We spent 9 days in Paris at the end of our time based in Metz — longer than most visitors would need, since it doubled as our wind-down after a 4-month stretch in France. Here’s what we’d actually recommend for a first, shorter visit.

Paris at a glance

  • Best time to visit: Spring or fall.
  • How many days you need: Paris has genuinely something for everyone — major museums, galleries, historic sites, and Versailles alone can take anywhere from a full day to three, depending on how deep you want to go. For a first visit that covers the major museums, galleries, and landmarks without feeling rushed or monotonous, 5-7 days is a good target — shorter than our 9, which included post-program downtime.
  • Budget: Paris is expensive, particularly on holiday weekends — we personally watched listings that would normally run €70-80/night jump to €200. It doesn’t help that Paris has tightened its short-term rental rules: as of January 2025, the city capped primary-residence entire-home Airbnb lets at 90 nights per year (down from 120), which has been squeezing supply.
  • Getting there from Metz: Ouigo train, about €25 total (€19 fare plus €6 for luggage), under 2 hours. If you’re doing more than a couple of train legs around France, look into the Carte Avantage Adulte (€49/year) — see the note in our Metz post for why it’s worth it.
  • Getting around: The metro network is extensive and easy to use — but see the safety note below before you rely on it without a second thought.

An important note on the metro

We were pickpocketed on the Paris metro — a phone stolen in a well-practiced, split-second move as a man appeared to be making way for people exiting, then jumped back out just as the doors closed. It’s a genuinely common occurrence in Paris, and everyone we spoke to afterward — police included — said as much. We’ve written the full story separately, including what actually happens when you try to report it, since it’s more useful as its own account than a paragraph here: read the full story.

The practical takeaway for your own trip: keep your phone in a zipped or front pocket on the metro, be alert around doors closing, and don’t assume a crowded car is a safe car.

What we actually did

Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Château de Versailles, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Panthéon, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde, and 59 Rivoli, along with a lot of unstructured walking. We stayed across three different areas over the 9 days — Issy, Puteaux, and La Défense — which gave us a good sense of Paris beyond the tourist core.

There’s no required order for any of this — go with whatever fits your own interests. We also skipped plenty that’s genuinely worth seeing; Paris rewards multiple visits.

What’s worth prioritizing

Paris already has more “top 10 things to do” content than any single guide can add to. Where we can actually add something is the less touristy side of the city — the neighborhoods, small streets, and everyday spots that don’t make the standard lists. If there’s a specific corner of Paris you’re curious about, send us a question through the contact form — we’re happy to dig into specifics rather than repeat the obvious list.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Paris? 5-7 days for a thorough first visit covering major museums, landmarks, and Versailles without rushing. We had 9, which included extra downtime rather than being strictly necessary.

Is Paris expensive? Yes, particularly on holiday weekends, where accommodation prices can more than double. Tightening short-term rental rules (a 90-night annual cap on primary-residence Airbnb lets, as of 2025) have added further pressure on supply.

Is the Paris metro safe? Mostly, but pickpocketing — including phone theft in the exact split-second window as doors close — is a well-documented, common occurrence. Stay alert, especially in crowded cars near stops.

What’s the best way to get to Paris from Metz? Ouigo high-speed train, under 2 hours, roughly €25 total including luggage.