best Time to Visit

Best months
April - June

Perfect weather, blooming gardens, long days but not too hot, fewer crowds than summer peak

Avoid
July - August

Peak tourist season with crowds and heat, many locals on vacation, higher accommodation prices

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Paris?

Yes, 3 days covers the essential Paris experience. You'll see major icons (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame area), explore 3-4 distinct neighborhoods, and eat at classic bistros. You'll miss: Versailles day trip, Musée d'Orsay, Seine cruise, and deeper neighborhood exploration. For a relaxed pace or multiple museums, 5-7 days is ideal.

Where should I stay in Paris?

Le Marais offers the best balance of location, dining, and character for first-timers. Saint-Germain is upscale and central. Latin Quarter is lively but can be noisy. Avoid: areas around Gare du Nord and République after dark, and Montmartre if you have mobility issues due to steep hills.

How much does 3 days in Paris cost?

Budget: $90-120/day (hostels, street food, free attractions). Mid-range: $180-220/day (hotels, bistros, main museums). Luxury: $350+/day (4-star hotels, Michelin dining). Biggest costs are accommodation (€60-150/night) and dining (€25-50 per meal at restaurants).

What should I not miss in Paris?

Louvre Museum (book timed entry), Eiffel Tower at sunset, Sainte-Chapelle stained glass, wandering Le Marais neighborhood, and eating at a classic bistro with proper steak frites. These five experiences capture Paris's art, architecture, neighborhoods, and food culture.

What's the best time to visit Paris?

April-May and September offer perfect weather with fewer crowds. June is beautiful but busy. Avoid July-August (peak crowds, many locals away) and January-February (gray and cold). December has Christmas markets but unpredictable weather.

Is 5 days enough for Paris?

Yes, 5 days gives you enough time to see the major landmarks, explore 3-4 neighborhoods thoroughly, and get a genuine feel for Parisian life. You'll cover the Louvre, Montmartre, Le Marais, and iconic sites like Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe. What you'll miss: day trips to Versailles, extensive museum visits beyond the Louvre, and deeper neighborhood exploration. But you'll leave satisfied and wanting to return.

How much does 5 days in Paris cost?

Budget travelers can manage on $85-100/day (hostels, street food, free activities). Mid-range travelers should expect $180-220/day (nice hotels, restaurant meals, paid attractions). Luxury travelers will spend $350+/day. Key costs: accommodation €80-150/night, meals €40-70/day, metro day pass €8.45, major museums €12-17 each.

Visiting more of France?

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