Essential Paris Travel Tips, Tickets & One-Week Itinerary and Where to Stay

Planning a trip to Paris can be overwhelming with so many attractions, long lines, and limited tickets for some of the most famous landmarks. After our week in Paris, we learned a few key tips that made our trip smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you are visiting the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, the Catacombs, or cruising the Seine, these tips will help you make the most of your Paris experience

Walking the Bridges of Paris

Walking across Paris’s iconic bridges is one of the best ways to see the city. Pont Neuf, Pont Alexandre III, Pont des Arts, and Pont d’Iéna offer stunning views of the Seine, historic buildings, and the lively Parisian atmosphere. Most major attractions, including the Louvre, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Palace, Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe, are easily reachable by walking along these bridges.

Tips for making the most of your bridge walks

• Walk in the morning or at night to enjoy the beautiful views of the Seine and the illuminated city. The bridges are lively and picturesque at night, with the lights reflecting on the river.
• Take time to pause and enjoy the riverside scenery, statues, and occasional street performers.
• While walking on Pont d’Iéna, try some of the local snacks we loved, like hot churros and hot fries, for a cozy treat while enjoying the Eiffel Tower views.

Walking the bridges adds a unique perspective to your Paris experience, letting you discover hidden corners of the city while enjoying leisurely strolls and the vibrant nightlife along the Seine.

Book Eiffel Tower Top/Summit Tickets in Advance

The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks and the summit tickets sell out very quickly. Booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment. All tickets take you to the first and second floors, but the top/summit requires a special ticket.

You can buy Eiffel Tower tickets for stair access with elevator to the summit here

You can buy Eiffel Tower tickets for elevator access to the summit here.

Versailles Gardens and Musical Fountain Shows

The gardens at Versailles are stunning and on select days they host musical fountain shows with lights, music, and fireworks. Entry to the gardens is free on non-fountain days. Tickets for Versailles Palace, Gardens and Musical Fountain Shows can be purchased here.
During summer, day shows occur on weekends, night shows every Saturday evening, and musical gardens from Tuesday to Friday. On these days the fountains play music all day and entry is free for children under 6. Plan your visit according to the show schedule to experience the gardens at their most magical

The gardens at Versailles stretch over several kilometers, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some water to stay hydrated.

Buy Paris Catacombs Tickets in Advance

The Paris Catacombs are a unique experience, but tickets are very limited due to preservation concerns. Purchase Catacombs tickets in advance here. Tickets are available only for the next 7 days with a maximum of 5 per order. For larger families or groups, ensure everyone has tickets for the same time slot

Arc de Triomphe Tickets

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe offers spectacular views of Paris and the Champs Elysees. Arc de Triomphe Tickets can be purchased online here. We did not book in advance but were able to buy tickets on site, and although the line was long, it moved quickly

Seine River Cruise Tips for Day and Night

A Seine River cruise is a must in Paris. We recommend taking one cruise during the day and another at night to experience completely different views. If you only have time for one, choose the night cruise when the city is fully illuminated. The last cruise departs at 9 pm and lasts one hour, giving you a magical view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling from the river.

You don’t need to purchase Seine River cruise tickets in advance unless you’re planning a lunch, dinner, or sunset champagne cruise. However, if you prefer to book ahead, tickets for the boat rides are available online here. You can also buy tickets in person at major company ticket booths, such as Bateaux-Mouches at Pont de l’Alma or Bateaux Parisiens near the Eiffel Tower. Just head down the stairs to the riverbank, where you’ll find multiple companies selling tickets throughout the day, typically until 10 or 11 PM.

Paris is full of wonders, but a little planning goes a long way. Booking tickets in advance, knowing when and where to visit, and understanding the schedule of attractions can make your trip smooth and memorable. Keep these tips in mind, and your Paris experience will be unforgettable

Where We Stayed in Paris

We split our one week in Paris between two different areas, and it was the perfect way to experience the city.

Eiffel Tower view

We stayed at Rayz Eiffel, a small boutique hotel with cozy rooms, friendly staff, and a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. Waking up to it and watching it sparkle at night felt truly special. The hotel is about a 6-minute walk from the tower, in a calm, romantic area perfect for walks along the Seine.
Book here: Rayz Eiffel

Near the Champs-Élysées

For the second half of the week, we stayed close to the Champs-Élysées. This location felt much more lively and central, with easy access to shopping, cafés, and major sights. It was ideal for busy sightseeing days.
Book here: Arc Élysées

Getting around tip

Avoid using taxis whenever possible. Taxis in Paris aren’t very expensive, but they can take a long time because of traffic and crowded streets. Walking and public transport are often faster and much more enjoyable.