trip itinerary to paris

The Ultimate 3 Days in Paris Itinerary

When you only have 3 days in Paris, you need to get your Paris itinerary just right.

With a nearly unlimited number of incredible things to do (and eat, and see) in the City of Light, it’s important to plan a short trip carefully.

Sure, y ou want to see as much as you can–but you’ll also want to prevent yourself from burning out and/or wasting too much time in transport bouncing all over the city .

As first-time visitors to Paris quickly learn, the city is enormous and quite spread out, and without a solid plan, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

That being said, Paris ranks among our absolute favorite cities in the world, and we want you to love it as much as we do !

After roughly 10 trips to Paris (and counting!), we’ve designed this itinerary for Paris in 3 days to cover the best of the city, fast.

Follow this travel itinerary to see a solid chunk of Paris’ best highlights, eat some delicious food, wander stunning neighborhoods, and make sure you travel home with a snapshot of Paris that leaves you dying to plan your next trip to the city.

Here’s exactly how to make the most of a few days in Paris, France!

Table of Contents

The Perfect 3 Days in Paris Itinerary

Where to stay in paris, more than 3 days in paris, france, getting around during your 3 day paris itinerary, the paris pass & paris museum pass: worth the money, when to visit paris for 3 days, staying safe during this itinerary for paris.

• What to Wear in Paris, France

What to Pack for Paris

Your 3 day paris itinerary map.

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Day 1: Classic Paris Highlights

Start your morning on île de la cité near notre dame..

What better way to start 3 days in Paris than to visit one of Paris’ most famous landmarks?

Even after the awful April 2019 fire , Notre Dame’s status as an icon of Paris and its convenient location in the center of the city still make it a great place to kick off your few days in Paris.

While you’re nearby, check out the view from the corner of Rue de la Cite and Quai de Montebello , near the Pont de Coeurs , where you can photograph the tops of the towers and some of the front of the cathedral looking semi-normal.

U nfortunately, though, the damage to the cathedral is extensive, and Notre Dame is not expected to reopen before 2024 .

I’m leaving our photos from the rooftop of Notre Dame in place in this 3 day Paris itinerary out of nostalgia, but scroll down for a look at the current view from the corner mentioned above for a more realistic take at the moment.

Step inside Shakespeare & Company.

5-minute walk from Notre Dame

Paris’ most famous bookstore is known as the former haunt of Lost Generation writers like James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the ever-present Ernest Hemingway (he knew all the good travel destinations before the rest of us).

What some don’t know is that the present Shakespeare & Company is a bit different than the original!

T he original location closed during the Nazi occupation, and this store was opened by new management in 1951, in order to nurture a new generation of writers–think Henry Miller, Ray Bradbury, and Langston Hughes.

I could wax poetic about bookstores forever, but I suggest you check out this great article from Vanity Fair if you’re interested in a thorough history of Shakespeare & Company.

Here’s what you need to know to visit: it’s delightful and beautiful, they’ll stamp any books you buy with their seal on the title page (which make wonderful souvenirs from Paris ), there’s a cat who lives upstairs, and the view from the second-floor window over the Seine and toward Notre Dame is divine.

Photos are forbidden inside, so you’ll just have to step across the Seine from Île de la Cité to see the beautiful interior for yourself!

I will note that we’ve after almost a decade of visiting this bookstore on the majority of our trips to Paris, we skipped it on our July 2022 visit because of the huge line in front–we had never seen one there before.

When we returned in December 2022, we were able to walk right in, but if you are planning to visit Paris during the high season, we recommend visiting as early in the morning as you can (Shakespeare & Company opens at 10:00 AM).

Grab a coffee and pastry from a beautiful Parisian cafe.

Having checked a tiny bit of Paris sightseeing off your list, it’s officially time for a traditional French breakfast of a delicious coffee and pastry.

Here are a few cafes nearby (and by nearby I mean practically hidden in plain sight) that you may want to check out.

Famous for its beautiful building nestled into the corner of a cobblestone street near Notre Dame, Odette is a lovely (and photogenic) choice for grabbing breakfast on your first morning in Paris.

Shakespeare & Co. Cafe

Surprisingly affordable and home to delicious coffee, if you want to keep your 3 days in Paris itinerary simple this morning, head next door to Shakespeare & Company for breakfast at their popular cafe by the same name.

(Odette is mere steps away from here, so if you’re a huge Parisian cafe lover, you could even visit both).

A. Lacroix Patissier

This cafe isn’t famous, but it is delicious, cozy, and boasts views of Notre Dame!

We’ve been eating here for years and can highly recommend it.

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

This one is more for the photo snappers and late risers among us, as it doesn’t open until noon, but Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is worth mentioning as an option here.

Famous for its gorgeous wisteria, this Parisian cafe is practically next door to Notre Dame, is quite well known among places to eat in Paris , and is incredibly charming.

Pay a visit to the oldest clock in Paris.

8-minute walk from Odette or Shakespeare & Company.

En route to Sainte-Chapelle during your 3 days in Paris, be sure to make your way past the Tour de l’Horloge on the side of the Conciergerie.

Here you’ll be able to take a peek at the oldest clock in Paris, which was installed in the 14th century, is still steadily ticking to this day, and also happens to be incredibly gorgeous.

Stroll over to Sainte-Chapelle.

6-minute walk from Shakespeare & Company

Sainte-Chapelle boasts one of my favorite church interiors in the world, but you likely won’t notice when you first enter: the first floor is rather typically decorated and quite dark.

Climb up to the second floor, though, and you’re in for quite a show: nearly every inch of the 50-foot walls (about 15 meters) are covered in elaborate stained glass.

It is colorful, magical, and absolutely beautiful–I haven’t seen anything quite like it anywhere else in the world , and it’s well worth fitting into your itinerary for Paris.

We recommend grabbing a skip-the-line in advance (for no extra fee!) to save time in lines and ensure that this (small and very popular) attraction doesn’t sell out.

Get your ticket for Sainte-Chapelle today to skip the ticket line!

Make your way to the Luxembourg Gardens.

15-minute walk from Sainte-Chapelle

Obviously, the Luxembourg Gardens are most impressive in the spring and summer, but they’re worth visiting regardless of time of year: the gardens feel distinctly Parisian and are a joy to visit.

The Luxembourg Palace sits to one side, and be sure to stop by to admire it.

If you want to take a peek at some of the garden’s hidden treasures, the Medici Fountain and Luxembourg Gardens’ very own beehives are both nearby.

If you’re trying to stay on a budget, this is a great place for a picnic lunch!

S imply pick up some Parisian staples (a baguette with cheese and fruit, perhaps) and bring them into the gardens to eat.

If you’d prefer a restaurant, the area surrounding the park is lousy with them (Le Prince Racine is close by and a favorite of ours, and Restaurant Polidor is both tasty and served as a Midnight in Paris filming location!).

During your 15-minute walk over from Sainte-Chapelle, a slightly longer route will also take you by the Pantheon if you’d like to stop by.

Walk toward the Louvre via St. Germain.

18+ minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens.

Head to the Louvre through St. Germain, one of the most classically Parisian neighborhoods.

As you explore, you’ll pass by some beautiful boutiques, great restaurants, and gorgeous architecture .

Those classic Paris streets you see in photos? St. Germain is a great place to photograph them!

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, we’ve also enjoyed eating at Eggs & Co. while here, which specializes in omelets.

The food is tasty, and the decor is adorable.

The walk from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Louvre is technically under 20 minutes, but depending on how much you want to meander around the neighborhood, it could take quite a bit longer!

Pay a visit to the largest art museum in the world.

The Louvre is a hard thing to budget time for–for people who aren’t very into art, an hour or 2 of checking out the most famous works might be enough.

For art and history lovers, weeks would be needed.

With only 3 days in Paris, we’d recommend booking timed entry skip-the-line tickets and spending around 2-3 hours in the Louvre, and doing a bit of research before you go.

If there are particular works you’re dying to see (say, the Venus de Milo or the Mona Lisa), make sure you plan accordingly and head in the right direction.

Alternatively, you can book a tour ( we absolutely loved this one ) to ensure you see the best of the Louvre in an efficient way!

We’ve now visited the Louvre three times and have seen almost none of the same exhibits on any of our visits !

Personally, one of my favorite things I’ve found in the Louvre is the Napoleon III apartments, which are an unexpected surprise amongst all of the paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts.

It took us a few trips to Paris before we splurged on a Louvre tour, but we’re  so  glad we did.

This tour was amazing and gave us great context for the pieces we saw in the museum, and we can heartily recommend it. For a different take, this tour is also well recommended.

Lines at the Louvre get notoriously long–plan ahead and book your visit to the Louvre today! You can get timed entry skip-the-line tickets here , book the same  amazing tour we took here , or book another  well-reviewed tour of the Louvre here .

Stop by the Colonnes de Buren or grab a hot chocolate at Angelina.

Once you finish exploring the Louvre, it’s time for a quick Paris sightseeing pitstop before heading off to the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re searching for popular Paris photo spots , this is a great time to stop by the Colonnes de Buren in the Palais Royale.

The columns are free to visit and fun to see in the evening, when there will be plenty of people hanging out (and even working out–we’ve seen everything from group lunges to kids playing soccer) nearby.

After you finish at the Colonnes de Buren, the Galerie Vero-Dodat is  just  around the corner and is another one of Paris’ beautiful covered passages, so you can consider swinging by there for a quick look as well.

If you’re done seeing the sights and simply want to sit down and indulge, famous Angelina is a short walk away, ready to serve you a steaming cup of their legendary hot chocolate.

Admire the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero Gardens.

50-minute walk or 30-minute metro ride from the Louvre.

Are your feet killing you yet?

If so (and depending on the time), you may want to consider a metro ride at this point.

If not, we highly recommend the long walk along the Seine to the Trocadero Gardens, which will take you along some beautiful Paris views and past the famous Pont Alexandre III .

Regardless of how you get there, it’s safe to say that your first day spent visiting Paris isn’t complete without a picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower!

Head to the river to take a Seine river cruise before sunset.

To be perfectly honest, it took us many trips to Paris before we signed up for a Seine river cruise … and after taking one, we can’t believe that we waited so long!

Yes, they’re a bit touristy, but there’s nothing quite like admiring Paris and its many gorgeous monuments from the water.

Add in the possibility of a sunset, and the view is even better.

Many Seine river cruises leave from very close to the base of the Eiffel Tower, too, making taking one an easy addition to this 3 day Paris itinerary!

Want to splurge a bit for your first night in Paris?

You can even sign up for a full dinner cruise if a standard one-hour cruise doesn’t sound like quite enough time on the Seine.

Book your Seine river cruise today!

Day 2: The Elegant Side of Paris

Begin your day at the arc de triomphe..

What better way to kick off your second day in the City of Light than by admiring one of the best views in Paris?

Climb (all 284 steps of) the Arc de Triomphe for great views over Paris, including views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, La Defense, Montmartre , and more.

If you would like to zoom in (especially on faraway spots like Montmartre) it would be a great idea to pack travel binoculars so you don’t miss out on the details.

Be sure to stroll under the Arc de Triomphe as well–it is ornate and beautiful in a way that is hard to pick up from a distance.

Like most of Paris’ most famous attractions, the line to climb the Arc de Triomphe gets very long.

We love using skip-the-line tickets to walk right in–and there’s no extra charge for booking ahead!

Buy tickets to climb the Arc de Triomphe today!

Stroll down the Champs-Élysées.

The famous Champs-Élysées dead ends into the Arc de Triomphe, so after snapping photos both from the top of the monument and of the arch itself, continue your morning by heading down one of the most famous shopping streets in the world.

If you have time in your Paris itinerary (ie, depending on how early in the morning you got started!), consider continuing all the way to the Place de la Concorde before heading outside the city to enjoy one of the most iconic day trips from Paris !

Jump on the RER and spend most of the day at Versailles.

A day trip to Versailles is a perfect addition to 3 days in Paris: while some people do spend a whole day there, when trying to see Paris in 3 days, it makes more sense to squeeze in the Arc de Triomphe first.

(If you have no desire to visit the Arc de Triomphe, though, feel free to head right to Versailles after breakfast).

While at Versailles, be sure to tour the palace itself ( be sure to book tickets in advance if you’re not taking a tour ), and then head outside to the gardens for a long stroll.

Bear in mind that the property is the largest royal domain in the world and it is therefore predictably difficult to see absolutely everything !

The gardens alone take up 230 acres, and that’s without even considering attractions like Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.

Booking a tour is a great way to get a thorough oversight on your first visit!

After seeing the popular main gardens near the palace, which boast the opulent fountains of Versailles seen in so many photos, consider taking a 25-minute walk through the gardens to visit the other palaces on site (plus Marie Antoinette’s hamlet, of course) .

How to Get to Versailles from Paris

To get to Versailles from Paris, take the RER C line to Versailles.

Transit takes less than an hour, and bear in mind that the RER is separate from the metro.

Y ou’ll need to purchase an RER ticket to head to Versailles.

Be sure to validate your ticket before you travel!

Book your timed entry skip-the-line tickets or guided tour of Versailles today!

Day 3: Parisian Food, Art, and Grit

Start your morning with a parisian food tour..

It’s no secret that French food is some of the most delicious in the world–and before leaving Paris, it’s a great idea to take some time to learn all about it!

We absolutely loved our experience on the Paris Ultimate Food Tour with Devour Tours , which focuses on the trendy La Marais neighborhood.

Taste award-winning pastries and macarons, delectable meats and cheeses, a memorable soup, and much more on this delicious (and extremely filling) food tour.

Devour Tours is one of our favorite food tour companies in Europe, and one of the many reasons for that is the history and culture that is woven into every tour.

The fight for the survival of long-standing traditional markets, the history of the Jewish community in Le Marais, and how French food gets its various designations are just a few details that made their way into our tour, and we walked away very satisfied with the experience.

(As is usual for us, we paid our own way for this tour and told no one we were travel bloggers while there).

Book the Paris food tour we loved today!

Choose Your Own Parisian Adventure: Catacombs vs. the Musée d’Orsay

As your 3 days in Paris rapidly come to a close, it’s incredibly ambitious to try to fit both the catacombs and Musée d’Orsay into the itinerary, especially as they’re quite far apart!

For that reason, I’ll leave your next stop up to you.

Travelers looking for something funky, offbeat, and unusual will love the catacombs.

Art lovers (especially impressionist lovers) will delight in the Musée d’Orsay .

Here’s what to love about each!

Option 1: See a different side of Paris at the Catacombs.

50-minute walk or 25-minute metro ride from the end of the Paris Ultimate Food Tour.

Technically an ossuary and not catacombs, this Paris highlight is a bit spooky and unusual, but a fascinating place to visit while in Paris for 3 days (unless you get freaked out by bones, that is).

Skip-the-line tickets are essential here, or you can even sign up for a guided tour to learn more about the (absolutely wild) history.

Set in Paris’ former quarries, the catacombs hold millions of former Parisians… but they didn’t start their time in the afterlife there.

From the late 18th to the mid-19th century, many of Paris’ cemeteries were emptied out due to health concerns, and the skeletons were relocated to the catacombs.

Artfully arranged and complete with cemetery-appropriate art (Bible verses and such, but also a sign saying “Stop! This is the empire of the dead” over the entrance, so, there’s that), the catacombs are a bizarre mix of fascinating, creepy, historical, and artistic.

The catacombs themselves go on for over 200 miles/320 kilometers, and we have loved each of our visits–and also loved staring down the dark paths that are not intended for tourists to visit.

Fair warning: it’s easy to get lost down there and people have died by breaking in and then getting too lost to find their way out. Stick to the path!

Even during our January visit, the line for the catacombs was still more than 2 hours long! Book your  skip-the-line tickets here or epic in-depth guided tour here !

Option 2: Enjoy Paris’ second-most-famous art museum, the Musée d’Orsay.

40-minute walk or 25-minute metro ride from the end of the Paris Ultimate Food Tour.

Many first-time visitors to Paris walk away saying that the Musée d’Orsay , not the Louvre, is their favorite museum in Paris.

We wouldn’t go quite that far (we love both too much), but it’s easy to see what draws people in.

Not only is the Musée d’Orsay home to some incredible art, including iconic works by Monet and Van Gogh, but the building itself is a bit of an attraction.

The Musée d’Orsay is set in a gorgeous former train station built at the end of the 19th century, complete with the famous clock on the top floor that provides a unique view of Paris.

In addition, the Musée d’Orsay is much smaller than the Louvre, and therefore less overwhelming and easier to visit without getting turned around.

Book your timed entry skip the line ticket for the Musée d’Orsay today!

Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in Montmartre.

25-minute metro ride from the Paris catacombs or 20-minute metro ride from the Musée d’Orsay .

Your last afternoon and evening in Paris are dedicated to a neighborhood that’s not quite as old or as stately as some Parisian neighborhoods… but it is delightfully fun and very well known.

Montmartre is home to Sacré Coeur, the Moulin Rouge , the famous Place du Tertre, and some incredibly adorable streets, squares, bakeries, cafes, and bars .

Once the haunt of artists and Bohemians, and today the haunt of travelers seeking out some of the prettiest streets and best views in Paris, Montmartre is a beloved favorite among Parisian neighborhoods for good reason.

This area is great for taking iconic Parisian photos, we take our Sony a7R III along with us and end up using it constantly.

While you’re there, be sure to visit Sacré Coeur (the 300 steps to the top of the dome are worth it), see the artists at the Place du Tertre, and duck into the art shops along the nearby side streets .

The steps of Sacré Coeur are one of the most popular sunset spots in Paris, and a wonderful place to watch the light disappear from your last full day in Paris (though the top of the dome is even better–you can see the Eiffel Tower from there!).

If you feel like sticking around for the evening, Montmartre is the perfect place to find nightlife in Paris, too.

W hether you want to go crazy and see a show at the Moulin Rouge (which is just downhill from Montmartre in the Pigalle area) or find a quieter bar to settle down at, you’ll have plenty of options.

Shop tickets to shows at the Moulin Rouge !

Say goodbye to Paris.

Three days in Paris go by so fast: it’s already time to say goodbye.

As you head back to your hotel on your last night in Paris, you may be able to squeeze in one more experience off your Paris wish list.

There are a million worthy options, but one reliably magical one is to grab a warm street crepe and admire the Eiffel Tower twinkling at night.

In our opinion, t here’s no better image to end your trip to Paris with than that one.

In a city as large and dense as Paris, deciding where to stay can be quite daunting!

Paris is famously divided into 20  arrondissements , or neighborhoods, that are named via a number system that starts with 1 in the center of the city (where you’ll find the Louvre) and circles outward like the shell of a snail.

After roughly 10 trips to Paris, we’ve stayed in many neighborhoods spread across the city, from Montmartre ( we loved this aparthotel ) to the Bastille area (an underappreciated place to stay, and this hotel was wonderful ).

And, while everyone has their own opinions about where to stay in Paris (there’s no one right answer) we love and highly recommend Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement ) or the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement ) to travelers visiting Paris for the first time and frequently choose to stay there ourselves.

In these areas, you’ll be within walking distance of attractions like Île de la Cité (home of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle), the Seine, the Luxembourg Garden, the Louvre, and many more.

And, by choosing a hotel near a metro stop, you’ll also have the rest of Paris at your fingertips!

Here are a few hotels we’ve personally stayed in and loved in the 5th and 6th, arranged more or less from most budget-friendly to most luxurious (though if it’s Parisian charm you’re after, this one is the clear winner).

Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain (Centrally Located & Cozy)

We love this cute boutique hotel in Paris, mostly because of its truly unbeatable location less than a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame and therefore an easy walk away from much of the attractions of Île de la Cité (and a metro stop, of course).

Despite the super central location, the streets outside were still quiet at night, a huge benefit, and the views during the day were lovely.

The customer service was excellent, the bed cozy, and the room, while still very small by global standards, was a bit roomy compared to what we’ve gotten used to in Paris.

We’d be happy to stay again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain!

Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris  (Classic Parisian Charm)

Located on a quiet street less than a block from the Seine and Île de la Cité, Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris  offers all the advantages of a central location while maintaining its peace and quiet.

… and it does all that while still managing to have one of the most charming interiors we’ve experienced in a Paris hotel!

The ceilings, wallpaper, and overall decor never let you forget that you’re in the City of Light, and we loved every second.

The breakfast is also delicious, served at the table, and includes a generous selection of pastries as well as fruit, cheese, orange juice, coffee, and tea.

Check rates & book your stay at Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris!

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris (Modern Amenities + Kitchens on the Seine)

Located right on the Seine in one of the most convenient locations in Paris, the crisp and modern Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris offers ease at every turn.

And, that includes the fact that studios and apartments here include kitchens or kitchenettes!

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from sightseeing in Paris, a chance to enjoy an occasional dinner of cheese and baguette you picked up at the market, and a bit more elbow room than is traditional in the City of Light, this is the place for you.

We loved our stay here–and, thanks to the hotel being pet-friendly, so did Ranger.

Check rates & book your stay at Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris!

Paris is a city that can occupy a lifetime and still not be fully discovered–no matter how much time you have in Paris, you will never leave feeling that you’ve unturned every stone.

After about 10 trips to Paris and counting, we still find ourselves discovering new gems every time we visit!

A few things to consider adding to your Paris itinerary if you have longer than three days in the city include a visit to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, or heading to the top of Montparnasse Tower (this tower is generally reviled for disrupting Paris’ beautiful skyline, but it does have quite the view at the top!).

You could also splurge on a Michelin Star meal, take a class on learning how to bake macarons or croissants (we did the macarons and adored it!), tour the Paris Opera House, duck into a smaller museum like the Musée de l’Orangerie (one of our favorites)… you get the picture.

Our gigantic Paris bucket list and/or our guide to the hidden gems of Paris are great blog posts to peruse if you’re looking for fun ideas to round out your itinerary for Paris!

There are plenty of hidden gems in Paris that lurk in plain sight, from the former home of Nicholas Flamel to lesser-known but interesting churches like the Church of Saint Sulpice to fascinating flea markets, all of which are worth seeking out if you have more than a few days in Paris.

If you’re looking to head out of town on one of your additional days in Paris, popular day trips other than Versailles include the town of Rouen, the castle of Fontainebleau, and Giverny to experience the water gardens that inspired Monet.

Paris is a large city, but it is surprisingly easy to get around.

As I mentioned above, the City of Light is made up of 20 arrondissements , or districts, starting with the 1st in the center (this is where you’ll find the Louvre), and spiraling outward from there.

When deciding where to stay in Paris, try not to put too much stock in being near any particular attraction.

Paris’ main sights are spread far and wide in its arrondissements (a few examples: the Eiffel Tower is in the 7th, the Louvre in the 1st, Montmartre in the 18th, and Notre Dame in the 4th), and wherever you end up staying, you’ll be traveling through the city during your stay.

Here’s how to get around during your itinerary for 3 days in Paris!

Paris’ metro system is extremely dense and developed.

O ther than walking, we recommend using it as your main method of transportation while in Paris.

The easiest way to purchase tickets is as a carnet, or group of 10 tickets at a time, and replenish as you run out.

However, if you happen to purchase the Paris Pass , access to the bus, metro, and RER systems are all included, so you won’t need to purchase separate tickets.

Taxis & Uber

Taxis and Uber are both prevalent in the city, though high prices and heavy traffic make them a less attractive option than the metro.

Lyft is not available in Paris.

Walking is our absolute favorite way to get around Paris, which is part of why this 3 days in Paris itinerary includes the option to walk so much.

Not only do you save money and work off the copious amounts of pain au chocolat you’re probably consuming, but you also get to discover Paris at its very best!

Meandering through a dorable side streets, sampling cute cafes, admiring gorgeous buildings, enjoying the enormous dog population, and more, are all part of the essential Parisian walking experience.

Do not rent a car in Paris.

Parking is an expensive nightmare, driving is difficult and traffic-laden, and the metro system is extensive and functional.

R enting a car in Paris is far more trouble than it is worth, and that’s without even including the cost of doing so as a factor. Just don’t do it.

If you follow this 3 days in Paris itinerary, a full Paris Pass likely won’t be worth the money unless you are going to be using a lot of transportation.

If you want access to benefits like a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour , you may want to consider it.

The Paris Museum Pass , though a better fit for this 3 day Paris itinerary than the Paris Pass is, still isn’t likely to be worth the money as compared to buying tickets individually.

In 2022, with so many tickets easily available for online purchase in advance, a lot of the convenience of city passes and museum passes has been left behind, leaving only monetary benefit as a reason to buy one.

If you have your heart set on visiting several other small museums in Paris not covered on this itinerary that are included with the pass (check the list carefully, as what is included and excluded can be a bit surprising), you may be able to get a good deal.

Please note that if you do purchase a Paris Museum Pass , you’ll still need to sign up for a timed entry reservation for the Louvre.

There is no bad time of year to spend 3 days in Paris.

In the spring, you’ll see beautiful flowers (and if you’re lucky , even cherry blossoms!), and get to see the city in full bloom.

In the summer, Paris is at its sunniest and warmest, and it’s the perfect time of year for long evenings spent outside of adorable cafes.

In the fall, the autumn foliage is stunning.

In the winter, you can experience Paris at its emptiest and with its lowest prices (but it’s all relative–this is still Paris).

It doesn’t typically snow in Paris, but December does offer the bonus of Christmas decorations and decor!

We’ve now been lucky enough to visit Paris during most months of the year, and haven’t had a bad trip yet.

Whenever you have a chance to visit, go: no matter what time of year it is, it is the perfect time to be in Paris.

Traveling in Paris is generally a very safe activity, but like in all large cities (and especially large cities crawling with tourists), scams and petty crime run rampant.

Beware anyone approaching you asking you to sign a petition, offering you a rose or “friendship bracelet”, or enticing you to buy a “gold” ring that they “found”.

In general, keep an eye on your belongings, watch out for pickpockets (especially in crowds), and avoid getting overly intoxicated  (especially alone or late at night).

In other words: use common sense.

Generally speaking, the riskiest places for encountering potential scams or pickpockets are in the areas most dominated by tourists–near the Eiffel Tower, for example, or in front of the Louvre.

Keep your wits about you, but there’s no reason to be overly worried: millions of people safely visit Paris each year, and we’ve never had any trouble.

An anti-theft purse or backpack can help add a layer of protection from petty theft, though of course you’ll still need to be vigilant.

We’ve happily used this anti-theft backpack for years, and a couple of our friends swear by this one .

If you’re not used to traveling in large cities, you could also consider using a money belt during your Paris vacation.

This is up to you: we no longer use one, and thieves are certainly aware of them, but if you’re more comfortable having your valuables more secure than they are in your pockets while exploring, it’s an option.

What to Wear in Paris , France

Our general rule of traveling is that we never expect to (or try to) pass as locals, but we aim to look like ex-pats or frequent travelers that at least know what we’re doing… and, okay, in Paris, we want to look somewhat good.

It is Paris, after all.

The big key to blending in and looking fashionable in Paris? Less is more.

