Paris rewards doing less. The mistake most first-time visitors make is treating it as a checklist rather than a city to walk in. This guide covers when to go, how to move around and how to shape a few days so they do not become a queue.
Before you go
When to go
April to June and September to October are the best windows. August is hot and many neighbourhood restaurants close while Parisians leave. Winter is cold and grey but the museums are empty.
- Spring and autumn are best
- August: locals leave, some closures
- Christmas markets in December
- Book museums any month
How long you need
Four nights is the minimum that does not feel rushed. A week lets you add Versailles, Giverny or a day in Champagne without cutting the city short.
- 4 nights minimum
- 7 days with day trips
- One arrondissement per day
- Do not stack three museums
Getting around
The metro is fast, cheap and covers everything. Paris is also more walkable than it looks — most of the centre is under an hour end to end on foot.
- Metro over taxis
- Walk between neighbourhoods
- Batobus on the Seine
- Avoid driving entirely
Booking ahead
The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Versailles all use timed entry and sell out in peak season. Book before you fly, not on arrival.
- Timed entry at the big three
- Louvre closed Tuesdays
- Versailles is a full day
- Skip-the-line is worth it
Paris is a walking city and the historic centre is cobbled in places. If walking distances matter for your group, tell us early — it changes which arrondissement we recommend as a base.
Where this leads
Blog attracts, things to do informs, tours convert — in that order.