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 such an informative article, it really helps for first time traveller like me. I and my husband are visiting Paris in September for 3 days and are super-confused if we should purchase the Paris pass/Museum pass. We would be interested in visiting
Sainte Chapelle
Arc De Triumphe
Centre pompidou
Jarden Des tuileries
Musée d’Orsay
Louvre museum
Notre-Dame
Sunset cruise – on the Seine
Dining at Eiffel
jardin de luxembourg
Cheese and wine testing
Please suggest us whether it can all be covered in 3 days and how to do the planning?
Varsha,
Based on the list of things you are planning I would definitely say that a 3-day Paris Pass would be good value and a time saver. Nearly all of the things on your list are covered, and I think you should be able to do pretty much all of them in 3 days if you plan well. I notice you didn’t mention the hop-on, hop-off bus, which I actually highly recommend as early in your trip as possible because it takes you right by or very near everything on your list so you’ll know your way around. The HOHO bus also shows off how beautiful Paris is in about 3 hours if you don’t hop off. And because so many things are at the bus stops you can actually use it for transportation on one day if you plan ahead. The bus starts in front of the Eiffel Tower and it also stops at the Louvre, Notre Dame, Arch, Orsay, and a short walk from Saint Chapelle. The Seine Cruise docks are a short walk from where the bus starts and ends its loop as well.
If you do the HOHO bus and start early you can do the whole route and have time to hop off at Sainte Chapelle, Orsay, Notre Dame, and the Arch. I would save the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower itself for another day, and go early to the Louvre for the smallest crowds. You might also consider spending an evening in the Montmarte area, which is my favorite at night. Take the funicular up to the Sacré-Cœur around sunset and then have dinner at one of the colorful restaurants you’ll pass as you are walking down the hill. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
You are absolutely right Roger.
It is not making much sense to purchase teen passes for the above itinerary. At the same time 2 adult passes will not include my 15 and 17 years olds to the following:
– Hop In Hop Out Bus
– Sienna River Cruise
– Local Train rides
What would be your suggestion? Guessing that I have to stand in the general queue to get their tickets for the above three although I have 2 adult passes. Or is there some other way of handling it?
Thanks
Pam
Pam,
For the HOHO bus you can quickly buy youth tickets from an attendant while you are waiting to board the bus for the first time. There will be someone there in a uniform and holding a mobile ticket-printing device. You show them your Paris Pass and they’ll run them through the machine to print out your ticket, and then you can give them a credit card to pay for the youth tickets. It shouldn’t slow you down at all.
For the Seine Cruise you’ll have to wait in the ticket queue anyway, although there is a shorter queue for Paris Pass holders. Even in that queue I think you’ll be able to show your passes to get your tickets and also buy teen tickets for the others, so it won’t slow you down either. For Metro (subway) rides it’s easiest to either buy an unlimited rides ticket for each person if you’ll use it a lot, or buy a carnet, which is a discounted pack of 10 tickets, from a machine and then have the teens use those while you use your unlimited passes to enter the Metro. All of the tickets look the same, including the unlimited rides tickets, and they go through the machines in the same way. Once you buy the unlimited tickets or the carnets of discounted tickets it will be fast and easy each time. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger!
Shortlisted the following for the 2 day Paris trip:
Eiffel Tower (not included in Paris Pass)
Arc de Triomphe
The Louvre
Versailles
Sienna River Cruise
Hop in hop out bus
Children 15 years and 17 years with parents.
Question :
Do you suggest to buy both adult and teen 2 day Paris Pass considering the museums are free under 18?
Also, how do they verify the child’s age?
Pam
Pam,
As you suggest, it’s harder to get value out of a Teen Pass for those under 18 with the free museums. I don’t think you’d come out ahead so I would probably not buy the teens a pass unless you were doing more of the Attractions instead of a couple museums as well.
For the age verification, I’m not 100% sure but I’m almost sure it’s mostly on the honor system. Non-European children would all have their passports with them, but since most local young people do not need to travel around with ID, I believe they just let everyone in who looks in that range. After all, it’s not like they are giving free entry into new 3D movies, they are just allowing young people into a museum for free so I don’t think they are too worried about scammers. I’ve been in these entry queues many times and I have never been held up by a ticket person insisting on proof of youth, although I suppose it’s possible. Oh, and by the way, the kids don’t even need tickets so they can just go in the same entry queue with you and you’ll show the Paris Pass and they’ll just mention their age. So it’s not like a “free” ticket that they might sell, it’s just being able to walk in for free. -Roger
I am headed to Paris for 2 full days tacked on to the end of another trip. What would be your suggestion, the Paris Pass? I don’t think we will spend a lot of time in museums due to the time limits. My trip is in early October. Any special recommendations? What is tourist season like at that time?
