Paris Pass Review 2025: Is It Worth It? Honest Pros & Cons
Paris is shaping up for another record year in 2025 – and if you’re planning to visit, you’ve probably run into the Paris Pass in your research. It’s one of the most popular sightseeing passes in Europe, offering entry to dozens of top attractions for one upfront price, plus extras like a Seine River cruise and hop-on hop-off bus tour.
But is it a good deal? And more importantly, is it the right pass for your style of travel?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Paris Pass in 2025 – what’s included, what’s not, current prices, who it’s best for, and how to get the most value from it. Whether you’re heading to Paris for the first time or just looking to skip the ticket lines and see more in less time, this review will help you decide if the Paris Pass is worth it for you.
Note: This article was last updated in July, 2025. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. This helps to keep this site going.
Wondering: Is the Paris Pass still worth it in 2025?
Paris continues to draw record crowds in 2025, and summer is especially busy. The Paris Pass and Paris Pass Plus bundle more attractions than in previous versions — and while prices have risen since 2024, gate fees have often increased even more — so the pass is actually a better value this year.
- Paris Pass includes a Paris Attractions Pass and access to major experiences like the hop‑on/hop‑off bus tour, Seine cruise, and guided Eiffel Tower climb.
- Paris Pass Plus adds the Paris Museum Pass, which covers popular museums like the Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, Sainte‑Chapelle, and more.
Who the Paris Pass makes sense for:
- First‑time visitors who want to see and do a lot in just a few days
- Travelers keen on experiences like the bus tour, river cruise, wine tasting, or guided climb
- Visitors who want to skip ticket lines at major attractions
Who might choose something else:
- Museum lovers who don’t care about tours or daytime excursions — just get the Paris Museum Pass
- Visitors staying in Paris longer than 4 days who prefer to go at a slower pace
- Travelers on a tight budget who plan to skip most major attractions
Value check:
- Most 3‑day passes top out around €80–90/day, while a full Museum Pass alone costs about €90–€110 depending on duration
- Many users report saving 15–20% off full gate prices if you use it efficiently
Money‑saving tips:
- Start early — Louvre and the bus tour fill up quickly, and early hours let you hit two big attractions before lunch
- Group attractions by neighborhood (e.g., Louvre / Orsay / Seine cruise) to minimize transit time
- Make the Hop‑On Hop‑Off bus tour and sunset Seine cruise your first priority — they’re included and excellent value
Editor’s Note: How to Get the Best Value
After using many of these city passes over the years, I’ve learned that the biggest difference between those who love the Paris Pass and those who regret buying it comes down to planning and timing. The good news is, getting great value doesn’t mean rushing around — it just takes a bit of strategy.
- Start your day early. Paris’s top attractions (especially the Louvre, bus tour, and Seine cruise) get busier as the day goes on. If you start sightseeing by 9:00 AM, you can fit in two major activities before lunch.
- Plan your route the night before. The Paris Pass comes with a handy map showing attraction locations and opening hours. Use it to group nearby stops and avoid zigzagging across the city.
- Mix in shorter experiences. Places like Sainte‑Chapelle or the wine tasting take under an hour, making them perfect to slot in between bigger sights.
- Watch the weather. Save outdoor activities (like the Eiffel Tower climb or the hop‑on/hop‑off bus) for dry, clear days if you can.
If you’re willing to do a bit of pre-planning and pace yourself wisely, the Paris Pass can help you skip lines, save money, and see the best of the city in less time.
