A spectator poses in front of the Eiffel Tower and the Olympic rings. GETTY IMAGES

Less than a week remains until the opening ceremony of the Games kicks off, and there are a series of essential tools and key information for all spectators attending the Olympic hub from July 26 onwards.

Final preparations are being made to ensure that fans are as ready as they are comfortable when they visit the French capital. The organising delegation of the Games has unveiled a series of tips for visitors to consider when planning their trip, aiming to guarantee an unforgettable experience at Paris 2024.

Before we begin, it's important to remember that there are three essential apps for all spectators eager to witness the pinnacle of sports. Of course, these are available on all devices. They are Paris 2024 Tickets, Paris 2024 Olympics, and Paris 2024 Public Transport. Don't forget the spectator guides for each sport and venue, which can be consulted here.

To keep in mind right now

Log in to the Paris 2024 Tickets app and enter the spectator's name for each ticket. This step is crucial, as tickets cannot be printed and are required for entry into the event venues. Each ticket will have a specific QR code that will be available shortly before the session and can be accessed offline. If you purchased tickets for friends or family, transfer them 48 hours before the session starts, as all tickets are linked to the buyer's name.

Download the official Paris 2024 Olympics app on your device and ensure you review all relevant information, including the Spectator Guide, emails, and the official Paris 2024 website.

External view from the Stade de France in Paris. GETTY IMAGES
External view from the Stade de France in Paris. GETTY IMAGES

Before heading to the event

Plan your journey to arrive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or even 2 hours, before the start of the reserved event. It is highly recommended that all fans opt for sustainable means of transportation and purchase their transport tickets in advance to avoid inconveniences. The Paris 2024 Public Transport app provides information about all available transportation in the City of Light.

Be mindful when making payments on-site. Food and beverage kiosks and official stores accept payments with Visa credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and cash. For those without a Visa card, there will be kiosks available at all venues to purchase Visa prepaid cards, and the Visa Go app will allow users to load money onto a virtual Visa prepaid card.

There will be no storage lockers for spectators at the venues, and prohibited items will not be returned at the exit. A list of prohibited items can be found in all Spectator Guides and will be communicated in advance to all ticket holders via email to avoid misunderstandings at the venue entrance.

  • Permitted items: water bottle (metal or plastic, up to 75 cl), small foldable umbrellas, baby strollers, external batteries for mobile phones, sunscreen (spray or pump), personal mobility devices for people with disabilities, flags of the participating countries and territories in the Games (without rigid poles and with a maximum size of 1x2 meters), among others.
  • Prohibited items: helmets (motorcycle and bicycle), luggage and bags exceeding 25 litres, large umbrellas like golf umbrellas, personal transportation devices and associated batteries, alcoholic beverages, among others.

Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly to protect yourself from the sun. Make sure to bring a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, a small foldable umbrella, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

A strong commitment to sustainability is crucial, so it is better to bring a water bottle. Paris 2024 allows water bottles up to 75 cl (metal or plastic) at the venues, except at the Marseille Stadium. This will help limit excess plastic. Additionally, there will be water fountains available at all venues for spectators.

Don't forget to charge your phone! Nowadays, almost all information is digital, so ensure your mobile phone has enough battery. Alternatively, bring a portable charger.



Once you enter the venue

Show the QR code using the Paris 2024 Tickets app to enjoy the reserved events. The Paris 2024 Olympics app features an interactive map of each venue, showing the locations of food and beverage points, official stores, and much more.

There will be activities and performances both outdoors and indoors before the sporting events begin. In case of any unforeseen changes affecting the start of a session, ticket holders will receive an immediate notification via text message.

Yes, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will begin on 26 July, marking the start of an exciting competition where over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 nationalities will compete in 45 different sports for the glory of the medals. Paris, with its rich history and iconic beauty, will be the perfect stage for this extraordinary global sporting event. It’s recommended to keep this guide handy to navigate the grandeur of the Games!