Paris is buzzing again (but let’s be honest—when is it not?). With tourists pouring in year-round and locals back to rediscovering their own city, the hottest tables, tickets, and terraces are getting snapped up faster than ever. In this post-pandemic travel era, spontaneity has become a luxury.

Whether you’re craving dinner at a buzzy bistro, hoping to skip the museum lines, or planning a nightcap at a hidden cocktail bar, chances are… you’ll need a reservation.

From iconic landmarks to under-the-radar gems, planning ahead is now part of the Paris experience. The upside? With the right apps, a few local tricks, and a bit of timing, it’s all totally doable. 

This Frenchly guide breaks down exactly what to reserve for Paris vacations, how far in advance to do it, and the tools to make it easy so you can spend less time waiting in line, and more time living your French fantasy.

1. Museums & Landmarks

From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, Paris’s world-famous sites are so booked these days that it’s virtually impossible to just walk in. With the country record tourism levels, long lines and sold-out time slots have become the norm, not the exception. Booking ahead ensures you actually get in and saves precious hours of your trip.

What to Book:

Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle and Centre Pompidou, among others. 

When to Book:
2–4 weeks in advance (or longer during peak times like summer and the holidays). While some museums may still have availability the week of your visit, don’t count on it—tickets often sell out fast.

Where to Book:

Tips:

• Time slots are mandatory at most major institutions. Don’t expect to just show up. And no, you can’t be late.
• Even with the Paris Museum Pass, you still need to book your entry time in advance.
• Eiffel Tower elevators book up fast. If you’re out of luck, opt for the stairs (and views!).
• For Sainte-Chapelle, aim for late afternoon when the stained glass is most radiant.
• Free Museum Day: Most national museums (including the Louvre and Orsay) are free on the first Sunday of the month from November through March. Reservations are still strongly recommended, even for free entry.

2. Restaurants (Especially Trendy or Michelin-Starred Ones)

Dining out in Paris is half the fun, and if you’re eyeing one of the city’s buzzy bistros or Michelin darlings, consider that table already gone. The best spots book out weeks in advance (especially for dinner), and as for walk-ins? Let’s just say, don’t count on it.

What to Reserve:
Septime, Frenchie, Le Chateaubriand, Cheval d’Or, Parcelles, Le Servan, and Le Clarence, to name a few. 

When to Book:
2–6 weeks in advance for dinner
1–3 weeks for lunch (generally easier to snag)

Where to Book:

• Apps: TheFork (LaFourchette), Zenchef, Resy (not as popular as in the U.S., but still used for some restaurants)
• Restaurant websites often redirect to platforms like Tock, OpenTable France, or Zenchef
• Some French restaurants, particularly bistros, only take reservations by phone

Tips:

• Most restaurants open their books exactly 2–4 weeks in advance to the day. Set a reminder for popular spots.
• Some online systems require a French phone number to confirm. Use a friend’s number, Google Voice, or contact the restaurant via email, WhatsApp, or Instagram DM.
• No-shows are taken seriously and often require a credit card to hold your reservation.
• Don’t overlook lunch menus at top restaurants. They often offer incredible value and more flexibility.
• Smaller restaurants (like Parcelles or Cheval d’Or) fill up fast but are worth the effort. Expect fresh seasonal food, a great wine list, and that elusive mix of hype and heart.

3. Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies

Paris’s cocktail scene has gone from sleepy to world-class in the last decade, with creative speakeasies and experimental bars now tucked behind taco joints, art galleries, and even laundromats. The catch? Many are small, ultra-curated, and require reservations, even just for drinks.

What to Reserve:
Little Red Door, Candelaria, Le Syndicat, Danico, Bar Nouveau, and Bisou, among others.

When to Book:
1–2 weeks ahead for weekend or evening slots. Walk-ins may be possible earlier in the evening or midweek, but can be limited.

Where to Book:

• Instagram DMs – Surprisingly common in Paris, especially for smaller, cooler spots
• Official websites or reservation links via Google Maps or Linktree
• Some bars use platforms like Zenchef or email for bookings

Tips:

• Some popular bars, like Bisou, operate on a walk-in–only basis, but show up early; lines form fast.
• Other popular bars, like Little Red Door, Candelaria, or Rojo, often require names on the list and timed tables, and they run a tight ship.
• Most places offer seated service only, so reservations help avoid long waits (or getting turned away).
• Cocktail bars here aren’t clubs. They’re moody, elevated, and focused on detail. Show up on time, and don’t expect to linger past your slot unless invited.

4. Cultural Events & Experiences

Paris offers more than food and monuments. Its cultural calendar is packed with world-class performances, immersive workshops, and hands-on experiences that bring the city to life. But these experiences, especially the smaller, more personal ones, often require booking far in advance.

What to Reserve:
Ballet at Palais Garnier, French-language theater, small-group cooking classes, and baking workshops like Molly Wilkinson’s pastry class in Versailles.

