How much does a trip to Paris cost?

A direct round-trip flight from the USA (e.g., JFK) to France (CDG) typically starts around $650–$1,000 in Economy Class, including one checked bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and one carry-on. Prices peak in July and August (and around holidays). You’ll often save by flying in the shoulder seasons, being flexible with dates, using low-cost carriers, or choosing connecting flights—especially if you’re continuing beyond Paris to cities like Nice, Marseille, or Corsica.

Prices for a 4* hotel in Paris start at about $300 per night. You can also stay in 2–3* accommodation from around $150 per night. In the low season, rates are typically up to 25% lower.

For luxurious 5* hotels or legendary Parisian "Palace" properties, there’s virtually no upper limit, as premium rooms and suites can easily exceed $1,500 per night in peak months. Whenever possible, we recommend choosing a locally owned boutique hotel over a large chain.

Small, independent hotels in historic neighborhoods like Le Marais or Saint-Germain are hallmarks of an authentic Parisian vacation. Rooms are typically cozy (space is a luxury in Paris!) but welcoming, with a relaxed atmosphere, distinct character, and genuinely personal service.

Prices for popular guided tours in Paris typically range from $35 to $100 per person. With this budget, you might join a pastry and chocolate tour in Saint-Germain, take a sunset Seine cruise, explore the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay with an expert guide, or enjoy a walking tour of historic Montmartre.

Tickets to major sights generally cost $15–$35 per visitor—think the Eiffel Tower summit, the Catacombs, the Arc de Triomphe, or the Palace of Versailles (just a short train ride away). By contrast, private boat charters on the Seine or exclusive vintage car tours can run from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, offering a romantic and personalized perspective of the city.

Paris also offers plenty of free experiences: stroll the Tuileries Garden toward the Louvre pyramid, enjoy panoramic views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur, wander historic quarters like Le Marais or the Latin Quarter, browse the iconic bouquinistes (booksellers) along the river, and relax in the majestic Luxembourg Gardens.

While exploring the French countryside by car is popular, in Paris, we recommend relying on the city's exceptional transit network. If you do rent a vehicle for a day trip to Champagne or Giverny, prices start around $65–$90 per day for a compact car. However, within the city limits, traffic and parking can be challenging, so a car is rarely necessary.

Paris’s public transportation is the gold standard for getting around. The iconic Metro and RER trains connect every distinct neighborhood, with single rides costing about $2.50. For a more scenic route, the extensive bus network allows you to sightsee as you travel, while the Batobus offers a unique "hop-on, hop-off" service along the Seine.

Taxis and rideshares (such as Uber or Taxi G7) are convenient for evening dining or heavy luggage. Official taxis offer set flat rates for trips between the airports (CDG or Orly) and the city center—expect to pay roughly $60–$80. Short inner-city rides typically run $15–$30, depending on traffic and the time of day.

Prices for a meal in a Parisian restaurant typically range from $20 to $40 for a main course, while a 3-course prix-fixe dinner often costs $50 to $100. Pastries and street snacks remain delightfully affordable, usually $2 to $6 for a buttery croissant, pain au chocolat, or a hot crêpe from a Latin Quarter stand. Many bistros offer complimentary bread, and tap water (carafe d’eau) is always free on request.

To explore the city's culinary soul, try bistro classics like steak-tartare, onion soup gratinée, duck confit, and the famous Paris-Brest pastry. For the most authentic experience, seek out bustling brasseries with zinc counters, intimate neighborhood bistros, or the legendary Bouillons—Belle Époque dining halls serving traditional French comfort food at unbeatable prices. In Paris, typical dining hours are strict—12 to 2 pm for lunch and 7:30 to 10:30 pm for dinner—so reservations are highly recommended.