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.
We will be in Paris from Nov 15-19, and I was curious how the lines are that time of year? Anything to be worried about?
Awesome article, and AWESOME responses by the way!
Ray,
By the end of November, crowds at the museums and other attractions in Paris will be smaller. Several of them, like the Louvre, tend to have queues pretty much all year because they open fewer ticket windows in the off season. But generally you won’t have to wait too long, even if you buy tickets on the day. -Roger
Hi
We are planing to visit on dec 22 and dec 23. my wife is 5 months pregnant and i have 3.5 years of old kid.
in 2 days what all can i cover?
is it paris pass worth fo r me.
thanks in advance
Peter,
One nice thing about the Paris Pass is that it’s designed for visitors to see a lot in a short time. You can do the sightseeing bus tour and the Seine River Cruise on your first day, and they give you a great sense of where all the main sights are. They also make it so you feel like you’ve seen much of Paris already because you tour all the famous neighborhoods and see all the famous buildings. You also have time to visit the Louvre and several other museums and attractions over those two days, and having taken those tours you’ll have a better idea of which ones you want to see with the rest of your time. It also comes with a helpful book describing all the included sights and where they are on a map, and you also get the unlimited transit pass, which helps you see things efficiently.
However, if your pregnant wife and young child aren’t in the mood to move quickly, the Paris Pass doesn’t help that much, aside from those tours where you get to sit down and see Paris go by. -Roger
Roger,
Great article and info. My wife and I will be visiting Paris for the first time March 21-28. During that timeframe, I was told it will be cold and overcast and that it is not that busy. Is it true that the queues shouldn’t be too bad. Is the pass worth it to beat the queue’s during this time?
Nell,
It will be chilly in Paris in late March, but it’s not always cloudy so you might get lucky and get some sun. It’s true that queues for the popular museums and sights are shorter in March than in June or July, so if that was the main feature of getting a Paris Pass then you can probably get by without it. There are other benefits of a Paris Pass however, including entry to several popular tours in addition to the museums, plus an unlimited transit pass as well. Either way, I’m sure it’ll be a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks for your info. I was wondering, if I was to buy a Paris Pass online, how long would it take to arrive in Sydney, Australia?
Steve,
To be honest, I’m not sure how long it would take to get to Sydney, and you are probably better off looking for answers on the official Paris Pass site. I do know that they ship from France as quickly as they are able, but whether that takes 5 days or 10 days to Oz is beyond me. You can also buy online and pick up your passes in Paris at their office if you don’t have enough time. -Roger
OK, they say 12 working days. Thanks so much for your speedy reply.
Hello Roger!
What a nice article! And I badly need your help regarding our fast approaching trip to Paris. We are currently in Barcelona after a 2 day trip in Amsterdam. We will be leaving BCN tomorrow (Sept10)in the evening and we will be arriving in Paris by late evening. We got a hotel VERY near CDG (Ibis Roissy Nord2) and upon reading previous comments, it seems like that the transportation to our hotel to the City is not covered in the Paris Pass, right? We will be stayin 3 full days and 2 nights in Paris. It will be our first time in Paris. Do you recommend us to get A Paris Pass? Our goal is to see all major sites and attractions and maybe just enter the Louvre. A Seine River Cruise would also be lovely. Will it be wise to get a Paris pass in our case? And just to ask, where is the pickup point of the Paris Pass? THank you so much!
RalphVilla,
It’s correct when you heard that a Paris Pass doesn’t cover transport all the way from CDG to the city center, but it does cover all transport anywhere in the tourist area of Paris once you get there. So in your case, you’d take the RER (suburban rail system) from the airport area into the city center, and once you get within the central zones you can switch to the Metro (subway) and ride for free.
A Paris Pass is great for what you have in mind on a short visit like that. Honestly, the included sightseeing bus tour is a great thing to do first, as it allows you to get oriented and see where most attractions are in relation to each other. However, even though it’s theoretically “hop on, hop off” it’s not a good idea to use as transport because you end up spending too much time waiting for buses and the routes are rarely as direct as you’d like. Instead, do the whole tour, and then jump off and use the Metro to get around. There are stations every few blocks in Paris so you are never far from one. The Seine Cruise is also good for early orientation.
