Viaro
🇫🇷France

Complete Paris travel guide 2026

The City of Light: art, romance, and haute cuisine

The City of Light, home to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and an unmatched café culture.

Paris needs no introduction. The French capital is synonymous with art, fashion, gastronomy, and romance. With its tree-lined boulevards, terrace cafes, and iconic monuments, Paris is the city every traveler dreams of visiting.

From the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, through the Louvre and the bistros of Le Marais, Paris offers a density of cultural experiences hard to match anywhere else in the world.

In this guide you'll find everything you need to make the most of your trip: must-see attractions, optimized itineraries, where to eat well without going broke, and tips to navigate like a Parisian.

Cosa vedere e fare

🏛️

1.Eiffel Tower

Da non perdere

The universal symbol of Paris and France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, this 330-meter tower offers unmatched views from its three levels. At night, the hourly light show is magical.

Stairs: €11.80, Elevator to top: €29.409:00-00:452-3hChamp de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France
Book online weeks in advance. Climbing the stairs to the 2nd floor is faster and cheaper than the elevator.
🖼️

2.Louvre Museum

Da non perdere

The world's most visited museum houses over 35,000 works, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Impossible to see everything in one day — pick your priorities.

€179:00-18:00 (Wed & Fri until 21:45)3-4hRue de Rivoli
Enter through the Carrousel entrance (shorter queue than the pyramid). Free first Sunday of each month (Oct-Mar). Head straight to what interests you.
🏘️

3.Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur

Da non perdere

The bohemian artists' quarter. Cobblestone streets, Place du Tertre with its painters, and the Sacre-Coeur basilica at the summit with panoramic views. Sitting on the steps at sunset is a Parisian ritual.

Free (funicular: metro ticket)2-3hButte Montmartre
Take the funicular (counts as a metro ticket). Avoid the bracelet sellers on the stairs.

4.Notre-Dame de Paris

Da non perdere

The world's most famous Gothic cathedral, reopened after restoration from the 2019 fire. Its gargoyles, rose windows, and new spire are spectacular.

Free8:00-18:451-1.5h6 Parvis Notre-Dame
Entry is free. Arrive early (before 10:00) to avoid queues of over an hour.

5.Sainte-Chapelle

Da non perdere

The Gothic chapel with the world's most impressive stained glass windows. 1,113 panels of 13th-century glass create a kaleidoscope of light and color. A hidden gem many tourists miss.

€11.509:00-19:0030-45min10 Boulevard du Palais
Visit on a sunny day for maximum stained glass brilliance. The combined ticket with Conciergerie saves money.
🖼️

6.Musee d'Orsay

Set in a former train station, it houses the world's largest collection of Impressionist art: Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cezanne. The building itself is a work of art.

€169:30-18:00 (Thu until 21:45)2-3h1 Rue de la Legion d'Honneur
Buy tickets online. Less crowded than the Louvre and equally impressive. The giant clock offers an iconic photo.
🏘️

7.Le Marais

One of Paris's most charming neighborhoods. Historic mansions, art galleries, vintage shops, the Jewish community, the LGBTQ+ scene, and some of the world's best falafel.

Free2-3hLe Marais, 3e-4e
The falafel at L'As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers has a queue but it's worth it. Sunday is the best day to stroll.
🏛️

8.Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysees

Napoleon's monumental arch offers spectacular 360° views from its rooftop. The Champs-Elysees, the world's most famous avenue, connects the arch with Place de la Concorde.

€16 (rooftop)10:00-23:001-1.5hPlace Charles de Gaulle
Go up at sunset to see the illuminated Eiffel Tower. Avoid eating on the Champs-Elysees (touristy and overpriced).
🌳

9.Luxembourg Gardens

Paris's most beautiful garden. Fountains, statues, green chairs to sit and people-watch. Perfect for a break between visits or a sunny picnic.