Think lots of dark colors (I swear, 90% of Parisian women we saw on our most recent winter trip were wearing a black coat), fashionable jeans or pants, and cute dresses.

Flats or boots for women depending on the season and casual loafers or boots for men are just fine–much more important than the exact shoe is that they’re very comfortable and well broken in.

For men, think fitted slacks or jeans, and fitted shirts. Not particularly fancy or dressed up, but not sloppy, either.

We generally consider the whole “Europeans don’t wear jeans!” rule to be either complete fiction or at least wildly outdated, but Parisians certainly don’t tend to wear ill-fitting, or worn-out ones, either.

Bottom line?

Don’t worry too much about what to wear in Paris–we find that people tend to overthink it.

Pack clothes you’re comfortable in, leaning toward classic, basic styles, and dark colors, and you’ll blend right in (as much as any tourist can).

And hey, if you get there and feel completely out of place in your wardrobe, Paris is a pretty fantastic place to shop!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Travel Adaptors for France — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Swiss Army Knife   — AKA, your handy baguette-and-cheese-slicer plus wine bottle opener all in one–it’s a Parisian essential!

Pacsafe    — We bring this with us everywhere these days. Simply place your important belongings inside before you leave for the day, string the safe around the sturdiest thing in the room (the base of the toilet or a pipe under the sink is a good option), and voila! You’re good to go.

Travel Journal — I personally love the One Line a Day Journal that covers 5 years–you write one sentence a day, and every date is on the same page through the years (so, for example, you can easily see what you were doing on all the April 18th’s).

I adore the concept (I’m currently on my second volume), and a quick sentence each day is about all I can commit to in a journal!

Camera — This one comes from personal experience: on our first trip to Paris in late 2013, we took all of our photos on our cell phones, and we definitely regret it.

While phone photography has come a long way in the last decade, if you’re even the tiniest bit into photography as a hobby, definitely bring the camera.

We recently upgraded to our Sony a7R III and absolutely love it, but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories! 

They’re incredibly handy and we recommend adding one to your packing list. We’ve been carrying ours for years and it never stops coming in handy!

Reusable Water Bottle  — Even in fashionable cities like Paris, we always prefer to keep water with us—it saves both money and plastic as compared to buying water bottles along the way.

Hand Sanitizer — We’ve never been sorry to have this floating around in our day bag.

Money Belt   — This is up to you: we no longer use one, but if you’re more comfortable having your passports with you at all times in Paris, you can consider bringing one.

We used to use this one   and had no complaints. These days, we prefer just to leave valuables in our Pacsafe during the day.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

53 thoughts on “The Ultimate 3 Days in Paris Itinerary”

Your itinerary seems to cover all the major attractions of Paris in a tightly packed schedule. I’m bookmarking this for future reference for whenever I finally manage to make my way down to Paris. Nice photos, I particularly enjoyed the ones taken from the gargoyles’ perch.

Thanks, Denny! We love the gargoyle photos too.

I never say no to a trip to Paris, even though I’ve been many times. Still haven’t seen Saint Chappelle or the Luxembourg Gardens though! Those stained glass windows are stunning. Looks like I have to make it back for trip no. 5!

There’s no such thing as too many trips to Paris! 😉

That’s a great itinerary for a short trip! I loved all the crepe vendors, I ate one too many banana Nutella crepes while there. Did you have a chance to go to Angelina? Best hot chocolate ever!

We did not–something to add to the list for our next trip! We’d love to make it back to Paris again in 2018– we shall see.

Angelina’s is divine. We will be back in Paris in Sept, and getting so excited. Looking for some new neighborhoods to explore off the main attractions path.

September is such a wonderful time to go!

You might like this post on getting off the beaten path in Paris–some of these spots are in quieter neighborhoods, and some are hidden in plain sight: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/secret-paris-off-the-beaten-path/

I have never been to Paris so this guide is just perfect for me! You curated the itinerary very thoughtfully. It has a mix of touristy as well as offbeat things to do! I love walking and public transport, so this guide feels like it is tailor made for me!

Thank you, Abhinav! 🙂

I have been to Paris many many times before so i was curious if your list has something that I havent seen yet and indees there are two things! The galery Lafayette although I knew its existence. However, the catacombs is new to me! But if I am not wrong, they made a horror movie about or inspired about this? The title is “Upside…” something.

Ha, yes there is! It’s called “As Above, So Below”. It came out a year or so after we first visited the catacombs, so of course we had to go see it. It was only an okay movie, but the shots of Paris and the catacombs were more than enough to keep us entertained.

What a fantastic itinerary! I love how you’ve planned each day out. It would be an exhausting three days, but it would be worth it!

When we were in Paris, we never made it over to Versaillas. I hope to do that next time we’re there, plus visit in the spring for those beautiful cherry blossom in front of the Eiffel Tower pics! 🙂

I hear you on the Eiffel Tower pictures!! Both of our visits have been in winter so far (technically this one was at the beginning of spring, but Paris’ flowers hadn’t bloomed yet), and I want those iconic cherry blossom views!!

What a comprehensive itinerary for visiting one of my favorite cities. Love all your suggestions and it makes me yearn to return.

Thanks, Sue! I hear you on wanting to return–I think I said “I miss Paris” out loud at least a dozen times while writing this post. 🙂

This is such a great itinerary for Paris. I made it to several of your suggestions during my visit but missed a few. Seeing you with that crepe made my mouth water. I loved the banana/nutella/strawberry crepes-amazing!!

Haven’t actually tried that combo yet–next time I’ll need to! The one I’m holding is a butter & sugar–so simple and yet so tasty.

I love Paris!! We visited last May and couldn’t wait to go back again! There are a few spots we missed like Musee d’Orsay and Luxembourg Garden. Definitely need to go back when we’re in the city next time. I don’t know about the catacombs though 😛

Ha, you’re not the only one! Some people aren’t into the whole bones thing… we find it completely fascinating, though. 😛

This post is SO thorough! One of the best I have read on Paris.

Thank you, Natalia! That was the goal. 🙂

This is a perfect itinerary for me. I am keeping it for my future visit to Paris. Wow Paris is still a dream. I am sold on the Sainte-Chapelle. Its such a stunning architecture. Someday I will make to to this destination. I loved your guide for the clothing. Great post.

Sainte-Chapelle is amazing–easily one of the most memorable houses of worship we have been in.

We are planning to visit Paris in July. Such a gorgeous place and there is so much to see and do there. can’t wait to explore and take some pretty pictures for sure 🙂

I hope you have an amazing trip! You will definitely come home with pretty pictures. 🙂

Excellent guide, I’ve been to Paris twice, the first time I had about 8 days and the 2nd time was only over a weekend so this itinerary would have been helpful! I was there in the middle of summer though and it was stinking hot. I love the French fashion and style but it was hard to dress in style with such heat! Excellent advice in this piece.

I’ve heard the heat can be killer! Hoping to make it in the summer one of these days to feel it for myself–worth it to see all the beautiful gardens in bloom, hopefully. 🙂

One of the best destination! It’s also known for its French architecture and mouthwatering variety. Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t matter how long you wait until traveling, just that everybody can start once.

Thanks, Chi! Glad to have you stopping by.

I’ll be in Paris in the next few weeks and this is definitely helpful in planning my trip!

I stumbled on your site while planning a trip to Italy (Florence and Rome), Monte Carlo, Paris and London in July 2019. I loved all of your itineraries for Florence, Rome and Paris. I’ve been to Paris (but that was 30 years ago), and visited all the spots you mention. That being said, I’m eager to see them all again. Thanks for your suggestions on what to see in 2 or 3 days in each of these cities. You definitely helped me plan out our days so they make the most sense. I cannot wait until we get there!

Thank you so much, Melissa! The detailed trip itineraries are honestly some of my favorite things to write, and nothing makes me happier than hearing that other people found them useful.

Your trip sounds fantastic–hope that you have an amazing time in July!

Hi Kate, I, like many others here, stumbled across your site while planning our 1st trip to Paris coming up May 2019. My husband and I will be in Paris for 3.5 days. So this itinerary seems perfect. Since I am a planner and wanting to make sure I can plan and purchase tickets to the museums and such ahead of time, I don’t want to feel so committed as well in case we change our minds or want to see something (like the Eiffel Tower) at night rather than mid day. I certainly do not want to spend hours in lines to purchase tickets and then another hour in line to view the museums. Any suggestions on pre-arrival planning and do some of the tour companies offer cancellations up to a day in advance? Thank you for this great information. I will be using it as a guideline for our trip. We will be headed to Barcelona after… have you been?

We use Get Your Guide for buying all our tickets and tours in Paris–you can buy skip-the-line passes to things like the Arc de Triomphe through them and then just show the ticket on your phone at any time that day (we just did that one personally last August). In Paris, we normally book our tickets for whatever we want to do that morning before heading out for the day and download them to our phones, so we stay pretty flexible while also having our tickets ready to go and avoiding lines during the day.

This is perfect for museum entrances, visiting the Palais Garnier and Versailles, etc. Where it becomes an issue is with the Eiffel Tower (which is a special case requiring a time slot) and guided tours–if you’re looking for a guided tour of the Louvre, for example, that will be time-sensitive and we really recommend booking at least a few days in advance (especially in May, which is a popular time to visit Paris).

What I’d recommend in your case is to book any timed experiences (food tours, Eiffel Tower climb, guided tours) ahead of time and then using those to structure the rest of your trip. Pretty much everything else can be bought day-of, though we definitely still recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online to avoid lines. Cancellation policies will be a company-by-company thing, but I know Get Your Guide usually allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

We have not been to Barcelona yet, but would love to go soon! We thought about going this April, actually, but getting back to Italy again won out (as it so often does with us).

Hope you have an amazing trip!

I am taking my husband and 2 children to Paris in July 2020. We are also going on to Rome and Florence. I have been to Paris for work. My family has never been. We are thinking 3 days in Paris. Should we go for 4 and reduce our time in Italy, or can we see enough in Paris?

I would say it depends on how long you have to spend in Rome and Florence. Ideally, I’d say the minimum number of days to spend in each city is 3 days in Paris, 3 in Rome, and 2 in Florence–though you could easily triple the time in any of them and still leave with lots left to do!

They happen to be 3 of our favorite cities in the entire world–we visit all of them regularly–so in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with extra time in any of them.

Hello, thank you for the comprehensive and interesting itinerary!

However, the day that I’m arriving happens to be on a Tuesday, which I heard that Louvre would be closed. May I know how I can switch my itinerary around?

Sure thing! Of course there are a million ways to do so, but the easiest would be to swap the Louvre and Montmartre on your itinerary–so see Montmartre the afternoon of day one and the Louvre the afternoon of day three. 🙂

Hope you have a great time!

Hi,loved your article. I am an armchair traveller and My son is on his first backpacking trip to Europe ,I read through lot of articles and found yours the best,sent him the links and he followed them almost to the the T, except doing Louvre in the evening as after 6 pm,as it’s open for students. Thanks a lot.

Thanks so much, Asiya! So glad your son had a great time–we love visiting the Louvre at night as well, it has such a nice atmosphere in the evenings.

WOW!! What a great itinerary, practically covered with many, if not all the places you should definitely know if you want to go to Paris, I would love to be able to take my girlfriend for a journey to know Paris, I will definitely take into consideration these places, I would like the idea of being able to visit the catacombs, however she is very scary, so I think she won’t be interested much hehe

Thanks, Mauel! Hope you and your girlfriend have the chance to visit Paris soon. 🙂

This is such detailed guide to Paris and saving it up for next travel to Europe.

Thanks so much, Mayuri! Hope you enjoy your next Europe trip!

Hi Kate, Your itinerary for Paris is as good as it gets. I am planning a trip to Europe in June 2020 with Paris as the first stop. Stay will be for 3 days which is perfect as per the itinerary. However, the only glitch is that our arrival will most probably be at 14:20 LT in Paris. Which means that after checking in at the hotel, we may make it for the evening cruise only. Our arrival will be most probably on 1st June and will leave Paris on 04th June. Will it be enough or should I add one more day?

Thanks, Sanjeev! To do absolutely everything on this Paris itinerary you might need another day, but if it doesn’t fit into your trip, no worries at all! You can still have a great trip and just either hurry through the sights a bit or cut whichever 1-2 things appeal to you the least–whichever fits your travel preferences more.

You mention hiking 3 towers in one day, but did I miss it…I didn’t see anywhere that you reviewed the Eiffel Tower? I only saw Arc De Triomphe and Sacre Coeur? I wanted your input on Eiffel Tower? Heard it’s not worth the amount of time spent to go to top? How about second floor? Worth it?? Thank you.

Apologies, that must be left over from years ago when this itinerary also included climbing Notre Dame. I’ll get it updated.

We’ve never gone to the top of the Eiffel Tower due to the number of friends who have told us it’s not worth it. Personally, it has never appealed to us as much as other monuments–I like having the Eiffel Tower in my Paris skyline photos!

We keep saying we’ll go up one day just so we can offer a first-person review–maybe this will finally be the year we do. 🙂

I would love it if there was a schedule with approximate times for each attraction!! Is there something like that <3 ? Thanks anyways 🙂

We don’t include any specific times since everyone moves at their own pace and starts at different times of the day (some families love to start sightseeing at 7, others at 9–and the itinerary can easily be adapted for both).

Have a wonderful time in Paris!

I really like this article as a fan of literature, I would really like to visit the Shakespeare and company. And the itinerary was so well plan and detailed. I will be bookmarking this for future references. Thank you for this post!

Thanks, John!

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4 Days in Paris: Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips (Perfect for 1st Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

Visiting Paris for 4 days and wondering how to best plan your time so that you can make the most of your trip?

In this guide, we share a suggested Paris 4 days itinerary based on our recent trip (and taking into account what can actually be done!). It includes all the must-sees, a few amazing places that are often overlooked by first-time travelers, and some lesser-known gems that will make your trip even more special. Take a look!

The capital of France, Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With such an old history and an incredible number of landmarks, I’m sure you understand that there is no way to see ‘everything’ in Paris in four days. But if you plan well, you can definitely see all the musts and get a good feel of what Paris is truly like.

Below, you’ll find our suggested 4-day Paris itinerary that covers all the main landmarks and most interesting places in the most efficient way. Of course, there are many ways to plan any visit to Paris and this is just one of them. But if you want to see the very best of Paris, but also get a bit off the beaten path and truly experience the city, this guide should help you do just that.

Good to know: This itinerary is quite packed, but it’s based on our personal experience and on what can actually be done . It takes into account opening times/ walking distances/ metro and the time you need to visit each place. Plus, when possible, you’ll be at the most popular places at the best possible time. We also include some alternative suggestions so that you can personalize and plan your own perfect trip based on what interests you the most.

We also created an interactive map indicating all the sights. That way, you can have a better idea of how it all fits together.

Please note that the hours in the itinerary below are only indicated for your reference and are based on our personal experience. That way you have a better idea of how much time you need and can also decide to skip some places if you rather take it easier.

PRO TIP! Where applicable, we also share practical info and tips on which tickets to prebook. Without advance reservations , you will waste many hours waiting in lines and won’t be able to see as much. In fact, you may not even be able to visit certain places at all. Paris has changed a lot in recent years, and planning a spontaneous visit as we often did in the past is no longer straightforward.

Furthermore, by booking in advance, you can immediately see if the place is open on the day of your visit and can avoid unpleasant surprises. We had to adjust our itinerary several times based on the availability of some tickets (like Moulin Rouge , for example, where almost all the shows appeared to be sold out 3 weeks before our trip, or Paris Opera which was exceptionally closed on several days during our visit).

As a minimum, book the tickets/ tours/ experiences for those sights which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

For some of the most popular attractions in Paris, booking in advance will save you money but also lots of time! You can go straight to the entrance without having to queue at the ticket desk.

Good to know: If you visit at least 2-3 museums per day and stay in Paris for a few days, Paris Museum Pass offers excellent value for your money. It includes most of the ‘musts’ and offers skip-the-line access at most attractions. However, keep in mind that you will first have to pick it up at a certain location and you’ll also have to book timed-entry slots for several of the most popular places. That’s why we personally opted to just get timed-entry tickets for each place separately.

If you are visiting Paris with kids, teens, or young adults , you will be glad to know that most Paris landmarks offer FREE entry to everyone under 18 (and for EU residents, even under 26). However, you also need a timed reservation for the free tickets.

READ ALSO: Paris Travel Tips & Tricks

• DAY 1: Île de la Cité, Arc De Triomphe, Champs Elysées, (optional) Les Invalides and/or Rodin Museum, Place de La Concorde, Tuileries Gardens, Louvre Museum.
• DAY 2: Musée d’Orsay, Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Seine Cruise.
• DAY 3: Place Vendôme, Opera, Galeries Lafayette, Hidden Passages, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge.
• DAY 4: Hôtel de Ville, Pompidou Center/ Stravinsky Fountain, La Marais, Pantheon, Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens, Catacombs, Montparnasse Tower.
• Where to stay

MAP of this 4-day Paris itinerary

To help you plan your visit to Paris, we created a map indicating all the places mentioned in our guide.

As you can see below, each day has a different color, so you quickly get a good overview of how it’s structured. We tried to group the sites in the most logical way so that you can walk between the sights as much as possible. When possible, we also take into account the best times to be at each place.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Île de la Cité – Arc De Triomphe – Champs Elysées – Les Invalides or Rodin Museum or l’Orangerie (optional) – Place de La Concorde – Tuileries Gardens – Louvre Museum (at the quietest time).

Day 1 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Sainte-Chapelle – timed entry tickets .
• Arc De Triomphe – skip-the-line tickets are valid the entire day and save you time at the ticket desk.
• Louvre – timed-entry tickets or a guided tour (recommended). We opted for this tour – Closing Time at the Louvre: Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful . It covers all the musts in 3 hours at the quietest time of the day.
• Optional: Les Invalides or Rodin Museum or l’Orangerie .

Good to know: All of these places are included with the Paris Museum Pass . Even if you decide to visit the Louvre with a guided tour as we did, this pass can still be good value, depending on your overall Paris itinerary. The Louvre and l’Orangerie are closed on Tuesdays and Rodin Museum is closed on Mondays. Other places are normally open daily.

Île de la Cité: Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame & More

Île de la Cité is a small island in the middle of the River Seine, best known for the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This was the birthplace of Paris in the 3rd century BC.

If you come here before 9 am, you could walk around the island and explore it a bit deeper. In that case, you may want to start at Pont Neuf , the oldest stone bridge in Paris, with 384 grotesque face ornaments lining its sides. Next, head to Square du Vert-Galant , the westernmost point of the little island. The views from here are quite nice.

Then walk past Place Dauphine , a cozy town square at the western end of this little island, and on to the Conciergerie and its Clock Tower. Built in the 14th century, this is the oldest public clock in France, and you can see it from the street.

The Conciergerie is a former courthouse that also served as a prison. Nowadays, this is a museum that you could consider visiting if you have at least an hour to spare. With 4 days in Paris, and depending on your interests, I’d just see it from the outside.

The most impressive place to visit on Île de la Cité is Sainte-Chapelle . This is the 13th-century royal chapel that I can only describe as the most beautiful chapel in the world. It will take your breath away!

Please note that there are actually two chapels here, connected by a small staircase. The lower level (where you enter) was used by servants and the upper chapel – by the Royal family. They are both very impressive, but the upper one is absolutely stunning, so if it’s not too busy as you enter, head there first.

TIP: You really have to reserve your tickets in advance for Sainte-Chapelle!!! For this itinerary, it’s best to book the tickets for 9 am and arrive at least 15-20 minutes before it opens. You will still have a small queue at the security check, but it will be incomparably quieter than later during the day.

Near Sainte-Chapelle, you can visit a flower market . It’s just a short photo spot, but quite nice to see.

If interested, you could also walk to see Au Vieux Paris , aka the most charming café in Paris. It usually only opens at lunchtime, but most people come here just for the picture of its exterior anyway.

It’s definitely not a must and we saw many other cafés in Paris that looked at least just as charming, but it’s just a small detour. You could also come for lunch here, but it will likely be much too early for that.

Next, head to Notre-Dame Cathedral . At the moment, it’s being rebuilt after the 2019 fire. Behind the fences, you can still see the two towers of Notre Dame, but that’s really it. You can’t even step on the iconic ‘Point Zero’ from which all the road distances in France are measured.

Anyway, it’s still worth a few minutes of your time to see this famous Paris landmark.

Good to know: Based on the official sources at the moment of the last update, Notre-Dame Cathedral is supposed to reopen on December 8, 2024.

Arc De Triomphe

11-12.30 PM.

Time for the next place on your Paris itinerary – Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile . The distances are big and you’ll be walking a lot as it is. So to get there, it’s best to take the metro.

Arc de Triomphe needs no introduction. Commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate all his victories (he never lived to see its completion), this is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Paris. Under the arch, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame that is rekindled at 6.30 pm every evening. Inside, there’s also a small exhibition.

While you can just see the arch from a distance, we highly recommend that you also visit the rooftop . The views from here are among the best in Paris! Keep in mind that there are 284 steps to reach the top. They also have a small elevator which is reserved for people with reduced mobility, but it stops at the exhibition level, so you’ll still have to do some stairs.

Good to know: Do not attempt to cross the busy roundabout in order to get to Arc De Triomphe. There is a well-indicated underground passage for that!

TIP: While not absolutely needed, booking a ticket in advance will save you at least one queue (you’ll still have a security check, as in most places). If you are visiting in the high season, definitely book upfront! Even with the skip-the-line tickets or Paris Museum Pass , count at least 45 minutes for a visit here.

READ ALSO: Best Views in Paris

Champs-Élysées & Lunch

12-1.30 PM.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées is probably the most famous street in Paris. This wide avenue is nearly 2 kilometers in length, but the liveliest part with most shops and restaurants is right next to Arc de Triomphe.

Here, you will find some of the most expensive designer shops in the world. Amazingly enough, there are often huge queues to get inside the luxury stores of Dior, Moncler, or Louis Vuitton, to mention just a few. Most of the restaurants in this area are also on the pricier side and very busy.

Time for lunch !

You’ll find many traditional Parisian brasseries and restaurants in this area, or you can just get a sandwich at PAUL’s or similar (this will save you a lot of time vs sitting down for lunch). For a truly Parisian experience, you could also opt for some sweet pastries and macarons at the iconic Ladurée. And yes, there are fast-food restaurants here too, but come on – you are in Paris!

Good to know: If you want to be sure to have a table at a specific restaurant, be sure to reserve in advance! For example, without a reservation, you’ll likely waste at least 30-40 minutes in line at Ladurée, maybe even more in the high season.

Just keep in mind that these are not the places where you go if you are hungry ; rather for a special treat. I always have to laugh at my husband’s experience at Ladurée years ago. He ordered a coffee and a sandwich and ate the one-bite snack thinking that it was something extra served with coffee. He then sat there waiting for his sandwich to arrive. But it never did. It turned out that the tiny bite was in fact the sandwich that he ordered. We’ve been to Paris many times, but there is no way I can ever convince my husband to go for ‘lunch’ at Ladurée again. 🙂

In fact, we have similar stories about a few other restaurants on Champs-Élysées. Let’s just say this area is really touristy and you won’t find the best value or service. But I guess it’s just part of visiting Paris for the first time…

TIP: There’s one traditional Parisian restaurant that we quite liked near Arc de Triomphe. It’s called La Flamme and is located on one of the side streets, so not on Champs-Élysées itself. On our recent visit, we had dinner here and found that the service, as well as the food, were excellent. The prices were also very reasonable for this area.

Jardin des Champs-Élysées – Grand Palais – Petit Palais – Pont Alexandre III

1.30-2.30 PM.

After lunch, continue east down the Champs-Élysées. You’ll soon reach the greener area with several small parks on both sides of the boulevard. If you have some time, it’s nice to explore these gardens a bit more.

Be sure to also check out the two iconic buildings known as Grand Palais and Petit Palais . These Art-Nouveau-style buildings date from the early 1900s.

At the moment, the Grand Palais is being renovated and is not open to the public.

Petit Palais houses an art museum which is free to visit. However, it sometimes closes for special events, which was the case every time we were in Paris… Anyway, it’s worth seeing it from the outside too, and if it’s open when you are there, be sure to take a look inside!

TIP: Check out the “Bouquet of Tulips” sculpture in the gardens behind the Petit Palais. This huge hand holding a bouquet of colorful flowers is the work of American artist Jeff Koons.

Just nearby, you can see one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris – Pont Alexandre III . Even if you decide not to walk to Les Invalides on the other side of the river, it’s well worth making a small detour to see this bridge.

This remarkable Beaux-Arts style bridge was inaugurated in 1900. It is lined with beautiful lampposts and lots of impressive sculptures. On each corner, you can also see four winged horses which represent Sciences, Commerce, illustrious Arts, and Industry. 

From the bridge, you also have great views over the River Seine and Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Les Invalides OR Rodin Museum OR Musée de l’Orangerie (optional)

If you are not going shopping at Champs-Élysées and want to pack as much as possible into your day, there are a few interesting places in this area that you could add to this itinerary.

Hôtel des Invalides (or simply Les Invalides) and Rodin Museum are located just next to each other on the other side of the river, about 15 minutes walk from the bridge. Alternatively, you could visit Musée de l’Orangerie which is conveniently located on the way to the Louvre.

TIP: Depending on your interests, I’d only visit one of these museums or not even at all, or you risk getting a ‘museum burnout’ on your first day in Paris already. You can get tickets for Rodin Museum , or for Les Invalides , or l’Orangerie separately, but if you decide to come here in addition to all the other places mentioned in our guide, then it’s definitely better to get the Paris Museum Pass . That way, you can just decide if/which of these museums you want to visit on the day itself.

While not unknown, these places are not on the must-see list of most first-time visitors to Paris. But you really need either a skip-the-line ticket or a museum pass so that you don’t waste any time in lines, definitely in the high season.

• Built as an accommodation and a hospital for wounded soldiers in the 17th century, the Hôtel des Invalides is now a military museum. It’s best known for the incredibly grand Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte . While you likely need at least 2 hours for all the museums here, you could visit the tomb in about half an hour.
• Rodin Museum is dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, showing how his technique and style evolved over time. The must-see here is the Sculpture Garden and his most famous work “The Thinker” ( Le Penseur ). However, there are multiple copies of this sculpture worldwide and you can also see one inside the D’Orsay Museum (see day 2 of this itinerary).
• Musée de l’Orangerie is a recently-restored art museum mostly focused on impressionism and post-impressionism. The most famous works here are “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, but you’ll also find paintings by Picasso, Renoir, Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Modigliani, and many others.

READ ALSO: Best Museums in Paris

Place de La Concorde – Tuileries Gardens

5 – 6 PM.

Next, return to the northern side of the river and walk to Place de La Concorde . This is the largest square in Paris, and since there’s lots of traffic here, it’s an experience in itself. Be careful when crossing the streets! Even if it’s green, be sure to look well in all directions – also for bikes, e-steps, tourist rickshaws/ pedicabs, etc.

While navigating the crazy traffic, don’t miss the Egyptian Obelisk and the beautiful fountains !

Interesting to know: During the French Revolution, this square was the site of many public executions, including that of the last king of France, Louis XVI, and his wife Marie Antoinette.

Next, walk to Tuileries Gardens (this is also where Musée de l’Orangerie is located). These beautiful gardens connect the Place de la Concorde to the Louvre and are popular among tourists and locals alike. There are chairs around the big pond in the middle and benches throughout the park. It’s a nice place to sit down, rest a bit, and do some people-watching.

TIP: If you are not planning on doing shopping or visiting any of the museums, you’ll have quite some free time left. You may want to stop for some afternoon tea at Angelina Paris , just next to Tuileries Gardens.

This is a very popular 120-year-old tea room that – according to the locals – serves the best hot chocolate in the world. However, it’s pricey and very busy. Try to reserve in advance or prepare to wait for a while.

Next, check out the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel , right in front of the Louvre. Built in 1806-1808 to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, this ornate arch is a predecessor of the more famous Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile that we mentioned earlier.

Louvre Museum

End your first day in Paris with a visit to the most famous museum in the world, The Louvre . It’s also one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Paris, so it’s always busy here. But if you come in the evening, a few hours before the closing time, you will be able to avoid the biggest crowds.

Louvre Museum is so big that you could spend several weeks inside and still not see everything. But most people come here for the most known artworks such as La Gioconda (Mona Lisa) by Leonardo da Vinci, the ancient Greek sculpture Venus de Milo, or the Winged Victory of Samothrace (the Nike), etc. For the highlights, you need at least 2-2.5 hours, plus count that it will also take you some time to get inside.

Good to know: The opening times of the Louvre Museum depend on the season and on the day when you visit. But since you need to get timed tickets anyway, you can immediately see what is available. In the high season, it’s normally open late (9-9.45 PM), so you could come here at around 6-6.30 PM.

Alternative – if visiting Paris in the low season. In the low season, the Louvre is normally open until 6 PM (unless on Fridays when it remains open until 9.45 PM). In that case, you will have to adjust this itinerary. You can come here after visiting Notre-Dame and then continue with all the other places as described above and end your day at Arc de Triomphe which remains open late.

PRO TIP: No matter when you visit, be sure to get timed-entry tickets for the Louvre in advance. But in all honesty, this is one place where it really pays to visit with a guided tour . Otherwise, it can get very overwhelming just trying to figure out which entrance to take and where to go or what to see inside.

We opted for this closing time at the Louvre tour (Mona Lisa at her most peaceful ). It’s a great way to skip the queues at the entrance and see all the musts in a short time. It wasn’t our first time at the Louvre, but we learned so much from our guide! Highly recommended.

As you exit the museum, take the time to enjoy the Louvre Pyramids . You can take some nice pictures here, especially around sunset.

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for the Louvre Museum

Colonnes de Buren

Just a few minutes walk from the Louvre, you can also check out the Colonnes de Buren at the courtyard of the National Royal Palace. It’s just a quick photo stop and there are quite some restaurants nearby, so you could come here before dinner.

Alternatively, you can also visit here on day 3 of this sightseeing itinerary. This square is also the start of many walking tours that visit the covered passages of Paris .

For dinner , you’ll find lots of restaurants in all price categories in the area to the north/northeast of the Louvre. We reserved a table at Pizzeria Popolare , which is located about halfway between the Louvre and the hotel where we stayed .

This is a very trendy Italian restaurant, one of the Big Mamma Group restaurants in Paris. They are all excellent and extremely popular with long queues every evening. So it really pays to reserve a table in advance.

Riverside walk (optional) – Musée d’Orsay – Versailles – Eiffel Tower – Seine Cruise – Eiffel Tower Lights & Sparkles.

Day 2 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Musee d’Orsay – timed entry tickets .
• Versailles Palace & Gardens – timed entry tickets . We opted for this guided tour .
• Eiffel Tower – timed entry tickets on the official site . If certain times are not available, or if you rather have someone guide you, be sure to also check the best options on GetYourGuide . If you don’t mind waiting longer (it can be really crowded and take a few hours though), you can get the tickets on the spot too. If you want to visit the Summit, be sure to book weeks ahead!
• Seine Cruise – see all the cruise options here . Sunset cruises with dinner are also available. This is one of the best-value cruises (departs close to Champs-Elysees).

Good to know: Orsay Museum and Versailles Palace are included with the Paris Museum Pass (although we really recommend a guided tour in Versailles). Also, extra shows in Versailles Gardens are not included. Keep in mind that both – Orsay Museum and Versaille Palace – are closed on Mondays , so adjust your itinerary if necessary.

Riverside walk

You could start your morning with a stroll on the Seine riverside . The first stop on your itinerary today is Orsay Museum, so you could start from Ile de La Cite or from the Louvre, and walk to the museum enjoying the nice views of the river and the surroundings.

Of course, this is not a must, and you can just take the metro straight to the museum.

Musee d’Orsay

10 AM-noon.

Start your day with a visit to one of the best museums in Paris – Orsay Museum . It’s located inside an old railway station and the building is worth seeing in its own right. As you walk inside the huge covered hall, it’s easy to imagine steam trains arriving and departing from here a hundred years ago.

D’Orsay museum is probably best known for its incredible collection of impressionist- and post-impressionist art. It’s here that you will find some of the best works of Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

You can see lots of other masterpieces here too, including some fantastic temporary exhibitions. When we visited, we could also see the works of Edvard Munch, but also some incredible and touching contemporary art by American artist Kehinde Wiley.

Don’t miss the impressive station clock on the top floor. From here, you also have nice views of the city and the river, and the clock makes for some nice pictures too.

TIP: The impressionist collection is located on the top floor and it’s the most popular area of the museum, so you may want to head there first before it gets too busy. For that, walk straight all the way to the back of the museum. Against the back wall, a bit to the left, you’ll find escalators that can take you all the way to the top floor.

Train to Versailles and quick lunch

Right next to Museum d’Orsay, there is a train station from where you can take a direct train to Versailles . There are regular trains throughout the day and the journey takes about 30-35 minutes. You can get a ticket at the station (a regular Paris metro ticket will not be sufficient).

Important! You will need line C in the direction of Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The same line splits in many different directions and there are lots of trains on the same track too, so double-check the direction so that you do not get on the wrong train!

In the old town of Versailles, you will find plenty of cafés and restaurants. However, if you don’t want to waste too much time, you can also just get a sandwich or something small to eat. We stopped for a sandwich at Madeleine just across the station and it was excellent (and quick). It’s conveniently located right next to the GetYourGuide office, which was the meeting point of our guided tour of Versailles .

Versailles Palace and Gardens

1.30-4.30 PM.

Together with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. And once you see this grand palace with its opulent royal chambers and impressive vast gardens, you’ll understand why.

There is a lot to see in Versailles. In fact, you could easily spend an entire day here. But if you just want to see the main palace and some of the gardens, you’ll need about 2-3 hours. That’s what we recommend if you have just 4 days in Paris because there are just so many other amazing places to see.

Versailles Palace boasts more than 2,300 rooms. The most impressive are the King’s and the Queen’s bedrooms and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. And while the gardens are huge and have a lot to offer too, some of the nicest ones are located right next to the main building. So with just a few hours in Versailles, concentrate on the main sights.

TIP: While you can easily visit Versailles on your own (be sure to get a timed entry ticket !), we highly recommend taking a guided tour . It’s not just the best way to see all the ‘musts’ in a few hours, but you’ll also appreciate it all so much better. With a good guide, the walls and the furniture come to life and you leave Versailles with a much better understanding of how unique this place really is.

We opted for this highly-rated tour and it was really worth it. Alternatively, you can also opt for a tour that includes a guide/transportation from Paris ; this is a good option if you are worried about the practical side of getting to Versailles (it’s really not difficult though).

Train to Champ de Mars & Eiffel Tower Views

4.30-5.30 PM.

After visiting Versailles, take a train back to Paris and get off at the ‘Champ de Mars’ station. This is right at the Eiffel Tower, which is the next destination on your itinerary.

If you have some time to spare before visiting the tower, you could first walk to the nearby bridge Pont de Bir Hakeim . It’s located just next to the train station.

This metal multi-storey bridge is a sight in itself, but the main reason to come here is the amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. This bridge is just a tiny bit further away from the tower and gives you a nice perspective. Plus, it’s not nearly as busy as the Pont d’Iéna bridge right in front of the Eiffel Tower and is lined with street vendors and hundreds of tourists posing for pictures.

Cross the bridge and walk to Trocadéro Gardens . From the upper terrace here, you have an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower.

Of course, you can also visit all these places after visiting the tower, but if you want to go to the top at around sunset, it’s probably better to do this first.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower is at the top of any Paris bucket list. So if this is your first time in Paris, you will likely want to go to the top of the tower too. There are a few things you should know.

First, there are several types of Eiffel Tower tickets. First, you have to make the choice of visiting up to the 2nd floor or going all the way to the summit . To keep things cheaper, you could also opt to climb to the 1st/2nd floors via the stairs instead of taking an elevator. Depending on the day, this might also mean that you’ll spend less time queuing.

I find that the city views are best from the 1st and the 2nd floors of the Eiffel Tower. The only reason to go all the way to the top is to tick the box and have done it all so that you have no regrets later. It is a special experience, that’s for sure, but not an absolute must.

No matter which option you choose, if you want to visit Eiffel Tower at a specific time without wasting too much time in lines, it’s best to book your timed tickets online in advance . And if you can time your visit so that you are at the top about half an hour before sunset , it might make it even more special. But remember that a nice sunset is never guaranteed, so don’t obsess about this.

For the tickets, at the moment, the cheapest option is booking via the official site . Just keep in mind that these tickets are non-refundable and you can’t change the dates either. Also, sometimes summit tickets are not available on the official site anymore, but can be available via other websites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets .

The biggest advantage of booking Eiffel Tower tickets via GetYourGuide is that – for most tickets – they allow free cancelation up to 24 hours before your visit. On this website, you can also find some guided tour options, or get a ticket where you’ll also meet a host and get some guidance on where to go, etc.

Good to know: You can always just queue at the tower upon arrival and get your tickets on the spot, but – depending on how busy it is – it can mean that you are queuing for a few hours. Also, even with the timed tickets, arrive at least 30-40 minutes earlier so that you have enough time to get through the first security check before you even get to the actual queue to go up (and the second security check).

Seine Cruise (with dinner)

+ -8.30 PM.

To end your second day in Paris, you could opt for another typical Parisian experience – a Seine cruise . It’s something that’s popular not just among tourists, but also business travelers, and locals who take their guest for a special treat. This is especially the case with the cruises that include dinner.

There are many various cruise options , and most Seine cruises depart from one of the bridges at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. So if you want to do this at any time of your trip, this is the best moment in this itinerary.

The most popular option is the 1-hour cruise . You can take any boat which suits your schedule best and see all the highlights next to the river. On the way, you’ll pass many of the most famous landmarks of Paris, including the Louvre and Notre Dame. It’s a really nice way to see the city from a different angle and something I really recommend doing.

Alternatively, you can opt for an evening cruise that includes dinner. There are also quite a few options here and the choice can be overwhelming. This highly-rated dinner cruise offers really good quality and it starts/ends at the Eiffel Tower, so it would be a great fit for this itinerary. The fact that it’s also popular with the locals says it all.

Eiffel Tower Lights and Sparkles

As it gets dark, the Eiffel Tower is lit up every evening . In addition, it also sparkles for a few minutes every hour. It’s an unforgettable sight!

So after returning from your (dinner)cruise wait for the tower to sparkle. If you are visiting in the summer when it gets dark late, you could first go for dinner nearby. If you take a dinner cruise, it should be dark by the time you get back. In the winter, it’s quite likely that the tower will lit up when you visit it or even before that.

Good to know: Eiffel Tower light installation is automatic and it switches on a few minutes after sunset. At the moment, the tower remains lit until 11.45 pm. The sparkles go on on the hour every hour, between dusk and 11 pm. The spectacle lasts for about 5 minutes.

TIP: Some of the best places to enjoy the view on the sparking Eiffel Tower are Champ de Mars , a park southeast of the tower or Trocadero Park northwest of the tower, on the other side of the river. When the weather is nice, you will see hundreds of people (often with picnic blankets and wine bottles) enjoying the views of the beautifully-lit tower. It’s always a great atmosphere! You will usually see street vendors walking around selling wine and champagne (and also paper cups), so you can join in with the fun.

Place Vendôme – Opera – Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and (optional) Printemps Haussmann – Grévin Wax Museum or Covered Passages (optional) – Montmartre – Moulin Rouge Show.

Day 3 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Opera – skip-the-line tickets.
• Grévin Wax Museum – entry tickets (booking isn’t a must, but can save you some time).
• Montmartre – a guided walking tour or a self-guided tour is really recommended.
• Moulin Rouge show (with dinner) – you really should book the tickets long in advance.

Good to know: None of these places are included in the Paris Museum Pass . Also, your overall itinerary on this day (and how much time you’ll have everywhere) will depend a bit on which Moulin Rouge tickets you get – an early show with dinner (+-7 PM), just the show (+- 9 PM), or the late-night show (+-11.30 PM). So if you opt for a later show, you’ll have more time everywhere and/or be able to get back to your hotel to change if you like.

Place Vendôme

In the morning, you could visit Place Vendôme , one of the famous squares in Paris. This huge square is lined with some of the most expensive designer clothing- and jewelry stores. It’s much more exclusive than the luxury stores on Champs-Elysees or pretty much anywhere else in Paris.

One of the most luxurious hotels in Paris – the Ritz – is also located here. This is where Princess Diana stayed on her last night in the city.

The main landmark on the square is Colonne Vendôme . This is a 44 meters high bronze column that dates from the early 19th century and was ordered by Napoleon. It was made using over 1,200 cannons that were seized from the enemy during the battle of Austerlitz, and was dedicated to the French soldiers.

You don’t really need much time here, but since the next place on this itinerary is nearby, you could make a small effort and visit Place Vendome in the morning. Alternatively, just head straight to Palais Garnier (see below).

Palais Garnier (Paris Opera)

Opera Garnier is one of the places you really should see in Paris! I have to admit that it took me multiple trips to finally make the time for it, and wow, we should have done it right from the start. The architecture and the grandeur of this palace is absolutely dazzling!

Built in the late 19th century, Palais Garnier is the largest opera house in Europe. It’s not only its size that is impressive, but mostly the interior. I can’t even start to compare it to any other opera house we had seen (and we visited quite a few of them all over Europe including some of the most famous opera houses in Italy).

It’s not just the main hall/stage that is worth seeing, but there are so many other impressive halls and chambers. Everywhere you look, it’s a real feast for the eyes! In fact the Grand Foyer inside Palais Garnier is so exquisite that it could compete with the famous Hall of Mirrors in Versailles!

Good to know: Paris Opera is normally open for visits daily from 10 AM. However, it sometimes closes for special events. You can immediately see if it’s open on the day of your visit when you check the availability and buy your ticket . If needed, adjust your Paris itinerary, but don’t miss it!

Of course, you could also check their calendar and see if there are any performances that you could potentially visit during your stay in Paris.

TIP: For a small additional fee, you can get an interactive audio/tablet guide at the opera. If you have time to explore deeper, it’s worth it. And otherwise, just walk around and enjoy!

Galeries Lafayette – Printemps – Lunch

11 AM – 1 PM.

Right across the street from the Opera, you will find the most famous department store in Paris – Galeries Lafayette Haussmann . This is where the richer tourists come to do some shopping, but even if you are not interested in buying anything, you should really take a look inside!

The central area with an impressive glass dome is absolutely not to be missed! However, in addition, be sure to also visit the rooftop terrace ! The views from here are really nice and there is now a big ‘Paris, je t’aime’ (Paris, I love you) sign where you can take some nice pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

TIP: If you are looking for a similar experience without the crowds, check out the nearby Printemps Haussmann department store as well. Its top floor also has a very impressive glass dome, and they also have a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. There was one other tourist here when we visited; for the rest – only locals.

Good to know: Both of these department stores have some nice restaurants and cafes where you could sit down for lunch .

If the weather is good, you could also try to find a table at one of the cafés on the rooftop terraces (both, at Lafayette and Printemps). However, if you are just looking for a more simple quick meal, then you’ll find much better options in the nearby streets.

We really enjoyed crepes at La Crème de Paris , about 12 minutes walk from here, but there are tons of other nice options in this area too. And no worries – I indicated all the places mentioned here on our map, so you don’t have to write down or remember all the names.

Grévin Wax Museum or Covered Passages (optional)

In this same area, you can visit Grévin Museum . If you have been to a wax museum (like e.g. Madame Tussauds), it’s a very similar experience. Except that here, you will see more famous French people. But there are plenty of big international names too.

You can get the tickets for this museum in advance and in the high season, it can help you to skip the lines, but they aren’t very well organized so it’s not always the case. Or you can just see how busy it is on the day itself and decide if you want to visit at that time.

Another nice alternative in this same area are the covered passages . There used to be about 150 covered galleries in Paris, out of them about 20 remain today. You can see a couple of them here – on both sides of the street next to and opposite the museum.

Good to know: There are some tours that also visit these – and many other – covered passages. Or you can also opt for the self-guided audio tour . Just keep in mind that almost all of them start at Colonnes de Buren (close to the Louvre – see day 1 of this itinerary), which is about 15-20 minutes walk from the Opera or Grevin Wax Museum. If you are interested, I think that the self-guided tour will be the best option for this itinerary since it gives you complete flexibility on when to start/end.

TIP: It’s also really easy to adjust this itinerary so that you start with the self-guided covered passages tour in the morning (you can start as early as you like). The tour ends close to Grevin Wax Museum and you can then visit the Opera and the department stores nearby.

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Next, make your way to Montmartre , one of the most iconic neighborhoods of Paris. You could walk here or take the metro which will take about the same amount of time.

A good place to start your visit to this area is Abbesses metro station at the foot of Montmartre. From here, you can walk/ take a funicular to Sacré-Cœur Basilica which is located on the hill.

I highly recommend that you take a guided tour of Montmartre , or you risk missing all the best parts of this neighborhood!

There are really nice tours of Montmartre , and many of them start at around 3-4 PM. So it could work for this itinerary really well.

If you rather explore on your own, you can also opt for this great self-guided audio tour (this is what we did since we weren’t sure how the timing would work out). Despite having visited Montmartre many times in the past, we’ve learned so much more and saw some nice areas that we would have missed otherwise.

The main landmark of Montmarte is the Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart). Most tours will end here allowing you plenty of time to see it inside.

TIP: If you are fit and can do 300 steps, be sure to climb the Dome of Sacré-Cœur . The 360° views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. Normally, the Dome is open until 8.30 PM and you can just get the ticket on the spot. When we recently visited Paris in October , there was no queue at all and we could just walk in (despite it being quite crowded at the Basilica itself).

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Montmartre

Moulin Rouge Show (with dinner)

Next and final stop on this itinerary is the iconic Moulin Rouge , the most famous cabaret in Paris. It’s located just near Montmartre and so you could easily come here after seeing all the rest.

If you are wondering whether a Moulin Rouge cabaret show is a good idea, I’d say don’t hesitate. It’s an amazing experience and so typically Paris. You can even do it with kids, just prepare them for the fact that there will be some nudity. And yes, there are quite a few other cancan shows in Paris (and you could easily visit one or two more), but if you choose just one, make it the Moulin Rouge!

A few things to keep in mind. They do have a certain dress code , so ideally, you don’t come here in jeans and sneakers (shorts are definitely not a good idea). But it’s not like you need evening attire either. When we visited, we saw everything – from very casual pants/blouses to high heels and evening dresses (these were rather an exception and not the rule). So if you want to go back to your hotel to change, foresee some time for this. Or simply dress up a bit more during the day already.

Normally, there are two shows every evening , one at around 9 PM and one at around 11.30 PM. You can also opt for dinner+show option , which usually starts at around 7 PM. This is a really high-quality dinner created by an award-winning chef, so the food is excellent.

PRO TIP: No matter which option you choose, be sure to book your Moulin Rouge tickets asap! Because this is a very popular experience in Paris (also among locals and business travelers), the shows usually sell out a few weeks in advance. Sometimes, there are only late shows available, which was the case when we booked tickets 3 weeks (!) before our visit.

Our experience: Due to it being the only available choice, we booked a late show at the Moulin Rouge and it worked out really well. Since our hotel wasn’t that far away, we went back to change our clothes. At 9 PM we had dinner at a very popular restaurant Bouillon Pigalle , just a few blocks from Moulin Rouge.

I indicated this and one other good restaurant in this area on our map. Try to reserve in advance because both of these restaurants are really popular and very busy! Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of other places to dine in this area.

Based on our experience, I say don’t worry about the late show . In fact, it’s maybe even better if you don’t mind staying up late. It leaves you more time for sightseeing and you can also get back to the hotel to change your clothes and have a quiet dinner before coming here. So just see what works best for you.

TIP: If the Moulin Rouge is sold out, you should be able to find tickets for one of the other cabaret shows . A popular (and also more budget-friendly) choice is Paradis Latin , the oldest cabaret in Paris. We once also went to see the Crazy Horse show and it was excellent too.

Hôtel de Ville – Centre Pompidou – Stravinsky Fountain – Le Marais neighborhood – Pantheon – Latin Quater – Luxembourg Gardens – Catacombs + Montparnasse Tower .

Day 4 – planning info/tickets to book:

• Le Marais neighborhood – book a guided tour (walking tours or bike tours). We opted for this amazing food tour . Optional Picasso Museum .
• Pantheon: skip-the-line ticket .
• Catacombs: timed-entry tickets are a must! We wanted to do this tour , but unfortunately, it was sold out (4 weeks before our trip!).
• Montparnasse Tower: skip-the-line ticket .

Good to know: The Pantheon and Picasso Museum are included with the Paris Museum Pass .

Hôtel de Ville – Pompidou Center – Stravinsky Fountain

Start your day at the Hôtel de Ville , the city hall of Paris. It’s a beautiful neo-renaissance-style building that is well worth seeing.

In front of the city hall, there is also a large square with fountains where various events are held. For example, in December, you’ll find a Christmas market here. During our last visit, Paris was already in preparation mode for the 2024 Summer Olympics, with colorful Olympic Rings set right in front of the city hall.

Next, walk to the Centre Georges Pompidou . This iconic building dates from the 1970s and is best known for its unique architecture.

You can see colorful piping all over the facade and each of the colors actually means something. Yellow pipes are for electricity, green – for water, blue – for ventilation and air-conditioning, and red for lifts and escalators. The building has several functions including a library and a modern-art museum. There is also a rooftop restaurant with nice city views.

You could spend a few hours here, but with just four days in Paris, we suggest only seeing this remarkable building from the outside. Also – if you would like to visit – keep in mind that it only opens later in the day. In that case, you’ll have to adjust your itinerary.

Good to know: Centre Pompidou will be closed for renovation starting from late 2024 until 2030. Even so, it’s still worth coming here – see below.

Just next to the Pompidou Center, on the southern end of the square, you can see another famous Paris landmark – the Stravinsky Fountain .

Built in the early 80s, this colorful fountain is made up of 16 moving figures, each representing different works of composer Igor Stravinsky. It’s very unique and makes for some fun photos.

The fountain has been recently reopened after a complete renovation, so the colors are as bright as ever!

In this same neighborhood, you could also walk to Forum des Halles , a huge modern shopping mall.

Next to it, you can also visit an impressive Saint-Eustache church . You could also start here early in the morning, but nothing will be open yet.

This is not really a must, but something to consider depending on the rest of the plans for this day.

Le Marais Neighborhood (walking/food tour)

10 AM – 2 PM.

With 4 days in Paris, you should be able to have at least a few hours to get a bit off the beaten path, beyond the main landmarks. For that, we highly recommend a walking tour through the charming Marais neighborhood .

Located in the heart of old Paris, this is the best-preserved medieval area of the city and also the heart of the Jewish community . Despite its proximity to so many popular landmarks and touristy places, this is a wonderful area with a feel of authentic Paris.

Le Marais is a great place to taste all kinds of food, which is as diverse as the residents of this neighborhood. From traditional Parisian and French food to Moroccan and middle-eastern cuisine and typical Jewish dishes, there’s truly something here for everyone.

And if you need some more convincing to visit this neighborhood, you might want to know that Le Marais is also home to the Picasso Museum , which is located in a beautiful building that is worth a visit in itself.

TIP: If you decide to visit this neighborhood, I highly recommend that you consider a guided tour. There are quite a few tours that come here (on foot or by bike), sometimes in combination with some other neighborhoods nearby. Without a guide, you might not appreciate this area unless you do lots of research in advance and know exactly the best spots.

We opted for this amazing food-tasting tour and it was by far the best tour we did in Paris. We also considered this walking tour (which doesn’t include any food and is much cheaper) and met a few people who did it and said it was excellent. As you can see, there is truly something for everyone and all budgets. Needless to say, 3-4 hour tours that include food tasting will be much more expensive than walking tours of less than 2 hours.

Good to know: Your overall itinerary on this day will depend on the tour that you choose here (if any). As you can see in the indicated timing, we foresee about 4 hours for this area (based on the tour that we did). If you join a shorter tour, you could also visit Picasso Museum, or simply continue with the rest of this itinerary allowing yourself more time at the other places indicated further below.

Also, pay attention to the starting times of the tours when deciding as this might be different depending on the season, etc. Ideally, you finish at no later than 2.30-3 PM so that you still have plenty of time for the rest of this itinerary.

READ ALSO: French Food: Best Local Dishes to Try in France

Panthéon

2.30 – 3.30 PM.

Built in the 18th century as a church, the Paris Panthéon later became the burial place for many famous French personalities, artists, and intellectuals, since the time of the French Revolution.

In the underground crypts of the Pantheon, you can see the tombs of French writers such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas, but also the scientists Pierre and Marie Curie, and many others.

The building itself is really grand too and the interior is very impressive. Plus, you can climb to the top of the dome from where you have nice views of central Paris.

Good to know: Unless you have the Paris Museum Pass , get the tickets for the Pantheon online in advance. This was one place where we didn’t book upfront and we wasted almost 45 minutes in line (and it wasn’t even high season). The tickets are not timed and are valid the whole day, and it can save you a lot of time.

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church (optional)

3.30-3.45 PM.

Right next to the Pantheon, you will see the church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont . And while there are countless beautiful churches that you can visit in Paris, this one is truly one of the most impressive ones (and it fits this itinerary really well, so you don’t have to go out of your way to see it).

The interior of this impressive church is even more breathtaking than its exterior. Inside, you can also see the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris . On the right side close to the altar, you’ll find an impressive glass coffin containing her relics.

There is no fee to visit and it only takes a few minutes of your time. I highly recommend that you check it out!

TIP: If you’d like to see more churches in Paris, you may want to make a small detour and visit the Église de Saint Germain des Prés . It’s a bit out of the way, but still in the same neighborhood. It’s beautifully restored and many Parisians say it’s now one of their favorite churches to show to tourists. We didn’t get there anymore – there’s just so much you can squeeze in a day. But if you have some time to spare, you’ll find it indicated on our map.

