If you’re like most travel lovers, chances are you’ve dreamed of visiting the City of Light at some point in your life. After all, what’s not to love?
Paris is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, not to mention fabulous food, fantastic art, and rich history.
But planning a trip to Paris can feel overwhelming if you’ve never been before.
Where should you stay? What should you see? And how can you make sure you don’t miss anything important? Never fear—I’m here to help!
1. Decide Which Neighborhood You Want to Stay In
Paris is a large city with dozens of different neighborhoods, each with its unique atmosphere. Research ahead of time to determine which would be the best fit for you and your travel companions.
You should be in the heart of the action, near all the major tourist attractions in Paris. In that case, the 1st arrondissement, which encompasses the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens, would be ideal.
Or perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path—in which case, try the 10th arrondissement, known for its hipster cafes and lively nightlife scene.
No matter what your preferences are, there’s sure to be a neighborhood in Paris that’s perfect for you.
2. Pick Your Top Priorities
There’s so much to see and do in Paris that it’s impossible to fit everything into one trip—so don’t even try! Sit down with a map and mark all the attractions that interest you most, then start narrowing them down until you have a manageable list.
If you’re only going to be in town for a few days or even taking a day trip to Paris, it’s probably realistic to hit up five or six big-ticket items at most.
And remember: it’s okay (and even encouraged!) to wander around and stumble upon hidden gems along the way. That’s half the fun of traveling!
3. Consider Taking a Guided Tour
If this is your first time in Paris, consider taking a guided tour of some of the city’s most famous landmarks. That way, you can learn about their history and culture while someone else takes care of all the logistics.
Plus, most guided tours in Paris include skip-the-line access to attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral and Musée d’Orsay, so you won’t have to waste precious vacation time waiting in line!
4. Make Sure You Leave Time for Relaxation
One mistake many first-time visitors to Paris make when planning their itinerary is packing too much into each day.
Yes, there’s tons to see and do in Paris—but that doesn’t mean you should try to cram it all into one trip!
Remember that this is supposed to be a vacation, after all. Make sure you leave plenty of time for leisurely meals and afternoon naps (a hallmark of French culture!) and stroll around enjoying all the beauty Pairs offers without feeling rushed or stressed out.
5. Book Your Tickets Ahead of Time
Finally, make sure you buy your tickets to Paris-based attractions in advance whenever possible.
Not only will this help save you some money in Paris (many museums offer discounts if you purchase your tickets online), but it will also help ensure that the places you want to go aren’t sold out when you arrive.
Paris is a popular tourist destination, so it pays to plan!
Hopefully, these tips have given you a better idea of how to plan your dream trip to Paris! Just remember: there’s no right or wrong way to do it—it’s all about what will work best for YOU.
So take your time, and do your research!
Remember to grab my Paris Travel guide to help make the trip planning process a breeze.
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