FreeDawn to dusk1-2h6e arrondissement
The green chairs are free. Grab a crepe or coffee from nearby stands and enjoy the atmosphere.
🏰

10.Palace of Versailles

The world's most opulent palace, residence of Louis XIV. The Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and geometric gardens are breathtaking. A half-day trip from Paris.

€21 palace / €27 with musical gardens9:00-18:304-5hPlace d'Armes, Versailles
Buy timed entry online. Closed Tuesdays. Arrive at opening to beat the crowds. Musical fountain shows only on certain days.

Itinerario consigliato

1

The icons of Paris

First day to see the big classics: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and a stroll along the Champs-Elysees.

09:00Eiffel Tower2h
11:30Trocadero (panoramic photo)30min
12:30Lunch on Rue Cler1.5h
14:30Arc de Triomphe1h
16:00Champs-Elysees walk1h
17:30Tuileries Garden1h
19:00Place de la Concorde at sunset30min
Consigli
  • Buy a carnet of 10 metro tickets (t+) to save money
  • The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour after dark
2

Art and Saint-Germain

A day of museums and the charming Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood.

09:00Louvre Museum3h
12:30Pont des Arts15min
13:00Lunch in Saint-Germain1.5h
15:00Musee d'Orsay2h
17:30Luxembourg Gardens1h
19:30Dinner in Le Marais2h
Consigli
  • The Paris Museum Pass (2/4/6 days) saves money and time if visiting many museums
  • Museums typically close on Tuesdays (Louvre) or Mondays (Orsay)
3

Montmartre, Notre-Dame, and Ile de la Cite

Bohemian morning in Montmartre and afternoon on Paris's historic island.

09:00Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur2.5h
11:30Coffee at Place du Tertre30min
12:30Lunch in Montmartre1h
14:30Notre-Dame1.5h
16:30Sainte-Chapelle45min
17:30Ile Saint-Louis stroll1h
18:30Berthillon ice cream30min
Consigli
  • The Montmartre funicular works with a regular metro ticket
  • Berthillon is Paris's most famous ice cream shop — don't miss it

Gastronomia

Paris is the world's gastronomic capital. From freshly baked croissants to century-old bistros, eating in Paris is a cultural experience. You don't need to spend a fortune to eat incredibly well.

🍽️ Croissant

The quintessential Parisian breakfast. A good butter croissant, crispy outside and tender inside, is a work of art.

Du Pain et des Idees, Cedric Grolet

🍽️ Croque-monsieur

Hot ham and cheese sandwich topped with bechamel. Simple, addictive, and found in every Parisian cafe.

Any Parisian cafe

🍽️ Steak-frites

Steak with fries: the most popular bistro dish. Simple and perfect when done right.

Le Relais de l'Entrecote (they only serve this)

🍽️ Crepes

Sweet (Nutella, sugar, lemon) or savory (buckwheat galettes with ham, cheese, egg). An essential street food classic.

Breizh Cafe (Paris's best)

🍽️ Baguette

The French bread stick. Buy one fresh from any boulangerie and eat it while you walk. That simple, that good.

Any artisan boulangerie

🍽️ Confit de canard

Duck leg confited in its own fat. A southwest French classic found in all good bistros.

Chez Janou, Le Petit Cler

🍴 Ristoranti consigliati

Le Bouillon ChartierHistoric bistro

1896 setting with incredible prices for Paris. Classic dishes from €8. Always a queue but it moves fast.

Breizh CafeBreton creperie
€€

Best crepes and galettes in Paris. In Le Marais. Book ahead.

L'As du FallafelFalafel

Best falafel in Paris on Rue des Rosiers. Get takeaway if the line is long.

Le Relais de l'EntrecoteBistro
€€

They only serve steak-frites with their secret sauce. No reservations, queue only.

Pink MammaItalian
€€

Huge, spectacular Italian in a 4-story building. No reservations — arrive early.

Le Comptoir du PantheonCafe/Bistro
€€

Perfect terrace facing the Pantheon. Good lunch menu.

