Paris

There are so many reasons to visit Paris, with or without kids, that many travelers make the trip on the spur of the moment. Doing a little research can go a long way, however, when you’re traveling to the City of Lights. There are a lot of stereotypes associated with this city, and while some are true — it is just as romantic as you’ve been told — others are definitely not.

Paris is stunning, Parisians are (mostly) welcoming, taking a private Seine cruise is worth it, and seeing the Eiffel Tower in person is even better than you’d imagine.

Whether you’re visiting the most romantic city in the world for a few short days or you’re planning an epic Parisian adventure, I hope these Paris travel tips help make your voyage a wonderful one.

My Top Travel Tips for Paris

Visit in the Shoulder Seasons

While Paris is beautiful year round, the absolute best time to visit is just before or after peak season. The crowds are smaller but the weather is beautiful from April (when the cherry blossoms bloom) to June and from October to early November,

Skip the Lines

Bypassing the typically long lines in Paris is fairly easy if you are willing to pay for private tours and experiences. I personally think it’s worth looking into these ways to skip the lines at Paris attractions (all of which we’ve used) because you get to spend more time at the sights you’re there to see.

Plan on Walking

Wandering around Paris on foot is the best way to explore this city, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes. There are so many hidden gems to stumble across, like lovely cafes and shops, that you’d never see from a taxi.

Learn Some French

Bonjour (hello), s’il vous plaît (please), merci (thank you), and pardon (sorry) should all be a part of your vocabulary during your visit. While most Paris travel tips lists will mention that many people speak English, it’s considered rude not to at least greet people in French.

Visit the Louvre Museum Wing by Wing

The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, so don’t make the assumption that you can see it all in one visit. Experienced Louvre visitors will often plan a whole day around one wing of the museum.

Check Out the Smaller Museums

There are many lovely small museums scattered around Paris. The Musée de l’Orangerie has Monet’s water lilies plus other impressionist pieces you might recognize, while the Musée d’Orsay has Manet paintings you’ll probably remember from school. The Picasso Museum and Rodin Museum are also wonderful.

Get a Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass

Avid sightseers will want to invest in one of these two Paris sightseeing passes as they not only save money but help skip lines in some cases. Learn whether the Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass is right for you.

Tips For Traveling To Paris With Kids

Paris is a surprisingly kid-friendly destination, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t offer up some Paris travel tips just for families. There is Disneyland® Paris, of course, but don’t forget that children are natural romantics.

The Luxembourg Gardens are a particular treat, with their radio-controlled boats, playgrounds, pony rides, and a beautiful vintage carousel. Many children enjoy climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower, so one of my favorite top travel tips for Paris with kids is to go to the Trocadero first (make sure you visit the lovely carousel here, too). Kids also love the big Ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde, so plan for a ride or two.

The Best Hotels In Paris

Parisians are known for their taste for the finer things in life, so it’s no surprise that there are numerous glamorous luxury hotels in Paris. I’ve been consistently wowed by the service and the ambiance when we’ve visited properties in Paris. You can enjoy made to order spa treatments, attentive concierge services, and outstanding dining experiences. Two of our favorite hotels in Paris are the five-star Hotel Regina (across the street from the Louvre) and the Mandarin Oriental Paris. Keep in mind that I have access to exclusive VIP amenities as an Independent Affiliate of Cadence® Travel at over twenty Paris hotels.

Where and What to Eat in Paris

As Paris travel tips go, it’s tough to narrow down my favorites to a list of recommended restaurants and cafes. There are simply too many fabulous ones in the city. One of my personal go-to spots (which I’ve been visiting since before my daughter was born) is the flagship Ladurée tea salon, which has lovely food and amazing sorbet. Know that France is a nation of foodies, and Paris is one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so chances are that the cafe you pop into or the restaurant that catches your eye will likely be fantastic.

Tip: Make dinner reservations. Popular spots book up fast. After all, eating is one of the best things to do in Paris.