Latin Quarter – Luxembourg Gardens

Next, explore the Latin Quarter a bit more and walk to Luxembourg Gardens . These gardens are among the must-sees in Paris and really worth a visit at any time of the year.

You could start at Luxembourg Palace . This former Royal Palace is now used by the Senate. Then check out the beautiful pond in the middle, and walk south all the way to the “4 Corners of the World” fountain .

From here, it’s just a short walk to the next stop on this itinerary – the Catacombs.

5.30-6.30 PM.

It took me many years and many trips to Paris to finally visit the Catacombs . And now that I did, I highly recommend considering adding this unique place to your Paris sightseeing itinerary. It’s a truly unique place that will show you the dark side of the City of Lights.

Paris Catacombs date from the 18th century when the city was expanding and the decision was made to clear up the overflowing cemeteries. The remains of about 6 million people were carefully moved to this new location. Already at that time, it became a quirky attraction. They even organized midnight concerts here…

It’s really special to descend deep under the streets of Paris and discover this huge labyrinth lined with millions and millions of bones and skulls. We have visited numerous catacombs and bone chapels in Italy ( Rome , Naples ) and Portugal (Evora) before, and each and every one of them is so different.

The Paris Catacombs are absolutely massive! To give you an idea, you exit them about 0.5 km further than where you entered.

Good to know: While it’s not a spooky place, a visit to this ‘Empire of Death’ can be quite confronting. Plus, you will be underground for about 1 hour, so it’s not suited for people with claustrophobia. There are also some stairs that you have to negotiate, but nothing too strenuous.

TIP: Book your tickets for the Catacombs in advance ! The tickets are timed and they only allow a certain number of people inside. It usually sells out, so you really can’t count on being able to visit without a reservation. On Tiqets , you can usually book the tickets weeks upfront. On the official site , they only start selling 7 days upfront. The price is normally the same everywhere, but not all time slots are available on all sites. If it’s available, get them as soon as you start planning your itinerary; and if not, mark your calendars and try the official site 7 days before your visit.

Alternatively, if available for your travel dates, you could consider visiting the Catacombs with this tour . They take you to some chambers inside the Catacombs that are not open to the general public. This tour has fantastic reviews, but it is often sold out. It was also fully booked when we traveled. A self-guided visit is also ok, but I’m sure we would have learned so much more with a guide.

Montparnasse Tower

The last place on this 4-day Paris itinerary is one more amazing viewpoint – the rooftop terrace of Montparnasse Tower . This is the second-highest viewing terrace in the city (after the Eiffel Tower summit) and the views are really nice. In fact, the view is better than from the Eiffel Tower since you are looking at it.

Depending on the time of the year, you could time it to be here around sunset. But it’s worth it either way!

TIP: Get your ticket in advance and skip the queues at the entrance. People with reduced mobility get a big discount – in that case, get the ticket once you get there.

There is also a nice restaurant here if you are looking for a special treat for your last evening in the city (in that case, be sure to reserve in advance!). But there is really no shortage of good restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars, and pubs in this part of Paris, so you’ll find plenty of nice places to eat nearby. I indicated a few of them on our map.

Where to Stay

There are so many nice areas where you could stay in Paris and there is really not one ‘best’ place. As a general rule, try to stay in the heart of the city center, close to the metro, next to lots of local restaurants, and – ideally – within 15-20 minutes walking distance to places like the Louvre or Opera. That way, you are really centrally located for most sights.

Good to know: Many hotel rooms in Paris are tiny ! Often, there is just enough place in the room for a double bed and one person can hardly turn around in the bathroom. Pay attention to this when making your choice so that you know what to expect!

Advice based on our multiple trips to Paris. If your main focus of visiting Paris is sightseeing and getting to know the city a bit deeper, I recommend staying in the area north of the Louvre and east of the Paris Opera. There are many nice hotels here for various budgets, this area has lots of restaurants, and so many of the main landmarks are within easy reach from here. Some of the best department stores are also located in this area.

Here are some hotel recommendations in this area for various budgets:

€€€€€ InterContinental Paris Le Grand . €€€€ Chouchou Hotel . €€€ Leonardo Boutique Hotel Paris Opera (we recently stayed here – see below for more info). €€+ Hotel Choiseul Opera (one of the most popular 3* hotels in this part of Paris). €+ Hotel des Arts – Cite Bergere .

Our recent experience: On our recent visit on which this 4-day Paris itinerary is based, we stayed at Leonardo Boutique Hotel Paris Opera (previously Hotel Prelude Opera). This hotel is located very close to Grevin Museum, next to some of the nicest covered passages of Paris, about 15 minutes walk from the Opera and 20 minutes walk from the Louvre.

The location of the hotel was excellent, with the metro just behind the corner and lots of good price/quality restaurants. It’s a very good-value mid-budget 4* hotel that has been recently renovated. Also, by Paris standards, the rooms are of a rather comfortable size.

On a somewhat higher budget, a very nice choice in this area is La Maison Favart , with an indoor swimming pool and big family rooms for up to 4 people. You’ll find lots of other options for all budgets nearby too.

So, this sums up our recommendations on how to spend 4 days in Paris.

I hope that this very detailed guide will give you a better idea of what can be done in Paris in about four days. Of course, you can also skip the places that don’t interest you that much and take it easier leaving more time to relax and explore deeper.

So use this itinerary as it is or adjust it to your interests and plan your own perfect trip.

TIP: Be sure to also take a look at our first-timer’s guide to visiting Paris . It contains lots of useful information and tips for your trip to the City of Light. Check it out!

Enjoy Paris!

More travel inspiration for Paris:

• Traditional French Food
• Best Views in Paris
• Top Museums in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum
• Best Things to Do in Montmartre
• Paris Itinerary for 1 Day
• Paris in October

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for some of the most beautiful cities in Europe:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Seville, Spain
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Toledo, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

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Monday 15th of April 2024

Hi Jurga, I’m planning a trip in September and found your 4 day itinerary extremely helpful. Yours is by far my favorite out of the several Paris traveler blogs that I’ve read.

My question or concern is that it seems very busy. While I would like to see as much as possible for the four days we will be there, Im also a bit worried about just running around like crazy in order to not miss timed entries and not being able to relax and enjoy each place. It seems like a lot of ground to cover each day and I’m not clear on distances since I’ve never been there.

For example the Versailles trip in between D’Orsay museum and the Eiffel Tower. Seems like a lot but I’ve never been so I don’t know.

I know this might be a big question but…is there really enough time to do all this stuff each day?

Tuesday 16th of April 2024

@Jurga, thanks so much for the speedy response. All great advice again! Probably stuff I should already know but it definitely helps to hear from an expert. Much appreciated!!

Hi Damian, I sure understand your concern. This itinerary is packed. But yes, it's also doable (it's based exactly on what we did on one of the recent trips to Paris (it was me and my mother, so no kids on this trip)). Whether you should follow it to the t, it's really your call. In that case, you will have to plan well and pre-book everything well in advance to get the time slots you want. And yes, there will be moments when it might feel rushed. You won't have half a day to spend at each museum or in Versailles, so if you want to explore deeper, skip some places and concentrate on those that interest you the most. You could easily spend the entire day in Versailles alone if you prefer. On the other hand, keep in mind that slowly walking between the museum exhibits is usually quite tiring too and after 2-3 hours, most people can't really concentrate on anything anymore. Also, what do you do in a city if you didn't plan anything for 2-3 hours? Sit down at a cafe, go shopping, do some people-watching? If you like to do that, then skip something else and foresee some extra time in between. Only you know yourself and how you like to travel, so decide based on that. If having too much planned on the same day without much extra time gives you stress, see if you can adjust the itinerary to make it more relaxing for you. For example, you can visit Museum d'Orsay first thing when it opens and then Versailles in the afternoon. But maybe plan the Eiffel Tower later and/or skip the Seine Cruise. Or only visit the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower instead of the Summit (that saves a lot of time)... There are so many ways to adjust the itinerary and still see a lot without feeling overwhelmed. This itinerary is just meant to give you ideas on what to do, how you could plan your time, and show what's possible. But there are a million other ways to do it. Hope this helps.

Friday 2nd of February 2024

Q: what is the train station for Varersaille, to purchase entry tickets I want to ensure there is a train leaving early enough for a 9:30 entry. Thank you

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

Hi Terri, depending on where you are coming from in Paris, here are some of the best train stations from where you can take a train: Invalides 'close to d'Orsay Museum or Invalides', Champs de Mars (close to the Eiffel Tower), or Pont de l'Alma (a bit in between). You need to take a train line C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche Station. There are trains running more or less every 15 minutes throughout the day and you can just get tickets at the machines at any station. There is no need to book train tickets in advance. And yes, there are plenty of trains in the morning and the journey from the center takes about half an hour. In addition, it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the Palace from the station in Versailles. TIP: You can use Google Maps to find the best route and see the train schedule. Choose the little train icon instead of a car or a pedestrian and you'll see all public transport options. Ideally, check it the day in advance or on the day itself - that way, you get the most up-to-date info. Hope this helps.

Michael Cicchi

Monday 17th of April 2023

I have not been at Place Vendrôme yet but I hope to have high tea at the Ritz next time in Paris. That is probably all I can afford there.

@Jurga, Yes, I just googled Angelina and it sounds like a great place.👍👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I still haven't been inside the Ritz either, Michael. Locals recommended Angelina tea house (they have several locations in Paris, including one not too far from this area). That might be a more affordable choice for your high tea experience ;).

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Thank you SO much for putting this blog together! It has been extremely helpful as I plan our trip this spring! I have a couple questions. I love that we can reserve skip the line and timed entry tickets ahead of time. I've noticed though, for skip the line we aren't given the opportunity to select a specific time... Does this mean that we can show up any time during that day and are able to skip the line? That will be helpful in planning but I noticed when I go to reserve tickets I'm not prompted to select a given time. And for the Cruise/Bistro dinner tour. That also doesn't inlcude a time? Will more information come after we book it or do we just show up to the destinition sometime during that day and it works? I'm sure I'm making this more difficult than it needs to be. Any help appreciated! Thank you!!

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

@Jurga, Thank you so MUCH for you quick response! That was extremely helpful! I will start reserving times when my planning is nailed down. There are a few things I can't reserve yet because some calendars only go till March. The dinner cruise in our budget is the $54 one. 1 hour sight-seeing cruise with Bistro dinner. That is the one within our budget. Sorry. It won't let me link it. But it's on the list of ones you shared in that section. Thank you so much for all your help!

Hello Jacque, many Parisian attractions have timed entry tickets (e.g. Sainte-Chapelle, Musee d'Orsay, etc.). But there are many others where you just get a ticket that is valid the whole day and it doesn't matter when you arrive. So it really depends on the specific attraction that you book. I linked to the tickets as we bought them throughout the article. For the Seine dinner cruise, if you mean this one, it shows 8.30pm for me as a starting hour. I now realize that maybe you haven't chosen the date when looking at tours/tickets - you need to do that first in order to see the possible hours. So when you open a specific ticket or tour on the GetYourGuide website, you have to select participants, travel date, and in some cases, you can also choose between different languages. When you do that, you either see the hours to choose from or - like for the dinner cruise - you see the only possible starting time. Alternatively - for tickets to the main attractions - you can also try booking tickets on this website. Maybe it's simpler for you to understand. Also here, you have to select the travel date, choose your timeslot (where applicable), and then the number of tickets that you need. Hope this helps.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

Paris . It’s one of my favorite destinations in the entire world and a city that would take a lifetime to see.

I’ve been to the city more times than I remember — I even moved there for a while — yet I’ve barely scratched its surface.

Understandably, planning a trip to Paris is hard. Just when you think you’ve seen everything the city has to offer, you find new attractions, new cafés, or new markets to explore (not to mention visiting Disneyland Paris ). There are layers to this city — which is partially why I love it so much.

Most travelers seem to visit Paris for around three days before moving on. They see the highlights, snap some photos, and move on.

While three days is better than nothing, I think you need more time than that. Ideally, I think you should plan on spending at least five days in Paris in order to see the bare minimum of what the City of Lights has to offer. There’s just too much to do.

To help you plan your trip to Paris and figure out what to see, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat, here’s my suggested itinerary for a five-day visit (and some other suggestions in case you decide to spend longer there!)

Paris Itinerary Highlights

Day 2 : Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, & more!

Day 3 : The Palace of Versailles, Père Lachaise Cemetery, & more!

Day 4 : Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Holocaust Museum, & more!

Day 5 : Paris Catacombs, Rue Mouffetard, Musée de Cluny, & more!

Where to Eat : My Favorite Restaurants in Paris

What to See in Paris: Day 1

For paid tours, check out Take Walks . They are my go-to walking tour company when I want something more in-depth and informative. They have all kinds of walking tours (as well as museum and food tours ). There’s something for every interest!

However, if you want to follow my own walking tour, here’s my suggested route for an “orientation walk” around Paris:

Start at the Champs-Élysées and see the Arc de Triomphe. There isn’t usually a line, and you’ll get sweeping views of the city to start your day. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées and through Place de la Concorde, where you will see the Luxor Obelisk, which the French stole from the Egyptians. It’s over 3,000 years old and stands 75-meters (246 feet) tall. This square was also where they guillotined people during the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Walk down the Champs-Élysées through the Jardin des Tuileries, a beautiful garden that was once home to a palace that burned down in the 1800s. Stop and admire the Louvre before continuing down Rue Rivoli and crossing into the original section of the city on the Île de la Cité. This is where the Romans built their original settlement, (called Lutetia, which was the basis for the modern-day city of Paris.

Enjoy the Pont Neuf and the statue of Henry IV. This stone bridge, the first in Paris, was built in 1578. Stroll to my favorite church of all time, Sainte Chapelle, with its incredible 12th-century stained glass. There’s usually a line, so book tickets in advance (11.50 EUR). You’ll skip the huge line (sometimes the wait is over an hour).

After that, head to the underground Roman ruins and then visit Notre Dame, the world’s most famous Gothic church. It was damaged in a fire in 2019 and is still closed, however, you can still admire the building as it’s still being repaired.

Next, head south toward the Latin Quarter. This area is rather touristy but if you get off the main drag, you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of alleys and café-lined squares that are far away from the local tourist hangouts.

Visit the Pantheon and honor France’s most famous dead citizens before heading west toward the Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can relax and watch life go by. There’s great people-watching here, and it’s one of the best parks in the city.

After that, head north to see Saint Sulpice. If you’re into The Da Vinci Code , you’ll be looking for symbols and hidden meanings throughout this church. If symbols don’t interest you, just marvel at how grandiose this place is.

By this time, it should be late in the afternoon and a perfect time to stop in a café, order some wine, and relax the Parisian way.

What to See in Paris: Day 2

If that’s not your thing, there are plenty of impressionist period gems like Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and other masters. Nevertheless, the museum is worth seeing, and I spent about five hours exploring all the masterpieces and marveling at the old royal palace. You could easily spend more time if you’re an art buff too. If you’d just like to see the highlights, expect to spend a couple of hours.

Timed skip-the-line tickets cost 17 EUR. Post-Covid, you definitely want to get these as they often run out of tickets as, to deal with the crowds, they have started limited the number of visitors per day.

You can also take a guided tour around the Louvre (which also skips the line) if you really want to dive into the incredible art in this museum. You’ll learn much, much more this way.

Musée du Louvre, 1st arrondissement, +33 1 40 20 53 17, louvre.fr. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and weekends from 9am–6pm, and Fridays from 9am–9:45pm. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is 17 EUR. They also offer free admission for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month October-March and on Bastille Day (14 July). Admission is also free for EU residents under 26. To avoid the massive lines, enter via the Carrousel du Louvre entrance and you’ll get right to the ticket counter. You can also skip the lines if you have a Paris Museum Pass .

1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 7th arrondissement, +33 1 40 49 48 14, musee-orsay.fr. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday from 9:30am–6pm and Thursdays from 9:30am–9:45pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 17 EUR (or 9 EUR after 4:30pm every day but Thursday). It’s free on the first Sunday of the month. Be sure to buy tickets in advance so you can skip the long line.

Musée de l’Orangerie Finish off a wild museum day with this Monet showcase. The museum displays eight tapestry-sized Nymphéas (water lilies), housed in two plain oval rooms. Monet painted these images later in his life, and each one represents a different time of day and season. There’s a bottom floor that shows other works too. It’s a beautiful museum.

Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 1st arrondissement, +33 1 44 50 43 00, musee-orangerie.fr. Open Wednesday-Monday from 9am–6pm; last entry at 5:15pm. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is 12.50 EUR and is free on the first Sunday of the month.

Budget travel tip: Get the Paris Museum Pass . This pass covers over 50 museums and attractions in Paris. It covers all the museums above, so getting this pass and using it to see all the attractions listed in this article will save you a ton of money. A two-day pass costs 55 EUR, a four-day pass costs 70 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 85 EUR. Plus, it will let you skip all the long lines that these attractions have.

NOTE: People will say “That’s too much to do in a day! Those museums take a day each!” And they are right. These museums can actually take DAYS to see. But, if you’re short on time, you can see the highlights of each in a very long day. Or don’t and take your time in each museum. This itinerary is just a mere suggestion anyways!

What to See in Paris: Day 3

It takes a full day to really enjoy a trip here. Spend the day exploring the château, get lost in the surrounding gardens, and soak up the extravagant lifestyle of France’s former monarchy. Make sure you see the estate of Trianon (known as Marie Antoinette’s estate) as well, which includes a fake peasant village created to provide scenic views and fresh milk and eggs for the Queen.

Versailles is massive and beautiful so don’t rush your visit. Most people see the Palace first, then the gardens, and then Marie-Antoinette’s estate. If you do everything in reverse, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds. Additionally, go on a weekday to avoid the worst of the crowds.

If you really want a deep dive, take a guided tour of Versailles with Walks. You’ll not only skip the line (which will save you a ton of time) but you’ll get an expert local guide who can really bring the history to life.

Place d’Armes, Versailles, +33 1 30 83 78 00, en.chateauversailles.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5:30pm with the last entry at 5pm. Closed Mondays. “The Passport” ticket gives you admission to all the palace tours (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s estate), the Musical Fountain Show, the Musical Gardens, and the exhibitions for 28.50 EUR (21.50 EUR during the low season).

Guided tours with GYG that skip-the-line cost 55 EUR. I highly recommend a guided tour because there’s not a lot of signage in the building so you don’t really get any context around what you are seeing.

Built in 1804, it’s named after Louis XIV’s confessor, Père François de la Chaise (1624–1709), who lived in a house near the cemetery. Initially, the locals considered the cemetery too far from the city so administrators devised a plan. They moved the remains of Jean de La Fontaine (fabulist) and Molière (playwright), two of Paris’s most famous artists, to Père Lachaise, hoping that people would want to be buried near France’s famous heroes.

It worked, and today it’s the city’s most iconic graveyard — and the most visited cemetery in the world. Just make sure you’re out before it closes at 5:30pm.

Guided tours cost 20 EUR and last three hours. I recommend taking a tour if you can. There’s not a lot of signage here so you don’t really get any information about the cemetery without a tour.  

What to See in Paris: Day 4

Afterward, have a picnic on the grass and enjoy the sunshine and the views. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the city.

Champ de Mars, 7th arrondissement, +33 8 92 70 12 39, toureiffel.paris. Open daily (9am–midnight) during the summer, with slightly shorter hours during the rest of the year. Admission is 18.10-28.30 EUR per person, depending on how high you go. You can also pay for direct access to an elevator that takes you to the top for 35 EUR.

Wander Rue Cler Located near the Eiffel Tower, this street is filled with good Parisian eateries. You’ll find cheese, meat, bread, vegetable, and chocolate stores to explore. I never walk away from this street without a pile of food and wine.

Whenever I’m here, I eat my way through this street and then buy more for later. It’s one of my favorite streets in Paris.

Paris Sewer Museum This tour is definitely an off-the-beaten-path attraction and isn’t too far away from the Eiffel Tower. You’ll learn about the interesting history of Paris’s sewer system .

You may be put off by the idea of a “sewer tour,” but don’t be. It doesn’t smell down there and you’ll learn how modern Paris came to be. Before there was a suitable drainage system, waste from the city just ended up in the river. It then spread disease and polluted the entire area, putting the entire city at risk. It wasn’t until the city developed a complex sewer system that it was able to overcome diseases, boost trade, and develop into the world-class city that it is today.

Pont de l’Alma, Left Bank, opposite 93 Quai d’Orsay, 7th arrondissement, +33 1 53 68 27 81, musee-egouts.paris.fr/en/. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am–5pm. Admission is 9 EUR.

Les Invalides (The Tomb of Napoleon) Also known as Hôtel National des Invalides, this enormous complex was built in 1670 by Louis XIV as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Nowadays, it’s home to several museums and monuments, including the Musée de l’Armée (the Military Museum of the Army of France) and Napoleon’s tomb. It is one of the most comprehensive history museums I’ve ever visited, and you’ll need at least three hours to see it properly.

While military history may seem boring, this museum is really a history of France, the Revolution, and Napoleon. It is fascinating and incredible in its depth. I cannot recommend it enough.

Place des Invalides, Musée de l’Armée, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 7th arrondissement, +33 810 11 33 99. Open daily from April through October (10am–6pm; Tuesdays until 9pm), and 10am–5pm from November through March. Admission is 14 EUR.

The Museum of the Shoah (The Holocaust Museum) Despite having an excellent exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Museum of the Shoah never draws a lot of people. It’s a real shame, as the information and collection here is really great and in-depth. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, and this is one of the best and most detailed in the world. I highly recommend it.

17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 4th arrondissement, +33 1 42 77 44 72, memorialdelashoah.org. Open Sunday–Friday 10am–6pm and Thursdays from 10am–10pm. Closed Saturdays. Admission is free and a free guided tour is given at 3pm (in English) on the second Sunday of every month.  

What to See in Paris: Day 5

1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 14th arrondissement, +33 1 43 22 47 63, catacombes.paris.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9:45am–8:30pm; last admission at 7:30pm. Closed Mondays. Check the website before you go — the Catacombs are sometimes closed without warning or explanation. Admission is 18 EUR for last-minute tickets sold the day of. The audio guide is 5 EUR. Advanced tickets are 29 EUR (including the audio guide).

Rue Mouffetard This pedestrian street is filled with cafés and shops and has an outdoor market. It’s great to just wander down or for sitting in front of a café and watch Parisian life go by. Make sure to stop by the nearby Place de la Contrescarpe too. There are some good and inexpensive restaurants in the area, making it a nice place to stop for a while and watch life go by.

Musée de Cluny The Cluny Museum, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is the finest surviving example of medieval architecture in Paris. Built in the 15th century, it was the former home of the abbots of Cluny and now houses Roman and medieval art, including many architectural fragments found during excavations around the city.

The museum also contains the adjoining rooms of a Roman bath, which the abbey was built over. It is by far one of the most interesting history museums in the city and worth every euro of the admission fee!

6 Place Paul Painlevé, 5th arrondissement, +33 1 53 73 78 16, musee-moyenage.fr. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am–6:15pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 12 EUR and free on the first Sunday of every month.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France One of the grandest libraries in the world, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France was founded in 1368 by Charles V. Stop in for a quick visit and be sure to take a peek at the old rotunda of the art library and the 20-foot globes in the permanent collection. The collection is massive at over 40 million items, including some 15 million books and over 5,000 manuscripts from Ancient Greece.

Quai François Mauriac, 13th arrondissement, +33 1 53 79 59 59, bnf.fr. Open Monday from 2pm-8pm), Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-8pm, and Sundays from 1pm-7pm. Admission is free.

In the evening, the stairs near the church fill up with people watching the sunset, chatting, and drinking. There are usually lots of buskers here too making it one of the best places in the city to soak up the city in the evening.  

Where to Eat in Paris

• Café Père & Fils — Café Père & Fils is a Parisian brasserie and coffee shop with outdoor seating for lunch and drinks.
• Florence Kahn — This perfect little shop has a blue mosaic shopfront. They make really delicious sandwiches — try the pastrami.
• ISTR — ISTR is extremely trendy and usually busy for dinner, but I highly recommend its happy hour, when the wine and oysters are cheap.
• King Falafel Place — Some of the best falafel in Paris. There’s usually a line but it moves quickly.
• La Crêperie des Artes — This tiny to-go crêperie is the best in all of Paris (in my opinion). Cheap, delicious, and large portions — you can’t go wrong here.
• Le Dit Vin — The prices are reasonable, there is a large wine selection, and the menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh. It’s one of my absolute favorite spots in the city
• Pizzeria Popolare — Some of the best pizza in Paris. Get there early. The line is LONG.
• Juveniles — An awesome bistro near the Louvre with a rotating menu in a compact space.
• Robert et Louise — This place serves lots of meat and roasts from an open fire. It’s a hearty meal. Great wine selection too!

If you want even more places to eat and drink in Paris, get my city guide which features a complete list !

Admittedly, even with five days in Paris , you’ll barely scratch the surface of the city. It’s just too massive, nuanced, and layered. The history, the architecture, the charm — it’s unlike any other place in the world.

However, you will still be able to see many of the highlights and get a sense of just how amazing Paris really is. But want to get away from the crowds? Want other suggestion? Here’s a list of off-beat attractions , unique walking tours , and day trips from the city .

Paris is best explored slowly. It’s a city meant to be unraveled, discovered. There’s so much that just pops up that you want to be like a local and just let your day unfold unexpectedly. Meander in the gardens and parks, take a long lunch, watch that band, sit by the Seine, and linger over that bottle of wine. Live your best life in Paris.

Use this suggested itinerary as your starting point and see where your trip takes you. I promise it won’t disappoint!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Three of my favorite places to stay in the city are:

• St. Christopher’s Canal
• 3 Ducks Hostel
• Les Piaules

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Paris .

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Need a guide? Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company.

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Paris? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Paris for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How to Spend 3 Days in Paris — Luxury Hotels, Natural Wine Spots, and Under-the-radar Museums Included

From picturesque walks to souvenir shopping, a longtime Francophile shares her ideal three-day Paris itinerary.

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

On a recent layover in Paris, I spent 15 minutes weeping outside a boulangerie, hands clutching my croissant like a stress ball as I spiraled into decision-paralysis mode. How do I make the most of 24 hours here? I asked myself, my mind racing over how to fit a week’s worth of explorations into one day. The answer ended up being: Stop stressing. Walk around. Eat the crushed croissant, and drink a glass of wine with lunch. 

Paris provides endless temptations: art and architecture, Michelin-star restaurants, unrivaled vintage shopping, fantastic hotels , and four-euro wine. There’s no way to do it all, so allowing yourself some grace to wander aimlessly — the French call it flânerie — is key to making the most of your trip. To that end, I suggest basing yourself around the incredibly walkable Marais, which marries classic Parisian architecture with hip restaurants and shops. I’d spring for the new cool-kid hideaway, Le Grand Mazarin , a maximalist hotel that boasts an indoor pool and hammam to revive you after a long day. 