When to Book:
1–3 months in advance, depending on the season and the size of the event

Where to Book:

• Paris Opera website (for ballet, opera, and classical concerts)
• ClassBento, Airbnb Experiences, Cook’n With Class, MollyWilkinson.com for English-speaking baking/pastry classes
• Check Eventbrite France for pop-ups, wine tastings, and niche events

Tips:

• Venues like Palais Garnier and Théâtre des Champs-Élysées often sell out quickly, especially for weekend shows or famous productions.
• For cooking classes, smaller group formats (6–10 people max) fill up faster, but offer the best experiences.
• Classes outside Paris, like Molly Wilkinson’s baking classes in Versailles, require train planning as well, so make sure to incorporate travel time into your itinerary so you won’t be late.
• Many workshops require prepayment and have strict cancellation policies. Read the fine print.

5. Hotels & Boutique Accommodations

Paris has no shortage of dreamy hotels, but the truly special ones, from under-the-radar design gems to storied five-star establishments, tend to book up fast. Whether you’re chasing artful interiors or old-world glam, these stays are worth the planning.

What to Reserve:

Nolinski Paris, Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, Ritz Paris, Le Pigalle, Château Voltaire, and Hôtel des Grands Boulevards. Check out Frenchly’s Paris hotel guide for more unique hotel recommendations that our team has hand-selected. 

When to Book:
3-5 months in advance, or earlier for high season, fashion week, or holiday travel

Where to Book:

• Hotel websites directly (often with better cancellation policies and perks)
• Design-forward platforms like Tablet Hotels and Mr & Mrs Smith
• For major luxury properties (like the Ritz), email or call directly for tailored offers or upgrades

Tips:

• Many boutique and design hotels in Paris have fewer than 40 rooms, which means charm, but also limited availability.
• Midweek stays often offer better rates and more room choices.
• Emailing the hotel directly can unlock exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, or early check-in.
• Even smaller hotels often offer full concierge services, from dinner reservations and last-minute museum tickets, to spa appointments and Champagne on arrival. Don’t hesitate to ask; some truly work magic behind the scenes.

6. Wellness & Spa Experiences

Self-care in Paris is taken seriously, whether it’s a centuries-old hammam or a luxury facial using cult skincare products. Spa appointments are in high demand, especially on weekends and at top-tier spots. If you want a reset in between sightseeing and shopping, be sure to plan ahead.

What to Reserve:

When to Book:
1–2 weeks in advance, longer for weekends or luxury hotels

Where to Book:

• Hotel concierge (especially useful for guests without French numbers)
• Balinéa (France’s version of Mindbody—great for last-minute bookings)
• Direct through spa websites or the hotel’s wellness page

Smart Tips:

• Many spas, especially high-end ones, require prepayment or credit card guarantees.
• Hammams, like Hammam Pacha, often book out on weekends, and some are women-only on specific days.
• For luxury experiences like Guerlain at The Ritz or a Biologique Recherche facial, book as soon as you finalize your travel dates. These appointments are limited and highly sought-after.
• Don’t forget to check cancellation policies and arrive early, as many spas offer pre- or post-treatment tea, steam rooms, or lounge time.

7. Tours, Tastings & Day Trips

Some of the best parts of a Paris trip happen just beyond the city limits, or in neighborhoods you might not explore without a guide. From cheese tastings in hidden-from-Instagram cellars, to day trips through the castle-filled countryside, these intimate experiences require early planning due to small group sizes and limited availability.

What to Reserve:

When to Book:
1–3 weeks in advance, longer for popular weekend tours or the high season

Where to Book:

Smart Tips:

• Many tours have small group caps (6–10 people), so book early for specialty or seasonal offerings.
• Some require mobile apps or email confirmations the day before. Check your inbox and spam folder while you still have wifi!
• For full-day excursions like Mont Saint-Michel, check train schedules and meeting points carefully. These tours often begin early and return late.
• Horseback riding in Fontainebleau and bike tours in Versailles are often weather-dependent, so choose flexible dates if possible.
• For Versailles, consider guided tours with transport to skip lines and train logistics (but be prepared to pay a lot more for the privilege)
• Want a personal touch? Look for experiences hosted by sommeliers, chefs, or historians. These can add serious value and insight to your excursion.

Booking Tips for Foreigners

• French phone number workaround: Use Google Voice, ask a friend, or contact places via email/Instagram.
• Download these apps before your trip: TheFork, Zenchef, Tiqets, Paris Metro, WhatsApp, and Google Translate.
• Stay organized: Add reservations to a shared calendar or Google Sheet.
• Don’t rely on spontaneity: Paris has gotten more structured, especially post-2020, and there’s a line everywhere (even for French people).
• Uber exists, but use the metro. It will get you there faster. 

Planning ahead wasn’t exactly a thing in Hemingway’s Paris, but today, it’s a must. A little prep goes a long way toward unlocking the best meals, views, and experiences the city has to offer. Book smart, arrive ready, and your Paris trip will be all the more magical for it. Don’t worry though, there will still be plenty of room for spontaneous finds: mom-and-pop shops, charming boutiques, impromptu terrasse drinks, and more. As long as you’ve sorted your hotel, main attractions, at least one good meal, and any day trips, you’re in great shape. And if you forget something? That’s what concierges are for, they can work wonders to get you in anywhere. Even if not, there’s always something amazing just around the corner in Paris.

Angelika Pokovba is a writer and longtime Francophile originally from NYC, now based in Mexico. She’s into food, wine, skincare, and all things French—especially summers in the South and pharmacy finds she stocks up on way too early.