Quartieri e zone

Le Marais

Trendy and historic

Paris's coolest neighborhood. Historic mansions, galleries, vintage shops, and the best casual food scene.

Ideale per: Foodies, art lovers, and vintage shopping

Place des VosgesMusee CarnavaletRue des Rosiers

Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Elegant and intellectual

Literary and intellectual Paris. Historic cafes (Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore), bookshops, and art galleries.

Ideale per: Culture, literature, and cafe lovers

Cafe de FloreLuxembourg GardensBookshops

Montmartre

Bohemian and romantic

The bohemian artists' quarter. Cobblestone streets, panoramic views, cabarets, and urban vineyards.

Ideale per: Romantics, artists, and view seekers

Sacre-CoeurPlace du TertreMoulin Rouge

Latin Quarter

Young and academic

Paris's oldest university district. The Sorbonne, secondhand bookshops, budget cafes, and student vibes.

Ideale per: Budget travelers and students

PantheonShakespeare & Co.Rue Mouffetard

Ile de la Cite

Historic and monumental

The Seine island where Paris was born. Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie in a compact space.

Ideale per: First-time visitors and history lovers

Notre-DameSainte-ChapellePont Neuf

Come spostarsi

Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

TrasportoDurataPrezzo
RER B
Fastest option. Reaches Gare du Nord, Chatelet, and Saint-Michel.
35-50 min€11.45
Roissybus
Direct to Opera. Convenient with luggage.
60-75 min€16.20
Taxi
Fixed rates. Beware of illegal taxis.
45-75 min€53 (right bank) / €58 (left bank)

Orly (ORY)

TrasportoDurataPrezzo
Orlyval + RER B
Automated train + RER. Fast but requires transfer.
35 min€14.10
Orlybus
Direct to Denfert-Rochereau (metro).
30-40 min€11.20
Taxi
Fixed rates to city center.
30-50 min€35 (left bank) / €41 (right bank)

Trasporto pubblico

The Paris Metro (16 lines) is extensive and efficient. Combined with the RER (commuter trains) and buses, you can reach any point in the city and surroundings.

  • Get a Navigo Easy card and load it with t+ tickets (€2.15 each) or a weekly pass
  • The 10-ticket carnet no longer exists — tickets are now loaded onto the Navigo Easy card
  • Metro runs from 5:30 to 1:00 AM (2:15 AM on Fridays and Saturdays)
  • Watch out for pickpockets on lines 1, 4, and RER B
Paris is a very walkable city. Most tourist neighborhoods are within walking distance of each other. Walking along the Seine quays is an experience in itself.

Consigli pratici

  • National museums are free on the first Sunday of each month (some only in winter).
  • Learn 'Bonjour' and 'Merci'. Greeting upon entering any shop is essential in France.
  • The Paris Museum Pass (2/4/6 days) is worth it if you visit 3+ museums.
  • Restaurants serve lunch 12:00-14:00 and dinner from 19:30. Limited options outside those hours.
  • Tap water ('carafe d'eau') is free in all restaurants. Don't hesitate to ask.
  • Tips aren't mandatory (service included) but leaving €1-2 at cafes is customary.
  • Avoid restaurants with photos on the menu near tourist attractions.
  • Sundays everything closes except bakeries, some cafes, and tourist areas.
  • Buy a compact umbrella — it rains without warning any time of year.

Domande frequenti

Budget

🎒

Economico

72

/giorno

🧳

Fascia media

120

/giorno

💎

Lusso

216

/giorno

Meteo

J·
F·
M·
A·
M
J
J·
A·
S
O
N·
D·

Pianifica il tuo viaggio a Paris

Alcuni link sono link di affiliazione. Se prenoti tramite questi link, riceviamo una commissione senza costi aggiuntivi per te.

Utilizziamo cookie per migliorare la tua esperienza e mostrare annunci pertinenti. Puoi accettare o rifiutare i cookie non essenziali.