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What’s Included with the Paris Pass (2025)
The Paris Pass bundles a variety of attractions, tours, and experiences into one prepaid package. Here’s everything that’s included:
Included with the Paris Pass (Attraction + Museum combo)
- **Paris Museum Pass** access (2‑, 3‑, 4‑, or 6‑day durations) — covers entry to the \
Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte‑Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, and more - **Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus Tour (Big Bus Paris)** — 1‑day, perfect way to get oriented early in the trip
- **Seine River Cruise** — 1‑hour ride, ideally timed around sunset for the best views
- **Eiffel Tower guided climb to the 2nd Floor** — 700‑step climb with live commentary, included for Pass holders
- **Wine‑tasting experience** — small group tasting with an expert guide and a full bottle per person
- **Guided walking tour of Montmartre & Sacré‑Coeur** — 90 minutes exploring the famous hilltop neighborhood
- **Paradox Museum or Grevin Wax Museum** — choose either one quirky attraction during your stay
- **Parc Astérix** — entry to this theme park outside Paris (only on select Pass options)
Additional benefits:
- Skip‑the‑line entry at many attractions — prioritize the busiest sites (like the Louvre or Versailles)
- Travel‑friendly info booklet and app access — maps, opening times, and suggested itineraries
- Flexible Pass lengths — choose from 1‑, 2‑, 3‑, 4‑, or 6‑day options depending on your travel style
Top Paris Pass Attractions (Expert Picks)
If you’re wondering where to start with the dozens of attractions included in the Paris Pass, here are the ones we think are absolutely worth your time — especially for first‑time visitors:
- Louvre Museum — Yes, it’s crowded and massive, but you’ll want to go anyway. A focused 60–90 minute visit works surprisingly well — just hit the highlights like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, then explore a bit more on the way out.
- Musée d’Orsay — Less crowded, easier to navigate, and filled with iconic works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Many visitors enjoy this even more than the Louvre.
- Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus Tour — A fantastic way to get oriented. Unlike most cities, Paris is compact enough that you can actually use this as transportation between major sights.
- Seine River Cruise — Go around sunset for the best photos. Seeing the bridges and monuments light up while cruising the Seine is pure Paris magic.
- Sainte‑Chapelle — Often overlooked, this Gothic chapel’s stained glass windows are absolutely jaw‑dropping. You can see it in under an hour and it’s a short walk from Notre‑Dame.
- Wine Tasting Experience — Not something you’d normally seek out, but it’s fun and includes a full bottle of wine to take home. Easy to fit in after your Louvre visit.
- Arc de Triomphe — Go up for the views — especially in the morning or at golden hour. Less crowded than the Eiffel Tower and arguably better photos.
- Eiffel Tower Guided Climb — If you’re in good shape, this guided walk up the 700 stairs is a memorable experience — and the views from the 2nd floor are arguably better than the very top.
- Montmartre Walking Tour — A great way to explore one of Paris’ most iconic neighborhoods. The 5PM tour is ideal for catching the golden light on Sacré‑Coeur.
- Paradox Museum or Grevin Wax Museum — A lighthearted option that’s easy to squeeze in between bigger sights. Both are surprisingly enjoyable if you want a break from art and architecture.
Paris Pass vs. Paris Pass Plus: Which One Should You Get?
In 2025, the Paris Pass comes in two main versions — the standard Paris Pass and the upgraded Paris Pass Plus. The difference comes down to whether or not you want museum access included.
- Paris Pass: This includes the All‑Inclusive Attractions Pass. You’ll get access to things like the hop‑on, hop‑off bus tour, Seine cruise, Eiffel Tower guided climb, wine tasting, walking tours, and more — but not museums.
- Paris Pass Plus: This version includes everything above plus a Paris Museum Pass, which gets you into the Louvre, Orsay, Sainte‑Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe, and even the Palace of Versailles.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the standard Paris Pass if you aren’t planning on visiting many museums — or if you just want to focus on tours, views, and experiences like the Eiffel Tower climb, river cruise, or wine tasting.
- Choose the Paris Pass Plus if you plan to visit the big museums or Versailles. Buying the Museum Pass separately can be expensive, and it’s not sold on its own by the official Paris Pass site.
- If you’re unsure, start by making a rough list of attractions you care about — then add up their regular prices. If that list includes at least two major museums, the Plus version is probably your best bet.
How Much Does the Paris Pass Cost in 2025?
Here’s the current pricing structure for the two versions of the Paris Pass, based on public pricing from the official Paris Pass website as of mid‑2025:
- Paris Pass (standard): Access to the hop‑on hop‑off bus tour, Seine cruise, wine tasting, Eiffel Tower climb, Parc Astérix, and many other attractions without museum entry.
