Paris Packing List 2026

Temperate (mild summers, cool winters) Best time: April–June or September–October

👕 Clothing

Chic casual outfits Amazon

Parisians dress effortlessly stylish — avoid overly tourist-casual looks at nice restaurants

Comfortable walking shoes

Paris involves enormous amounts of walking on hard pavements

Compact rain jacket Amazon

Spring and autumn in Paris involve regular showers

Lightweight scarf

Versatile for cooler evenings and adding polish to outfits

One formal or smart outfit

For dinner at a brasserie, the opera, or upscale restaurants

🔌 Electronics

European Type C/E adapter Amazon

France uses two-pin round plugs

Power bank Amazon

For Louvre + Musée d'Orsay days and evening walks along the Seine

Travel eSIM (France/EU)

Orange, Bouygues, and SFR covered by most EU eSIM plans

💶 Money

Credit/debit card

Paris is largely cashless — most places accept card

Some Euros cash

€30–50 for outdoor markets, patisseries, and tips for guides

Navigo Easy card (for metro)

Rechargeable card for Paris metro and buses — buy at any station

🎒 Gear

Crossbody bag or small backpack Amazon

Pickpocketing risk especially around Eiffel Tower and Montmartre

Compact umbrella Amazon

Paris rain is frequent and unexpected

Reusable tote bag

For market shopping at Marché d'Aligre or Rue Mouffetard

📄 Documents

Passport or EU ID card

Schengen area — check if your nationality needs a visa

Travel insurance

EHIC/GHIC for EU/UK; comprehensive insurance for all others

Museum bookings

Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Versailles — book online to skip queues

Essential tips for Paris

  • Book the Louvre and Eiffel Tower well in advance — walk-up queues can be 2+ hours
  • Learn a few basic French phrases — Bonjour, S'il vous plaît, Merci go a long way with locals
  • Be alert for pickpockets around tourist hotspots — carry bags in front and keep phones in pockets
  • Paris tap water ('eau du robinet') is excellent and safe to drink — carry a reusable bottle

Paris Travel Guide

Hotels, things to do, visa info, and local tips

Explore Paris

Best Time to Visit Paris

Month-by-month weather, crowds & prices

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