Crowds in Paris

We were there in mid-late January and it was great! I recommend purchasing the Paris Museum Pass (we got a 2-day pass) so that you can organize your day around the places that you most want to visit and make the most of your time. There were hardly any lines for museum visits when we were there. We didn't have to wait long for a table at most restaurants either. You'll have a wonderful time!

We were in Paris in mid-February of 2005. Crowds were minimal, there were waits of maybe 45 minutes for the Eiffel Tower, but not too bad anywhere else. We bought a museum pass to by-pass the lines.

If you have the Museum Pass the only places you'll have to worry about lines are at the Eiffel Tower and the Metro at rush hour.

Even with a museum pass you will still have to go through security at many museums. We were in Paris late Dec./early Jan. and even though it was freezing there was a long line at the Louvre. These were people entering at the pyramid. I saw them through the windows as we were inside, nice and warm. The trick is to go in the lower level in the mall area near the metro stop. That said, the museum pass is a great time saver at many locations.

Paris is one of the most visited cites in the world. Sadly, it's always crowded. One March I counted 90 tour buses around Notre Dame.

While the city may be crowded, it's worth every minute. Give yourself time, go with the flow, and have fun.