Paris Olympics 2024 travel checklist for spectators: step-by-step guide

Attending the Paris Olympics 2024 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it requires careful planning. This Paris Olympics 2024 travel checklist for spectators covers everything you need to organise in advance: from ticket purchases to accommodation, transport, essential documents, packing, and safety tips. Paris in July and August is peak season, with high prices and limited availability, so start early.

The Games run from 26 July to 11 August 2024, with events held across multiple venues, including the Stade de France and Grand Palais. Public transport will be essential, as some areas will have traffic restrictions. France also requires specific documentation for entry to sports venues, even for EU citizens.

What this checklist includes

A step-by-step, actionable list to ensure you don’t miss anything: ticket purchases, accommodation booking, transport from Europe, mandatory documents, recommended packing, and security advice. Each task is designed to be imported directly into Foco, where you can assign deadlines, priorities, and reminders to manage your trip as a project.

• Purchase tickets on the official Paris 2024 website before 30 June 2024 (deadline for ticket lottery)
• Ensure tickets are linked to your passport or ID (mandatory for venue access)
• Book accommodation with free cancellation (recommended areas: near metro stations like La Défense, Saint-Denis, or Bercy)
• Buy Paris public transport passes (Navigo Semaine or Navigo Découverte) if staying outside the city centre
• Download the official Paris 2024 app for real-time updates on schedules, venue changes, or restrictions
• Apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re an EU citizen, or get travel insurance with medical coverage
• Bring printed and digital copies of your passport, ID, and tickets (some venues require physical identification)
• Pack comfortable clothing and shoes, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a face mask (may be required in crowded spaces)
• Load your Navigo card or buy metro tickets in advance to avoid queues at stations
• Register with your embassy or consulate in France for emergency alerts
• Carry cash in euros (some food stalls or shops may not accept cards) and a no-foreign-fee debit/credit card
• Download offline maps of Paris (Google Maps or Maps.me) to navigate without mobile data
• Check venue baggage restrictions (large backpacks or bottles over 500ml are usually banned)
• Plan alternative transport routes in case of strikes or delays (common in France during summer)
• Bring a power bank for your phone (networks may be overloaded in high-traffic areas)
• Learn basic French phrases for emergencies (e.g., 'Where is the nearest metro station?')
• Check if your bank charges foreign transaction fees and enable transaction notifications
• Bring a small lock to secure valuables in station lockers or accommodation
• Check the weather forecast for July/August in Paris (temperatures can exceed 30°C) and pack accordingly