Paris, a city known for its art and history, is a dream destination for every traveller. From its grand boulevards to charming cobblestone streets, the City of Light mesmerizes with iconic landmarks and timeless culture.
Most visitors know the highlights — the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur, or the Champs-Élysées. But beyond these famous sights, Paris has countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. To truly experience its art, history, and vibrant street life, joining a guided tour is the best way.
Explore guided tours in Paris that take care of everything be it hotel pick-up and skip-the-line tickets to private tours or Seine river cruises. Browse through the options and choose the experience that helps you uncover the magic and history of this unforgettable city.
Here's what you should know before booking a guided tour in Paris
- The ideal seasons for guided tours in Paris are April to June and September to early November, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. These months are perfect for walking tours, photography, and open-air experiences such as exploring Montmartre, Le Marais, or the Latin Quarter. Try to avoid July and August if possible because many Parisians go on vacation, some local boutiques close, and popular spots like rooftops and gardens tend to get crowded with tourists.
- Guided tours often start at easy-to-find landmarks such as the Pullman Hotel Tour Eiffel, Place du Général Kœnig, or near major transport hubs like Opéra or Gare du Nord. For museum tours (like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay), meeting points are typically right at the entrance.
- Many guided tours include transportation, entry tickets, and lunch, which is especially convenient for longer day trips to Versailles (around 45 minutes from central Paris) or Mont Saint-Michel (roughly four hours each way).
- A little French goes a long way. Always start conversations with a friendly “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”, it sets a polite tone and helps avoid the “rude Parisian” stereotype. Keep your voice low during tours, especially in museums, churches, and galleries, where locals value quiet and respectful behavior.
- Paris has its own share of pickpocketing incidents, particularly in crowded areas such as the Champs-Élysées, Sacré-Cœur, and busy metro lines. Keep your valuables secure, wear crossbody bags, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large cameras while in a group.
- If you’re visiting for the first time, Louvre and Versailles tours are must-dos. Guided access helps you navigate vast collections, understand the stories behind masterpieces, and often includes entry to restricted spaces such as Versailles’ King’s Private Apartments.
- Neighborhood walking tours especially in Montmartre, Le Marais, or along the Seine offer an intimate look at local life, art, and café culture.
- The best way to experience Paris is to plan a little and let the rest unfold naturally. Combine guided tours with free time to wander, enjoy a Seine River cruise, sip coffee at a sidewalk café, or explore local markets at your own pace.
- Tipping is not mandatory in France but always appreciated. If you enjoyed your tour, leaving €2–5 per person is a thoughtful way to thank your guide for a memorable experience.
Top guided tours in Rome
1. Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor
Why we recommend it?
We recommend this tour because it’s a small-group experience, limited to no more than 20 people. You’ll learn about the remarkable engineering behind this global icon and Gustave Eiffel’s vision for its creation. The tour lets you climb the stairs to the second floor or opt for elevator access, and with reserved entry, you’ll skip the long lines — only a brief security check stands between you and the view.
What's included?
- 90-minute guided tour of the Eiffel Tower
- Elevator access to the summit or 2nd floor (as per option selected)
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Small group between 10 to 20 guests
- Access to 1st floor
- 1-hour Seine River cruise (as per the option selected)
2. Palace of Versailles Guided Tours
Why we recommend it?
This is where you’ll witness the grandeur of French royalty at its finest. The Palace of Versailles holds immense historical significance because it stood at the center of major events, from the creation of Germany to the Treaty of Versailles and even its seizure during World War II. Inside, the palace is absolutely breathtaking, especially the Hall of Mirrors and the beautifully preserved royal estate. You’ll meet your guide at a designated meeting point before embarking on a 90-minute tour that brings Versailles’ rich history and opulent past to life.
What's included?
- 90-minute guided tour of the palace
- 90-minute guided tour of the estate (as per option selected)
- 90-minute guided tour of the King's private apartment (as per option selected)
- Professional English/French/Italian-speaking guide
- Access to the gardens with the Fountain or Musical show (Apr to Oct only) (as per the option selected)
3. Louvre Museum Timed Entry Tickets with Hosted Visit to the Mona Lisa
Why we recommend it?
With timed access tickets, you’ll skip the long lines and let your host lead you straight to the Mona Lisa, da Vinci’s world-renowned masterpiece. Beyond this iconic painting, the Louvre houses over 35,000 artworks, from Egyptian antiquities to Islamic art, including treasures like Vermeer’s The Astronomer and Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa, which you can explore at your own pace. This tour ensures you see the highlights while enjoying the freedom to immerse yourself in one of the world’s greatest museums.
What's included?
- Timed access to the Louvre
- Hosted entry to the Mona Lisa
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral & Optional Île de la Cité Guided Tour
Why we recommend it?
Notre-Dame Cathedral has been fully restored after the fire in 2019. Entry to the cathedral is free, but with this reserved time-slot ticket, you can enjoy a quick and hassle-free visit. Explore the outside of the cathedral with an insightful local guide who’ll share fascinating stories about Notre-Dame and the surrounding Île de la Cité. Admire the elaborate western façade and innovative flying buttresses, while learning how the cathedral has endured and been lovingly restored. For more flexibility, you can choose an audio guide to explore at your own pace. For a fuller experience, you can upgrade to include a 1-hour guided tour of Île de la Cité or gain entry to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, making it a complete journey through Parisian history and architecture.
What's included?
- Outdoor walking tour of Notre-Dame
- Free reserved time slot to enter Notre-Dame
- English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Entry to Sainte-Chapelle (as per the option selected)
- Entry to the Conciergerie (as per the option selected)
- Audio guide app in 7 languages for iPhone and Android (as per the option selected)
- 1-hour walking tour of Île de la Cité (as per option selected)
5. Eiffel Tower Guided Climb by Stairs
Why we recommend it?
With this tour, you’ll climb the 674 stairs to reach the second floor, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Paris and get an up-close look at the Eiffel Tower’s intricate iron-lattice structure. Along the way, you’ll stop on the first floor to walk on the glass floor and explore exhibits that reveal fascinating details about the tower. Your guide will tell you about the history of Eiffel Tower and how Gustave Eiffel envisioned it. For an even more spectacular experience, you can upgrade your ticket to include an elevator ride to the summit which is also the highest point in Paris.
What's included?
- Access to the 1st and 2nd floors via the stairs
- Stair entrance tickets
- English-speaking guide
- Access to the summit via elevator (as per the option selected)
6. Paris Catacombs English Guided Tour
Why we recommend it?
Beneath Paris lies about 200 miles of underground tunnels, covering a third of the city and holding the remains of over six million Parisians. Intriguing, isn’t it? On this Paris Catacombs guided tour, you’ll uncover the secrets of these historic limestone quarries. Gain access to restricted areas usually closed to the public, including hidden galleries and unique sections of the tunnels. With small groups capped at 19 people, you’ll enjoy a personal and engaging experience.
What's included?
- Timed entry to Paris Catacombs
- 1.5 hour guided tour by an expert English-speaking guide
- Group of up to 19 people
- Exclusive access to restricted areas
Popular guided tours in Paris