Thank you
Darcie,
Early October should be great because the crowds aren’t bad and the weather should be pleasant and mild. The two-day Paris Pass could be a great option if you are interested in the hop-on, hop-off bus tour (which is my favorite in all of Europe so I recommend it even if you don’t buy a pass), and the Seine river cruise, which is also highly recommended just after sunset. If this is your first visit to Paris you pretty much have to at least spend an hour in the Louvre to get a quick look around at the Mona Lisa and a few others. The building itself is a former palace and it’s gorgeous. You should also spend an hour or so in the Orsay Museum across the river, which is much smaller and also an amazing space so it’s worth a quick visit. If you do those things, which can actually all be done in one day, the pass pretty much pays for itself. You also get the transport card so you can quickly get around, or use the HOHO bus to get between the places.
Again, if this is your first visit to Paris then the Paris Pass can be a great way to save a bit of money and time on the things that almost everyone wants to do anyway. It doesn’t cover going up the Eiffel Tower, but honestly I think that’s overrated because it’s so crowded and the views from the top aren’t as nice as the views from the top of the Arch de Triumphe or even the cathedral in Montmartre. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Dear Roger Wade,
Yesterday I had posted a comment for 3 days Paris and 4 days Switzerland tour itenary guidelines from you. No reply so far. if you have already commented, please let me know where i should find it.
Regards,
AK PAUL
INDIA
AK Paul,
I wasn’t able to answer questions on Sunday and I’ve commented on the Swiss Travel Pass question just a few minutes ago. -Roger
Wow, thanks for this great info. We will be in Paris 4 days in a little over a week. We are three adults and a 17 year old. We were contemplating the Paris Pass but aren’t sure. We want to do the following:
River Cruise
Orsay
Louvre
Arc de Triomphe
Notre Dome (not the tower)
Pantheon
Opera House
Disneyland Paris
And a metro pass
It seems to be cheaper to do things separate but will it be faster with the pass?? We can get in quicker at the Louvre but we can also spend 2 extra euros to get the quick line Louvre tickets. Am I missing anything??
Thanks – Jen
Jen,
First off, the hop-on, hop-off bus in Paris is fantastic and an excellent way to see most of the best of the city in a few hours. But if you don’t want to take it then it’s definitely harder to get value out of the Paris Pass. The Seine cruise is also lovely, but even more so just after sunset and it obviously only shows you things right along the river. Notre Dame is free to enter if you don’t want to go up to the top. And Disneyland Paris isn’t part of the Paris Pass, so it sounds like it might not be right for you.
For the Louvre and Orsay you’ll usually save some time with the Paris Pass, but sometimes it’s only a few minutes so I’m not sure it’s worth buying for that reason alone. And yes, buying those fast pass tickets online should get you into the same security queue. When you get downstairs in the Louvre you can just walk into the gates with a Paris Pass, but without you’ll have to stop to pick up your tickets at one of the ticket counters. If you go early in the day the lines are usually short, but later in the day they can get long. That really goes for all of the main attractions in Paris. Bon voyage. -Roger
Hello Roger
your article is so informative & I highly appreciate your contribution to many travelers.
I am travelling to Paris with my wife and daughter(Adult student) on 11th June till 16th ( 5 nights). We plan to stay at Couronnes. We would like to do the tour slowly, not in a rush. However, walking for too long is not preferred.
we would like to visit the following:
Eiffel Tower
Louvre
Notre Dame
Les Invalides
Palace of Versailles
One-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
One Hour Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise
Sainte-Chapelle
Arc de Triomphe
sacre coeur
here are my questions:
Do you recommend a Paris pass?
if yes, which day pass should we opt for? 3 day or 4 day?
is there a student discount on the Paris pass?
Can we do the Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise more than once using the Paris Pass?
do you have a day wise suggested itinerary for us?
Is there any android app which can help us navigate through the metro? or is the metro map good enough for it?
Thank you, please continue the excellent work !!
Bimal,
Yes, I think the Paris Pass will be ideal for your trip since it covers most of what is on your list. I think the 3-day version should be enough, but the 4-day version is only a bit more expensive and it allows you to go more slowly, so it might be worth it.
There are no student discounts, but museums are free to those 18 and under. It sounds like that might not help you though.
You can do each attraction only once. The Seine cruise is really wonderful and a great way to spend an hour, especially if you go around sunset or a bit later, but I don’t think you’d want to do it twice. There are itinerary suggestions in an article linked from this article, so hopefully that helps.
