Paris in summer is beautiful—but it can also be packed. Lines get long, cafés fill fast, and even a walk can feel like a parade. But don’t worry. With the right tips, you can enjoy the magic of Paris while avoiding the worst of the crowds. Here’s how to do it.
1) Visit iconic landmarks at sunrise or late evening
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The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur—these spots are on every visitor’s list.
That’s why they’re also the most crowded.
The trick?
Go early, before 8 a.m., or visit after 7 p.m. when the big groups are gone.
The light is better, the air is cooler, and your photos will look amazing without people in the way.
It’s a calmer time to simply enjoy the view without feeling rushed or squeezed.
2) Take advantage of extended museum hours on specific evenings
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Some of Paris’s biggest museums stay open late one or two nights a week.
The Louvre is open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Musée d’Orsay stays open on Thursdays until 9:45 p.m.
These evenings have fewer visitors and feel more relaxed.
Check museum websites and plan around those nights.
It’s cooler, quieter, and you’ll spend more time looking at art and less time dodging crowds.
3) Choose weekdays over weekends for big attractions
Paris is busiest on weekends, especially Saturday afternoons.
If you want to visit Sainte-Chapelle, Montmartre, or Versailles, aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning.
Mondays are sometimes good, but double-check closures.
Weekday mornings mean shorter lines, fewer crowds, and a better overall experience.
It also leaves your weekend free for walks, parks, or shopping when museums are full.
4) Eat lunch outside peak hours to avoid full terraces
Parisians eat lunch between 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. That’s when cafés get packed.
To avoid the rush, plan your meal earlier (around 11:30 a.m.) or later (after 2:15 p.m.).
You’ll find better seats, faster service, and less noise.
You can also turn it into a long, quiet break before heading back out.
This simple trick works almost anywhere in the city.
5) Explore lesser-known neighborhoods with real Parisian charm
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Skip the tourist zones and head to areas Parisians actually live in. Butte-aux-Cailles (13th), Rue de Charenton (12th), and Batignolles (17th) are full of charm, local shops, small parks, and good cafés.
You’ll find peace and still get that Paris feeling—without the crowds or selfie sticks.
These areas are safe, beautiful, and show you a different side of the city.
You’ll feel like you’ve found a secret.
6) Ride buses or walk instead of using the metro at rush hour
Metro stations get packed from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m.
During these times, buses are calmer—and you get to see the city as you ride.
Lines Bus 69 and 27 are great for sightseeing.
Walking is another good option. In central Paris, many spots are closer than you think.
A quiet walk along the Seine or through a new neighborhood beats being squished underground.
7) Discover Paris’s secret gardens and hidden courtyards
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Everyone knows the Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens—but they’re often crowded in summer.
Try Square Georges Cain (Le Marais), Rue Delambre (14th), Jardin Catherine-Labouré (7th), or the garden behind the Carnavalet Museum.
These small green spaces are quiet and feel local.
Bring a book, a drink, or a pastry and enjoy a peaceful break.
They’re perfect for resting your feet without leaving the charm of Paris behind.
8) Dine where Parisians actually eat, not where guidebooks recommend
Avoid places with big English menus and tourist prices.
Look for small bistros on side streets, far from major landmarks.
Rue du Commerce (15th), Rue Paul Bert (11th), Rue des Martyrs (9th), and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis (10th) are full of local favorites.
Check the chalkboard menu and see if people are speaking French—it’s a good sign.
Food will be better, service will be warmer, and prices will often be lower.
9) Book restaurant reservations for lunch instead of dinner
Dinner in Paris books up fast in summer.
But lunch is quieter and often cheaper.
Many restaurants offer the same high-quality food with smaller lunch prices.
If there’s a place you really want to try, go for lunch instead.
Make a reservation online (La Fourchette/The Fork or Google Maps), and you won’t have to wait in line or settle for a second-choice meal.
10) Explore Paris’s covered passages and indoor markets
When it’s hot or raining—or just too crowded outside—step into Paris’s beautiful covered passages.
Passages Jouffroy, Verdeau, and Panoramas (all near the Opéra) are quiet and full of old shops, books, and cafés.
For markets, try Marché des Enfants Rouges (Le Marais) or Beauvau Market (Place d’Aligre).
You’ll get a break from the heat and crowds without losing the Parisian feel.
11) Plan picnics in neighborhood parks instead of famous ones
Skip the crowded Champ de Mars and Tuileries.
Instead, try Square Maurice Gardette (11th), Square d’Anvers – Jean-Claude-Carrière (9th), Parc Monceau (8th), or Butte-aux-Cailles park (13th).
They’re quieter and full of local life.
Grab cheese, a baguette, and fruit from a nearby market.
Sit on a bench or in the grass and enjoy lunch the Parisian way—without waiting for a table.
12) Shop at neighborhood markets instead of department stores
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are always packed.
But Paris has hundreds of neighborhood markets where locals actually shop.
Marché Bastille, Marché Aligre, or Rue Poncelet Market offer great food, small gifts, and local color.
You’ll avoid long lines and find more authentic souvenirs—plus, prices are often better.
13) Why Mondays and Tuesdays can be your secret weapon
Mondays and Tuesdays are often less busy.
Many people avoid them because some museums are closed.
But that means fewer tourists around!
Use these days for strolls, cafés, covered passages, and markets.
Smaller museums like the Carnavalet or Petit Palais often stay open.
It’s a great time for calm walks and people-watching.
14) Book everything in advance
Summer in Paris is busy.
Popular museums, Eiffel Tower tickets, and dinner cruises sell out fast.
Don’t wait until the last minute—book ahead.
This saves you time, avoids stress, and helps you plan your days better.
You’ll skip lines and avoid disappointment, especially for top sights or restaurants.
15) Make reservations even for casual places in tourist areas
Even a simple bistro near Notre-Dame or Sacré-Cœur can be fully booked in summer.
If there’s a place you want to try—even for lunch—reserve it.
A reservation saves you from wandering around hungry or waiting in long lines.
16) Adjust your expectations and embrace serendipity
Summer in Paris can be crowded and unpredictable.
Sometimes a museum is full, a terrace is packed, or the metro stops.
Don’t let it ruin your day.
Take a deep breath, change your plan, and enjoy what you find nearby.
A quiet church, a shady bench, or a street musician can become the best part of your trip.
Paris is full of surprises—if you stay flexible, you’ll enjoy it more.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