If you are mainly interested in just the museums then the Paris Museum Pass is probably a better deal. However, it sounds like you might be similar to me in that you like checking out the main museums, but you don’t want to spend all day in there. A Paris Pass is really nice for this sort of thing because you can do the bus tour and river cruise and a few other “fun” things, but also pop into 3 or 4 of the most famous museums for an hour or so each. Personally, I don’t like to spend an hour in line to spend €11 on a museum ticket to only spend 45 minutes inside. With the Paris Pass, you go right into the entry queue and if you want to move on in a hurry you don’t feel so bad because it was included.
If you choose to buy a Paris Pass you do it online and then you can pick it up at their office for €2 each. -Roger
Paris Pass Desk
Entree 4, Grand Rex Cinema
35 rue Poissonniere
75002 Paris
Hi Roger,
My hubby and I are going to Paris between 4-13 December this year. It’s our very first time in Paris and am excited. Indeed, am wondering if the Paris Pass would be worth the while. Would definitely love to cover as much as we can when we are there. But we would also love to enjoy and soak in Paris. Do recommend/suggest.
Amanda,
Since you’ll be in Paris for 9 or 10 days, you’ll have more than enough time to just enjoy the ambiance of the different neighborhoods by strolling around and sitting at cafes for awhile. If you are interested in doing the included things with the Paris Pass, then it will definitely save you money and be convenient because it comes with the transit pass and the ability to skip most queues.
I’d recommend getting perhaps the 4-Day Paris Pass, which is on sale for the next few days as well, and activating it on your 2nd or 3rd day in Paris. You should take the bus tour and the river cruise early on, which will help you get a feel for the whole city center and where you want to return to later on when you are on your own. Then do the rest of your major sightseeing over those 4 total days, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax and hang out after the pass expires. -Roger
Thanks Roger. Which arrondissement would you recommend to stay in and do you have any reasonably priced and good hotels to recommend too. Thanks
Amanda,
One great thing about Paris is that the Metro (subway) has stations literally every few blocks in almost every direction so you can get from anywhere to almost anywhere else in maybe 15 or 20 minutes in most cases. So for that reason, many budget travelers stay in the arrondissements one out from the central ring to save money and still be close enough. But it’s a personal choice and I usually like to stay near the neighborhood I like to spend the evening in because traveling around at night can be dodgy or at least intimidating. I prefer the Montmartre area because it’s gorgeous, artsy, and has plenty of cheap options, but if you prefer shopping or history or to be near gardens there might be better choices.
I actually do have a page of my best Paris hotel recommendations, each with a link to the cheapest place I could find to book them online:
https://www.priceoftravel.com/1551/recommended-paris-hotels-and-hostels-that-offer-good-value/
Bon voyage. -Roger
hello Roger
thank you for the useful article, in fact i am hesitating between paris pass or city pass passport
Also, not being a french speaker makes me afraid of getting lost or not knowing how to use my card, for ex. for the bus tour, is it enough to just stay at the bus stop and show my pass at getting onboard?
Heba,
You don’t need to worry about not being a French speaker in Paris as long as you are anywhere near any of the major sights. The city is always filled with visitors who know little or no French, so all the ticket takers and tour bus drivers speak enough English. When using the Paris Pass you’ll unlikely be alone so it’s literally just a matter of holding it out in front of you and they’ll usually wave you inside or on board.
On the other hand, one key anywhere in France is to say hello or introduce yourself before you ask anything else. So whenever you walk into a hotel or shop or oe cafe or approach a bus driver, just say “bon jour” (or bon soir if it’s in the evening) first. They will instantly detect your non-native accent and they will be expecting you to proceed in English from then on. If you do that, you’ll be very welcome. If you skip this step, some people might get annoyed. -Roger
Hi Roger,
A very well written article indeed!
My friend and I are in Paris for 2 days in Mid-September. We plan to do few key museums (we want to be quick and just see key things) + Eiffel + Notredame + Bus tour around the city+ Chateau de versailles.
Dont want to do the Boat cruise as we have done that already in our previous visit.
We plan to buy the Paris Museum pass at the airport and buy the bus tour on the spot. We will buy the RER and metro tickets as required.
Is it a good plan considering the tourist season in September or you have any suggestions? Which Bus tour you will recommend? Which neighborhoods would you recommend? We are staying near the Richelieu Drouot metro.
Thank you!
