9 Things You Can Do While Waiting for Your Airbnb in Paris

Landing in Paris early and facing hours before your Airbnb check-in can be a drag, especially if you’re tired from a long flight. But those hours don’t have to be wasted. With some planning, you can turn them into the start of your Paris adventure.

Here are practical and helpful ways to make the most of that in-between time.

1. Store Your Luggage Nearby

Dragging bags around the city ruins the experience, so the first step is finding a safe place to leave them.

Services like Bounce, Radical Storage, or Nannybag connect travelers with local businesses – cafés, shops, hair salons – where you can drop off your bags. Also check out citylocker, a popular local Paris luggage storage service.

You book through the app, check in with a QR code, and they photograph your luggage for security. Pick-up is simple and usually costs only a few euros per bag.

Train stations across Paris also have traditional left-luggage lockers, though they may not always be convenient to your Airbnb. Some hotels accept luggage storage even if you’re not staying with them.

2. Ask for Early Check-In or Drop-Off

Airbnb hosts often allow bag drop-offs, and occasionally they’ll let you check in early if the apartment was empty the night before. Even if full access isn’t possible, many are fine with guests leaving luggage in the apartment while it’s being cleaned.

It’s worth asking directly. Having your bags off your shoulders right away makes the city easier to enjoy.

3. Have a Long Parisian Lunch

Once the luggage is handled, a leisurely lunch is one of the simplest ways to pass the time. A two-hour meal at a brasserie or bistro fills the gap before check-in and helps you adjust to the rhythm of the city.

If you’re arriving with older family members, a sit-down meal is also a comfortable way to rest before exploring.

4. Take a Seine River Cruise

If you’re tired from the flight but want to see something of Paris, a daytime river cruise like this popular one can be a great idea. The boats are comfortable, you don’t have to walk much, and you get views of bridges and landmarks as you float past.

Cruises typically last an hour or two, which typically fits into the gap before heading to your Airbnb.

5. Join a Guided Bus Tour

Another way to see the city in comfort for a couple hours is a narrated bus loop – assuming you can find one on the path to your Airbnb. Here’s a popular example.

You’ll pass by the major sights and get an overview of the city layout. This is especially useful for first-time visitors since it helps you decide what to return to later in the trip.

6. Explore a Museum or Church

Depending on where you’re staying, there may be a museum or historic church close by. Spending a couple of hours inside gives you a cultural head start and a chance to stretch your legs (and shelter if the weather is poor).

Even a smaller museum nearby can be enough to keep you busy until late afternoon.

7. Wander Around the Neighborhood

Sometimes the best option is simply to wander. Sit down at a café, walk a few blocks, or explore local shops. Getting a first impression of the neighborhood you’ll be staying in helps you feel more at home later.

8. Book a Day-Rate Hotel Room

Hotels across Paris offer “day rates” – rooms available from morning until late afternoon, often between 8am and 3 or 4pm. Prices are usually around €60-70.

This is ideal if you want to freshen up, take a nap, or give older travelers in your group a comfortable rest before check-in. Choose a hotel close to your Airbnb or near central sights.

9. Consider Renting One Night Earlier

If arriving early is part of your travel plan, and if you have the budget, consider renting your Airbnb for the night before so you get immediate access when you land. This allows you to unpack, shower, and nap without delay.

While it costs more, many travelers find it worth it for the convenience and smoother start to the trip.