Palais Garnier (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Palais Garnier?
What makes it 41% Baby-Friendly: Infants enter free, but staff forbid strollers, there is no diaper table or nursing room, and dozens of stairs require a carrier, so comfort and convenience are low for parents.
Positives:
- Free baby entry: Children under 4 enter all visits free with paying adults.
- Indoor breaks: Multiple seating areas let you pause and feed your baby.
Challenges:
- No stroller access: Strollers are not allowed past security. Use a baby carrier.
- No baby-care rooms: No changing tables or nursing rooms inside the building.
What is Palais Garnier?
- The Palais Garnier stands as a 19th-century Italian-style opera house commissioned by Napoleon III and designed by Charles Garnier
- The building showcases a Beaux-Arts interior with a grand marble staircase, gilded sculptures, and a painted ceiling by Marc Chagall
- It houses the Bibliothèque-Musée de l’Opéra, embedding a library-museum within its richly decorated cultural landmark
What is so special about Palais Garnier for with baby?
- Baby under 4 enters free.
- Strollers not allowed inside—use a carrier.
- See Grand Staircase, Chagall ceiling, bookshop.
- Quick snack stop at CoCo café.
- Best on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
Note: Palais Garnier is 41% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Paris for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Short visit lets you see main highlights without tiring your baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Palais Garnier
Façade photo stop:
Snap pictures of the ornate exterior on Place de l’Opéra.
Tip: Early morning light is best and fewer crowds.
Self-guided public tour:
Explore the Grand Staircase and Grand Foyer at your own pace.
Tip: Download the Opera’s free map and audio clips before arrival.
Admire Chagall ceiling:
View the colorful murals in the Grand Foyer.
Tip: Stand in the center of the foyer for the full effect.
Browse bookshop & gift shop:
Enter with stroller and look for Paris Opera souvenirs.
Tip: Allow baby to nap in stroller while you shop.
Snack break at CoCo café:
Enjoy light meals and drinks on-site.
Tip: Reserve a table online to avoid waiting with a baby.
When is the best time to visit Palais Garnier (Paris, France)?
Visit in spring or fall on weekdays to avoid peak crowds. In summer, come before 10:00 for cooler temperatures. In winter, indoor areas stay warm.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Palais Garnier (Paris)
Melissa Bonpua
I thought this place was cool, but the main attraction of the opera house (to see inside the theater that inspired Phantom of the Opera) was closed, and the price of 15 Euros was steep, especially given this was closed. It was pretty, but I'm not sure the price justifies what you get to see. We were there less than an hour and got to see the beautiful ceilings and staircase, but that was about all...
Dean Mah
Beautiful building. Taking a guided tour, after hours was great. There are a lot of tour groups so there are still a lot of people but it's significantly less crowded and the information and context provided by the guide is excellent.
Minh Nguyen
The opera is fantastic with grand architecture everywhere. However, I would highly recommend making sure you book dates where the actual theatre is opened. We booked via GetYourGuide so it was a lot more expensive, while at the same time there was a rehearsal going on which meant we could not access the inside of the theatre.
Shelly Hsueh
No reservation is needed for the visit, but remember that the Paris Opera is not included in the museum pass, so you’ll need to buy a separate ticket. It's truly such a dreamlike place. The seats in the hall feel so close to the stage, and the view is excellent. I really wish I could watch a musical or a ballet performance here someday. Too bad the front of the Opera building is now under renova...
Dalia Quezada Campos
Very beautiful! We did the tour and it made the experience even more enjoyable. The history behind all the little details in the opera was very interesting. The building itself was incredible. The photos do not do it justice. There is an aura of mystique and elegance throughout. It made me wish we could go to one of its shows!
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult self-guided tickets | EUR 30 |
| CoCo café snack | EUR 20 |
| Souvenir purchase | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 60 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Palais Garnier
- Use a soft baby carrier: Easier on stairs and accepted past security checkpoints.
- Book tickets online: Skip the line and secure your preferred entry time.
- Feed and change before arrival: Nearby cafés and restrooms have diaper-changing facilities.
Map of Palais Garnier
Address: Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Palais Garnier (Paris)?
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
Average price