- Paris Pass Plus: Includes everything in the standard pass PLUS the Paris Museum Pass (entry to 50+ major museums and monuments such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte‑Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles).
| Duration | Paris Pass | Paris Pass Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 1‑Day Pass | €89 | N/A |
| 2‑Day Pass | €139 | ~€179–199* |
| 3‑Day Pass | €164 | ~€224 |
| 4‑Day Pass | €184 | ~€264 |
| 6‑Day Pass | €214 | ~€314 |
*Prices include small seasonal discounts, for example a €179 price on the 2‑day Paris Pass Plus rather than €199. Some third-party guides list a €239 option for a 3‑day Pass, but those appear to be unofficial or bundled offers.
- The Paris Pass does not include transit—unlike older versions or some competing city cards, you’ll need to buy metro/RER/bus tickets separately.
- Many individual attractions cost €11–€23 (e.g. Louvre €23, Musée d’Orsay €16, Sainte‑Chapelle €11.50, Arc de Triomphe €16) so the Museum Pass reaches breakeven in about 3 or 4 visits alone.
- Optional experiences like a Seine cruise (€19), Hop‑On Bus (€49), or Eiffel climb (€39) offer extra value – but only if you use them.
Sample Itineraries for 1, 2, and 3-Day Paris Passes
Planning ahead is essential if you want to get good value from your Paris Pass. The city is compact, and many attractions are close together, so with smart routing you can pack in more than you might expect.
Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you make the most of your pass, depending on how many days you have.
1-Day Paris Pass Itinerary
- Start at 9:00am: Hop-on, hop-off bus tour – do the full loop or hop off at the Louvre
- Mid-morning: Louvre Museum (Paris Pass Plus only)
- Afternoon: Wine tasting near the Louvre (includes a free bottle)
- Sunset: 1-hour Seine River cruise (aim for golden hour for the best photos)
You’ll easily get more than €100 in value from a 1-day pass if you follow this route.
2-Day Paris Pass Itinerary
- Day 1:
- Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in the morning
- Louvre Museum and/or Orsay Museum (Plus only)
- Wine tasting or the Paradox Museum
- Seine cruise at sunset
- Day 2:
- Guided climb of the Eiffel Tower (reserve in advance)
- Arc de Triomphe observation deck
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Optional: Montmartre walking tour or the Wax Museum
With two days, you can easily fit in 6 to 8 attractions if you start early and plan your route by neighborhood.
3-Day Paris Pass Itinerary
- Days 1 & 2: Follow the 2-day plan above
- Day 3:
- Day trip to the Palace of Versailles (included with Paris Pass Plus)
- Return in the afternoon and visit any missed sights like the Orsay Museum or Sainte-Chapelle
The 3-day pass works best when you include a visit to Versailles, which alone is worth €21 and takes half a day or more.
How to Get the Most Value from Your Paris Pass
You can absolutely get great value from the Paris Pass – but only if you use it smartly. Most people who feel disappointed by passes like this either started their sightseeing too late in the day or didn’t plan a good route in advance. Here are the keys to making sure your pass saves you time and money rather than causing stress.
- Start early: Aim to leave your hotel by 9:00am. Top attractions like the Louvre and the bus tour get more crowded after 11:00am, so you’ll get a smoother experience and pack in more if you begin early.
- Plan by location: Use the included map or a Google Maps route to group attractions together. For example, the Louvre, Orsay Museum, Seine cruise, and wine tasting are all within walking distance.
- Use the HOHO bus for sightseeing and transit: Paris is one of the rare cities where the hop-on, hop-off bus is actually useful for getting between major sights—especially if you start with a full loop for orientation.
- Make a short list of “can’t-miss” items: Instead of trying to see everything, pick your top 5 or 6 attractions and build around those. That way, you won’t feel rushed or disappointed if you don’t fit in everything.
- Book timed entries where needed: Some popular sights like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower require advance reservations even with the pass. Don’t assume you can just show up.
And one final tip: don’t skip the included tours and experiences just because they seem like minor add-ons. The Seine River cruise and wine tasting are highlights for many, and even the Paradox Museum or Wax Museum can be a fun bonus when they’re already covered.
Who Should - and Shouldn’t - Buy the Paris Pass?
The Paris Pass can be a great deal—but not for everyone. It really depends on how you like to travel, how long you’re staying, and how much sightseeing you actually want to do each day.
- ✅ Great for: First-time visitors who want to see as much as possible in just a few days. The pass helps you skip lines and avoid juggling tickets and cash at every stop.
