Start Here: Planning Your Perfect Trip to Paris

Planning a trip to Paris can feel exciting at first… and then suddenly overwhelming.

There are neighborhoods to choose from, museums to book, transport to figure out, scams to avoid, and so many articles telling you different things.

That’s why I created this page.

I’ve been living in Paris for more than 20 years, and on Salut from Paris I share the guides I’d actually send to a friend planning a trip here. So instead of digging through hundreds of articles, you can start with the ones that make the biggest difference.

→ Use this page to find the right guide based on where you are in your planning.

→ If This Is Your First Time in Paris

SStart here if you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin.

These guides will help you understand how Paris works — and avoid common mistakes I see all the time.

→ 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)
→ 9 Essentials to Tick Off Before you Fly
→ 12 Must-See Attractions in Paris for First-Time Visitors
→ What is Paris famous for? 28 striking things Paris is known for!

💡 My tip: Most first-time visitors try to do too much. Paris is best enjoyed slower — not as a checklist.

→ If You’re Deciding Where to Stay

This is one of the most important decisions for your trip.

The right neighborhood makes Paris feel easy and magical. The wrong one can make everything more complicated.

→ Where to Stay in Paris: A Local’s Best Picks
→ 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)
→ Best Mid-Range Hotels in Paris – 7 Hotels I’d Book as a Local

💡 My tip: Location matters. Being central saves you time and energy every single day.

→ If You’re Building Your Itinerary

Once you know when you’re coming and where you’re staying, it’s time to shape your days.

These guides will help you map out your days realistically — without rushing from one attraction to another.

→ 1 Day in Paris: Itinerary
→ 2 Days in Paris: Itinerary
→ 4 Days in Paris: Itinerary
→ 12 Must-See Attractions in Paris for First-Time Visitors

💡 What I personally recommend: Plan one or two main activities per day, plus time to wander. That’s how you actually enjoy Paris.

For example: Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées in the morning, Montmartre in the afternoon.

→ If You Want to See the Classic Paris Highlights

These are the major sights most visitors consider, plus practical guides to help you decide what’s worth your time.

→ Visiting the Eiffel Tower: How to Plan It Right
→ Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide
→ Musée d’Orsay Guide: How to Beat the Crowds
→ After the Fire: How to Visit Notre-Dame in 2026:
→ Visit Sainte-Chapelle – Is It Worth the Hype?
→ Visit the Arc de Triomphe: Worth the climb?
→ Paris Catacombs: Tips, History & Tickets

💡 My tip: You don’t need to see everything. Pick a few highlights and enjoy them properly instead of rushing through all of them.

→ If You Wonder How to Get Around

Paris is actually very easy to navigate — once you understand how things work.

→ How to Get Around in Paris: Your Quick Guide
→ Paris Metro Guide: Tickets, Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
→ Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris: All Options Explained
→ Paris Airports: Do You Need a Private Transfer?

💡 My tip: The metro is usually the fastest option — even faster than taxis in many cases.

→If You Want to Go Beyond the Tourist Spots

If you want a more local and authentic experience, this is where to start.

→ 37 Hidden Gems in Paris: Secret Spots to Explore
→ 21 Non-Touristy Things to do in Paris: A Local’s Guide
→ 14 Most Essential Things to Do in Le Marais (+ Free Map)
→ 38 Best Things to do in Montmartre (By a Local Who Lives in Paris)

💡 My tip: Some of my favorite days in Paris are the ones where I have no plan at all — just walking, exploring, and stopping wherever looks interesting.

One Last Thing

Paris isn’t a city you “complete.” It’s a city you experience.

Take your time, sit longer at cafés than you planned, wander without a goal sometimes — and you’ll enjoy Paris in a completely different way than most visitors.

NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide: