Paris Travel Guide 2026 

Paris isn’t just another city—it’s a whole mood. The place glows with history and style, mixing grand monuments with cozy cafés and winding streets. Whether you’re here to get lost in art galleries, sip espresso and people-watch from a sidewalk table, or whisk someone away for a romantic adventure, Paris just gets under your skin. This guide lays out what to do, where to sleep (no matter your budget or vibe), what you’ll actually spend in 2026, and how Paris stacks up against other big-name destinations. You’ll also find real talk on hotels, tours, and the nitty-gritty like visas and food prices. It’s all straight-up, easy to follow, and actually useful for planning your own trip—or just daydreaming.

Best Things to Do in Paris — A Journey Through Culture, Views, and Memories

Step off the train or plane, and Paris grabs you right away. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a street musician under a bridge or a baker sliding fresh baguettes onto a shelf. The city’s got layers—history, art, shopping, food—sometimes all on the same block. You can’t ignore the Eiffel Tower. It towers (literally) over the city, and you’ll spot it from a dozen different angles while wandering around. Ride the elevator to the top for those classic postcard views, or climb the stairs if you’re up for it and want to save a few euros. Either way, standing up there and seeing Paris sprawl out beneath you, it just hits different. At night, when the whole thing sparkles, it’s a moment you’ll remember.

Just a short walk from the tower, the banks of the Seine are perfect for slowing down. Early mornings or at sunset, you’ll see couples strolling, artists sketching, maybe a few friends sharing a bottle of wine. The river cruises are a favorite for a reason—drifting past glowing bridges and landmarks at night is about as romantic as it gets. If you love art (or even if you just think you don’t), the Louvre is a must. It’s enormous, and yeah, the Mona Lisa is here, but there’s so much more—paintings, sculptures, stuff from every corner of the world. You can easily lose half a day wandering its halls and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Notre-Dame is still standing strong, even if the inside’s closed for restoration. The outside alone is worth the visit, and the surrounding streets are full of that old Paris charm—tiny shops, bookstalls, cobblestone alleys. Head north to Montmartre, and the city changes. The streets get steeper and narrower, artists set up their easels on the sidewalks, and cafés spill out onto small squares. At the top, Sacré-Cœur’s white domes watch over everything. The view from up here—especially at sunset—might be the best in town.

For shopping or just soaking up city life, wander down the Champs-Élysées. It’s busy and flashy, packed with big brands, theaters, and cafés. Grab a coffee, watch the crowds, or just window shop. And honestly, sometimes the best Paris days are the slow ones. Grab a pastry and head to Luxembourg Gardens. Find a seat by the fountain, read, people-watch, or just enjoy the quiet. It’s a little bit of calm right in the middle of the city.

Best Hotels in Paris for Every Traveler — From Luxury to Boutique Stays

Picking the right neighborhood can change your whole trip. Paris is a patchwork of areas, each with its own vibe, and there’s something for everyone. If you want the full-on luxury experience, the Four Seasons Hotel George V is basically the gold standard. Think fancy rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, and service that makes you feel like royalty—all steps from the city’s heart. Hôtel de Crillon is another legend, facing Place de la Concorde. This place oozes old-school Paris glam, with elegant rooms, top-notch dining, and a real sense of history. For something more modern but still upscale, check out the Mandarin Oriental, Paris in the 1st arrondissement. It’s got sharp design, killer service, and you’re walking distance from the Louvre and top shopping. If you’re chasing romance with a side of old-world flair, Maison Souquet near Montmartre is a hidden gem. The rooms feel straight out of the Belle Époque, all cozy and dramatic—perfect for couples. Want Eiffel Tower views without blowing your budget? Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower has modern rooms, a rooftop bar, and those Instagram-worthy shots of the tower—great for couples or families. Paris isn’t just about famous landmarks and high-end hotels. The city’s full of quirky little boutique hotels—places with real personality and friendly staff. If you’re after something other than the big hotel chains, you’ll find plenty of options with charm.