- ✅ Great for: Travelers who enjoy organized sightseeing and want to cover the main museums, monuments, and tours with less hassle.
- ✅ Great for: Visitors who would book the HOHO bus tour and Seine River cruise anyway. Both are included, and they’re genuinely helpful ways to see a lot fast.
- ❌ Not ideal for: Travelers who prefer to wander without an agenda or only want to see one or two sights per day.
- ❌ Not ideal for: Visitors staying in Paris for a week or more who want to take their time and stretch out sightseeing over many days.
- ❌ Not ideal for: Hardcore museum fans who plan to focus entirely on the Louvre, Orsay, and Versailles—those travelers will probably save more with the Paris Museum Pass on its own.
If you’re not sure which pass is right for you, ask yourself this: “Would I realistically do three or four paid attractions per day for two or three days straight?” If the answer is yes, the Paris Pass can easily pay for itself. If not, a more flexible (and possibly cheaper) option might suit you better.
Pros and Cons of the Paris Pass
Like most sightseeing passes, the Paris Pass is best for certain types of travelers and trip styles. Here’s a quick overview of the main advantages – and a few drawbacks to consider.
- ✅ Save money – If you visit at least 3 or 4 included attractions each day, the pass almost always pays for itself—and then some.
- ✅ Skip the ticket lines – Many popular attractions offer fast-track entry with the pass, saving you time at places like the Louvre and Orsay.
- ✅ Easy planning – Having one pass that covers nearly everything makes trip planning simpler and reduces stress once you’re in Paris.
- ✅ Includes tours and experiences – The hop-on hop-off bus, Seine River cruise, wine tasting, and walking tours add extra value beyond just museum entry.
- ✅ Encourages you to see more – If you’re on the fence about certain attractions, you’re more likely to check them out when they’re already included.
- ❌ Requires early starts – To get the best value, you need to hit the ground running—no sleeping in if you want to break even.
- ❌ Not ideal for slow travelers – If you prefer to linger in one museum or spend long afternoons at cafés, you may not squeeze out full value.
- ❌ Some attractions need reservations – Especially post-pandemic, you’ll need to book time slots in advance for the Louvre, Eiffel Tower climb, and others.
- ❌ May feel rushed – Trying to fit in too many attractions to “make it worth it” can lead to travel burnout or museum fatigue.
The Paris Pass is a powerful tool for ambitious travelers who want to see the best of Paris quickly. But if your style is more slow and spontaneous, it might not be the best fit.
Final Verdict: Is the Paris Pass Worth It in 2025?
For many first-time visitors to Paris, the answer is a solid yes – especially in 2025. While the price of the pass has gone up slightly, the prices of individual attractions have increased even more, so the potential savings are actually better than they were in previous years.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to see the best of Paris in just a few days – Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Seine River cruise, wine tasting, Eiffel Tower climb, Montmartre walking tour, and more—then the Paris Pass is a no-brainer. The convenience of skipping ticket lines, the ability to book everything in advance, and the added tours and experiences make it one of the best-value sightseeing passes in Europe.
But if you’re a slow traveler, visiting friends, or planning to spend your time wandering neighborhoods, relaxing at cafés, and seeing one or two sights per day, then it might not be the right fit. In that case, the standalone Paris Museum Pass or even just paying à la carte may serve you better.
Bottom line: The Paris Pass is worth it in 2025 for anyone who wants to see a lot, move efficiently, and avoid wasting time in queues. With a bit of planning – and a 5% discount – it’s one of the best ways to get the most out of a few amazing days in the City of Light.
Hi Roger, thanks for your informative site. I’m confused; I began to buy a Paris Pass but they seem to require that you give them the date on which you intend to start using it. is that correct? I would prefer to buy a pass and decide the specific date to begin using it during my visit, and not have to make that decision before I get there. I am visiting friends and they may have plans for me on various days, so I need to decide myself at the time, which day to actually start using the Paris Pass. Am I understanding their information correctly? Also I could find nowhere on their site to contact anyone to ask a question. Also, one final question: does the travel booklet that they advertise come as a hard-copy booklet in the mail? And does it include a full map of Paris, and of the Metro system? Thanks so much for answering these questions.
