If you are planning your first trip to Europe, Paris is one of the most popular places to start. Year after year, it ranks among the top entry points for travelers from the United States—and for good reason. Paris is easy to explore, filled with world-famous landmarks, and offers a perfect combination of history, food, culture, and comfort.
In 2023, more than five million visitors from the United States traveled to Paris, making it one of the city’s largest international visitor groups. Whether you are drawn to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or a peaceful cruise along the Seine, Paris consistently delivers the kind of experience travelers dream of when imagining their first European adventure.
For many, the easiest way to enjoy the city is by booking a Paris trip package. With flights, hotels, and guided tours bundled together, these packages offer a simple and rewarding way to experience Paris—without the stress of organizing every detail yourself.
Top Paris Attractions to Look for in Your First Package
So, what can you expect once you land? Most first-time packages include the city's most iconic and unforgettable spots—places that capture the essence of Paris and are especially welcoming for newcomers.
Here are the top attractions to look for in your first travel package:
Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
- What it offers: No first trip to Paris feels complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower up close, and ideally from the top. Many travel packages also include a Seine River cruise, offering a peaceful and scenic way to view major landmarks from the water. It is especially beautiful in the evening.
- Is it worth it? Yes. These experiences provide the classic views and gentle pace that are ideal for easing into your first few days abroad.
- Best for travelers who want: Iconic views, low-effort sightseeing, and a relaxed introduction to the city.
The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay
- What they offer: The Louvre is home to world-famous works such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, while Musée d'Orsay showcases masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and other Impressionist artists in a beautifully restored former train station.
- Is it worth it? Yes. These museums offer both visual beauty and a deeper understanding of French history and culture. Many trip packages include guided highlights tours or timed entry to make the visit smooth and enjoyable.
- Best for travelers who want: Culture, history, and fine art presented in a way that is enriching but not overwhelming.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- What it offers: Montmartre is known for its village-like charm, cobblestone streets, and artistic legacy. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits at the top of the hill, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city.
- Is it worth it? Yes. It is a wonderful area to explore at a slower pace, with plenty of cafés and hidden corners that give you a sense of local life.
- Best for travelers who want: A quieter, more creative side of Paris, along with scenic walking and memorable city views.
Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter
- What they offer: This historic area brings together architecture, literature, and atmosphere. While Notre-Dame is still under restoration, its exterior remains a powerful sight. Sainte-Chapelle nearby is known for its vivid stained glass, and the surrounding Latin Quarter is filled with bookstores, cafés, and history.
- Is it worth it? Yes. These landmarks are close to one another and are often included in small walking tours. The area offers a deep sense of the city’s heritage and charm.
- Best for travelers who want: A meaningful connection to Parisian history and culture, with plenty of time to explore and reflect at a comfortable pace.
3 to 7-Day Paris Itineraries Designed for First-Timers
Now that you have a good idea of what to see, the next question is how to plan your time. It can be tricky to figure out what to do each day—especially if it is your first visit and you want to make it count without feeling rushed. That is where a well-planned itinerary really helps. Many travel packages come with ready-to-go schedules that mix famous sights with time to wander, rest, or enjoy a slow lunch. Whether you are staying for a weekend or a full week, the sample itineraries below will give you a clear picture of what your days in Paris could look like.
3-Day Paris Getaway
Typical Package Features:
-
Round‑trip nonstop flight from New York or Boston
- Three-night stay in a centrally located hotel
- Optional skip-the-line tickets or Seine river cruise add-ons
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and hotel check-in; afternoon visit to the Eiffel Tower; evening Seine cruise
Day 2: Guided Louvre tour; stroll along the Tuileries; afternoon at Sainte‑Chapelle; dinner at a classic bistro
Day 3: Morning in Montmartre and Sacré‑Cœur; café lunch and Souvenir-shopping; afternoon departure
5-Day Paris Discovery Tour
Typical Package Features:
- Round‑trip flight and 4‑star hotel accommodations
- Entry to Louvre, Orsay, and guided walking tours
- Flexible booking terms and frequently included food- or wine-tasting experiences
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, orientation walk, intro dinner
Day 2: Louvre guided highlights; walk through the Latin Quarter and Sainte‑Chapelle; optional evening Seine cruise
Day 3: Day trip to Versailles or Monet’s Giverny
Day 4: Morning in Montmartre; afternoon at Musée d’Orsay; evening food tour or wine tasting
Day 5: Leisurely breakfast, café visit, souvenir shopping, departure
7-Day Paris Immersion Experience
Typical Package Features:
- Seven-night stay in central, boutique or upscale hotels
- Guided city tours and key museum entry
- Day trips (Versailles, Normandy), optional performances, cooking classes, and concierge assistance
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, orientation dinner
Day 2: Historic heart tour (Notre-Dame exterior, Sainte‑Chapelle, Latin Quarter)
Day 3: Montmartre walking tour and Seine cruise
Day 4: Marais neighborhood tour + evening visit to the Louvre
Day 5: Day trip to the Palace of Versailles
Day 6: Musée d’Orsay + Orangerie; local market visit; farewell dinner
Day 7: Breakfast and departure logistics assistance
Love these ideas but need help planning? Ask a local guide to put it all together for you.