I’m sure there are Android apps for the Paris Metro. And Google Maps will give you exact directions also as far as which trains to take and how many stops before you switch or get off. But the Metro is pretty easy once you get there and try it out. Bon voyage! -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks for such an informative article. I and my husband are visiting Paris next week for four days and are super-confused if we should purchase the Paris pass/Museum pass. We would be interested in visiting
1) Louvre
2) Eiffel Tower
3) Palace of Versailes
4) Sainte Chapelle
5) Notre Dame
6) Luxembourg gardens
7) Pompidou centre, Louis Vuitton Foundation; my husband is an architect, so we also try to visit modern architecture elements when we travel 🙂
Although we are interested in doing an HOHO which will give us an overall idea of the city, we are still not very sure if we should buy the museum pass, since except for Louvre and Pompidou we still have to buy individual tickets, so it can all get pretty expensive at the end! It would be of great help to know what you feel.
Thanks in advance. Really appreciate your help.
Regards
Ash
Ash,
The HOHO bus is highly recommended whether you buy a Paris Pass or not, and the Seine River Cruise just after sunset is a wonderful way to see more of the city than you can any other way. If you want to do those things then I think the Paris Pass will be good value for you, but if you will skip at least one of those things it may not be worthwhile.
If you DO get the Paris Pass I’m sure you’ll find other included attractions that will interest you that you can do in between your planned attractions. That said, Paris is a wonderful city and you’ll have a great time with or without the pass. -Roger
First, this is the most helpful travel website I’ve used–and we travel a lot. Thank you!!! Secondly, we are a family visiting Paris the first weekend of May. We plan to see Versailles and Eiffel Tower on Thursday. Friday, we get to the Louvre at opening, then on to Orsay and perhaps HOHO bus tour before quick peek at Napolean’s tomb. Friday evening or Sat. evening, Seine cruise. With 3 pre-teen daughters, we’re trying to be realistic about packing too much in, which is why the bus and boat tours appeal–we see much with less walking for young legs. My question: does it pay to have any pass? Entrance fees are about the same, and we like flexibility of buying as we go. Oh but I hate the idea of spending any precious hours in line if we can avoid them! How hard is it to get into the Louvre at opening? How busy is Orsay–would the pass save us time? And finally, the bus and boat tours–how hard is it to show up the first weekend in May and just get on? Thanks a bunch! Melanie
Melanie,
Thank you for the very kind words. Reading something like that definitely helps make running this site worthwhile.
I think your itinerary looks very good and well thought out. If you add up the things you want to do and it comes to about the same as the Paris Pass, I think you should probably skip the pass. Going to the Louvre just as it’s opening for the day is a great strategy and usually the queue will be fairly short. It’s really the security queue that takes the time and everyone has to go through it, although Paris Pass and Museum Pass holders have a separate line and it’s usually shorter. Once you get downstairs the ticket queues are usually not too long either. You might get unlucky, but if you go first thing when it opens you’ll probably be inside in no more than 15 minutes and possibly less.
The Orsay usually has shorter lines, but of course it’s much smaller and if you get unlucky and arrive at a crowded time it could take maybe 30 minutes in the security line before you get in. The Museum Pass and Paris Pass security line is usually shorter, but not by all that much. As for the HOHO bus, you can buy a ticket when you first board the bus and there isn’t a queue to skip so it’s the same. As for the Seine Cruise I think everyone goes in the same line, and that line can get a bit long around sunset so it’s wise to get there at least 30 minutes before the departure you want.
One other advantage of the Paris Pass is that you can sometimes do things that you might not have done at full price. The wine tasting experience is probably the best example of this. It’s a bit overpriced for cash customers, but it really is fun and interesting and each visitor gets a full-size bottle of wine on the way out. But you should be fine paying as you go, and you might be too tired to do a couple things, which would end up saving money that way. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Can you show me how to go to my ibis Budget Paris La Villette 19eme by RER ticket from CDG airport. Then after chrckung in hotel at 12 pm, I want to go to HOHO bus close to my hotel ? Can I go Seine Cruise after HOHO tour on the rest of this evening ?
I have to go 8 days tour in the morning of next day, so when I go back Paris on June 20, where can I go from 10Am morning for the rest of that day ?
Thanks very much Roger.
Tuyen,
From CDG Airport you need to take the RER B line, which will take you to Gare du Nord. From there you’ll change to the 5 Metro line for 3 stops to the Laumière station, which is closest to your hotel. The whole trip should take a bit under an hour from the airport to your hotel. The closest stop of the Montmartre line to your hotel is at Gare du Nord, but you should really do the classic Red Route first, and the closest stop is at the Opéra Garnier. It should take you 10 to 15 minutes on the Metro from your hotel.
The HOHO bus takes about 3 hours if you don’t get off. You should definitely do the Seine Cruise later that day, and it’s best just after sunset so you can see all the bridges and famous buildings lit up. You could go anywhere after 10am when you return and I’m not sure how to help you with that. Bon voyage. -Roger