Planning Your Perfect Paris Trip - Trippler Travel Guide

Why Visit Paris?

Paris needs no introduction—it's the world's most visited capital, home to iconic landmarks, world-class museums, haute cuisine, and timeless elegance. From the Eiffel Tower glittering at night to cozy bistros serving perfect croissants, from the artistic treasures of the Louvre to charming cobblestone streets of Montmartre, Paris delivers on every romantic expectation while constantly surprising with new discoveries.

Whether you're an art lover, foodie, history buff, or hopeless romantic, Paris offers endless experiences. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with each neighborhood (arrondissement) offering its own distinct character and charm.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Spring (April - June)

Peak season with blooming gardens, perfect weather (15-20°C / 59-68°F), and long daylight hours. Paris truly shines in spring.

Beautiful weather and blooming flowers
Café terraces come alive
Higher prices and more tourists
Book accommodations well in advance

Fall (September - October)

Shoulder season with pleasant weather (12-18°C / 54-64°F), fewer crowds, and cultural events. Many consider it the best time to visit.

Comfortable temperatures
Harvest season wine festivals
Fashion Week in September
Better hotel deals than spring

Winter (November - March)

Low season with cold, gray days (3-8°C / 37-46°F) but magical holiday atmosphere and lowest prices.

Christmas markets and decorations
Shortest lines at museums
Best accommodation deals
Some attractions have reduced hours

Summer (July - August)

Hot season (20-25°C / 68-77°F) when many Parisians leave for vacation. Crowded but festive with outdoor events.

Paris Plages (beach on the Seine)
Outdoor concerts and festivals
Very crowded at major sites
Many shops close for August vacation

Must-See Attractions

1. The Eiffel Tower

No Paris trip is complete without visiting La Dame de Fer. Book tickets online in advance to skip the long lines. Visit at sunset for golden hour views, then stay to see the tower sparkle on the hour after dark. For the best photo spot without crowds, head to Trocadéro Gardens.

€28 for summit access | 2-3 hours

2. The Louvre Museum

The world's largest art museum houses 35,000 works including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. It's impossible to see everything in one visit. Focus on one wing or book a guided tour. Enter through the less crowded Porte des Lions entrance. Free admission first Saturday evening of each month.

€17 | Half to full day

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

While currently under reconstruction after the 2019 fire (reopening planned for 2024-2025), you can still admire the exterior and Gothic architecture. Visit nearby Sainte-Chapelle instead for stunning stained glass windows, and explore the charming Île de la Cité.

Check current status | 30 min - 1 hour

4. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Climb the hill to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views. Wander the artistic streets of Montmartre where Picasso and Van Gogh once lived. Visit Place du Tertre to watch street artists, explore hidden vineyards, and discover the famous "I Love You" wall with declarations in 250 languages.

Free (basilica) | Half day

5. Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum showcases the world's finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. See works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas. Less crowded than the Louvre and more manageable in size.

€16 | 2-3 hours

6. Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Stroll down the famous avenue from Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. While the street itself is touristy with chain stores, climb the Arc de Triomphe for incredible views down the grand avenue and across Paris. Visit at sunset for magical light.

€13 (Arc de Triomphe) | 1-2 hours

Parisian Food Experiences

Breakfast at a Boulangerie

Start your day like a Parisian with a buttery croissant or pain au chocolat from a local bakery. Top spots include Du Pain et des Idées, Blé Sucré, and Maison Landemaine. Order a café crème to complete the experience. Eat at the counter for cheaper prices than sitting down.

Budget: €5-10

Classic Bistro Lunch

Experience authentic French cuisine at traditional bistros. Look for "plat du jour" (dish of the day) for the best value. Try escargot, steak frites, or coq au vin. Recommended: Bistrot Paul Bert, Le Petit Cler, or Chez Janou. Don't skip the wine—house wine (vin de la maison) is affordable and good.

Budget: €20-35 for prix fixe menu

French Cheese & Wine

Visit a fromagerie (cheese shop) to sample French cheeses. Ask for recommendations and pair with a fresh baguette and wine for a perfect picnic. Great spots: La Fromagerie, Quatrehomme, or Barthélemy. Have a picnic along the Seine or in Luxembourg Gardens.

Budget: €15-25

Sweet Treats

Indulge in French pastries and desserts. Try macarons at Ladurée or Pierre Hermé, éclairs at L'Éclair de Génie, or crème brûlée at Le Comptoir du Relais. For a special treat, visit Angelina for their famous hot chocolate so thick you can eat it with a spoon.

Budget: €5-15 per item

Essential Paris Tips

Learn Basic French Phrases

"Bonjour" (hello), "merci" (thank you), "s'il vous plaît" (please), and "parlez-vous anglais?" (do you speak English?) go a long way. Always greet shop owners and waiters with "bonjour" before asking questions.

Metro is Your Best Friend

Buy a carnet (book of 10 tickets) or get a Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited travel. The metro is fast, efficient, and reaches everywhere. Download the RATP app for real-time updates. Watch for pickpockets, especially on Line 1.

Museum Pass Saves Money

If visiting 3+ museums, the Paris Museum Pass (€62 for 2 days, €78 for 4 days) saves money and lets you skip ticket lines. Covers 60+ museums including Louvre, Orsay, and Versailles.

Restaurant Etiquette

Service is included (service compris) so tipping 5-10% is optional. Water and bread are free—ask for "une carafe d'eau" (tap water). Splitting the bill is uncommon. The server won't bring the check until you ask: "l'addition, s'il vous plaît."

Stay Safe

Paris is generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets near tourist sites. Keep bags closed and valuables secure. Avoid the petition scam and friendship bracelet sellers near Sacré-Cœur. Some areas (Gare du Nord, parts of the 18th and 19th) are best avoided late at night.

Ready to Experience Paris?

Let Trippler create a personalized Paris itinerary matching your interests—whether you're an art enthusiast, food lover, or romantic explorer. Get museum recommendations, restaurant picks, and neighborhood guides tailored to you.

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