Here, I’ve curated a jam-packed three-day itinerary for a quick trip to Paris , in a bid to prevent myself and everyone else from ever ruining a perfectly good croissant out of choice-anxiety again. Pick what works for you, skip what doesn’t (but not Musée Bourdelle ). Keep in mind that much of the city’s attractions and restaurants close on Sunday and/or Monday, so be sure to check their hours in advance. Whatever you do, I hope you people-watch at a cafe somewhere, lingering long enough to convince yourself you might be picking up French by osmosis. I hope you notice how the limestone avenues absorb the light, and maybe a little piece of you, too. 

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

After an overnight flight, I always start my day with my favorite French comfort food: a galette complète from Breizh Café , which has several outposts around the city that whip up some of the best buckwheat crepes in Paris. Tucking into their famous complète oignons — layers of ham and Comté cheese topped with a sunny-side up egg and onions decadently caramelized in cider from Brittany — is the warmest welcome you’ll find in the French capital.   

Walk off your breakfast with a stroll through the Marais , making your way toward beloved concept store Merci to satisfy all your souvenir needs, from stationery to expertly curated home goods, clothing, and beyond. If jet lag is setting in, grab a coffee at their Used Book Café , or down the road at the oft-Instagrammed Boot Café . 

Mosey over to Place des Vosges, the oldest square in the city. In the warmer months, it’s a lively picnic destination for locals and tourists alike. The manicured trees, stone fountains, and red brick archways surrounding the leafy square are stunning from any angle, but if you’re looking to experience the square’s royal history from a whole new perspective, consider splurging on a room at Cour des Vosges . The refined five-star hotel offers luxuriously intimate accommodations without fuss or ostentation — plus, exclusive views onto the square from the comfort of your bed. 

Hidden just beyond the square are the courtyard and gardens of the Hôtel de Sully, a quieter green space offering a wonderful respite from the bustling Rue Saint-Antoine. From there, walk down to the Seine river and cross over to Île Saint-Louis, a jewel-sized island where you can admire the elegant 17th-century architecture and stop by L’Étiquette , a beloved natural wine spot that offers takeaway bottles and wine tastings with the owner, Hervé. 

While the Notre-Dame cathedral is still under renovation (it’s set to reopen in December 2024 ), you can still admire its striking Gothic facade before walking to nearby Shakespeare and Company , the city’s famous English-language bookstore. 

Post up at the counter of L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre for a light lunch of Basque-style tapas (don’t skip the seared foie gras) and, oui , more wine. Afterward, wander around the chic side streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to Paris institutions like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, plus a bevy of art galleries and upscale shops that are better to visit here than on the over-crowded Champs-Élysées; some favorites for window shopping include Le Bon Marché (the Left Bank’s grand dame department store), the fabulously decorated Hermès flagship, and Officine Universelle Buly , which crafts spectacular candles that make for ultra-chic souvenirs. If you’re up for it, pause to people-watch at the always-bustling Bar du Marché before heading back to your hotel to rest up before dinner.

To finish the day, book a table in the bustling 11th arrondissement at Le Bistrot Paul Bert , which serves elevated comfort food — think steak frites, seafood, and epic desserts — that’s earned a devout fan base. 

Today’s the day to pack in your museum visits and sightseeing. Wake up early and grab breakfast at your hotel, or treat yourself to a top-notch coffee and croissant at Café Loustic , which has always made me feel at home. 

Walk over to the Louvre , where you should arrive 30 minutes before opening if you’re hoping to snap a selfie with the Mona Lisa. Frankly, if you only have three days, I’d skip it in favor of visiting some of the city’s other world-class museums — but be sure to at least stroll around the iconic I. M. Pei-designed glass pyramid and the historic courtyard. While you could head straight to the Tuileries Garden from here, I love to detour to the Palais-Royal Garden first, an oasis that’s home to a picture-perfect fountain rimmed by those iconic green Sénat chairs. 

Pass through the palace’s inner courtyard on your way there, where you can scramble around Daniel Buren’s famous black-and-white Colonnes de Buren installation. Just beyond the garden is Galerie Vivienne, a breathtaking 19th-century covered passage with mosaic floors, antique glass ceilings, and a delightful bookshop. When I think about some of the places that first sparked my love of Paris more than a decade ago, these are what come to mind.

Make your way back to the Tuileries Garden and on to your next museum. Impressionist lovers who are short on time should prioritize the Musée de l'Orangerie to bask in the beauty of Monet’s "Water Lilies," or plan to linger a little longer across the river at the expansive Musée d'Orsay , which is housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station.

Sculpture fans should check out the nearby Musée Rodin , or consider the worthwhile trek into Montparnasse to be blown away by the works and former studio of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle at the lesser-known Musée Bourdelle . Whichever museums you choose to visit, be sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid massive lines. 

For lunch, book the three-course tasting menu at Substance , a sleek and modern Michelin-starred restaurant in the 16th arrondissement that boasts one of the finest Champagne lists in all of Paris. It’s right around the corner from Place du Trocadéro, an elevated (but typically tourist-swarmed) plaza that offers sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower.

From there, hop on the metro line 6 (or in a taxi, if you prefer) to the Arc de Triomphe. The panoramic view from the top is both fantastic and incredibly crowded; I’d rather enjoy the cityscape later on with a drink in hand at Bonnie , SO/Paris hotel’s trendy terrace restaurant that’s back over in the fourth arrondissement. But first, take your time wandering the iconic Champs-Élysées, making your way toward the storied Place de la Concorde — the famous site of Marie Antoinette’s beheading by guillotine. Chances are, you might need a drink after that; duck into Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, to check out the opulent Bar Les Ambassadeurs . (Pro tip: Be sure to snap a selfie in the marble bathroom.) 

Stick around the area for dinner. Try to nab a table at the ultra-trendy Hotel Costes — reservations are hard to come by, but the red-lit atmosphere is glamorous, and the legendary DJ sets continue late into the night.

For a new perspective on the city, take yourself up the steep steps of Montmartre , Paris’ longtime artist haven. You’ll beat the crowds if you arrive early in the morning, and the best place to start is Place Dalida, where you’ll be rewarded with a bucolic view of Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Climbing the cobbled slope of Rue de l’Abreuvoir is a chance to travel back in time, bearing witness to a nostalgic snapshot of what this neighborhood used to feel like. Whatever the season, this street is utterly charming — bursting with wisteria in summer and framed by red and golden leaves in autumn. Pass by the pink facade of La Maison Rose to snap some classic shots on your way up to Le Clos Montmartre, Paris’ only vineyard. (It’s privately owned, but guided tours are organized a few times per year.)

This part of the city feels like walking through a film set — it’s all steep stone steps framed by vintage street lamps, with a sprinkling of cherry-lit bistros thrown in. To that end, peek around Place du Tertre, a definitively touristy but still-charming square (if you get there ahead of the crowds, that is), which is filled with artists who will ask to paint your portrait. (Note: This area is known for pickpocketing, so keep your belongings secure.) Next, ogle the majesty of Sacré-Coeur, which offers one of the most spectacular views of Paris spread out below. 

If it’s still early enough, head over to the Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantic Life) for a coffee and pastry at the Rose Bakery tearoom, tucked into their unsurprisingly romantic courtyard and greenhouse. But don’t spoil your appetite — you won’t want to miss the inventive small plates and next-level wine list at Mokonuts , an intimate lunch spot run by a Japanese-Lebanese couple serving up what has consistently ranked among my favorite meals in Paris. The food is fantastic, the 11th arrondissement space is unfussy, and the reservations are hard to come by (call and hope for a cancellation — it happens more often than you’d think). Order the entire menu (it’s small), including at least two desserts. Trust me. 

If it’s warm out, go lounge along Canal Saint-Martin or the banks of the Seine, where locals picnic, read, smoke, and smooch — take your pick. On colder days, round off your museum visits with a trip to the Centre Pompidou for modern art or Musée Carnavalet (housed in two fabulous mansions) to delve into the history of Paris. 

For dinner, few restaurants charm so instantly as Le Clown Bar — famous for their veal brains and sweetbreads, I choose to go for the delightfully kitschy Belle Époque clown decor. On a recent trip, I skipped the brains and went for the Japanese-inspired beef tartare — few days have passed that I haven’t thought about it. There’s an abundance of natural wine that will appeal to a range of palates, including those who think natural wine is “too funky.”  

If you’re looking for a nightcap (it’s your last night in Paris!), Little Red Door serves up exceptional and inventive cocktails around the corner.  

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Paris in One Day

If you’ve only got one day in Paris — perhaps you’re on a long layover — you’ll need to remind yourself from the beginning: You can’t do it all. I’ve nearly ruined several brief trips by thinking about all the things I should have packed in, rather than feeling present in the few that I was able to manage. 

If it’s your first time, I’d combine the itineraries for days one and two. Base yourself a bit more central to the main attractions — for a night of absolute pampering, treat yourself to a stay at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, or Le Meurice — two luxury properties just off the Tuileries Garden. Wake up early and indulge in room service or grab a fresh croissant from a boulangerie near your hotel, and savor every second of that interaction — the greasy bag, the warm dough, the flaky mess of it all. Start at the Palais-Royal Garden and Galerie Vivienne before ducking over to see Notre-Dame. 

Unless you’re a serious art history buff, I’d avoid spending your one day inside a museum, but you should still wander around the Louvre courtyard and Tuileries Garden — Le Cafe Marly is a pricey lunch, but offers classic French dishes served with iconic views of the pyramid. 

Grab the metro over to Place du Trocadero for some Eiffel Tower time, wander the Champs-Élysées, then stop back at the hotel to freshen up before taking yourself a bit further afield for dinner — go for Bistrot des Tournelles , another excellent spot for homemade pork terrine, steak frites, chocolate mousse, and other French comforts. 

Page Light Studios/Getty Images

Paris in One Week

La chance! (What luck!) You can take your days a bit easier than the itinerary suggested here, lingering a little longer at cafes perhaps and spreading out more museum visits (you really shouldn’t miss Musée Bourdelle in this case). While you could easily spend the whole week in Paris, you might want to plan an overnight to Versailles, where you should book a royally exceptional stay at the opulent Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle , the only hotel on the palace grounds. 

If you’re visiting Paris in winter , you’ll want to make time for the festive holiday markets, while in summer, the Seine beckons with its faux beach. Whatever the season, the best thing you can do with your extra time is allow yourself to wander aimlessly, letting the city reveal its magic to you. 

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4 Days in Paris: How to Plan the Perfect Paris Itinerary

When you think of Paris, you will probably already have a picture perfect image in mind. Is it delicious food and wine, paired expertly by some of the world’s best chefs? Is it romantic walks on bridges over the Seine at twilight, with the lit up Tour Eiffel in the background? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of delving into the top notch art, from the ancient and medieval to the modern displays of the Palais de Tokyo?

In all cases, 4 days in Paris will allow you to experience a little bit of the best of what the City of Lights has to offer. 

We recently spent a week in Paris – we have both visited Paris before, Matt has been multiple times – and spent our days walking A LOT, exploring new neighborhoods that we never made it to on shorter, previous trips. Canal St. Martin and Montorgueil are two of our new favorites.

At the beginning of that trip, my French was gone. I had spent seven years in middle school and high school learning French and was a pretty strong speaker on my first two trips to Paris. But by 2021 I had not spoken French in almost 10 years, and I was stumbling over my words, accidentally speaking Spanish, and not able to understand anything. 

By day 3, I was back! I even got a compliment from a Parisian that my French was good – get this – “for an American.” What a nice, extremely backhanded compliment! High praise coming from a Parisian. 

With that preamble out of the way, let’s talk about what you’re going to find in this guide. 

• Some tips and tricks about Paris that we learned on our latest trip that we think will be helpful (for example, be prepared for everyone to be smoking at all times).
• A detailed 4 day Paris itinerary , with a day-by-day structure to help you organize your trip and our thoughts on what to do and see in Paris. 
• Our recommendations on what to do with more and less time in Paris .
• A few important logistics – getting around, getting to and from the airport, etc – that you need to know to avoid speed bumps.

Thanks for bearing with us on the intro. If you’re still here, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, this is a long one. 

We’re proud of this guide, and think it gives you a blend of the “best-of” Paris and some experiences that most people don’t get, but are great opportunities to meet locals and learn about French and Parisian culture and history. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into neighborhoods called arrondissements – each has its own history and personality. If you look at the city map, imagine a snail’s shell coming out from the very center and circling clockwise and you’ll get the logic behind the numbers. 

Don’t have time to read the entire guide below? Here’s a quick summary with some of our top picks.

• If it’s your first time in Paris : Stay either in the 7th Arrondissement at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, or in the 2nd Arrondissement , our new personal favorite after our last trip.
• If you’re looking for a romantic getaway : Stay in Montmartre (the 18th Arr.).
• If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable area : Stay in either Canal St. Martin (a cooler area, but further out) or the 9th Arrondissement (central and affordable with great nightlife).
• If you’re looking for the coolest neighborhoods: Stay in the Marais (the 3rd Arr.) or Sentier (the 2nd Arr.).

Below, we’ll give our best picks for accommodation in the Marais and Montmartre – two of the very best bases for anyone exploring the city during a 4 day trip. You can find the other areas in our guide to where to stay in Paris . 

Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements) – The Heart of Paris

This is the very heart of the city, with gorgeous old apartment buildings with views of the Tour Eiffel and a maze of old streets with cobblestones and quaint shops.

You’ll rub shoulders with elegant suit-clad business people walking home with their baguettes in the evening, but will also get to mingle with the hipsters who go out to the area’s many bars and cafes. Bakeries are on every corner and you’ll be steps away from the Louvre, Notre-Dame cathedral and more.

The Marais is also a great place to shop. The Rue de Rivoli is lined with bigger brand stores going towards the Louvre, but if you stick around in the area of Rue Vieille du Temple and Rue des Francs Bourgeois you will find some more unique shops, from bespoke perfumeries to quaint fashionable clothes stores.

Places to Stay in Le Marais

The Hotel Les Tournelles , just near the Place des Vosges, is one of our favorite picks for staying in the Marais as it combines a modern, comfortable interior with an outstanding location for your 4 day trip to Paris. Upscale toiletries and rainfall showers are a lovely bonus and the room rate includes breakfast. 

For a boutique hotel, we recommend Hotel Georgette , a stone’s throw away from the Centre Georges Pompidou. Prices are in the mid-range for the quality of the accommodation and you get an exceptional buffet breakfast. 

Montmartre (18th Arrondissement) – Where Romance is Always in the Air

Head to the 18 th Arrondissement in the footsteps of painters and romantics. At the foot of the gorgeous Sacré-Cœur church, you will find a maze of cobblestoned streets filled with artists ready to paint your portrait for a few euros. 

Once home to Degas, Picasso and Renoir, Montmartre continues to attract bohemians and has a jovial, friendly atmosphere with bars with cheap wine and live entertainment and throngs of tourists lining the streets.

If you choose to stay here, be aware that you’ll very likely hear the noise of the street until the early hours… unless, of course, you’re out there enjoying the atmosphere!

You can’t beat Montmartre for a romantic sunset view across Paris and you’ll be just a short hop on the metro away from the rest of the tourist hotspots. 

Places to Stay in Montmartre

The Hotel des Arts is one of the best picks for a romantic getaway, steps away from the Moulin Rouge and a short walk to Sacré-Cœur. You’ll also be very close to Rue des Abbesses with its great restaurants and independent shops. 

For an even more boutique experience, head to the Mom’Art Hotel on Rue d’Orsel, close to Sacré-Cœur and offering fantastic rooms for the location. It’s family run, every room is different, and even has an on-site bar, restaurant and spa. 

Important Tips For Visiting Paris

During your trip to Paris, you’ll come across some of the clichés about Parisians, as well as some specific French lifestyle elements that are worth knowing about. 

Set Your Expectations

Here’s the thing about Paris. Paris is very, very polarizing. 

Some people rave about it and can’t get enough of it. Some people come back from their first trip to Paris and say it was underwhelming and that French people are surly and mean. 

I think it all comes down to expectations. 

Paris is not a city in a fairytale, which I think is what many first-time visitors build it up to be. They have this romantic ideal in their head, where they’re strolling by the Seine with a red beret on their head, hand in hand with their lover on their way to a cozy bistro for dinner. 

While that can certainly exist in Paris, it’s leaving out the part where there are cars honking, you just stepped in dog poop and are frantically trying to wipe it off on a leaf or the curb, and you’re running late because the metro was delayed. 

The romantic ideal of Paris is forgetting that Paris is a real city, a city full of tourists, and a big city, which means it has its fair share of problems. It’s a little dirty (not as clean as Seville or Madrid , not as dirty as Rome ), it’s a little crowded (especially on the metro at peak times), and it’s true that sometimes, Parisians can come off as unfriendly.

But on the other hand, it’s also an amazing city full of world-class art museums, a pretty great food scene, romantic neighborhoods full of narrow cobblestone streets like Montmartre, and tons of history and culture to dive into and learn more about. 

If there are two things I want you to know before you go to Paris, it’s these two. 

First , remember that Paris is a real city, and that the people living there are real people. There are great things about Paris, and there are annoying things about Paris. We’ll do our best to help you see the great things and minimize the annoying things. Or at least be aware of them going in. 

Second , don’t try to fit it all in. Trust me, I’ve done that trip. I’ve run around from museum to museum, and seen it all, but absorbed almost none of it. Instead, focus on a couple of main attractions (we think they’re the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Rodin Museum) and save some time to connect with locals on a walking tour, food tour, or cooking class to learn more about what makes Paris tick. 

Learn Some French – A Little Goes a Long Way!

Don’t be put off by the myth that Parisians are rude and unaccommodating to tourists . As long as you greet everyone with a Bonjour and make sure to be polite, most locals we’ve encountered have been absolutely lovely. It will help if you learn a few important French phrases. 

In our experience, people are always happier when you make an effort to use their own language. Not just in France, but just about everywhere in the world. 

Here are some useful phrases to learn, and my attempt at phonetic spelling. 

• Bonjour (bone – jure) – hello / good day
• S’il vous plaît (seal voo play) – please (“if you please”, literally)
• Merci (mare – see) – thank you 
• Je voudrais (jeuh voo – dray) – I would like (this is the polite way of saying it, I think)
• Pardon – (par – do) – excuse me
• Excusez-moi (excuse – ay mwah ) – excuse me (different way to say it)
• Désolée (dez – oh – lay) – sorry

Here’s a more comprehensive guide to French phrases to learn, or you could pick up a small French phrasebook to help you learn French as you go. 

Other Things to Know About Visiting Paris

Here are some other things to know going in that we jotted down on our latest trip. Some are useful, some are funny, some are good to know, and we hope that all of them will help you have a more enjoyable trip. 

• Many shops and convenience stores are closed on Sundays so check hours in advance. Even grocery stores and other places you’d expect to be open if you’re coming from the US or Canada. 
• Similarly, museums and places of interest typically have a day a week when they’re closed , but it’s not always the same. Check before you go.
• Paris is MASSIVE . We spent the first day or two trying to walk everywhere, and after multiple 30,000 step days decided to use the metro. With limited time, get acquainted with the metro and bus system, which will allow you to get around much more efficiently. We used this app for navigating the metro. It’s well worth investing in a Visite Pass , which gives you unlimited bus and metro rides (you only need zones 1-3, really). 
• You’re still going to be doing a lot of walking on this itinerary, and you’ll need to watch where you step because there is dog poop everywhere .
• Wear comfortable shoes , and leave the heels at home. There’s a lot of cobblestones and uneven footing in Paris, and if you’re doing a lot of walking, you’ll want your feet to be comfortable. 
• Everybody in Paris smokes . Or it seems that way to us. It has to be at least 50% of adults. Anytime you’re eating or drinking outside, there is almost guaranteed to be someone smoking nearby. Good to know going in. 
• Tipping isn’t as much of a thing . Servers in Paris get paid a living wage – something we should probably consider in the US (don’t @ me with “but small businesses”) – so tipping is more about rewarding good service than a requirement so the server can pay rent. It’s still nice to give a 5-10% tip at sit-down restaurants with good service, and you won’t get a receipt with a tip line – either tip in cash, or tell them the final amount you want to pay before they run your card (e.g. if the bill is 50 Euros and you want to tip 5, tell them “55 Euros, s’il vous plaît). 

Our Version of a Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary

Paris truly has something for everyone. From history buffs to art lovers, to technology enthusiasts and those looking for architectural wonders, it’s all there. With so much to experience it’s definitely tempting to try to pack in all the sights, but then you’ll find you don’t have much time to “live like a Parisian”. And that would be a shame.

To make the most out of Paris, plan to do one or two major sights a day, and dedicate the rest to walking around the neighborhoods while leaving yourself energy to go out for a drink and some dancing or live entertainment in the evenings. 

We’d recommend no more than two or three big museum visits during a 4 day trip to Paris, so you can fully enjoy them and retain the information.

Regardless of your interests, we think the Louvre will give the best all around experience of all the art and history you can take in over the course of four days. We recently did this tour of the Louvre at closing time , and really loved it. Read more about our experience here .

Aside from the Louvre, we’d recommend adding the Musée d’Orsay to view the best collection of impressionist art in the world, which had its heyday in Paris in the 19th Century (here’s a good essay on Impressionism and the historical context surrounding it).

One other personal recommendation would be the Rodin Museum , but we actually decided to exclude it from the 4 day itinerary below because it just doesn’t fit.

That’s how much there is to do and see in Paris – despite having four full days, we still didn’t find a good way to fit in what is probably our favorite museum in Paris. You’ll find our thoughts on it in the “More Time” section below, if you’re interested. 

It’s nearly impossible to distill everything that Paris has to offer into just a few days of visiting, but the following itinerary tries to cover as much as possible without being overwhelming. Adjust the order depending on where you’re staying or what bookings you’re able to make while you’re there.

What to Book in Advance : In general, to make sure you’re actually able to make it to some of the top sights in Paris, we’d recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower (if you want to go to the top), and Versailles . This is particularly important if you’re visiting over the summer, when we’ve seen crazy lines for some of Paris’ top sights, and it’s less important in the off-season (though we’d still book the Louvre in advance). 

Here’s an overview of the 4 day itinerary you’ll find below:

Day 1: The Left Bank, Saint-Germain, and the Eiffel Tower

Day 2: gothic churches, a food tour, and the louvre.

• Day 3: The Coolest Neighborhoods in Paris (Montmartre, le Marais, Canal St. Martin, and Montorgueil)

Day 4: A Day Trip to Versailles

Below the detailed itinerary, you’ll find some suggestions on what to do with more or less time on your trip to Paris, including options for compressing this itinerary into one, two, or three days. 

On your first day, start with a walking tour to get your bearings and learn tips and recommendations from a local guide, then make your way to the Left Bank, ending with sunset and an evening at the Eiffel Tower.

Important Note for the Day Ahead : We think the best way to experience the Eiffel Tower is with a picnic in the Champs de Mars, the park the tower calls home. Throughout the day, assemble materials for a picnic at the end of the day – bread, cheese, meats, wine, and whatever else catches your eye. Rue Cler, which is in the 7 th Arrondissement right near the tower, is a great place for finding those kinds of things. 

Start Your Trip with a Walking Tour

We always, always, always try to start our time in a new city with a walking tour. It does a couple of things for you that will set the rest of your trip up to be amazing. 

• It usually includes a lot of the main attractions in a city (though Paris is big enough that you can’t possibly see them all in a couple of hours) and gives you the historical and cultural context around them. You likely won’t go into, say, the Louvre, but you’ll walk by and talk about it briefly. That way, you’ll have a nice overview and you’ll be able to decide what you want to come back to later. 
• You’ll get a local’s perspective on the city, including things like what and where to eat and drink, how to get around, the best way to see the Louvre, and other super useful insider knowledge. Plus, you’ll get some valuable insight into Parisian culture that you’re really only going to be able to get by talking to a local. 
• If you’re lucky, your tour guide will send you a list of restaurants, bars, things to do and see, and more at the end of your tour, which you can use to explore the city on your own later. We love getting our hands on those lists, and have used them extensively on our travels to discover places we definitely wouldn’t have found on our own. 

On our most recent trips to Colombia and Europe ( Portugal , France, Spain , and Italy ), we’ve come to believe – strongly – that you should pay for a tour rather than take one of the many free tours that are offered in cities around the world. 

The reason? The tour guide. Not to mention the fact that “free tours” aren’t actually free – the guides work for tips, which means you’ll be paying at the end of the tour one way or another.  

There’s a huge difference between doing a walking tour with someone who has only lived in the city for a few years and a true local. On a free walking tour, there’s a higher chance you’re getting a student reciting a script rather than a local who’s giving you their point of view on their city. 

There are exceptions to the rule that paid tours are better than free tours  – it all comes down to the guide – but we strongly suggest paying for a tour. 

This is the tour we’d recommend. Technically, it’s an electric bike tour. Paris is huge, and it would be nearly impossible to cover all the ground you need to on foot. This tour will give you an excellent overview of the city, and set you up nicely for the next few days of exploring Paris. 

The alternative is either focusing on a specific neighborhood or area, like this tour of Le Marais , or focusing on a specific moment in history, like this French Revolution tour . 

Saint-Germain and the Luxembourg Gardens

Grab lunch after your tour – probably in Saint-Germain (we’d recommend LouLou for more brunch-y fare, or Georgette for French food) – then make your way through the bougie paradise that is Saint-Germain en route to the Eiffel Tower. 

Here’s a map of the rough route we’d take through Saint-Germain. There are a bunch of places to eat and drink along the way – Ladurée for macarons, Grom for gelato, and La Quincave for wine, to name a few. 

Head over the 6 th Arrondissement just across the street from the Le Bon Marché department store , a French institution dating back to the 19 th century selling upmarket fashion, beauty, and gourmet food. 

We love Les Grand Epiceries de Paris , a very bougie grocery store with all sorts of specialty food items – think a huge selection of artisanal breads, pastries, cheeses, etc – all under one roof. 

Grab a coffee at the Ten Belles coffee shop on Rue du Cherche-Midi and then make your way to the Jardin du Luxembourg , where you can sit among the flowers and enjoy the sunshine. 

As you walk up towards Rue Bonaparte, you’ll pass the current Senate meeting place, the Palais du Luxembourg. Arrive at the Église Saint-Sulpice , best known today as one of the settings in The Da Vinci Code . The church took 150 years to build and has some beautiful frescoes by Delacroix inside.

Come back on Rue Bonaparte to reach Saint-Germain-des-Près , Paris’ oldest standing church built in the 11 th century. From here, you can see the famous Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots , the cafes where artists, writers and socialites spent all their time at the beginning of the 20 th century. Sit and have a coffee outside or look in at the gorgeous interiors, pretty much unchanged for over a century. 