Add-Ons and Customization Options for Paris Packages
Of course, no two trips are exactly the same, and that is part of what makes travel so special. Once you have a basic itinerary in place, many packages give you the option to add a few personal touches. Whether you want to see more of the French countryside, enjoy a memorable dinner, or try something hands-on, these add-ons let you shape the trip around your interests.
Some of the most popular choices for first-time travelers include:
- Day trips like Versailles, the Champagne region, or Monet’s garden in Giverny
- Upgrades such as private transportation, skip-the-line entry, or a special rooftop dinner
- Experiences like a cooking class, wine tasting, or evening show at the opera or a cozy cabaret
These extras are a great way to make your time in Paris feel even more personal, whether you are celebrating something special or just want to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Paris Packages from Major U.S. Departure Cities
Where you fly from can also shape your experience. Many Paris packages include round-trip airfare from major U.S. cities, and choosing the right departure point can make your journey smoother—especially if it is your first time traveling to Europe. Some airports offer more direct flights or easier connections, which can help you arrive feeling more rested and ready to enjoy your first day in Paris.
Best options from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta
These cities are among the most common departure points for Paris-bound travelers from the United States. They offer frequent flights and often include nonstop service to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which helps keep travel time and stress to a minimum. If you live near one of these cities, you may have access to more package choices and greater flexibility in scheduling.
Which routes offer nonstop service and shorter travel times
Nonstop flights from New York, Chicago, or Atlanta typically take around seven to eight hours, while routes from Los Angeles or Dallas may take ten to eleven. Choosing a nonstop flight when available can make a big difference—not only in terms of time, but in avoiding the fatigue that often comes with layovers or tight connections in unfamiliar airports.
Smart booking tips to reduce jet lag and enjoy your arrival day
If possible, choose an overnight flight that arrives in Paris in the morning. Try to rest on the plane, and once you land, stay active and outdoors for the first few hours to adjust to the new time zone. Many packages include light touring or flexible check-in on arrival day, which makes it easier to ease into the rhythm of the city without feeling rushed.
FAQs for First-Time Paris Visitors from the U.S.
If you are planning your first trip to Paris, chances are you still have a few practical questions in mind. Travel packages can take care of most of the logistics, but it helps to know what to expect—especially when visiting a new country. Below are some of the most common questions U.S. travelers ask before their first visit to Paris, along with simple, helpful answers.
Do I need a visa to travel to France from the U.S.?
For short trips under 90 days, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit France. You will need a valid passport that remains valid for at least three months beyond your return date. In 2025/2026, travelers will also need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization, which is a quick online form similar to the ESTA system used when visiting the United States.
Please refer to the official website for more: Travelling to Europe (ETIAS)
How do I adjust to the time difference?
Paris is typically six to nine hours ahead of most U.S. time zones, depending on where you are flying from. To adjust more easily, try to sleep on your flight if you are arriving in the morning. Once you land, stay active during the day and spend some time outdoors. This helps reset your internal clock and makes it easier to get through the first day without too much fatigue. Most travelers feel adjusted by the second day.
Is Paris safe and English-friendly for American travelers?
Paris is generally safe for visitors, especially in busy, well-lit areas and during the day. Like in any major city, it is a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious in crowded places like train stations or popular tourist sites. As for language, many people in Paris speak at least some English, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Learning a few basic French words like “bonjour” and “merci” goes a long way and is always appreciated.
What is the tipping culture and how does it differ from the U.S.?
Tipping in France is different from in the United States. Restaurants already include a service charge in the bill, so tipping is not expected. However, it is polite to round up or leave one to three euros if the service was especially friendly. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is common. If you are joining a guided tour, tipping your guide five to ten euros is a kind gesture but not required.
Conclusion
Planning your first trip to Paris might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it quickly becomes exciting, manageable, and well within reach. Whether you are traveling on your own, with a partner, or as a family, a well-crafted Paris trip package removes the guesswork and helps you focus on what matters most—enjoying every moment. Your first visit can be just as inspiring, memorable, and comfortable as you imagined.
When you are ready to bring your travel dream to life, start by choosing the trip that matches your pace and interests. Paris is ready when you are.