Cheapest Places to Stay in Paris — Budget Friendly but Comfortable

Everyone hears that Paris is expensive. And yes, it can be. But if you plan ahead, you’ll find plenty of places to stay that won’t wipe out your wallet. Hostels are probably the easiest way to save money on a bed for the night. They’re basic, sure, but clean—and you might even get a private room, though you’ll probably share a bathroom. You’ll see dorm beds going for €25–50 a night, which is why backpackers and students love them. Want your own space but don’t need a fancy room? Look at budget hotels or guesthouses just outside the main tourist zones. Rooms usually go for €70–120 per night. They’re simple, sometimes a little plain, but you get a private room and often your own bathroom. It’s a good sweet spot between comfort and cost.

Airbnb is another solid option. Whether you rent a whole apartment or just a room, you’ll usually pay somewhere between €70 and €150 per night, depending on where you stay and how big the place is. You get a taste of what it’s like to actually live in Paris, and if you book outside busy seasons, you’ll usually pay less. Some people skip the city center and stay farther out, where hotels are cheaper but the metro still brings you anywhere in minutes. Areas like the 9th, 10th, or 11th arrondissements have lots of affordable places, and you’re never far from the action. So, sure, Paris has some ridiculously expensive hotels. But there are tons of good, budget-friendly places if you’re smart about where and when you book. Close to a metro station and booked early—you’ll see Paris without blowing your budget.

Cost of Traveling to Paris — From Flights to Daily Spending

Knowing what you’ll actually spend in Paris can save you from some nasty surprises. Flights, first off, depend on where you’re coming from and when you go. If you’re flying in from Asia or North America, expect to pay a few hundred euros for a round trip, though it really depends on the deals you find and how early you book. Prices bounce around all year, but early-bird deals are out there if you hunt for them. Accommodation will take the biggest bite out of your budget. Hostels and budget rooms run €30 to €120 a night. Mid-range hotels sit around €130 to €250. If you’re going all out on luxury, expect over €500 per night.

Food? Paris has something for every price range. Grab a coffee and pastry at a bakery for a few euros. Lunch at a café usually costs €6–€15. Dinners at a bistro? Figure on €25–€50, and if you want fine dining with wine, you’ll pay more. Getting around is easy and cheap thanks to the metro and buses. A single metro ticket costs about €2.10–€2.50, or you can get a Paris Visite pass for unlimited rides, priced by zones and days. Paris’s famous sights come with entrance fees. Most museum tickets are €12–€20. Eiffel Tower tickets depend on how high you go—expect €17 to €29 for the top. A river cruise? Usually €15–€25. And don’t forget the little things: snacks, water, souvenirs. Those add up, so keep a little buffer in your budget.

Paris Travel Budget for a 7-Day Trip — Detailed Planning

Think about how you want to experience Paris, then get real with your numbers. Here’s a rough guide for a week-long trip:

Budget Traveler
You’re watching your spending but still want to see the city. Stay in hostels or cheap hotels, grab food from bakeries or street cafés, take the metro, and explore free or cheap attractions. For seven days, you’ll probably spend €490 to €700 for everything—accommodation, food, transport, sights.

Mid-Range Traveler
You want a bit more comfort. A nicer hotel, meals at sit-down cafés, maybe a few paid sights. Your daily total lands around €225 to €300, or €1,575 to €2,100 for the week.

Luxury Traveler
If you want the best—fancy hotels, gourmet dinners, private tours—get ready to spend over €4,000 for a week. But you’ll get top-notch comfort and exclusive experiences. No matter your budget, Paris has a way of making every trip feel special.

Paris vs London — Travel Comparison

When you think of Europe, Paris and London pop up right away. Both are iconic, but they’re worlds apart. Paris takes its time—slow mornings, that dreamy, romantic feel. You can wander along the river, spend hours at a café, or just soak in the artsy vibe. London’s a different beast. It’s huge, full-on, and feels like the whole planet squeezed into one place. There’s always something going on—museums, theater, pubs on every corner. Everything moves fast, and the city never really sleeps. If you’re trying to save money, Paris is usually a little easier on the wallet. Hotels and meals cost less, while London’s famous sights and the transport system can really add up, even with both cities offering solid public transit. Hungry? London’s got endless global flavors, but Paris nails classic French food and pastries you’ll keep thinking about long after you leave. Getting around is simple in both places, but London’s Oyster card often turns out pricier, especially if you’re hopping between zones. So, what’s the deal? Paris is more budget-friendly and brings the romance. London crams in more variety—culture, food, and endless things to do.