Continue your walk on the Boulevard Saint-Germain with an optional detour by La Dernière Goutte, to browse through an excellent selection of wines and grab a bottle for your evening picnic. Any cheese fan will find something they like at the Fromagerie Laurent Dubois , after which you’ll finish your self-guided walking tour at the charming Shakespeare and Company – the iconic new and used bookstore that’s been attracting book lovers since 1951. 

From there, walk west along the Seine to your next stop of the day, the best collection of Impressionist art in the world. 

Musée d’Orsay

Since it’s your first day and you’re likely still getting your bearings, we’d recommend saving the Louvre for a different day and doing the Musée d’Orsay instead, which is one of the two  museums we’d recommend visiting in Paris. 

If you’re an art lover, this is the other big museum you must see in Paris aside from the Louvre (we also love the Rodin Museum, for what it’s worth, but it’s in the “more time” section because it’s one museum too many for us). 

Not only is the Musée d’Orsay a beautiful building in an old railway station by the Seine, with stunning architecture from the 1800s, it also houses some of the best impressionist art. You’ll feast your eyes on Cézanne, Degas, Monet, and many others.

Your museum map will point out a few highlights, but make sure not to miss the Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-August Renoir with its energetic, lively atmosphere; Edouard Manet’s quizzical Olympia ; Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Claude Monet’s Blue Water Lilies.

The Musée d’Orsay is a short walk across the Seine from the Louvre – take the Pont des Arts and check out all the couples’ padlocks tied to it. The regular opening hours are 9.30 am to 6:00 pm every day except Monday. 

We always recommend a guided tour at art museums for the richer experience it provides. You’ll get the stories and context that bring the static pieces of art to life, and your guide will help you decide what to focus on in a sea of amazing art. More on this in the section on the Louvre below, which we’d DEFINITELY recommend a tour for. 

Here’s the tour we’d recommend . 

Though we haven’t done it ourselves, it checks all the boxes in terms of what we’re looking for – it’s led by an art history expert, it includes skip-the-line tickets to avoid spending hours standing in line at the ticket office (at least during the high season), and it gets great reviews. 

If you only have the budget for a single guided tour, do the Louvre and do this one independently. 

Details for Visiting Independently : The museum is closed Mondays, and open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (though it’s open late – until 9:45 pm – on Thursdays). Tickets are 16 Euros (13 Euros for reduced price tickets for students), and you can buy them in advance here . Which we’d recommend doing to avoid the lines at the ticket office.  

Finally, before the day is over, wander the mouthwatering Rue Cler and pick up the last items for your picnic. There’s another Amorino, or the Ladurée bakery with its world famous macarons, as well as a must visit shop for tea lovers: Mariage Frères makes exquisite blends, from the latest harvest of Darjeeling to a host of teas from Japan and beyond. You may need advice from the shop assistant.

• The Eiffel Tower

One of the most iconic images you’ll see during your 4 days in Paris, the Eiffel Tower can be glimpsed from all around central Paris, including beautiful views from the bridges across the Seine (the Pont d’Iéna links the Jardins du Trocadéro with the Champ de Mars where the tower stands) and from the Hôtel des Invalides (which is worth checking out during your walks around the city for its golden roofs and imposing stature).

Our favorite way to experience the Eiffel Tower is from the Champs de Mars, the park that the tower calls home. Particularly from the southeastern side of the tower, where there is a nice grassy area practically begging you to sprawl out for a picnic. 

Lucky for you, you’ve just come from Rue Cler, which is one of the better areas to pick up picnic supplies. Assemble a collection of French cheeses, a baguette (or three), a bottle of wine (or sparkling water), and head to the Champs de Mars. 

After your picnic, we’d also recommend heading over to the opposite side of the river for great views of the tower. In particular, there’s a great spot at river level with a pretty unbeatable view of the tower – it’s roughly here on Google Maps.  

On a clear summer evening, it’s worth sitting in the Jardins du Trocadéro to enjoy the light show that takes place at the top of the hour every hour for five minutes. 

Climbing the Eiffel Tower

If you want to get a postcard perfect view of Paris, we actually recommend going to the top of the Arc de Triomphe or the Tour Montparnasse, as the Eiffel Tower will then be included in the view. The problem with the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is that, well, you can’t see the Eiffel Tower. 

But, of course, the attraction of climbing it is irresistible. You have a few options to get to the top – you can take elevators to the second or third floor viewing decks, or tackle it on foot up to the second floor platform, which involves more than 1,500 steps in total. 

You’ll need to get tickets either way and we recommend booking skip-the-line tickets online to avoid huge lines. 

On your second day in Paris, start by visiting two of the most impressive Gothic churches in the world before diving into the food culture of Paris with either a cooking/baking class, or a food tour to try some of Paris’ best eats according to locals. 

Then, once you’re nice and fueled up, spend the afternoon and early evening at the Louvre, exploring one of the greatest art collections in the world. Ideally, with a guided tour. 

Notre Dame and Sainte-Chappelle

Start your day relatively early to make it to two of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Paris. Both happen to be churches.

For medieval art lovers and those looking to stroll through some of the most romantic church aisles, you cannot miss the Notre Dame Cathedral . Depending on how much detail you want to take in, you can walk through relatively quickly, admiring the gothic arches and the beautiful stained glass windows. Climb up to the tower for gorgeous views. 

Important Update : Unfortunately, the cathedral is currently closed following the fire that broke out in April 2019, but you can still admire it as you pass by. 

If you’re in Paris on a sunny day and have a couple of hours to spare marveling at some of the best stained glass windows in the world, then we wholeheartedly recommend Sainte-Chappelle . 

You can find this small gem of a church within the Palais de Justice, just a few blocks away. It’s a small, maybe not particularly imposing building from the outside, but the real spectacle can be found inside the chapel. It is considered Paris’ most exquisite Gothic monument and well worth a detour.

Choose Your Own Foodie Adventure

Diving into the food culture in places we’re visiting is one of our favorite aspects of traveling, and we try to include a food tour, cooking class, or market tour in most places we visit. 

Unfortunately, the reality is that because Matt has Celiac Disease and can’t have even a speck of gluten without being sick for days, a food tour or cooking class wasn’t in the cards for us in Paris. 

HOWEVER. That does NOT mean it shouldn’t be for you! We’d highly recommend it because it gives you a local’s perspective on the city’s food scene – what and where to eat and drink – and you get to connect with fellow travelers and try some amazing food.

Here are some options for you, split between food tours and cooking classes. Our bias is to do a cooking class, because we LOVE to cook, but we also enjoy a good food tour. 

Option 1: Dive Into French Cuisine in a Cooking Class

We’ve done all sorts of cooking classes around the world (read about our cooking class in Mexico City here ), and while the gluten-filled nature of most French food made it nearly impossible to find one in Paris that meets our needs, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. 

After all, haven’t you always wondered how to make the perfect croissant? Spoiler: you’re probably not going to want to do it more than once. 

Here are a few cooking classes that would definitely be on our list if, you know, Matt could eat gluten. All three of them are baking classes – because Paris is known for pastries – with Matthieu, a French chef who has a nice space in the heart of Saint-Germain (the 6th Arrondissement). 

Learn to Make Macarons : Exactly what the title sounds like – learn how to bake macarons from start to finish, and walk away with your very own box of 15-18 to devour later. 

Learn to Make Croissants : Croissants might be the most iconic French pastry… and also the biggest headache to make. Where better to learn to make croissants than with the help of a real chef? 

Learn to Make Baguettes : The famous french form of bread, you’re likely to see at least seven Parisians walking to and fro with a baguette in their hands during your time in Paris. Learn how to make a perfect French baguette, then enjoy the fruits of your labor by pairing it with a variety of local items. 

Option 2: Learn About Food Culture Through a Food Tour

Here are some food tours that caught our eye though, sadly, we also skipped these because of the whole gluten and cross-contact issue. 

Mingle at the Market – Taste Paris : This is part market tour, part tasting. You’ll meet at a local market over in the 11th Arrondissement and learn about Parisian food culture through experiencing the market and tasting a selection of foods at different stalls. It’s a small group with a maximum of six guests, so you’ll have plenty of time and space to ask questions and really learn about Paris through the eyes of Natasha, the host, and her team. 

NO DIET CLUB : First of all, their website starts with “Bye Boring Food Tours” and has a hilarious logo of a woman in a bikini riding a hot dog with a stein of beer and her middle finger up. But what about their tours? They have several tours in Paris where they take you around to their favorite spots in a specific neighborhood, which is the style we’d recommend. The tours last between three and four hours, and you need to show up hungry otherwise you’ll lose steam halfway through. They have lunchtime tours in le Marais and Canal St. Martin , and an evening tour in Montmartre . If we had to choose, Canal St. Martin would be our pick.

At the Louvre, you’ll encounter the best and most eclectic art collection of your trip. The museum is worth spending at least three hours in, even if you just plan on ticking off a few highlights. The vast palace started as a fortress in the early 13th century, becoming a national museum in 1793. 

The exquisite collection was built by subsequent French governments, sometimes controversially, bringing in art from all over Europe, as well as Assyrian, Etruscan, Greek, Coptic and Islamic art and antiquities.

Make sure you check out the Mona Lisa, the Victory of Samothrace (or Winged Victory), the Venus de Milo and the moving paintings The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault and Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix (the famous scene you’ll have seen of the symbol of the Republic, Marianne). 

Ask just about anyone to name the best art museum in the world, and those who have had the privilege of visiting Paris will likely say the Louvre without much hesitation. We like the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence too, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the Louvre has the most impressive and comprehensive art collection in the world, at least that I’ve ever seen. 

Which is… a bit of a problem. The Louvre is massive. There’s plenty of art to keep you busy for multiple days. And it’s from all different periods of history, too, spanning thousands of years. So how do you choose what to focus on?

A Note on Timing : The afternoon is generally the best time to visit the Louvre for slightly more manageable crowds. The late afternoon / early evening will give you a marginally more peaceful experience, which is why we’ve organized the itinerary in this particular way. 

Invest in a Guided Tour of the Louvre

On our three month European adventure that took us to Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Paris, we had the chance to see multiple famous art museums. 

We quickly realized that we’re just not really art museum people. But after a tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence , I had an epiphany as to why. 

Walking around an art museum and looking at pretty paintings is cool and all, but the real pleasure is when you actually understand the story behind each work of art, and the role they played in history and the progression of art history. Which, as two normal people, is something we don’t really have in our repertoire. 

We highly, highly recommend investing in a guided tour of the Louvre (we love Take Walks, and we’ve done multiple tours with them in Europe – read about our Colosseum Tour with them, which was amazing). If you’ve only got the time or budget for a single guided tour in Paris, this should be your choice. 

We’ve both done it independently – Matt multiple times – and have come to realize that unless you’re an art historian, it’s really, really hard to visit a huge art museum independently and come away with much else than “well that was pretty” or “whoa, they have so much art!”

A guided tour with an art historian is going to give you the context and stories behind each work of art, which are the things that really bring the experience to life. Plus, arguably more importantly, they’re going to help you understand the important pieces and periods to focus on. 

We opted to skip the Louvre on our latest trip, but we absolutely would have taken a guided tour if we were planning on doing it. Here are three tour options we’d recommend (they were on our list until we decided to skip it). 

We love the “ Closing Time at the Louvre ” by Take Walks, which aims to take you through the top sights at the least busy times. Starting at 6:45 pm, this is the most peaceful way to visit the museum, although it means adjusting your itinerary to suit. 

Another great tour option is the Semi-Private Louvre Highlights Tour , which will include a visit to the Mona Lisa, the French Romantics, top Italian artworks and the Crown Jewels. It only takes two hours but you won’t have to wait in line or wander the halls in search of your favorite painting. Once the tour is over, you can spend the next couple hours delving into the areas that have caught your eye.

Visiting the Louvre Independently

If you plan to go on your own, the Louvre is open daily except Tuesday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the exception of January 1, May 1 and December 25. 

We suggest booking tickets online , costing 17 Euros, as you might not find any at the museum (although they will be a tiny bit cheaper at 15 Euros). 

If you’re not doing a tour, it’s worth investing in the audioguide to give you at least a little bit more of the context around each piece of art. It’s not nearly as good as a live guide, but it’s better than nothing 

Rive Droite: A Walk on Paris’ Right Bank

As the Seine splits Paris across the middle, it sections it into the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) and Rive Droite (Right Bank). Explore the latter if you have energy left after your time at the Louvre, and we’d recommend walking from there to the Arc de Triomphe. 

• The Jardin du Palais Royal – A beautiful garden in the heart of the city, built around the 17 th century Royal Palace. A great place to stop and smell the roses (literally!).
• Head on to the Tuileries Gardens , where Parisians enjoy sitting on the lounge chairs by the fountains or taking walks with their friends. Cross it from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde to end up in the wide square with the Obelisk (it is 3,300 years old and engraved with Egyptian hieroglyphics).
• Carrying on along the Seine you’ll find the Grand Palais – built for the 1900 World’s Fair, it is home to several exhibitions. Check out the amazing 8.5-ton art nouveau glass roof!
• Finish your walk on the Champs-Élysées , strolling towards the Arc de Triomphe . 

The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées

Close out your day in Paris with a trip to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, which was built by Napoleon in the early 19 th Century to commemorate a victory at Austerlitz. Napoleon LOVED his triumphal arches. 

A quick side note: If you’re interested in Napoleonic history, I have a recommendation for you. At the beginning of our latest three month trip to Europe that took us to Spain , Portugal , and Italy , we heard Napoleon’s name over and over, and to be honest, the only things I really knew about him were that he was short and spoke French in a funny way (because he wasn’t a native speaker – he was Corsican). 

So, to learn about the man who shaped modern Europe in many ways, I started this podcast about Napoleon , and love it. It’s a deep dive into Napoleon’s life and impact on Europe during his brief stint at the top. 

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

The Champs-Élysées are pretty “meh” for us – it’s lined with the exact same kinds of shops and stores you’d see anywhere else in the world, and it really isn’t all that charming or interesting. 

Continue all the way up to the Place de l’Étoile, where you’ll be looking up at the Arc from below. 

From the Place de l’Étoile (now known more commonly as Place Charles de Gaulle), looking up, you’re bound to be charmed by the Arc de Triomphe . The height of Hausmannian architecture and city planning is on display here: from the star-shaped arrangement of tree-lined boulevards to the elegant buildings. 

We recommend crossing the busy roundabout to have a look at the monument and climb the 284 steps to the viewing platform at the top, from where you can see the avenues in their full splendor.

The view from the top is worth the effort, and it’s one of the best views in Paris. We think it’s better than the Eiffel Tower because it includes… the Eiffel Tower. Go around sunset for soft golden light washing over the sprawling city, and stay for a bit when the lights come on, and you’ll understand how Paris got the nickname “City of Lights.” 

The Arc de Triomphe can be reached through an underpass from the northern side of the Champs-Élysées, bringing you to just underneath the arch. You can buy tickets to the viewing platform in the tunnel (though you should buy them in advance to skip past the sometimes long lines at the ticket office).

Costs & Hours:  You can buy tickets in advance on the official website , which we’d recommend to avoid the long line. Admission costs 13 Euros for adults, but there are a long list of people who can get in for free, including people under 18 and E.U. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 (be prepared to show proof!). More information on opening hours, costs, and other practical information here . 

Day 3: Explore the Coolest Neighborhoods in Paris

Today, there are no tourist attractions (in the traditional sense) on the agenda. Instead, we’d recommend a long self-guided walk from west to east (roughly) through the Rive Droite and some of Paris’ most interesting neighborhoods.

Those neighborhoods are Montmartre , the gem atop the hill where you’ll find Sacré-Cœur and charming cobblestone streets, Le Marais , Canal St. Martin , and Montorgueil . The latter two are our new favorite areas in Paris after our recent trip.

A Morning in Montmartre

A lot of guides – both books and travel blogs – will recommend Montmartre as an afternoon/evening destination. It’s easy to understand why – the view at sunset is sublime (at sunrise, you’re looking into the sun from Sacré-Cœur), the romantic vibes come out after dark, and the neighborhood comes alive with people. 

We actually preferred Montmartre in the morning, before the crowds of people showed up. Which is why we have you here at the beginning of the day instead of the end. 

Start your day at KB Coffee Roasters , who have two things going for them. One, their patio on a cute square – complete with a carousel, which in my mind is a quintessentially Parisian phenomenon – at the base of Montmartre is an exceedingly pleasant place to sip your morning coffee in the Parisian sun. Two, their coffee is damn good. 

From there, make your way up the hill to the crest of Montmartre. You can either take the steep stairs that will take you straight up the hill, or meander up the winding cobblestone streets. At the top of the hill is the white church on the hill – Sacré-Cœur – which boasts one of my favorite views in Paris.

One Thing to Know : There will be people waiting at the base of the hill up to the church trying to sell you all sorts of things, but the most common is a scam where the person puts a bracelet on your wrist (without you asking for it) and then asks you to pay for it. A firm no thank you usually does the trick.  

At the top, admire both Sacré-Cœur itself, and the view from the platform just below it, which looks back towards the Seine and the center of Paris. You can also climb the tower of Sacré-Cœur for even better views – it’s 200+ steps, and like most church towers, they’re narrow and claustrophobic. 

After Sacré-Cœur, make your way back down the hill, this time taking your time to wander a little bit. Here’s the route we’d suggest, which takes you past the only winery in Paris, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris (La Maison Rose), and along some of the most romantic streets in Paris. 

End with a stroll down Rue des Abbesses , which is the bustling hub of activity in Montmartre. It’s lined with shops and restaurants, and is worth a walk through. 

To get to your next stop – Le Marais – it would be best to take the Metro from Pigalle ( here on Google Maps) to Bastille ( here on Google Maps). See the “Getting Around” section below for the best way to use the Paris Metro, which is super efficient. 

Le Marais literally means “marsh” – it was converted to farmland in the 12 th century and became a fashionable district in the early 17 th century when Henry IV built the Place Royale (now the Place des Vosges). 

It is now full of funky bars and restaurants, as well as home to many designer boutiques. 

The most fashionable area is moving slowly north, with Haut Marais (upper Marais) now commanding the attention of rising talent with vintage fashion and hip places to eat.

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Le Marais 

Take this self-guided walking tour to see the best of the Marais. 

Start at Place de la Bastille , which as you might have guessed is where the storming of the Bastille took place, igniting the French Revolution in 1789.

From there, make your way through the 3rd Arrondissement, which is much more busy and commercial than the 4th Arrondissement, which is where you’ll end your tour. Here are the stops to make along the way. 

• Place des Vosges : One of Paris’ best green spaces, we came here mid-morning and found it full of school children doing laps around the fountain in the middle, and people soaking up the sun with a good book. It’s impeccably manicured, and chances are good that you’ve seen pictures of it before. Victor Hugo’s house is at the southeastern corner of the square. You can visit to see the reconstruction of his apartment with authentic furniture, and a collection of sketches and other pieces from his life. More info here . 
• Next up, stroll down the Rue de Rosiers past some favorite take out places of Parisians, such as L’As du Falafel , through the Jewish quarter and on to where the Rue de Rivoli turns into Rue Saint-Antoine and you enter the very hip area of La Bastille. Check out the Fromagerie Laurent Dubois for an exquisite cheese collection!
• Along the way, you’ll pass the quaint shop of Nature et Découvertes on the Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie. Browse the shelves for cute trinkets before carrying on.
• Head north on Rue Vieille du Temple , one of the oldest streets in Paris, and poke your head into the Jardin des Archives Nationales , another of the neighborhood’s amazing green spaces. Follow the old cobblestone street north, and turn left to arrive at the famous covered market, the Marché les Enfants Rouges .

End your little meander in the Marais at the Marché les Enfants Rouges , a 1615 covered market that is the oldest market in the city, full of any food you might crave at lunchtime. This is an excellent place to have lunch. 

A good alternative would be Breizh Cafe , which is the place to go if you’re craving a crêpe. They have sweet crêpes and savory galettes, traditionally made with buckwheat flour, along with French cider, which is definitely worth a try. They have a bunch of locations in Paris, including one a few blocks south of the market on Rue Vieille du Temple  ( here on Google Maps). 

Around the market, you’ll find the hippest part of Le Marais. This is the 4th Arrondissement, and it’s always bustling with activity. There are some fantastic green spaces – like the Square du Temple – Elie Wiesel ( here on Google Maps) – and the area immediately east of the Marché les Enfants Rouges is a collection of some of the coolest bars, restaurants, stores, and coffee shops in Paris.

We’d recommend Candelaria for agave-based cocktails and Mexican food, Fringe Coffee for a rotating list of coffee roasters from all over Europe, and La Maison de Mochi for mochi-based treats (NOT GLUTEN FREE, SADLY).

Canal St. Martin

Canal St. Martin is one of our new favorite neighborhoods in Paris, and it’s partially because it feels like Parisians actually live there. There are young families walking along the canal, young couples 

From the 4th Arrondissement, it’s an easy walk to get to the canal, which is in the 10th Arrondissement, northeast of where you end your tour of Le Marais.

We’d recommend doing a big loop around the canal, stopping along the way for food, drinks, and whatever else your heart desires. Here are some other places along the canal that we enjoyed. 

One place we LOVED was La Cidrerie . We’re suckers for cider, and La Cidrerie is the place to go to try different kinds of French cider. We showed up around opening time, and chatted with the owner as he poured us a few different kinds of French Cider.

They even had one of our favorite American ciders on tap – the Chile Guava from Stem Ciders in Denver – which was a fun surprise! If you want to try French cider along with a collection of ciders from around the world, we’d highly recommend it.

• Boulangerie Chambelland : It’s a little bit south of the canal, but it’s worth the detour if you’re eating gluten free. This is the best gluten free bakery in Paris , bar none. Their breads are outstanding, and their pastries are similarly spectacular. We’d highly recommend it if you or someone in your group eats gluten free and is looking for the full French pastry / bread experience. 
• Paname Brewing Company : A cool brewery on the canal at the northern end of the neighborhood. One of the first movers in the craft beer scene in Paris, which was a little slow to take off. 
• El Cártel del Taco : Authentic Mexican tacos! Hooray!
• Breizh Café : If you skipped their crepes and galettes earlier, here’s another chance! This location is right on the canal. 

An Evening in Montorgueil

Rue Montorgueil runs north to south through the heart of the 2 nd Arrondissement, and is one of the best places for dinner and drinks in the city (in our opinion, anyway). We stayed nearby (in Sentier, another sub-neighborhood in the 2 nd Arrondissement), and fell in love with this area.

There’s just so much to eat and drink within a few blocks! It seems as though, on every corner, there’s a quintessentially Parisian bistro with the requisite outdoor seating and people smoking over dinner and drinks. 

Here are some places we enjoyed, but you should know that there’s an unlimited amount of options here. 

• Kapunka : Solid Thai food, which was a welcome alternative to all the pastries we were consuming. 
• Grom : Our favorite gelato shop in the world. No, seriously. It’s that good. 
• Substance Café : My favorite coffee experience in all of Paris (read about it in my guide to the best coffee in Paris). The barista is an award-winner, and his philosophy around slow coffee is a welcome respite in a city that is “vite vite vite!”
• Ma Cave Fleury : Two words: champagne bar. They make their own champagne at a winery in… Champagne. It’s biodynamic, and the woman running the shop was super friendly, explaining about the winery as she poured the wines for us. 

Literally crown your 4 day trip to Paris with a visit to the palace of the Sun King. Louis XIV transformed his father’s hunting lodge on the outskirts of Paris into the monumental Château de Versailles in the 17 th century, creating the most famous and grandest sight in France. 

It is enormous and splendid at the same time, with all you might expect in terms of lavish ornaments. Make time for the impeccably maintained gardens strewn with sculptures and several notable stops, too.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Versailles is on the RER C from central Paris (make sure to go for the Versailles Château station and NOT the Porte de Versailles, which is in a different place altogether on the 12 line). 

Trains run every 15 minutes from 5:30 am and we recommend getting there early (the trip takes around 40 minutes from Invalides, to give you an idea). Tickets cost €3.65 and you can buy them at the station you’re leaving from. You will find helpful signs as you exit the station.

Visiting Versailles

We recommend a full day of visiting to get the most out of your trip to Versailles. Book your tickets online and you will get a time slot for your visit, helping you plan the day. You can also download a free mobile app instead of taking an audio guide around. It has maps and extra information, too. 

A full ticket costs €20 for access to the whole estate and is the best option for seeing the palace, the gardens, and anything you might have time for.

Note : The palace opens at 8:00 am and is closed on Mondays. 

Versaille’s Top Sights

The Château and grounds are so vast that the best way to see all the notable parts is to hire a guide. However, here are some must do activities:

• Visit the Royal Apartments.
• Wander through the Hall of Mirrors and imagine you’re at a ball.
• Roam through the gardens and stop at Bassin de Neptune with its 99 fountains.
• If you can, time your visit so you’re there for the Musical Fountains Shows (day and night time displays of water “dancing” set to music, taking place in the summer – extra fees apply, see details here ).

Guided Tours of Versailles

To take the stress out of getting to the palace and marching through the whole property on your own, here are our picks for guided tours:

• Context Travel Versailles Palace and Garden Tour – A four hour experience taking you through key sights while a historian tells you the stories behind them.
• Take Walks Closing Time at Versailles – Go in at the final entrance time of the day and spend four and half hours in a small group, taking in the gardens during the afternoon and then visiting the palace once most of the crowds have left. 

What to Do with More Time in Paris

Here are five things to consider adding to your itinerary if you find yourself with more than four days in Paris, including a few day trips from Paris. 

The Rodin Museum : Our new favorite museum in Paris! The reason we like it is that, rather than being a huge collection of art cobbled together by some rich family centuries ago, it follows the life of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, and shows his progression throughout his life from his first official works to world-famous pieces like the Thinker and the Gates of Hell. The garden (really, it’s a sculpture garden) is gorgeous too, and well worth walking around. Get the audioguide! It’s in the 7th Arrondissement – more information like hours and costs here . 

Taste Some French Wine and Cheese : Another food-related experience that was on our list was this French wine tasting experience with an expert in French wine. Oh, and there’s cheese too. You’ll explore the world of French wine with a tasting of five different varietals, all paired with various French cheeses. 

The Catacombs : The Catacombs of Paris are a spooky experience. Rather than exploring the City of Lights above ground, you’ll descend into the dark underworld that is the series of tunnels that exists under the streets of Paris and explore a darker side of the French capital. Here’s a guided tour to add to your itinerary. 

Visit the Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is southwest of Paris, and is full of fairytale castles – châteaux, including the one that supposedly inspired the Beauty and the Beast – and good wine. On this guided day trip that includes transportation, you’ll go to Chateau de Chambord, do some wine tasting, and explore a smaller town in the Loire Valley. 

Full Day Cooking Experience : We decided not to include this full day cooking class as an option in the itinerary above because it’s a long day – probably too long for a 4 day itinerary. But if you have extra time, then it makes for an amazing food experience in Paris. You’ll first do a market tour, which is one of our favorite things to do in cities around the world, and then you’ll dive into a 4.5 hour French cooking experience where you’ll learn things like salmon tartare and coq au vin, the latter is a classic French dish that I made in French class wayyyy back when. 

