Best way to get around in Paris

It depends, in part, on what your dates of travel are. (Paris doesn't sell for example a 72-hour travel pass, but sells a weekly pass that runs Monday to Sunday, but we don't know if that coincides with your dates.)

Paris By Train, https://parisbytrain.com, is a good source for info. I'm a Metro & on foot person when in Paris.

It depends on how much you like to walk, or how far you can. the Metro is efficient and goes most everywhere, but you're underground so no sightseeing. Buses let you see stuff but have to deal with traffic. Rick recommends a scenic city bus ride along the river #69 that will let you see a lot of stuff

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/city-transit/buses

Plan you days to group visits in the same general area, walk between them and then metro to and from your hotel.

Thanks for the info, I will be in Paris Aug 21-24. It looks like there will be limited metro options during the Olympics, for example I will need to purchase "Paris 2024 all-in-one" pass during this time. Does anyone know if I am able to purchase it at the Paris Gare de Lyon train station?

I will be walking mostly, but seems like certain spots will require metro.

You can purchase your Paris 2024 pass now, if you want, by downloading the IDF Mobilites app, creating an account, and buying the pass. Then when you are in Paris, you would use your phone (iPhone or Android) to beep yourself in at the metro turnstiles (and out again when you go to Versailles on the RER C).

Since your dates are August 21-24, you would need the four-day pass, which will cost 52 euros. It will be good for everywhere you need to go, including Versailles.

You could also buy the passe Paris 2024 at the Gare de Lyon, but lines to buy metro tickets may be long when your train arrives there. You would need to buy a Navigo Easy card for 2 euros and then load the four-day pass on it for 52 euros. Only certain machines actually sell the Navigo Easy card for you to be able to load the pass on to.

Now, there’s another option (I dont’ know which will be best for you): you could go ahead and download the IDF Mobilites app now and purchase now individual metro tickets. You can buy them now and stock them on your phone (either Android or IPhone) for use when you are in Paris. you can buy up to 30 « regular » t+ metro tickets (which will cost you 2.15 each now, or 17.35 for 10, but would cost you 4 euros each if you wait to buy them when you are in Paris). However, please note, the prices for the Olympics period start July 20 - so you would need to buy these individual tickets by July 19 to benefit from the lower price. And in addition, your trip to and from Versailles, you could only buy when you are in Paris. It will cost 6 euros each way.

Metro is good at connecting most major sites, or at least getting you close. I would note that in Paris, I find it easy to underestimate distances. You’ll appreciate the walk because it’s a beautiful city, but walking from say Notre Dane to Orsay is kind of far and it can add up. My last time in Paris I got to using their bike share system quite a bit. There are tons of stations, and for the most part getting around via bike felt surprisingly safe. Utilizing all your options may not be “cost effective” but on a short timeline at a busy time it’s more about maximizing your stay,

Thanks everyone, very valuable info. Also thanks @Kim, I appreciate the detailed info on the Paris 2024 pass now. Do you know if I am able to purchase 4 of the passes to one phone each for my family member or do they need to be on separate phones?

Unfortunately yes, each family member needs their own phone or pass to be able to beep themselves in at the gates individually. : (

Hi Kim, can I purchase a one way ticket and also purchase a 3 day pass, because my first day I only need train for one travel so rather pay the 2 euros then get a 4 day pass and pay additional 10 euros. Will that work?

Yes !! But you have to purchase the one single ticket soon to get the lower price ! The Olympics prices go into effect Saturday !

Great, so if I purchase one single ride ticket , and also buy the 3-day pass. When I use the single ride ticket, then it doesn't start the 3-day pass right? meaning I will use the pass the next day which will then begin the pass. I just want to make sure as I have never used it before. thanks

Also, can one single ride ticket be used for connections if needed?

Exactly. You would just use the single ticket on the day you arrive for that trip.

And yes you can transfer between metros on one trip.

But I don't think you can transfer like from metro to bus or tram

thanks for the info!

@Kim:
Thank you!
The info you provided about purchasing individual Metro tickets helped not only the OP, but others like me who will also be in Paris. Paper tickets were in still in use when we last visited so we were clueless about the new tickets.
After setting up our individual accounts, husband and I chose to "purchase a set of 10 tickets".
We had a choice of purchasing and validating tickets on our iPhone or watch. We both chose watch so our tickets are only on our watch and not on our phone, which is a huge relief as we won't need to have our phones out at the Metro stops.
(Added info: I encountered a "glitch" when I first tried to have the tickets go on my watch. It wouldn't load because I did not have the latest update on my watch. It's scary how the system knew that about my watch.)

Carol, excellent, I am glad it was helpful! And that you worked out the glitch and were able to get what you need. Have a great visit !

The Bonjour RATP metro app was a lifesaver for us last year. If we missed an exit, it was easy to find a way to where we needed to go. Very easy to use and understand.

My rule of thumb is walk if it's under 15 minutes and take the metro if it's further. I also consider it a priority to stay within walking distance of Isle de Cite so most sights are walkable.

The problem is right now it can take MUCH longer to walk something that would normally be 15 minutes. And especially if the trip involves going from Left Bank to Right Bank or vice versa.

It’s a huge mess with all the barriers, closed metro stations, etc etc. It’s simply not a normal time in Paris right now.

I find it odd that nobody mentioned Velib, the ubiquitous bikeshare system of Paris.

Paris is becoming more of a bicycle-focused city these days and a bicycle is often the quickest way to get around parts of the city. Also: you see so many things on a bike that you wouldn't see on a Metro train underground. Mayor Hidalgo has spent a lot of money and political capital to expand and connect the network of bicycle/micromobility lanes in Paris, with many of them being protected ones (i.e. not just paint-on-pavement).

I know it isn't everyone's cuppa, but bicycles in Paris are a great way to get around. If you can swing it the effort is worth it!

Enjoy your trip!