Sheila,
I’m not sure exactly why the Paris Pass asks for the date you want to start using it, but I’m sure it doesn’t matter what you put. Every Paris Pass is good for 12 months after the date of purchase, and it doesn’t become valid for the first day until you actually use it to get into an attraction. In other words, just enter your best guess for a start date, and use it whenever you are ready. This is a quote from their Terms and Conditions page:
And yes, the Paris Pass comes in the mail with a 120-page booklet that includes a description of each attraction, and a map of all of the included places. It’s actually incredibly helpful for planning your visit, so I highly recommend ordering as early as possible so you’ll have more time with the booklet. You can actually download a digital copy of the guidebook on the Paris Pass website, even before you buy the pass.
The Visite Card (transit pass) will include a map of the Metro, and there might be one in the Paris Pass book as well. It looks really confusing at first, but once you are there it quickly becomes simple so don’t stress about that part. Paris has more Metro stations by area than any other city, so you are always a short walk from one, and no more than one transfer from just about anywhere in town.
Have a great trip and let me know if you have more questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I am visiting Paris with my husband on 25th april till 27th april. Would like to ask certain questions whether to get the Paris pass or not?
we are first time visiter. We like to roam around and explore the city at the same time enjoy and relax as well.
How’s the weather in the last week of april? is it cold?
Would need your recommendations on Halal food as well.
Thanks in advance.
Xenab,
Right now the forecast in Paris for those dates is a high of about 20C/68F and a low of about 12C/50F with clear skies. Obviously it can change, but you should generally expect pleasant weather, and Paris isn’t known for frequent and heavy rainstorms.
If you only have 3 days and you want to put a high priority on just roaming around, then I don’t think a Paris Pass or similar passes would be wise. They are best for people who want to see the main attractions in a short time, and you have to move pretty quickly in order to save money with them. They also allow you to skip most of the longer ticket queues, so it’s easy to go quickly with them. But if your main goal is to just wander through the lovely neighborhoods and maybe see a couple of the big attractions, then just pay as you go and try to hit the sights early in the day for the shortest queues.
You should have no trouble finding halal food in many of the central neighborhoods, as Paris has a famously large Muslim population. As far as specifics, I’m no expert so you’ll be best off asking at your hotel. Bon voyage and I’m sure you’ll have a great visit. -Roger
I was recently in Paris with my sister and niece and had purchased Paris Passes for all of us. Even though I questioned whether I would get my money’s worth, when we arrive at the Louvre and were able to bypass a line about a quarter mile long (it was Spring Break), the pass immediately paid for itself in my opinion.
We went on to tour L’Orangerie, Musee D’Orsay, Versailles, Saint Chappelle, Musee Cluny and the Notre Dame Crypt and every place we went we except Saint Chappelle, we walked right it, flashing our pass.
We also took the Big Bus. Using our coupon for the bus was by far the biggest hassle of our trip as we had to get the tickets for the day of or the day before we used them. We used our metro passes to travel to sites too far from our flat to walk.
If you don’t want to spend your precious time waiting in line to buy tickets and you want the flexibility to visit or revisit a museum, I highly recommend the museum pass. Yes, you will be paying a premium of sorts, but it is worth it!
Giselle…do you know if it is possible to use the HOHO bus pass on a day that is not one of our museum days? I want to buy a two day pass, but will be in Paris 3 days. I was thinking that taking the HOHO bus the 1st day would be a great way to sight see w/my kids before we do all the museums. It will also make my husband happy not to have to do so many things in one day.
Hi Roger,
My husband and two teen children will be visiting Paris in June for 3 days only. I still can’t figure out the best pass for us. My husband is a sit in a cafe and enjoy the ambiance type of traveler, while the kids and I like to see things. We want to see the Louvre, Versailles, Notre Dame, Eiffel tower and maybe D’orsay as well as Les Invalides. Suggestions on what is the best pass/route for us. We want things to be convenient as we have limited time, but we don’t want to feel like we need to run from one thing to another to get our money’s worth.
