Name: How to Plan a Trip to Paris 2026 | Where to Stay, What to Do & Travel Tips
Uploaded: 2026-02-25T14:15:13.000Z
Duration: 17 min 15 s
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We run tours all over Europe and today I'm going to show you how to plan a trip to Paris.

We're going to cover when to go and how to stay, the best things to do and how to skip those long lines, how to get there, where to stay, how to get around the city with ease, what you should pack and of course, food, dining and local etiquette.

There's not one particular season that necessarily is better than the other.

However, it really depends on your own personal choices of what you want to do.

Think of it as each season being its own Parisian story.

So imagine Paris as your own personal museum.

even when you go to the Louvre, the main museum, there's not going to be a lot of people inside.

Imagine after the museum, you tuck into a bistro.

You have a chocolat chaux, which means hot chocolate, which is delicious by the way, especially with whipped cream on top.

And then you go back to your hotel late at night.

It's quiet, intimate and budget friendly.

First, the magnolias appear in March, followed by a burst of cherry blossoms in April.

And finally, the stunning purple wisteria drapes the city.

In May, the cafe terraces fill up and the days grow long and sunny.

pack an umbrella, a classic Parisian spring shower is all part of the charm.

Summer Think long, warm evenings, picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower and outdoor festivals that last late into the night.

It's vibrant and full of life, but be prepared for crowds and peak season prices.

The summer crowds have departed, leaving a golden glow over the city.

The weather is perfect for a light jacket, and the light on the Seine is simply bright.

It's the sweet spot where you get the best of both worlds.

The city transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and enchanting Christmas markets.

Prices will be higher, but the festive atmosphere is truly special.

New Year's Eve or Le Saint Sevastre is a massive street party, especially along the Champs Elysees.

Now let's tackle the question of how long you should stay.

This is key to getting the Paris experience you're dreaming of.

I believe that you need at least three to four days without the travel time.

So between four and five days is kind of the sweet spot.

With this amount of time you're able to see pretty much all the main sites in the city and not feel rushed to.

Also, once in a while, sit down, have a coffee and people watch.

Here's a quick itinerary to give you an idea of what that looks like.

Day one Hit the ground running the best way to beat jet lag is to push through until a local bedtime.

Afterwards, take a relaxing Seine river cruise to see the city sparkle.

And if you had the option, don't skip the Champagne, La Vie Est Belle Louvre and Montmartre.

Dedicate your morning to the legendary Louvre Museum.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, pick a few wings you'd mostly be excited about.

In the afternoon, wander through the charming hilly streets of Montmartre, visit Sacre Coeur and soak in the bohemian atmosphere.

Day 3 Versailles Take a day trip to the opulent palace of Versailles to witness its breathtaking grandeur.

It's definitely worth it if you have not been there before.

If you prefer to stay in the city, then there's a chance to visit some of the lesser known museums which are all equally fantastic.

Day 4 Hidden Gems now it's time to explore like a local.

Jump on a boat, go on the Seine river Cruise, walk along St Germain, have a coffee and just watch the people go by and enjoy real Parisian life.

If you've already seen the main sites, I suggest staying for a week.

This gives you time to dive deeper and add an incredible day trip.

Consider exploring the Champagne region, visiting the historic D day beaches in Normandy, or seeing the stunning island abbey of Mont St.

Pro tip to make your planning even easier, we put together a really comprehensive four day Paris itinerary.

It's packed with our favorite restaurant recommendations, hidden gems and practical tips.

You can find the link for that in the description below.

Alright, let's dive into the best things to do in Paris.

We suggest a simple daily formula to keep your days balanced and enjoyable.

One structured activity per day, some free time for wandering or shopping and a fantastic food experience.

That structured activity could be a guided tour of the Louvre.

In the morning, a food experience could be a food tour in the evening, a wine cheese tasting or even something more decadent like oysters and caviar tasting.

Choose something that will really make your friends at home wonderfully jealous.

Let's prioritize what to see, especially if this is your first time in Paris.

The Louvre and the Ide Delicite Start your morning at the world's most famous museum.

The Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory and the Venus de Milo are absolute must sees, but

the Louvre is massive and can be overwhelming.

We highly recommend booking a guided skip the line tour to save precious time and focus on the masterpieces without getting lost afterward.

Take a short walk to the E Delicite, the historic heart of Paris.

You can admire Notre Dame Cathedral and then visit the stunning Sainte Chapelle to witness its breathtaking stained glass windows.

Number two Versailles just a 40 minute trip from Paris, the Palace of Versailles is the definition of French grandeur.

Hall of Mirrors, the sprawling gardens, Marie Antoinette's private estate, the Petit Trianon are truly unforgettable.

Plan for this to be at least a half day commitment, if not a full day.

To make it seamless, book a guided tour that includes transportation.

You'll bypass the train and ticket hassles, saving time and seeing more.

Number three Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets are released online 60 days in advance and can sell out in minutes for popular times, so set a reminder for a unique adventure.

Climb the 674 steps and to the second floor with a guide who will share incredible stories all along the way.

You can also book one of our guided tours to access the summit, which offers views you won't get with a standard second floor ticket.

Number four Le Marais and Montmartre these neighborhoods are packed with charm, history and incredible food.

Le Marais Picture narrow medieval streets, trendy boutiques and some of the best food in Paris.

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How to Plan a Trip to Paris 2026 | Where to Stay, What to Do & Travel Tips

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