Champagne : No, we don’t mean that you should drink champagne. Well, actually, we do mean that. But what we really mean is that you should drink champagne in Champagne on a guided day trip from Paris. This tour was on our list, but we opted to spend an extra day exploring Paris rather than doing a day trip. It includes transportation (which is important here – it’s hard to do your own version of this tour independently if you don’t have a rental car), multiple champagne houses, and a three-course lunch at a local winemaker’s house. 

What to Do with Less Time in Paris

With less time in Paris, we’d recommend cutting the number of things you’re trying to fit in. The alternative – trying to fit the same number of attractions into a shorter time – will leave you needing a vacation from your vacation. I’m speaking from experience here. 

The first thing to cut is the day trip to Versailles . It’s cool, sure, but at the end of the day it’s just a rich person’s palace with some beautiful gardens. We love the Jardins du Luxembourg in the 6 th Arrondissement (they’re in the itinerary above), which are a little less manicured, but are a good substitute. 

3 Days in Paris

With three days in Paris, cut the day trip to Versailles and follow the itinerary as written above for days 1-3. This is an easy one.

2 Days in Paris / A Weekend in Paris

If you’ve only got a couple of days in Paris, the first thing we’d do is choose between the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay . There’s so much to see in Paris that, with only a couple of days, we don’t think it makes sense to spend 3-4 hours on each museum, which is the amount of time you’d need to do them both justice. 

The second thing we’d recommend is to pick two of the neighborhoods on day 3 , and we’d recommend that you choose Montmartre and Le Marais (sorry, Canal St. Martin!). 

Here’s what two days in Paris could look like.

• Day 1: Montmartre, Le Marais, and the Eiffel Tower
• Day 2: The Gothic Cathedrals, a Foodie Adventure, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe

You can still use the relevant sections of the detailed 4 day itinerary above to plan out the specifics of your weekend in Paris.

One Day in Paris

Our first tip for spending a day in Paris is to book a second (or third). 

Joking aside, trying to see it all in a day just isn’t going to happen, which means you’ll need to prioritize and make some hard choices on what to save for next time. 

One big assumption we’re going to make here is that you want to see the Louvre . If that’s true, that’s going to eat up a significant chunk of time that you’re going to have to plan around. You could easily swap the Louvre for the Musée d’Orsay, if you’ve already done the Louvre before, or want something a little different. 

We’d also highly recommend investing in a 24 hour Metro Pass to make getting around Paris more efficient. 

Here are the things we think you should focus on with one day in Paris: 

• The Louvre OR the Musée d’Orsay
• The Gothic Cathedrals and Le Marais

We’d start with the Louvre when they open (go to Telescope Coffee , some of the best coffee in Paris, nearby for coffee and pastries beforehand!) and spend the morning exploring their extensive collection, preferably on this guided tour , which we recently did and loved.

Then, make your way east through Le Marais, stopping at the Marche des Enfants Rouge for lunch and exploring the 3 rd and 4 th Arrondissements en route to the two Gothic Cathedrals, Notre Dame (the interior and bell tower are closed indefinitely, but it’s worth admiring the twin towering bell towers from outside) and Sainte-Chappelle . 

To end your day, take the metro over to the 7 th Arrondissement to end your day in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower . Stop by Rue Cler for picnic supplies – bread, cheese and cured meat, fruit, and wine if you’re up for it – and head to the grassy area at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. 

Relax there for a bit, then walk under the tower (go up to the top if you want – make sure to book tickets in advance) and take in the view from Trocadéro , which is across the river to the west and has our favorite views of the tower. 

The Best Time to Visit Paris

As a multicultural European city that’s home to over 2 million people, Paris has plenty to offer all year round, regardless of weather or events. However, there are some particularly worthy aspects of each season in the city. 

Summer in Paris is hot and sunny, and there are tons of local events to enjoy. If you visit in June, you’ll be able to take in night-time street entertainment during the Fête de la Musique which takes place on the longest day of the year, June 21. 

Go in July and you might catch the fireworks of Bastille Day on the 14 th while you enjoy a picnic on the Champ de Mars. But be aware that August is a so-called “dead season” as most Parisians take their annual summer vacation then.  

Prices in Paris are highest in summer because it’s the peak tourist season, but you can have an amazing time in the city in fall or spring , when temperatures are mild and you can catch some amazing scenery in the many parks and public gardens. The Jardin du Luxembourg is enchanting with its rose garden and orchids. If you visit Versailles , prepare for long strolls through the grounds admiring fall foliage. 

Finally, winter in Paris can be cold and gray, without snow but a disagreeable drizzle that cuts to the bone. However, there are many indoor attractions to warm you up. You can enjoy the open-air skating rink at Jardin du Trocadéro or get into the holiday spirit by strolling through the Christmas markets. 

How Many Days in Paris?

Paris is massive. Which begs the question, how many days should you spend in Paris?

We think that 4 days is the absolute minimum you should spend. Anything less will have you jetting around from sight to sight with no time to relax and experience what truly makes Paris special. The cobblestone streets in Montmartre. Wandering Le Marais. Relaxing on the banks of the Seine.

That being said, 4 days is enough time to see the major sites and leave plenty of time for exploring.

This itinerary is meant to help you see the best of the city without needing a vacation from your vacation.

If you have more time, we have recommendations above on how to spend it. However, you could also just pick a neighborhood and spend a day wandering from shop to shop, coffee to coffee, wine bar to wine bar.

That sounds like a perfect day in Paris to us. 

Getting to Paris

Traveling into Paris is most convenient by plane and you’ll likely arrive at Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) , a short train or taxi ride from the city center. 

Flying to Paris

Most international flights touch down at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . The RER B train is the most convenient way to get to the city center once you land. It’s a popular mode of transportation and you’ll find it really crowded at times, but it’s the most affordable option you’ll find. Check out all you need to know in this guide .

The other big air hub for Paris is Orly Airport (ORY) , frequently a point of arrival for budget airlines or flights from within Europe. You can take the RER B Train into the center of Paris (you’ll be almost at the other end from Charles de Gaulle) or a dedicated bus called Orlyval. Here is the detailed guide on each option. 

From either airport, Uber works well for getting into the city center and doesn’t cost a fortune. It can be a great alternative if you have a lot of bags or are traveling in a group, so you don’t have to put up with busy public transportation. 

Arriving by Train

From within France or neighboring European countries, you can arrive in Paris at various train stations throughout the city. The Gare Du Nord is – as the name suggests – on the northern end of town and in a slightly seedy neighborhood, so we recommend jumping straight onto the metro from there to your accommodation. 

Other train stations include the Gare de Lyon , Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare de Montparnasse , among others. Where they are in the city reflects which part of the country they’re coming in from. All are well connected to the Metro system that will take you to your accommodation easily. 

Getting Around Paris

Paris is famous for its efficient Metro network with scenic entrances that adorn many posters (especially from Montparnasse). It is a great way to get around Paris if you need to cover longer distances or if you’re staying a bit out of the center. This guide will tell you all you need to know about using the metro.

If you plan to use public transportation, the RATP (Paris Transport Authority) has a useful app for planning your journey and a helpful website in English. A pass will get you a trip on the metro or buses and you can even take advantage of a good network of night buses (the metro runs until 1:00 am roughly). 

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a travel pass, you can buy a ticket at the machines upon entering a metro station (you can pay by card and they are all also in English) or a bus ticket from your driver (you’ll need cash).

At the same time, there’s no better way to really get to know the city than on foot. This Paris itinerary has been designed with walking in mind, allowing you to cluster together different essential aspects of Parisian tourism each day. 

Finally, if you plan to take taxis, our recommendation is to use a pre-paid app like Uber for upfront pricing and peace of mind. 

Bonus Tip : As any city with a major river, Paris can be explored by boat! The péniches are a great way to see the sights from the Seine. Cruise dinners like this one leave from the center and take you around the city at night. You can opt for dinner or drinks while on board and there’s an app to listen to key information about what you’re seeing.  

More Paris Travel Guides

Planning a trip to Paris? Matt, who speaks French “really well for an American” (as multiple French people have told him – it’s his proudest achievement in life), loves Paris.

As you get into planning your trip, you might find some of these other detailed guides we’ve written about Paris helpful.

• 4 Days in Paris: How to Plan an Amazing Paris Itinerary
• Wondering Where to Stay in Paris? Here are 6 Perfect Areas
• Gluten Free Paris: A Complete Guide for Celiacs
• A Coffee Nerd’s Guide to the Best Coffee in Paris
• Closing Time at the Louvre: Our Favorite Guided Tour of the Louvre

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

What an amazing amount of information. I just booked the ChouChou Hotel in the 9th arrondissements foe what will be our first trip to Paris. Your information will definitely be used to help plan our trip. Abs when the time comes to book tours I will certainly use the links you have provided as this much information is surely worth you making a few dollars off anyone that uses it as a guide. Just a thanks for taking the time to give such detailed information about the sights and sounds of Paris. I am truly looking forward to see this magnificent city in April of 2023.

Paris is great (as long as you go in with the expectation that it’s a real city where real people live, not a fairytale). The 9th is a nice home base – definitely don’t miss Aji Dulce, a Venezuelan place there with amazing arepas! It was a food highlight of our trip, for sure. Enjoy!

WOW!! THANK YOU so much for all of this AMAZING information! We are more excited than ever to go now in 3 weeks for our 2 year anniversary. All of the info, links, maps…is priceless. You have made planning our trip so much easier as we were a bit overwhelmed and do not speak French. Thank you!!! We will definitely be sharing your blog with others. We so appreciate all of the work you put into creating this great site! MERCI! Wendy & Kevin

Hey Wendy and Kevin! A bit late here, but I sincerely hope you loved your honeymoon. Thanks for the kind words – cheers!

This was amazing. Almost perfect for my trip with my daughters in early November to celebrate our bdays. Ty so much

Hey Iris! Hope you had a great trip. Thanks for the kind words – we appreciate you taking the time to write them. Cheers!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 91 Comments

Paris is easily one of our favourite European cities, and one that we return to time and again. It has so much to offer, from beautiful views to world class museums to fabulous food. We’ve visited a number of times, both for short breaks like the 2 days in this Paris itinerary, as well as for more prolonged stays as part of a longer European itinerary .

Speaking of a shorter visit, we wanted to share with you an itinerary for 2 days in Paris that will get you to all our favourite sights.

Fair warning, this is a busy itinerary that covers a lot, so feel free to adjust it accordingly. However if you want to see as much as you can – this will help you do that. If you have slightly longer, you might want to check out our guide to spending 3 days in Paris .

This Paris itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor, or even a returning visitor looking for a quick 2 days in Paris that includes most of the major attractions.

After the itinerary itself, we’ll share some tips and advice for visiting Paris, as well as some ideas for saving money on your trip. Now onto our suggestions of how to spend the perfect 2 days in Paris.

2 Day Paris Itinerary

Paris itinerary: day 1, sainte chapelle.

I have to admit, it took multiple visits to Paris before I actually visited Sainte Chapelle . Suffice to say, my mind was blown. This is without doubt one of the prettiest churches I’ve ever visited, and I can’t believe it took me so long to actually go inside.

With almost floor to ceiling stained glass windows, this 13th century gothic chapel will literally take your breath away when you walk inside. Don’t feel bad if you stand there, mouth agape with wonder. I certainly did, until I remembered myself and got to taking some pictures. It’s a truly wonderful place, and an absolute must in Paris.

Sainte Chapelle normally opens at 9am, and we highly recommend you get here by 9am sharp, if not a little earlier, in order to get in before the queues. It’s a relatively small attraction, and the security and ticket lines can be long, so arriving here when it opens will save you a lot of time.

There’s a fee for visiting, and it’s included on the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass (see our review of the Paris Pass here , and our review of the Paris Museum Pass here ).

You can also buy your ticket online in advance from GetYourGuide here , which is highly recommended as the ticket line can be very long.

A quick note on buying tickets online – you can normally do so via the official site or via a third party like GetYourGuide.

We nearly always opt for GetYourGuide because the tickets often come with free cancellation, unlike tickets sold via the official sites. This is very handy for peace of mind. However, you do always need to check and compare prices and policies for each ticket to be sure.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Just near Saint Chapelle is one of Paris’s most well know religious buildings – Notre-Dame Cathedral . With two huge towers and mighty flying buttresses, it’s not hard to see why this has become one of Paris’s iconic attractions, not to mention one of the most famous churches in the world.

Completed in 1345 after nearly 200 years of construction, Notre Dame is a beautiful building that is well worth the visit.

Unfortunately, on April 15th 2019 a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame. The cathedral will be closed for the foreseeable future as a result of this tragic incident. Whilst you can still see the inside, the interior is not currently accessible.

We would suggest that instead you add a nearby attraction like the Conciergerie to your list. This an excellent place to learn all about the French Revolution, and was where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned prior to her execution.

You can get a combined ticket that includes Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie here which will save you a bit of money.

From Notre Dame it’s a 20-minute walk (or 15-minute metro ride) to one of Paris’s most famous museums – the Louvre .

This is of course home to the Mona Lisa (which many visitors make a bee-line for!) and the Venus de Milo, but the largest and most visited art gallery in the world has a great deal more to offer than these two sights, from Islamic art to Greek antiquities.

You could spend a whole day (or more!) just exploring the Louvre, but that would restrict the rest of your Paris sightseeing, so try and limit yourself to two or three hours if you can!

Also, you should be aware that the Louvre is one of Paris’s most popular attractions, and lines can get long. Usually there are two main entry lines outside the glass pyramid, one fast track security line for those with advance tickets, and one slower line for people without an advance ticket.

On some exceptionally busy days, entrance is only permitted with an advance purchase ticket, and we definitely recommend you buy yours in advance of your visit so as not to miss out. This will also normally save you time as the line for those with tickets is normally a lot quicker.

We’d definitely encourage you to save money and time by either getting a fast-track ticket in advance, or buying a pass that gives you access to the fast-track line.

For example, both the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass offer free entry to the Louvre with fast-track access. It’s also included on the Paris City Card . See more at the end of the post on which pass is going to best for this two-day itinerary.

Note that in the busy times, which tend to be the summer periods especially, the Louvre gets very busy. In fact, the museum often sells out, and only holders of advance purchase tickets or timed reservations were able to enter the museum.

If you have a Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass , you need to reserve your entry online on the official website . This is mandatory for holders of these passes in order to guarantee entry, and we highly recommend you do this in advance. If you do not reserve your slot in advance, you are not guaranteed entry even with the pass.

If you have a Paris City Card , you’ll book the timeslot you want when you book the card.

If you do not have a pass, you can buy your ticket and reserve your entry time either on GetYourGuide here (where we normally get our tickets ), or online on the official website here .

We’ve sometimes found that GetYourGuide has availability even when the official site is out, so it’s always worth checking if you want to visit and can’t find tickets on the official site.

Finally, you can also book a walking tour of the Louvre like this . This is a great option if you want to learn more about what you are seeing, as well as if you can’t get tickets any other way!

We’d suggest using Take Walks for this – we’ve taken a lot of walking tours with them in cities all around the world, and love the knowledgeable guides and small group sizes. See our suggested Louvre walking tour with Take Walks here .

Note the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. See opening times and more on the official site here .

Wine Tasting

Depending on how much time you spend at the Louvre, you might have time for a spot of wine tasting afterwards. Note that this activity is one that we suggest you skip though if you feel this itinerary is a bit busy for you.

France is known the world over for wine, so after you’ve sated your cultural curiosity at the Louvre, why not relax a bit over a glass of wine whilst learning all about the art of French wine making. Sound good?

Well, conveniently, right next door to the Louvre you’ll find the “ Caves du Louvre ”, a relatively new wine tasting experience set in an 18th century wine cellar, formerly home to the wine collection of the King of France himself.

Here, over the period of about an hour, you’ll try three different French wines, whilst learning all about grape varieties and the factors that go into the making of a French wine.

It’s a fun experience, and you can either do it as a self-guided tour using an app, or with a tour leader. There’s a charge for the tour, but it is free for holders of the Paris Pass . You can also book online here .

If you’re not keen on drink, or you’re travelling with children, you might instead want to pop along to the nearby Angelina Café for a divine cup of hot chocolate. Or if you’re into tea, check out Jess’s guide to the best afternoon tea locations in Paris .

Eiffel Tower

This entry is an absolute must when in Paris – the Eiffel Tower . You will have already seen this magnificent construction looming over the skyline as you wandered around Paris, but I promise you, nothing really compares to standing underneath her and looking up.

You can experience the Eiffel Tower in a number of ways. Good views can be had from the Trocadero, on the opposite bank of the Seine.

You can also get a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower at sunset from the Champ de Mars – the landscaped gardens that run to the southeast of the tower. This is a popular spot for the sunset in Paris, and many people bring a picnic to sit outside and enjoy the view in the warmer months, often with a glass of wine in hand.

If you want to climb the tower, we very much recommend that you book your tickets in advance. This will save you from queuing in the often very long lines at the ticket offices. Tickets can be purchased directly from the official website , which usually has the best prices although note that they are non-refundable.

Another option is the Go Paris Explorer Pass or the Paris Pass , both of which include the Eiffel Tower. It’s also included on the Paris City Card , with a choice of timeslots. These passes can be a cost-effective way for sight-seeing as well – see our guide to saving money in Paris further on in the post for more information.

We would say that going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is definitely something to experience, and something everyone should do at least once.

There are also restaurants in the tower , which would make for a romantic spot for your evening meal. If you do choose to do this, we’d definitely recommend researching which restaurant you want to visit (prices vary), and booking in advance so as not to be disappointed. Alternatively, you can do an evening river cruise on the Seine with a meal!

See our complete guide to visiting the Eiffel tower for more tips, and to help you plan your visit.

Seine River Cruise

One thing many people look forward to when visiting Paris is taking a Seine River Cruise. These let you see a good many Parisian sights from a unique perspective, often whilst listening to a commentary.

Most tours last around an hour, and are a nice way to see a lot without too much effort. Just sit back, relax, and let the views roll on by.

Jess has written a detailed post to choosing a Seine River Cruise to help you decide between the various operators. There are a lot of options, and even though the view and route will largely be the same, various factors like commentary and boat size should be considered.

Some also offer a meal, which would be a lovely way to end your day! If that’s of interest, see our guide to the best Seine River dinner cruises which has lots of great options at various price points.

One tip – if you buy the Paris Pass or Paris City Card , a Seine River Cruise is included. This is a good option, and we nearly always use a pass like this when we visit Paris as it usually saves us money.

Alternatively, you can buy a Seine River Cruise ticket in advance here , and one with dinner in advance here .

There are a number of operators offering Seine River Cruises with departure from right next to the Eiffel Tower, which would be our recommendation for this itinerary.

Arc de Triomphe

There are a number of places in Paris that I think offer fantastic views of the city, and the Arc de Triomphe is one of my favourites.

Found at the western end of the Champs Elysees, this fifty metre high monument to those who died for France in both the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars is a must-see when visiting Paris.

You can of course admire the arch from below, and be amazed at the efforts of the traffic to get around this monumental roundabout. But to be honest, for the best experience, you need to climb the steps to the top (or take the lift) and enjoy the magnificent views of the city. Note – to cross to the Arch, take the pedestrian underpass. Don’t try and cross the traffic roundabout!

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe you get wonderful views of the Parisian skyline, including the Eiffel Tower, and the business district La Défense.

I’d also add, if you take the stairs on your way out, there’s a nice photo opportunity as you look down the stair well from the top of the stairs spiralling down. If you’re interested in more good photo opportunity ideas in Paris, check out my guide to the best photography locations in Paris .

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe does incur a fee. It’s included with the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass.

Alternatively, buy your skip the line ticket in advance here . The Arc de Triomphe is open late, so those of you who still have the stamina for sightseeing will be able to visit this too!

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

Sacre coeur.

Your second day in Paris has you starting at the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre. This beautiful basilica is found at the summit of Montmartre hill, the highest summit in the city. As you would imagine therefore, there are excellent views on offer from up here.

The Basilica is relatively new, with construction being completed in 1914. Its white domes are instantly recognisable, and you can climb to the top for a fantastic view of the city. Entry to the Sacre Coeur itself is free, although there is a fee for accessing the towers.

Montmartre itself is an area which has long been popular with artists, and many famous artists of the Belle Époque era had their studios in this area. Today, you can get your portrait, caricature or silhouette painted at the famous Place du Tertre, a short walk from the Basilica.

Note that the steps of the basilica are particularly popular with “bracelet makers”, folks who will try to encourage you to accept a free bracelet from them. Except once they’ve starting tying your wrist with the free bracelet, they’ll expect some money in return. For tips on avoiding this and other common Paris scams, check out our guide to avoiding scams in Paris .

Dalí Museum

Whilst you are up in the Montmartre area, we suggest you might want to take in the Dalí Museum – Dalí Paris . For fans of the artist, who was a part of the Surrealism group that was headquartered in Montmartre in Paris, this museum is a joy.

This isn’t an essential visit though, so if you would prefer to just get on with your day, this one can easily be skipped.

With over three hundred original artworks on display, this is the only permanent museum in Paris dedicated to the artist. There are sculptures, drawings, watercolours and more on display, and the attached gallery even has some of his artwork for sale.

There’s an entry fee, and it is included for holders of the Paris Pass.

Opera Garnier Tour

From the Dali Museum it’s around a half hour stroll, or half an hour by public transport, to the next stop on our two day Paris itinerary – the Opera Palais Garnier .

We’re not actually going to the Opera though, although that is of course an option for an evening activity. Instead, we suggest that you take a self-guided tour of this spectacular building, which served as the inspiration for the play “Phantom of the Opera”.

The self-guided tour will give you full access to many parts of this gorgeous building, including the 2,000 seat theatre, the gorgeous grand staircase, the incredible seven tonne chandelier, and the balcony. You can book a self-guided tour here .

If you’d prefer a guided tour, these are also available. These tours last for approximately ninety minutes, and are offered in English. You can check times and availability and book on the official website here .

If you are interested in attending a performance at the Opera Garnier, read Jess’s detailed post to booking tickets for the Paris Opera here .

Musee d’Orsay

From the Opera Garnier we’re going to head to another of Paris’s famous museums – the Musee d’Orsay . Found in a former train station on the south bank of the River Seine, this spectacular building picks up where the Louvre finishes off, with a focus on artworks dating from 1848.

We think that the building itselfmakese this museum worth the visit alone. What was formerly the main platform area is now a huge exhibition space which looks stunning, and the beautiful station clocks are seriously photogenic.

Of course, the museum has no shortage of art either, with works from Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Renoir all on display, to name but a few.

Free entry with skip the line privileges is provided to Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass holders. You can also purchase ticket and guided tours online here or on the official site here .

Stroll along the Left Bank

Paris is a romantic city, and one of our favourite romantic things you can do in Paris is take a wander along the “Left Bank”.

In case you were wondering where the left bank is, it’s the south side of the river Seine. It’s called the Left Bank because it’s the left side of the river as you look downstream.

From the Musee d’Orsay, it’s a nice stroll along the left bank, if you head in an easterly direction, with views of the Louvre, the Pont des Arts and ultimately, if you keep going, spectacular views of the soon to be restored Notre Dame.

Sunset at Tour Montparnasse

The last two entries on our two-day itinerary can be switched around, depending on what time of year you visit. This is because sunset will vary depending on when you visit, and I’d suggest that the Tour Montparnasse is absolutely best experienced at sunset.

The Tour Montparnasse is the second tallest skyscraper in Paris, and from its rooftop observation deck you get what we think are the best views of Paris. From here you can see all the way to the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse and La Defense.

At sunset, the view is truly magical, as the sun lights up the sky, and the city lights start to come on. Then – the pièce de résistance – the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower herself.

Access to the Tour Montparnasse viewing deck is free for holders of the Paris Pass . You can also buy a ticket online in advance here .

Centre Pompidou

Last on our list of attractions for our two-day Paris itinerary is the Centre Pompidou . This is home to a number of things, but we think you’ll be most interested in the Musée National d’Art Moderne – Europe’s largest Museum of Modern Art.

This completes the trilogy of art museums in Paris – the Louvre spanning up to 1848, the Musée d’Orsay covers the 19th and early 20th century, with the Centre Pompidou holding the the masters of modern twentieth century art. I’m talking Picasso, Warhol, Kandinsky, and Duchamp.

Conveniently, the museum is open until 9pm, which means you’ll be able to visit either before or after your sunset at Tour Montparnasse. Don’t miss the “view of Paris”, a balcony which offers one of the better view of Montmartre in the city.

There’s a fee to visit the Centre Pompidou and you can book tickets online here . It’s free for holders of the Paris Museum Pass.

Again, this is not a “must-see” in Paris, so feel free to skip this one if you don’t want to feel rushed.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary Map

To help you visualise all the above, we’ve put the attractions onto a map so you can see where you need to be for each day of your Paris visit. You can see this map here on Google .

2 Day Paris Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Sainte Chapelle, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Louvre, Wine Tasting, Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Arc de Triomphe
• Day 2: Sacre Coeur, Dalí Museum, Opera Garnier, Musee d’Orsay, Left Bank, Tour Montparnasse, Centre Pompidou

When to Visit Paris

Paris is a city that is good to visit throughout the year. As with most European cities, it is particularly busy in the summer months, and lines for attractions in July and August can be long. The summer months do however promise the best weather.

If you want reasonable weather with less people, then the months of May and September will offer some solace. We also love visiting Paris in both fall and winter, when the leaves on the trees turn golden, and the city lights itself up for Christmas.

Basically, we think you’ll have a good time whenever you visit Paris, but just bear in mind that some months are much busier than others.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is very easy to get around, with a comprehensive underground (the Metropolitan) as well as buses and local trains. Naturally there are also taxis and private hire cars available.

There are currently two main ways to buy tickets for public transport in Paris as a visitor. The traditional cardboard tickets as shows in the image below, and then there’s the new Navigo Easy plastic system.

The Navigo Easy system was introduced in the summer of 2019, and is a rechargeable plastic card that can be pre-loaded with tickets. The goal is for this to replace the cardboard version of the tickets at some point.

The Navigo Easy card costs €2 to buy, and you then top it up with single tickets or as packs of 10, known as a carnet.

Currently, the most cost-effective way to buy tickets in Paris is to buy tickets in packs of 10 on the Navigo Easy system, which represents a fairly significant discount on buying them individually.

Tickets can be bought at pretty much every metro station from the ticket machines, which accept cash and cards, as well as coming with an English language option.

For more on getting around Paris, see our detailed guide to how to get around Paris , which should help you plan all your transport in the city.

How to Save Money on Your Paris trip

The Paris itinerary above packs a lot into two days, and many of the sights and activities have an associated fee. At time of writing, if you chose to do everything in the above list, you’d be looking at spending just under €200 per person.

The good news is that you can save money on your visit to Paris. The answer is to invest in a Paris city passes, like the Paris Museum Pass , Paris Pass , Go Paris Pass , or Paris City Card .