Best for Honeymoon — Paris or Venice?

Choosing between Paris and Venice for a honeymoon isn’t easy—it’s all about the atmosphere you want. Paris feels timeless: candlelight, walks by the Seine, lazy mornings in green gardens, a quiet table tucked away at a café. There’s elegance and history everywhere you look. Venice is pure fantasy. Winding canals, slow gondola rides, little bridges—it’s like living inside a painting. If you love water and want a little more privacy, Venice is magic. Most couples pick Paris for honeymoons because you can mix things up—fine dining, museums, parks, late-night strolls. Venice is quieter, more intimate, perfect if you just want to drift through canals and enjoy the calm.

Paris or Barcelona — Which Is Cheaper?

People love both Paris and Barcelona, but Barcelona usually wins on price. Hotels, food, tickets—Barcelona’s almost always cheaper. Still, Paris isn’t off-limits if you plan smart. Use public transport, visit museums on their free days, and eat where locals go. If you’re watching every euro, Barcelona’s your best bet. But for that classic European feel, Paris still delivers.

Hotel Review — Pullman Paris Montparnasse

Need a good hotel in Paris? Pullman Paris Montparnasse is a solid pick. It’s down south in the city, easy to reach, close to shops and restaurants. The place feels modern and comfy, with big rooms and sweeping city views. Lots of travelers love it—it’s a great base for exploring.

Tour Package Review — Classic Paris 5-Day Tour

Want to see Paris without the hassle? The Classic Paris 5-Day Tour is a favorite. You’ll check off the big sights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, dinner cruise on the Seine, even Versailles. The guides don’t just know their history—they make it fun. Sure, it costs more than going solo, but most people agree it’s worth it for the skip-the-line tickets and smooth rides around the city.

Visa Cost for Visiting France — Schengen Visa Explained

Planning a trip to Paris from outside Europe? You’ll need a Schengen visa. France is part of the Schengen zone, so you have to apply before your trip—usually at a French embassy or through a trusted visa service. The standard fee is about €80 for adults, with discounts for kids and students sometimes. Processing takes 10 to 15 working days, so apply early to avoid last-minute headaches.

Taxi Cost in Paris — Practical City Transport

Getting around Paris is easy. But sometimes, you just want a taxi or Uber—maybe it’s late or you’re off to the airport. Taxis start with a base fare, then add on for distance and time. A typical ride in the city center runs between €15 and €50, depending on distance and time of day. If you want to save, stick with the metro or bus. A single ticket is under €3, and there are multi-day passes if you’re planning to move around a lot.

Food Cost in Paris — From Boulangeries to Bistro Dinners

Eating in Paris can be as fancy or as laid-back as you want. Start with a croissant and coffee from a bakery for €2 to €4. Lunch at a café—maybe a sandwich or daily special—costs about €6 to €12. Dinner at a casual bistro? Expect €25 to €50. If you go for fine dining—think Michelin-starred restaurants or elaborate tasting menus—be ready for high prices. But honestly, most travelers find that mid-range spots serve up fantastic French food without draining your wallet. On a tight budget? Just hit the markets. Grab some fresh bread, cheese, and fruit, and you’ve got yourself a great meal for a picnic in the park or along the Seine. Simple, delicious, and easy on your budget.

Internet and SIM Card Prices in Paris — Stay Connected Easily

Getting online in Paris is a breeze. Free Wi-Fi pops up everywhere—hotels, cafés, even a lot of public spaces—so checking your email or sharing photos is no trouble. If you want mobile data, just pick up a local SIM card from Orange, SFR, or Bouygues Telecom. You’ll usually pay anywhere from €10 to €30, depending on how much data you want. Or skip the hassle and buy a travel eSIM before you leave home. You can activate it the moment you land—no need to swap out a physical SIM card.

Conclusion

Paris isn’t just another place to visit. It’s an experience—world-class art, jaw-dropping architecture, those classic cafés, and streets that buzz with life. No matter your budget or reason for visiting—whether you’re backpacking, honeymooning, or treating yourself to a little luxury—this guide sets you up to make the most of it. There’s a reason travelers keep falling in love with Paris. Plan ahead, stay open to adventure, and you’ll walk away with memories you won’t forget. The City of Light really does live up to the hype.