Michele,
I understand your dilemma, and unfortunately there is no easy answer. The Paris Pass might be your best bet because it’s ideal for seeing a lot in a short time, notably the bus tour and river cruise, which are ideal for getting your bearings on your first day. The Paris Pass also will save you time by avoiding the ticket queues of most of the popular places. But the Museum Pass is obviously cheaper because it doesn’t include those tours and several other key attractions. It’s a tough call, as you’ve already discovered. I’m sure you’ll love Paris no matter what you decide, and you can see a lot more in a short time with a Paris Pass, but if you take the slow-moving approach with your husband then you’ll still enjoy the city. Sorry for not being able to help more. Bon voyage. -Roger
Giselle…do you know if it is possible to use the HOHO bus pass on a day that is not one of our museum days? I want to buy a two day pass, but will be in Paris 3 days. I was thinking that taking the HOHO bus the 1st day would be a great way to sight see w/my kids before we do all the museums. It will also make my husband happy not to have to do so many things in one day.
Michele,
Unfortunately, all of the elements of the Paris Passes (and all other such passes) are valid at the same time. A 2-day Paris Pass has everything starting on one morning and finishing at the end of the following day. Best of luck with what you decice. -Roger
Hi Roger,
The info provided by you is brilliant. I will be in Paris from the 3rd to the 6th of April and wondering if all the museums and tourist spots will be open. Can you kindly advice if all will be open or some closed due to Good Friday and Easter.
Also Sunday being Easter half a day will go in Church, so is it still worth taking the Paris Pass or is it wiser to take the 3 days 1-3 central Paris pass and 1 day 1-5 Paris+CDG/ORY pass (24.80 + 23.50) along with the museum pass.
Also there is this Paris City Pass 4 Days – Adult for 139,00 €. Price wise the Paris Pass is about 182. What is the difference between Paris Pass and the Paris City Pass as the price diff is way diff.
The below website says that the Paris city pass covers – Paris Visit zone 1-3, Paris Museum Pass (4D), Cruise and big bus.
http://booking.parisinfo.com/z6200e2x26827m466g3514_uk-paris-city-kpass-paris-pass.aspx
Your advice can help me book on-line tomorrow if possible as Friday early morning I leave to Paris
Thanks in Advance
Robin
Robin,
I just checked a few attractions and I didn’t see any that had different hours for Easter week. The French aren’t known to be very religious, and the big attractions are key parts of their economy, so evidently they find a way to stay open.
As for the differences between the Paris Pass and Paris City Pass, the Paris Pass includes an Attraction Card that covers a popular (€30) wine tasting attraction, the Dali Museum, a tour of the Opera House, the Grevin Wax Museum, and a few other things that don’t come with the other one. And if you use the 10% discount code for the Paris Pass, it’s a bit under €164 for the 4 days.
Bon voyage and I’m sure you’ll have a great trip whatever you decide. -Roger
Hello!
I am planning to be in Paris May 3-15. Most likely, I will be starting my “tourist” schedule on Monday May 4th.
I’m wondering if any of these passes (individually or a combination) will be worthwhile for me, since I have ample time (purposely planned, so I can ENJOY the city like a local would).
I’m definitely a museum/culture buff, so I intend to spend one full day at the Louvre, and definitely a daytrip to Versailles.
I will only be using the metro and RER to get around.
Your suggestions and advice are appreciated!
Thanks!
Fatima
Fatima,
With 12 or 13 days and the intention of going at a slow pace, I don’t think a pass would be good value for you. They cover all of the things you’ll want to see, but they are only efficient for people who want to do 2 or 3 or even 4 things per day. The Paris Pass is also great for covering the bus tour and the Seine cruise, which are ideal for visits of 5 or fewer days. But with as much time as you’ll have in Paris, you’ll be able to see all of those sights just in your normal travels. Bon voyage. -Roger
Hello Roger,
Thank you for your very helpful blog! I have gained much useful information. I am traveling from the US to Paris in late April with a friend and our two daughters (15 years old). I am still unclear whether 15 year old US citizen need to pay to enter the museums. Part of what i need to factor in to my decision on whether to buy a pass (and which one)!. I assume that all riders on Metro/buses/river cruise need tickets — 15 year old same as adult?
Linda,
Thanks. Anyone under 18 can visit most museums in Paris for free, and any EU citizen from 18 to 25 can as well. So your 15-year-old would get free into the museums, but would still have to pay the child rate on transport and the tours etc. That probably doesn’t make your decision much easier, but at least you know what the options are. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thank you for your kind help and blog.
