How to Plan a Perfect Itinerary for Your Paris Trip

Get ready for your Paris adventure! Discover how to plan your trip from start to finish, with tips and top travel advice on when to go, must-see spots, and more.

Over 44 million people visited Paris last year — and tourism numbers will surely continue climbing as people feel more comfortable traveling overseas again.

Are you getting ready to take a trip to Paris soon?

If so, take some time to plan an itinerary before you arrive. It’ll help you make the best use of your time and ensure you don’t miss any must-see attractions or experiences.

This guide will help you create the perfect itinerary tailored to your specific interests and travel goals. Let’s jump in!

Research and Preparation

The first step to planning your vacation is deciding when you want to go to Paris. While the City of Love is beautiful year-round, certain times are better for tourists than others.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing when to travel to Paris:

Do I want to visit when the weather is warmest? Head to Paris in the summer, from June to August.

Do I want to avoid large crowds and hot temperatures? Visit during the autumn, from September to October (the summer is the busiest season and the priciest).

Do I want to save money? Visit during the autumn or winter, when travel prices are lowest.

There’s not one time to visit Paris that is perfect for everyone. The good news is that there’s something to do and see no matter when you go.

Identifying Your Interests and Priorities

After you’ve decided when you want to travel to Paris, your next task is figuring out what you want to do when you arrive.

Paris has something for every traveler, whether you want to hit up major tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, relax at a luxurious spa, or experience incredible nightlife.

The following are some of the most popular attractions and activities you might want to include on your itinerary:

The Eiffel Tower: Climb to the top, dine in the famous restaurant, or snap a picture from the ground.

Arc de Triomphe: A national symbol with a boutique bookstore and activities for visitors of all ages.

The Louvre: One of the world’s most famous art museums, home to The Mona Lisa.

Spa Clarins & myBlend: Located in the hotel Le Royal Monceau Raffles

La Station – Gare des Mines: One of the city’s most popular clubs, featuring multiple indoor and outdoor stages and a wide range of music options.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Relax outdoors and enjoy unparalleled views of nature.

If you want to find something off the beaten path, there are plenty of unique places to explore in Paris, as well.

Creating a Daily Schedule

When it comes to their daily travel schedule, everyone is different.

Some people like to sleep late, enjoy a coffee on the balcony, and then venture out in the early afternoon for a bite to eat and a stroll through the city. Others like to rise with the sun and hit the streets as soon as possible to take in as many sights as possible.

There’s no right or wrong way to vacation, especially in a place like Paris that has so much to offer. The key is to figure out the schedule that works best for you and your travel companions (if you’re not traveling alone).

Regardless of the type of traveler you are, it’s best not to overfill your day. Leave some space in your daily calendar so you can spend extra time at an attraction or take a nap back at the hotel if you need a break.

If you find yourself with too much time on your hands, remember that you can always visit one of the city’s many parks or museums—or take a break at a cozy bistro to enjoy some of the best French food. Indulge in buttery escargots, a rich bowl of French onion soup, or a classic croque monsieur. And of course, no visit to Paris is complete without treating yourself to a warm, flaky croissant or a delicate macaron from one of the city's famed patisseries.

Accommodations

There are three primary options for travel accommodations in Paris:

Hotels: Hotels typically offer additional amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, restaurants, etc., but they also tend to be the most expensive options.

Hostels: Hostels are cheaper but can also be less comfortable, as you’re usually sharing a room (and bathroom) with many people; they do give you a chance to meet new friends if you’re traveling alone, though.

• Airbnbs: Airbnbs are convenient because they often include kitchens and, in some cases, other amenities like laundry facilities. They vary significantly in price, too, so it’s easy to find an option that works with your budget.

Transportation

Central Paris is known for being quite walkable, so if you’re staying in this area, you can likely get around on foot for the most part (although you may choose to take a cab or Uber to get to certain locations.

If you’re planning to expand your travels outside of Central Paris, you’ll likely want to take the metro or a bus. You can purchase a metro ticket or bus pass from a staff member at the ticket desk or with one of the multilingual vending machines. A navigation app like Google Maps can help you navigate through Paris, with real-time updates on public transportation and detailed instructions.

Packing Tips

In addition to brainstorming places to stay and things to do in Paris, you must also make sure you pack appropriately. Here are some tips to help you bring the appropriate clothing and accessories:

Plan to dress in layers: The weather in Paris can be a bit fickle, especially during the spring and autumn, so layers will help you stay comfortable.

Bring an umbrella: That way, if you get caught in the rain, you won’t have to worry about ruining your hair.

Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll likely do a lot of walking in Paris, so comfortable shoes that won’t cause blisters are essential.

Pack a power adapter: Your electronic charger won’t work in Paris or the surrounding area without one.

Leave room for souvenirs: You’ll almost certainly buy at least a couple of new items to bring home with you, so make sure you have room for them (without making your bag too heavy).

• Get your data sorted before departure: Airport and public wifi are often unreliable, so if you’re keen on staying connected, opt for pocket wifi or an eSIM for Europe, like Jetpac.

Finalizing the Itinerary

As you can see, a lot goes into planning a travel itinerary, especially when you’re going to such a dynamic and exciting location. There’s no need to get overwhelmed, though.

Use the tips and guidelines discussed above, and you’ll have no trouble putting together the perfect travel plan and setting yourself up for a great trip! Before you leave, don’t forget to pack all your Europe essentials and get a Jetpac Europe eSIM to help you stay connected on the ground.