Paris is best enjoyed without rushing and with a plan: grouping visits by neighborhood saves hours on the metro and leaves time for the best part of the city, sitting at a café.
What to see in Paris
These are the must-sees of a first visit, all included on our Athens and Paris trip.
The Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro
Go up to the second floor or the top to see all of Paris, then come back at night: every hour the tower sparkles for five minutes. The best photo is from the Trocadéro esplanade.
Buy tickets online well ahead; ticket-office lines can take hours.
The Louvre
The most visited museum in the world: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory. Pick three or four rooms; trying to see it all is exhausting.
Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
The cathedral reopened in December 2024 after its restoration. Five minutes away, Sainte-Chapelle has the most stunning Gothic stained glass in Paris.
The Palace of Versailles
About 40 minutes from the center, Louis XIV’s residence: the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments and enormous gardens.
Avoid Mondays: the palace is closed.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Steep streets, the painters’ square and the white Sacré-Cœur basilica, with one of the best views of the city.
The Seine, Orsay and Saint-Germain
A sunset boat ride on the Seine, the Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay and the cafés of Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter.
Best time to visit Paris
Spring and early fall are the most pleasant times to walk the city.
- Jan Cold
- Feb Cold
- Mar Good
- Apr Ideal
- May Ideal
- Jun Ideal
- Jul Peak
- Aug Peak
- Sep Ideal
- Oct Good
- Nov Cold
- Dec Peak
April to June and September bring long, mild days. July and August are peak season, with heat and crowded museums.
Winter is cold with short days, but December has the charm of the lights and Christmas markets.
Entry requirements for Paris
France is part of the Schengen Area. US and Mexican citizens do not need a visa for tourism.
US passport (including Puerto Rico)
No visa for up to 90 days
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- Passport valid at least 3 months past your departure and issued within the last 10 years.
- Fingerprints and photo taken at the border (EES system) the first time.
Mexican passport
No visa for up to 90 days
- The same Schengen Area conditions.
- Passport valid at least 3 months past your departure.
- You may be asked for a return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds.
Since April 2026 the Entry/Exit System (EES) operates across the Schengen Area: the first time you enter, your fingerprints and a photo are recorded, so allow a little extra time at passport control. The European Union will later launch ETIAS, an online pre-travel authorization; as of November 2026 it is not yet required.
Official sources: Travel to Europe: EES and ETIAS (European Union) · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Is it safe to travel to Paris?
Paris is safe for travelers, but pickpockets are a real problem on the metro, at the Eiffel Tower and around the museums.
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Especially on the metro and in monument lines.
- Book tickets online. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Orsay and Versailles sell timed entries that often sell out.
- Many museums close one day a week. The Louvre closes on Tuesdays; Orsay and Versailles on Mondays.
- A greeting opens doors. Always start with “Bonjour” when you walk into shops and cafés.
Our Paris trip
An 11-day group trip combining Athens, the Peloponnese, Delphi and the Saronic Islands with five days in Paris and Versailles. Price per person in a double room for groups of 15 to 20; flights are quoted separately.
What to see in Paris in 3 days
A plan by area to see the essentials without crossing the city several times a day.
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Day 1
The Eiffel Tower and the Seine
The Eiffel Tower in the morning, Trocadéro, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, and a Seine boat ride at sunset.
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Day 2
The Louvre and Île de la Cité
The Louvre in the morning, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, and dinner in the Latin Quarter.
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Day 3
Versailles and Montmartre
Versailles in the morning and, in the afternoon, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur.
Frequently asked questions
What should you see in Paris in 3 days?
Day 1: the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro and a walk along the Seine. Day 2: the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter. Day 3: Versailles in the morning and Montmartre in the afternoon.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September: good weather and fewer crowds than July and August. December is lovely with the Christmas lights, though cold.
What do Mexican citizens need to travel to Paris?
Mexican citizens do not need a visa for tourism of up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. You need a passport valid at least 3 months past your departure, and you may be asked for a return ticket and hotel booking.
Is Paris expensive to visit?
Hotels and meals are expensive in high season. Our Athens and Paris trip costs from €3,865 per person with hotels, guides and entrance fees; flights are quoted separately.
Can you combine Paris with Greece?
Yes: our 11-day trip starts in Athens and the Saronic Islands and ends with five days in Paris, with a direct flight between the two cities.