I will be visiting Paris for the second time, with my husband and 1 yo son this coming April for 7 days.
My first trip to Paris was with tour group and we did the usual, going up Eiffel tower, Seine river tour, Moulin Rouge, Notre Dame and most of the time we were travelling by tour bus. So this time I want to really experience Paris, by walking and metro. I want to spend half a day at the Louvre, full day at Versailles, a day walking at the Montmatre, Marais neighbourhood and going to the Quen Flea market and having picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg, etc.
Do you think I should buy Paris Pass? Seems like I wont make full use of it. I will be staying at Champs Elysess area.
Is there any travel card that I can use as when I need? not based on days.
What is the weather like? do i need to pack my winter coat?
Thank you!
Hellen,
Considering that this will be your second visit to Paris, and that you want to see things at a more relaxed pace, and that you’ve already done at least a few of the key attractions, I think you’ll be best off without a pass. The Paris Museum Pass is obviously cheaper, but still it encourages visitors to maximize sightseeing and move quickly. In 7 days it will be nice for you to visit things as you please without rushing. Also, many of the things on your list for this trip are free anyway, and there are plenty more that you’ll discover just by walking around.
So in other words, I continue to think the Paris Pass is a very good deal for most first-time visitors who want to see the famous sights in a short amount of time, but your situation is different.
The weather in April is generally cool and fairly dry. You’ll need a light jacket or sweater, but even late at night it should be well above freezing so I don’t think you’ll need a winter coat. Bon voyage. -Roger
My family is planning on staying at Marriott Village d’Ille de France for 5 nights in mid May. We are interested in seeing the major attractions in Paris: Louvre, Orangerie, D’Orsay, Notre Dame, Eiffel, Versaille, Arch de Triumphe, Sainte Chappel, and an evening Seine River cruise. Would you recommend we purchase a 1 day mobilis day pass (zones 1-5), a 3 day Paris Visite Pass (zones 1-5) (so we have a total of 4 days of transportation from our resort to the attractions, plus a 4 day Paris museum pass? It doesn’t look like the Paris Pass would include the RER to Marne-la-Vallee Chessy train station and we are not interested in wine tasting. Please let me know what you think would be the best options for us as we would like to have time to experience walking along the champs de’elysees, and the tuillerie gardens and possibly taking a trip to catacomb. We plan on renting a car as we will be heading down to Marseille/Nice area for an additional 4 nights but understand driving/parking in Paris is not recommended so we would be parking the car at the Marne-la-Vallee Chessy train station each day. Thanks for your help.
Sepideh,
Based on what you’ve said that you want to see and don’t want to see, I think your plan sounds quite good. And I agree that you don’t want to drive or try to park in central Paris unless you are prepared to pay about €30 or more per day for daytime parking. It looks like you’ve researched this well and have come to a very good strategy. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger
This is a very informative blog. Thanks for all your input. We are first time visitors to Paris and will be arriving midday APR 14 and leaving early on Sunday, so we will have 4 full days in Paris staying near the Eiffel Tower. We want to do as much as possible (bus tour, seine river cruise, Versaille, Louvre, Arch de Triumphe, Nottre Dame, Montmarte, , Opera House, etc, as well as having time to walk around and enjoy the city. Would you recommend a 4 day Paris Pass and at that time of year (MID APRIL) will the lines be long at the attractions? Thanks in advance.
Alan
Alan,
Thanks. It sounds like you are planning to visit a great number of attractions and tours that are included with the Paris Pass, so it sounds like the 4-day version would be ideal for you. The 2-day version could work, but you’d be rushing around like crazy people trying to fit it all into those two days. A 3-day version would be nice if they offered it, but the 4-day version is only about €40 more than the 2-day version when it’s on sale as it is now. For the extra €20 per day, you’ll easily get good value out of it, partly because you’ll be able to pace yourself and do only 3 or 4 things per day rather than 5 or 6 if you tried to do it in 2 days.
As for the ticket queues, they won’t be enormous in mid April, but during peak hours they can still be pretty long because they don’t open all ticket booths in the shoulder season like this. Being able to skip those queues will also help you get more sightseeing done in a shorter time. Have a great trip. -Roger