Cheap city break Paris
Paris is the most visited city in the world: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and cafés on every corner. Booked smartly it is cheaper than you think. Flight or train from the Netherlands, 3 days from €350 per person.
Quick answer: Paris is reachable by Eurostar train from Amsterdam in about 3 hours 20 minutes (from €35), or by KLM flight in 1 hour 20 minutes (from €60 return). Best months: April-June and September-October. Allow 3 days for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Montmartre, and save on the first Sunday of the month (free museums). Budget from €350 per person.
Book your trip to Paris
Compare hotels in ParisPackage holiday to ParisCar hire in ParisWhen is the best time to go?
April to June and September to October: 15-22 degrees, shorter queues at the museums. Avoid July/August (hot, the Parisians themselves away, some restaurants closed). December for Christmas markets and romance.
The best neighborhoods in Paris
- Marais Hip, Jewish neighbourhood, indie boutiques and cocktail bars.
- Saint-Germain Classic chic, the café culture of Sartre/Beauvoir.
- Montmartre Sacré-Cœur and little artists' squares.
- Latin Quarter Students, affordable, the Panthéon and Notre-Dame.
- Canal Saint-Martin Hipster paradise with indie cafés.
Top 5 things to do in Paris
- Eiffel Tower + Trocadéro Climb it for €29 or admire it free from the Trocadéro.
- Louvre €22, come Tuesday/Thursday evening for fewer crowds.
- Montmartre + Sacré-Cœur Climb the hill, church free.
- Picnic along the Seine Bread, cheese and wine from €15.
- Père Lachaise cemetery Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, free.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Schiphol you fly direct to Paris CDG in about 1 hour 20 with KLM and Air France; the RER B reaches the centre in 35 minutes (€11.80 flat fare). Often just as easy is the direct train (Eurostar, formerly Thalys) Amsterdam to Paris in about 3 hours 20, from €35 if you book early. In the city a metro ticket costs €2.50 and a Navigo weekly pass €30.75 (all zones).
What does a Paris city break cost?
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €100 to 160, apartments around €110 per night. Admission 2026: Eiffel Tower summit by lift €36.70 (stairs to the second floor from €14.80), Louvre €22, Musée d'Orsay €16, Versailles from €21. Save with free museums on the first Sunday of the month and a picnic by the Seine. Food: croissant €1.50, lunch boulangerie €8, dinner brasserie €25 to 40, coffee €4.
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Frequently asked questions about Paris
When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October are ideal: 15-22 degrees, shorter queues at the museums and all terraces open. Avoid July and August: hot (28-35 degrees), Parisians themselves on holiday and some restaurants closed. December is romantic with Christmas markets but cold (3-8 degrees).
Which neighbourhood is best to stay in Paris?
Marais (4th arrondissement) for a central, lively stay: close to Centre Pompidou, Picasso museum and the best shops. Saint-Germain-des-Pres (6th) for café culture and elegance. Latin Quarter (5th) for student atmosphere and affordability. Montmartre (18th) for romance and Sacré-Cœur, but more tourist crowds.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Paris?
Flight: KLM and Air France fly direct from Schiphol to Paris CDG in about 1 hour 20 minutes. RER B from CDG to the centre in 35 minutes, €11.80 fixed fare. Train: Eurostar (formerly Thalys) Amsterdam to Paris Gare du Nord in about 3 hours 20 minutes, from €35 early-bird. The train is often just as fast and cheaper when you add the flight price, RER and airport time.
How much does a city break in Paris cost?
Hostel: from €30 per night. Mid-range hotel: €100-160 per night. Eiffel Tower stairs to 2nd floor: €14.80. Louvre: €22. Musée d'Orsay: €16. Free museums on the first Sunday of the month (Louvre, Orsay, Musée de l'Orangerie). Navigo weekly public transport pass: €30.75. Baguette: €1.50, boulangerie lunch: €8, brasserie dinner: €25-40. 3-day budget: €350-500 per person.
How do I avoid the queues at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre?
Eiffel Tower: book time slots online at tour-eiffel.fr at least 2 weeks ahead. Early morning (9:00) or evening (18:00-23:00) has the shortest queues. Louvre: online reservation via louvre.fr is mandatory, go on a Wednesday morning early. Both museums are free on the first Sunday of the month but then at their busiest.