Paris in 2026: complete travel guide for Brazilians

Paris is, for many, the trip of a lifetime. The French capital combines millennia of history, award-winning cuisine, fashion, art, and a unique atmosphere. But how do you organize a complete trip — without breaking the bank, without endless lines, without missing the essentials? This guide covers everything a Brazilian needs to know in 2026.

When to go to Paris

Paris has four distinct seasons, each with its own personality:

• Spring (Mar-May): flowers, lively parks, mild weather. Many consider it the best time to visit.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): high season, city full of tourists, long days (dark at 10 PM). More expensive.
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): golden leaves, pleasant weather, fewer tourists. A great cost-benefit option.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): cold (it can snow), but magical Christmas, festive markets, lower prices.

Best cost-benefit: May, September, or October. Avoid August — the city empties as the French go on vacation.

Top 10 must-see attractions

1. Eiffel Tower — go up at night to see the sparkling lights (happens every hour)
2. Louvre Museum — Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral — reopened in 2024 after post-fire restoration
4. Arc de Triomphe + Champs-Élysées — climb to the top for an amazing view
5. Montmartre + Sacré-Cœur — bohemian neighborhood on the highest hill
6. Musée d'Orsay — Impressionists (Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir)
7. Palace of Versailles — half-day trip from Paris
8. Sainte-Chapelle — spectacular Gothic stained glass
9. Disneyland Paris — 40 min by train from the center
10. Seine River cruise — romantic, especially at night

Where to stay: best neighborhoods

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods), numbered in a spiral from the center:

• 1st (Louvre) and 4th (Marais): central, expensive but close to everything. Marais is gay-friendly and has nightlife.
• 5th (Latin Quarter): university area, bohemian, great restaurants. Close to Notre-Dame.
• 6th (Saint-Germain): classic-chic, historic cafés, a bit more expensive.
• 7th (Eiffel Tower): elegant and residential, great for families.
• 9th (Opera): shopping (Galeries Lafayette), good transport, nightlife.
• 11th (Bastille): trendy, bars, restaurants at fairer prices.
• 18th (Montmartre): charming and bohemian. Be cautious at night in some areas.

Avoid: neighborhoods north of Gare du Nord, especially at night.

How to get around

• Metro: 16 lines, fast, operates until ~1:15 AM. Buy the Navigo Découverte (weekly pass ~€31) if staying 5+ days.
• RER: fast trains to the suburbs (Versailles, Disney, CDG).
• Buses: complement the metro well, providing city views.
• Walking: the historic center is compact — many attractions are within a 15-20 min walk.
• Uber/Bolt: operate in Paris, reasonable prices.
• Bikes (Vélib'): shared bikes available at stations throughout the city.

From the airport: CDG is 35 km from the center. Options: RER B (45 min, €11.80), Roissybus (~1h, €16.60), taxi/Uber (~€55-75 with traffic).

How much does it cost? Daily budget

Round-trip airfare SP→Paris in 2026: R$ 4,000-8,000 depending on the time and advance booking.

Cuisine: must-try dishes

• Croissant — in the morning, at a neighborhood bakery (boulangerie)
• Pain au chocolat — sweet alternative
• Steak frites — steak with fries, bistro classic
• Savory + sweet crepe — from street vendors or creperies
• Escargots — snails in garlic and butter
• Duck confit — slow-cooked duck
• Macarons — from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé
• Wine + cheese — daily routine in Paris

Tickets: buy in advance

For the main attractions (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles), buy tickets in advance. Going on the day means facing lines of 2-3 hours. Options:

• Official website of each attraction (cheaper)
• Paris Museum Pass — pass for 2, 4, or 6 days with access to 50+ museums (€62-92)
• Agencies that pre-organize bundles with a guide

Communication: don't be without internet

In Paris, you will use Google Maps all the time, a translator to interact with locals (many speak little English), restaurant reservations, Uber, currency exchange quotes, and ticket bookings. Internet is essential.

Options:

• Roaming Vivo/Claro: ~R$ 50/day with data limit. In 7 days: R$ 350.
• Hotel/café Wi-Fi: exists, but doesn't help when you're on the metro or walking.
• eSIM Easy Chip: plan for Europe covers 39 countries (useful if extending to Italy/Spain). Starting at $5 with Orange/SFR coverage in 5G. See plan for France or regional Europe plan.

Learn more in our guide eSIM for Europe: 1 chip for 39 countries.

Safety tips

• Pickpockets: common on the metro and in tourist areas. Wear your backpack in front, leave your card and passport at the hotel.
• Scams at attractions: "ring challenge" and "petition signing" are scams. Say "non, merci" and walk away.
• At night: the center and tourist neighborhoods are safe. Avoid the northern outskirts (Saint-Denis, Gare du Nord).
• Emergency: call 112 (universal) or 17 (police).

Suggested itinerary: 4 days in Paris

Day 1: Louvre (morning) → Tuileries Garden → Champs-Élysées → Arc de Triomphe (sunset) → Eiffel Tower (lighting at night)

Day 2: Notre-Dame + Île de la Cité → Sainte-Chapelle → Latin Quarter → Panthéon → Seine cruise at sunset

Day 3: Montmartre (Sacré-Cœur) → Moulin Rouge → Galeries Lafayette → Opéra Garnier

Day 4: Day trip to Versailles (full day) — palace + gardens

Required documentation for Brazilians

• Valid passport — with at least 3 months of validity after the trip
• Visa: not required for tourism up to 90 days (Schengen agreement)
• EES (Entry/Exit System): in effect since April 10, 2026. Brazilians must undergo biometric registration (photo + fingerprints) at the Schengen border — replaces the manual stamp in the passport.
• ETIAS: electronic authorization expected for the last quarter of 2026. Until April 2027, the application will be in a transition period (not mandatory). Cost: €20, valid for 3 years.
• Travel insurance — mandatory, minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses
• Proof of accommodation + return flight — may be requested at immigration

For your insurance, flight, and tickets, Facilita Travel Pass creates personalized packages. For internet at your destination, ensure it with eSIM Easy Chip. This way, your trip is 100% sorted.