Apurva,
I’m glad the article has helped. By the time September rolls in, crowds are thinning out a bit in Paris, although all the locals are back from their own holidays so public transport and such will be packed, even if the museums aren’t.
Your plan seems fine if you don’t want to get an actual Paris Pass. I haven’t done all the bus tours, and I think most of the main ones run a similar route as the one included in the Paris Pass, so unless you want a specialty tour I don’t think it matters too much. Just find one with live English commentary instead of the recorded one, and you’ll enjoy it for sure.
Recommending neighborhoods in Paris is quite a personal thing. I personally adore Montmartre, especially in the evenings, but it’s quite touristy and most things are expensive. I’m not much of a shopper so the many shopping districts don’t appeal to me. In other words, you’ll have to figure out which things seem to interest you, although in Paris you can’t really go wrong as long as you are anywhere near the center. Bon voyage. -Roger
Thanks so much!! 🙂
Dear Roger
I read almost all the reviews, and still don’t know what to do.
I will be in Paris for 5 days from august 17th to 22th. I’m going with my husband and my 14 and 9 year old girls. My husband and I have been to Paris several times, but it is my daughters first time. It is our first time in Paris during the summer, and I’m worried it will be very hot for long walks, my kids never walk!!!!! I was thinking on going to these museums: Louvre, D’orsay,Pompideau, wax, and the science museum over at a park called La vilette (never being there). Also we would like to do the bus tour, boat tour and heard the bycicle tour was fun too. Do you recommend paris pass?? 2 or 4 days??
Is it true that kids under 18 do not pay at the museums?? Then I should not buy the paris pass for the girls?
I don’t have much time, need your expert advise.
I forgot to tell you, that we will return to Paris for 4 more days on september 4.
Thanks so much,
Best regards
Maggie
Maggie,
First off, the current forecast for Paris on those days is the high 70s F or mid 20s C, so you’d be incredibly unlucky if a heatwave formed during that time. Paris does have a few scorching days here and there, but those are rare and it’s usually pleasantly warm.
It’s true that under 18s get free admission to many Paris museums, but not to the bus or boat tours and those sorts of non-museum attractions. The Child Paris Pass is fairly cheap, but if you are concentrating mostly on museums I wouldn’t bother with one for the kids.
For a 5-day trip where you are on the fence I’d recommend a 2-day Paris Pass. Needless to say, you can concentrate the included attractions into those two days and you’ll still have 3 days to just enjoy the city itself. Since you are coming back in September it might be wise to get the 4-day Pass instead though, but only if you really want to do more than 6 or so of the included things. Two days is probably the sweet spot, and there is plenty to have fun with on the days you don’t have a valid pass. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks for this detailed article. Very interesting and helpful. However I am really scared about Paris and need your help:)!
My husband and I will be arriving on Friday the 6th of September and leaving on Monday the 16th. So we will be in Paris for 10 days.
It’s our first trip and I’m a little unsure about the best option for us. We want to see the sights, bridges, gardens, as well as museums and churches and Versailles. I’m thinking to get for us the 6 days Paris Pass + 2 days Paris Pass. Could you tell me, please whether this is a good option for us? I would highly appreciate your advice.
Best regards,
Ana-Maria
Ana-Maria,
I would definitely get the 6-day Paris Pass (which is €15 off through Monday, August 12), but not an additional 2-day pass. Ten days is a long time in Paris for a first visit, but there are so many wonderful little free things to do that you’ll want to have those 4 days where you aren’t worrying about trying to get value out of a pass. Just wandering around some of the historic neighborhoods and through the gardens and doing some window shopping is something that will be very entertaining with no admission fees.
If you do the bus tour and river cruise early in your trip, you’ll discover many little areas that you’d like to return to later to just wander around, and if you have non-pass days at the end you’ll have plenty of time to do it. Bon voyage. -Roger
Hi Roger
Can you please take the Dali museum off your list of example prices. This is not covered by the museum pass as it is not a state-owned museum. We couldn’t use our passes there today, but had assumed we could because it was in the list here.
Cheers
Peter
Peter,
Thank you for pointing this out, but the Dali Museum is still included according to the Paris Pass website.
http://www.parispass.com/paris-attractions/Dali-Museum.html
I’m sorry you didn’t get in, and if they are in fact removing this attraction I will update my article as soon as I hear for sure. -Roger
Re Dali museum
Maybe it is included on the a Paris pass, but it is not in the museum pass.