Calculating if a pass is worth it for you will of course depend on exactly which attractions you want to visit.

From our itinerary, here’s what’s included on which passes, as well the cost of individual tickets as of November 2023 and links to book each attraction directly.

• Sainte Chapelle (€11.5) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Louvre Museum (€17) – included on Paris Pass, Paris Museum Pass and Paris City Card. Book on  GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here .
• Wine Tasting (€35) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Eiffel Tower (€38 for guided tour, €11.30 for standard stair access ticket) – tour included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book tickets on the official website here
• Seine River Cruise (€18) – included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Arc de Triomphe (€13) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Sacre Coeur (€6) – not on any passes we are aware of, in-person tickets only.
• Dali Museum (€14) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Opera Garnier Tour (€14) – not on any passes we are aware of. Book online here.
• Musee d’Orsay (€16) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Tour Montparnasse (€19) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Centre Pompidou (€15) – included on Paris Pass Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .

Total attraction entry for all the above would cost you around €216.5

As you can see, none of the passes we recommend include all the attractions in our itinerary.

Assuming you planned on visiting all the attractions in our itinerary, then either a 2-day Paris Pass or a 2-day Paris Museum Pass would definitely save you money on the attractions it covers.

The 2-day Paris Pass actually includes a 2-day Paris Museum Pass, and then adds on things like the Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise and Wine Tasting. So depending on what you plan on doing, one or the other is likely to save you some money on your visit to Paris.

You can purchase a Paris Pass here .

You can buy a Paris Museum Pass from the official site here or on GetYourGuide here .

Another option to is the Go Paris Pass . This lets you pick a number of top attractions in Paris, and covers many of the attractions listed in this post.

If you aren’t planning on visiting every attraction in this list, then the Go Paris Pass might be a good option, as you can pick from 3, 5 or 7 major attractions, and save on visiting those.

Finally, consider the Paris City Card . This includes a guided Eiffel tower ticket, Seine River cruise and access to the Louvre. It also comes with an audioguide to Paris, as well as a further 10% discount on other Paris attractions.

This is a good option if you aren’t planning on visiting everything in our itinerary. It also has the advantage that you book the timeslots for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower when you book the card, so can be convenient.

As well as the above, you should be aware that on the first Sunday of every month, access to most museums in Paris is free – although be aware that popular museums like the Louvre get incredibly busy on these days.

In addition, some locations will give you free entry if you are an EU citizen under 26 – you’ll need ID to prove this of course.

Finally, always check opening days for attractions before buying a pass, as you don’t want to be disappointed to discover a museum is closed on the day you plan to visit it.

Our personal favourite card for Paris is the Paris Pass, however it won’t work for everyone. You can read our full review of the Paris Pass here to see if it will be a good investment for you.

Where to Stay in Paris

We’ve stayed at a variety of locations in Paris, from hosted apartments through to hotels and homestays.

There’s a massive choice, and prices are generally reasonable considering this is a capital city. We’d advise picking somewhere within easy walking distance of a metro so that you can easily get around all the sights in this itinerary.

Our favourite way to find the best deals on accommodation is booking.com. They’re easy to use, usually have the best prices, and have everything from hotels to apartments.

• Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4 star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
• Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
• Ateliers de Montmartre , an apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacre Coeur
• The People – Paris Marais , a well-reviewed hostel in the Marais, one of our favourite parts of Paris to stay
• Hotel le Compostelle , a highly rated 3* hotel centrally located near the Louvre Museum

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, including a beautiful apartment in Paris with spectacular Eiffel Tower views. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the  best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find  here .

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Safety in paris.

We’ve not had any problems in Paris, although there are a few scams to be aware of – check our guide to avoiding common Paris scams so you are prepared in advance.

Power in Paris

Electricity is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the US will need an adapter like this , and US travellers need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

Currency in Paris

Paris is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get these from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted.

Internet Access in Paris

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city and in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. If you are travelling from the USA, consider a Google Fi package which lets you use your data overseas.

Alternatively, consider an eSIM service like Airalo .

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Drinking Water in Paris

The water in the taps is safe to drink unless otherwise posted. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like one of these to save on having to buy water bottles.

We love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for travel as they are lightweight, easy to clean and the company is a certified B-Corp.

Eating in Paris

Paris has no shortage of excellent dining options to choose from. Whilst we generally don’t recommend specific restaurants as they can change so quickly, we do have a guide to some of our favourite restaurants in Paris here for inspiration.

We suggest that if you do want to eat at one of the more popular restaurants in Paris that you consider booking in advance.

We recommend and use La Fourchette (the fork), which is the most popular online restaurant booking website in France. It’s easy to use and makes booking a breeze, especially if you don’t speak French. Check it out here to find reviews, sample menus and book a table.

Walking Tours of Paris

If you would like to do a guided tour in Paris for part of your stay, then we suggest you take a look at Take Walks . We’ve used them for walking tours in cities around the world, and have never been disappointed. They focus on small group tours, led by experts, and they have a number of walking tours in Paris we can recommend. These are:

• A full day walking tour of Paris which includes many of the highlights in our post, including a major art museum, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
• A three hour tour that includes Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame
• They also have more tours in Paris, see all the options here

Of course, there are other operators running tours in Paris, such as this delicious looking food tour , this in-depth tour of Hemingway locations in Paris or this tour of Montmartre .

As you can see, there are lots of good options for walking tours in Paris, whatever your interests!

Further Reading for your Paris trip

And that’s pretty much it for our guide and itinerary to spending the perfect 2 days in Paris! Before you go though, we wanted to share some resources to help you further plan your trip to the French capital. These are:

• A guide to spending 3 Days in Paris , if you want more inspiration or have a little more time
• We also have a guide to spending a day in Paris , if you’re on a really tight schedule and just want to focus on the highlights
• My guide to the best photography locations in Paris , to help you get the best shots on your trip, plus a photo essay of Paris , just to get you excited
• A guide to choosing a Seine river cruise , choosing a Seine River dinner cruise , buying Paris opera tickets , attending a fashion show in Paris , and how to save money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• Galeries Lafayette is one of the most well known stores in Paris. However, there’s more to do here than shop! See our complete guide to visiting Galeries Lafayette for more information.
• Our review of the Paris Pass , to help you decide if it might save you money
• A guide to Airbnb Alternatives to help you find the right accommodation
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and Take Walks  who both offer tours in Paris.
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the Rick Steves Paris edition

And that’s it! How would you spend two days in Paris? Do you have anything to add to the above, or any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

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Michelle says

10th March 2023 at 9:12 pm

Hi Laurence, thanks for the great information you provide in your posts. I have enjoyed reading your London and Paris tips and itineraries for months to help plan. My sister and I are visiting Paris as a part of our European getaway to London, Paris and Amsterdam from June 16-27th. We will be in Paris from June 21st to the 24th. We have purchased the 2 day Paris Pass because we will be arriving by train from London around 13:00. We are staying at Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. What should we do first after settling in on our first day? Also, is following your 2-day itinerary realistic from our hotel? Do you suggest any possible changes? How can I incorporate afternoon tea at a hotel? Thanks for any advice.

Laurence Norah says

12th March 2023 at 7:49 am

Hi Michelle,

It’s our pleasure! So first, obviously you will want to adjust the itinerary based on your specific interests. Your hotel is definitely well located, you should be able to do the itinerary as laid out. The only thing you will want to check is the timing for the Eiffel Tower tour that is included on the Paris Pass, as that might affect your itinerary. As you are so close to the Eiffel Tower, you may want to do the Eiffel Tower / Seine River cruise first, and then the rest of the days activities following on from that. Otherwise though, yes, you should be fine following the itinerary from the hotel.

For your first day (when you arrive) you could definitely do the afternoon tea if you wanted, most afternoon teas in Paris are available fairly late. You are not too far from the Four Seasons George V which is one of my favourite afternoon tea locations in Paris. Alternatively, you could see if there are any activities not included on your Paris Pass that you want to do. Finally, you might just like to take a walk perhaps up to the Seine and then along to the Eiffel Tower.

Have a great time in Paris and let me know if you have any more questions!

Lisa Gonçalves says

15th November 2022 at 4:57 pm

Hi! We will be in Paris from 7-10th of December with 2 teenagers (15 and 13 years olds), was wondering if the Paris Pass is worth buying for them as some of the attractions are free for under 18. Is there anything that you recommend at this time of the year? I am also a little confused. I have tried to buy eifel tour tickets on the oficial site, but there are none available for the dates we are in Paris. But the site states that for stairs tickets you can book 15 dyas before, does this mena that I may still be able to book 15 days before or as they are not showing on the site, this will never be a possibility? Many thanks, Lisa.

15th November 2022 at 5:07 pm

It’s lovely to hear from you, it sounds like you a have a fun trip coming up! So the Paris Pass is likely not going to be great value for your teenagers as most of the museums are free as you say. I would also add that you need to check exactly what is included on the Paris Pass currently, even if buying for adults. Normally it comes as a two part pass, but they have been having inventory issues with the Paris Museum Pass component so it has not been including that for some of the versions recently. You might instead consider one of the Paris City Cards , they come in different versions and account for under 18 access being free.

Normally we would always recommend a Seine River Cruise (just bring warm clothing!) and of course the Eiffel Tower. The Galleries Lafayette department store should also be nicely decorated at this time of year.

For the Eiffel Tower, I think it is unlikely the stairs will have sold out this far in advance, so I think it is likely not showing availability because it is too far out. You’ll want to come back 14 days before your trip which is when sales should show.

Let me know if you have any more questions, we’re happy to help!

Tina Mills says

1st September 2022 at 12:01 am

I will be visiting Paris in November for my daughter’s 21st birthday. We will be coming from London on a Monday and will be leaving back to London on Wednesday. I enjoyed reading Paris in two days and will be using it for our trip. We will be staying at a hotel in the rue Casimir Delavigne. Is that a central location? I would love to take a dinner siene river cruise and a do a photo shoot. Do you think we will have time and where would be a great place to shoot. My daughter also loves food. Is there any cooking class around that we could fit in our schedule? Thanks in advance! Tina

1st September 2022 at 10:20 am

I would say that yes, Rue Casimir is definitely in a central location, you are about 10 minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle / Notre Dame and the highlights of that area. You are also about 30 minutes metro ride to the Eiffel Tower.

You can easily take a dinner Seine river cruise in the evening of one of these days. We have a guide to Seine River cruises here which includes a section on dinner cruises. Some of these depart from near the Musee d’Orsay so would be easy to reach from your apartment.

We have done the Macaron making class at the Galleries Lafayette, that was a lot of fun and you should be able to fit that into the schedule, perhaps instead of the wine tasting. Alternatively, you could do it on the second day. It will depend a bit on your priorities and what you really want to see. You can see more cooking classes here .

In terms of photography, I personally think the Trocadero opposite the Eiffel Tower makes for a good location as you can get lovely photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

RAJA CHIALAKAMARRI says

23rd March 2022 at 11:09 am

Hi Laurence, Best wishes. Excited to find your website is very informative. Would you help our family first trip to Europe. We vegetarians and like to find a place safe and comfortable for around $100-150 per night. Hotel stay is preferred but Ainbnb is also an option. We 3 adults are thinking for flying in on Tuesday April 26th by noon. We take train to Amsterdam on 28th evening. One evening our son 24year old youth may be curious to spend a few hours night life. What we should see? How we can go around? any minor details like holidays, timings and buying in advance ( passes or booking tickets) Would you suggest for Madrid (4 full days) and Amsterdam(2 full days) too? Our entire trip is between April 22-May1st. Thanks in advance Regards raja

23rd March 2022 at 11:19 am

Thanks for your comment! So we don’t currently offer personalised itinerary planning services. In terms of where to stay, if the recommended options don’t work for you, I’d recommend using the booking.com filter system to find something that suits. I like to filter by rating (usually 8+) and then you can filter by price. I’ve put that search together for you here . It currently shows around 8-10 properties (it will change based on availability). One option to consider is the Hotel Du Lion , which has good reviews and is quite well located.

In terms of what to see and do, as you are in Paris for two days this guide should cover everything you need to know, including the pass options and how to get around. If you have specific questions I am happy to help, but I think most of your current questions are answered in this guide. We haven’t visited Madrid but we hear it is very nice. I have visited Amsterdam and it is a lovely city, very pretty, although we haven’t written any guides yet as we have not visited for a while.

Have a great trip!

Jenny Smith says

24th April 2021 at 4:59 am

Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.

24th April 2021 at 1:10 pm

Thanks Jenny!

24th February 2020 at 12:01 pm

Hi Laurence,

I need some help, for Day 2 – I want to cover below attractions : 1. Opera Garnier, 2. Musee d’Orsay, 3. Left Bank, 4. Tour Montparnasse, 5. Stroll around Champs-Élysées avenue 6. Moulin Rouge at night (not to attend the show)

I have booked my stay in the 14th ARR. so it’s a bit far and hence the confusion. I wanted help to plan above attractions at best possible time of the day, can you please help me?

I also don’t want to miss the Tour Montparnasse sunset view. 🙂

24th February 2020 at 12:46 pm

So this should be easy enough to do in a day. The only thing is I don’t know when you are visiting exactly, as some attractions have specific closures. So you should definitely check when each attraction is open specific to your visit.

The Opera Garnier has some closures on certain days and also some days it’s only open in the morning or afternoon. You can see that here: https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier

The Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays.

Personally I think the Tour Montparnasses is best at sunset as you can see Paris going from day to night which is really lovely to watch. However, sunset varies depending on time of year, so again this will depend on when you visit. If you’re in the 14th, this will be the closest attraction to you.

Assuming you are visiting when everything is open, I’d suggest starting with Musee d’Orsay. Then Opera Garnier (self guided tour). If you want to do a guided tour, you’ll have to adjust your plan as these only run at certain times, and not every day of the week depending on the time of year.

Then I’d go to Champs Elysees, across to the left bank, and down to the Tour Montparnasse. Finally up to the Moulin Rouge.

This is definitely heading around a bit, but that’s kind of inevitable. I’d also say that you are really close to the Paris Catacombs in the 14th, so you might want to check those out too.

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

25th February 2020 at 9:17 am

Thanks Laurence 🙂

I am travelling to Paris in June and would be considering this schedule for Sunday. I just checked the Opera Garnier would be closed for Sunday morning – so it would be open around 2.00 PM

thanks again for your detailed answer 🙂 you really helped me a lot!

25th February 2020 at 12:38 pm

My pleasure – have an amazing time in Paris!

20th February 2020 at 10:32 am

Hi Laurence, Jessica,

Your post helped me a lot in planning in our 2 days in Paris 🙂 Thank you for writing this!

20th February 2020 at 12:38 pm

Our pleasure Minal – thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know, it means a lot! Have a great time in Paris and let us know if you have any questions 🙂

Jennifer says

17th February 2020 at 5:22 am

Hi, The itinerary that you have provided is so helpful to give me the top sights to see in the most efficient way. I’m looking at the 3 day Paris pass because I will be arriving on a Monday late afternoon, 4 pm and departing on Wednesday at 2 pm. Is it better to get the 2 day or 3 day pass because of the dates and time? I also saw that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and not sure how to accommodate the itinerary as to when best to fit that in. Thanks Jennifer

17th February 2020 at 12:02 pm

Hi Jennifer!

So I would recommend getting the 2 day Paris pass. The reason being that the pass is made up of two components, a Paris Pass and a Paris Museum Pass. They cover slightly different things, and they can actually be activated separately. In addition, there is no 3 day Paris Museum Pass, so the 3 day Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum pass anyway!

Now, on to your itinerary conundrum. So you have a little less than two full days due to your arrival time, and because the Louvre is closed on Tuesday, you might not get absolutely everything in. Based on your timings, I would probably suggest something like the following:

Monday – Eiffel Tower (it opens late, but reserve your ticket in advance online to skip the lines!), Seine River Cruise, Left Bank. Only activate the Paris Pass for the Seine River Cruise. Tuesday – Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame (optional as it is closed but you are close so might as well take a peep), wine tasting, Sacre Coeur, Dali Museum, Opera Garnier, Tour Montparnasse, Centre Pompidou. Use both Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass.

Now, honestly it is going to be a lot to try and do all that. You might want to skip the wine tasting, or the trip out to Montmartre, depending on your specific interests. I’m also not quite sure where to put the Arc de Triomphe. If you just want to view it that would be on your first day, however if you want to climb it you’d have to do it with the Museum Pass on day 2 or 3.

Wednesday – the Louvre, Musee D’orsay. Could also do the Arc de Triomphe if you are feeling quick!

I hope this helps. Happy to help you hone this a bit more if you let me know any “must-see” sights, or things you don’t mind skipping 🙂 Finally, don’t forget the 2 day version of the pass only comes with a 2 day travel card, which is valid for consecutive days rather than a 48h period. So if you start that at 4pm on the Monday, it will stop working at 5.30am on the Wednesday (they are valid for 5.30am -5.30am, regardless of which time of day you activate them).

5th March 2020 at 6:50 am

Thanks so much for responding and giving me great suggestions. Really awesome.

5th March 2020 at 12:52 pm

My pleasure – have a great trip 😀

12th February 2020 at 9:29 pm

This is a great breakdown! Thank you very much for sharing your expertise. My husband and I will be visiting for the first time at the end of March. We will have some time on arrival day, but figured we would be jet-lagged, but after reading your blog, I’m thinking we should still get a 3-day Paris Pass and after possibly a small nap on our first day, try and visit some of the sights. We then would have two full days to explore before returning home on the following day. Should we rule out the Palace of Versailles on this short trip as I hear it can take much of the day? We will be staying in the Saint Germain area. Also, would you recommend bringing Euros with us or getting them there in Paris? Again, thank you very much!

13th February 2020 at 11:10 am

Hi Michelle!

Sounds like a plan! Just be aware that the 3 day Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum Pass. The two passes can however be used and activated separately. So my tip if you do as you plan would be to visit only those attractions on the Paris Pass itself. That would include things like a Seine River Cruise, wine tasting and a walking tour, which would all be good options for your first day.

For Versailles – obviously this is up to you, but yes, to make the most out of a visit you will want to give it most of a day, especially to explore the gardens and out to the Marie Antoinette area, which is my favourite part. So I’d say as this is your first visit you might want to focus on the main sights in the city itself.

For Euros, this will depend very much on what credit / debit cards you have. Some banks will let you withdraw euros fee free from foreign ATMs, whilst others will charge a hefty fee. So you should check with your bank, and maybe look into getting a card which doesn’t charge fees. Usually if you can order euros in advance before you travel you will get a better rate. Just avoid money exchange at the airport as the rates are going to be dire 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know if you have any more questions!

Chanchal says

25th January 2020 at 5:14 pm

Your post is really good to understand the each and every aspect of paris tour.

I would be really keen to know if you can put tentatively time on each place for 2 days itinerary so that i can plan my start time and end time of these two days.

3rd February 2020 at 2:54 pm

Hi Chancal,

Sure thing!

Sainte Chapelle, opens at 9am. I recommend arriving around 8.30am to get to the front of the line. Leave by 9.45am Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris – this is closed, so a brief photo stop only. Done by 10am. Louvre 10.30am – 12.30 WIne Tasting, 12.30 – 1.30 Arc de Triomphe, 2 – 2.30 Eiffel Tower, 3 – 4.30 Seine River Cruise 5pm +

Day 2: Sacre Coeur opens at 8.30am, so be here then 🙂 allow an hour. Dalí Museum, opens at 10am. allow 45min – 1 hour Opera Garnier, 11.30 – 12.30 Musee d’Orsay, 1 – 3 Left Bank, 3 – 4 Tour Montparnasse 5 – 6 (although recommend you adjust timing to be here for sunset) Centre Pompidou – either before or after Tour Montparnasse. It’s open until quite late usually.

I hope this helps – obviously adjust timings to suit but you should get an idea.

7th December 2019 at 5:10 pm

Hi there, I hope you are doing fine. I want to know your idea whether it is OK to visit paris on 31th Dec to 2nd Jan. Cheers, Hamid

7th December 2019 at 5:13 pm

Thanks for your message. So the main issue with this is that nearly every attraction in Paris will close on New Years Day (1st January). So you should expect many attractions to be closed on the 1st, and possibly close early on the 31st December.

So if there are specific attractions you want to visit, you will want to check their websites to see when they are open.

In addition, hotel accommodation tends to be more expensive over the New Year period, so you will want to consider that as well.

I hope this helps! I wouldn’t say not to visit, but just to be prepared in advance and have a plan 🙂

johnmark says

19th November 2019 at 9:18 am

My wife and I really enjoyed our 4 days in Paris with the Paris Pass. It was very helpful and saved a lot of money. Thank you!

20th November 2019 at 2:49 pm

Our pleasure!

20th November 2019 at 2:52 pm

Our pleasure 😀

27th August 2019 at 5:36 pm

Hi, What are options available for vegetarian traveller? (No egg, meat, seafood).?

27th August 2019 at 7:51 pm

I believe there’s a wide range of vegetarian options, most restaurants will have vegetarian or vegan options to choose from 🙂

KULKARNI says

13th July 2019 at 6:19 am

Hi. I am quite impressed with your itinerary for 2 days in Paris. I just want to to know are there tour operator’s available who can fulfill this itinerary? If so please share this information, if you can. Regards U S KULKARNI

13th July 2019 at 4:21 pm

Hi Kulkarni,

I’m not sure to be honest – our itineraries are designed for independent travellers. The closest I can suggest are the walking tours we list in the article, the full day Paris tour by Take Walks is likely your best option if you want a guided experience. However if you want the full two days with accommodation you would need to talk to a travel agent I think.

Melanie Burgess says

6th July 2019 at 2:21 am

Hi there Awesome itinary I’m going to take on the 2 day one and see how far I will come. I’ve been up the eiffel Tower so will skip the trip up. I’ll be staying in Mont martre and I would like to know if the Paris pass covers that area for transport. Many thanks Melanie

9th July 2019 at 3:44 pm

Hi Melania!

It covers zones 1-3 if I remember correctly, which includes Montmartre 🙂

Enjoy your time in Paris!

Lisa Duncan says

25th June 2019 at 12:29 am

Hi Laurence, This is a fantastic resource and was exactly what I was looking for to help plan my visit to Paris, including the photography tips ( my hobby). I will also be looking at your London itinerary. We are coming from a stay in Disneyland Paris and will be coming to the city to stay for 2 nights and then heading to CDL. Can you recommend the train station that is closest to the attractions on your Day 1 itinerary? I am also looking for a centrally located place to stay that will be close enough to drop off luggage and then start our day. Are their special precautions when carrying my professional camera throughout Europe. Should I try and find an anti theft camera strap?

Thank you so much

25th June 2019 at 1:32 am

Thanks very much 🙂

So I would say probably Gare Montparnasse, but Gare du Nord is not too far away either. For your camera, my suggestion is to get a sling strap that goes across your body like this Peak Design strap , which is what I use. Holding your camera across your body means it’s a lot harder to grab, and it’s also more comfortable. I cart my full frame Canon cameras around on these straps in cities throughout Europe and have never had a problem (touch wood!)

26th June 2019 at 12:19 am

Thank you for the advice. One more question- we are going to stay in the Disneyland area for our entire stay and take the train into Paris for our sightseeing days. If I buy the 2 day Paris Pass with the metro option. Can I use it from the RER at the Disneyland station? The Paris pass appears to be the best deal to see most of the tips attractions listed on your itinerary. Thank you again.

26th June 2019 at 12:58 am

The Paris Pass doesn’t include transport from Disneyland – it’s just for Zones 1 – 3. That covers pretty much everywhere on our itinerary, but not all the way out to Disneyland. So the best option would be to buy tickets at the RER train station for the journey to and from Paris.

Gabrielle says

17th June 2019 at 8:48 pm

Hi there! Thanks for your recommendations. I’m trying to find information on how to deal with rental cars while in Paris. Do you know if there’s parking availability in certain areas to leave vehicles? Any input is most appreciated!

19th June 2019 at 4:19 pm

Hi Gabrielle,

There are plenty of paid parking structures, but not many free locations. We’d generally advise against driving in Paris though, it’s not very quick!

22nd May 2019 at 10:42 pm

Thank for very much for the guidance.Very informative to novice travellers. Really appreciate taking time to build this website. Can you please suggest us a good/safe place to stay (Hotel) close to Eiffel tower for a family of 4. thanks Krish

23rd May 2019 at 10:58 am

My pleasure 🙂 So we actually have a full guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower which also has a number of hotel recommendations. I’d suggest checking that out as there are a wide range of options listed 🙂 You can see that here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/eiffel-tower-paris-france/#Where-to-Stay-in-Paris-Near-the-Eiffel-Tower

Carrie says

13th May 2019 at 8:28 pm

Hi Laurence, Great information! I plan on using several of your suggested itineraries when we travel to Europe for a month in June. Technically, we will be in Paris for 2 days, but it’s stretched across 1 full day and two half days: arriving on a Friday around 2pm and departing on Sunday at 1:30pm. Do you think this itinerary is still doable across this split? How would you suggest we go about it? Also, I think the Paris Pass would work for us, as we want to visit most everything you have listed (if we can!). Thank you!

13th May 2019 at 8:50 pm

Thanks very much! So I think this will be doable. I would perhaps suggest the following:

Friday arrival: Seine River Cruise Eiffel Tower Walk along the left bank Tour Montparnasse for sunset

Saturday: Saint Chapelle Notre Dame Opera Garnier Tour Louvre Musee d’Orsay Arc de Triomphe

Sunday: Dali Museum Sacre Coeur Centre Pompidou Wine tasting

The Opera Garnier Tour runs every day at 11am and 2.30pm, so you would need to figure out where to put this, I suspect the Saturday would be the best day.

For the Paris Pass this has to be used on consecutive days. So if you activate it on the Friday, it would only be valid until the Saturday evening. So you would need the three day Paris Pass in this case.

Let me know if I can help any more!

Thang Bui says

26th April 2019 at 3:45 pm

Hi Laurence

Love the writing, very insightful. Can i ask: does Paris Explorer Card include public transportation in Paris and 2 ways transport to airport?

Thanks much Thang

27th April 2019 at 7:03 pm

Thanks very much! The Paris Explorer Pass does not include public transport in Paris or transport to the airport. It’s just for attractions and sightseeing. This pass ( https://paris.ticketbar.eu/en/discountcards/paris-online-city-pass-/ ) includes one airport transfer and public transport, but you then have to decide on the attractions. So everything has a bit of a compromise!

28th April 2019 at 1:59 pm

Thanks Laurence, much appreciated Thang

Olaniyi Olatunji says

15th April 2019 at 8:56 am

I will be in Paris on 30 – April to 3 – May 2019.

Considering it will be my first time in Europe, I was hoping to find a partner we can take this tour with. I don’t know if i can achieve all of these alone as i do not know anywhere.

15th April 2019 at 11:48 am

Hi Olaniyi!

we’ve never looked for a partner to travel with, however, I have asked around, and folks recommend trying the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forums or the Couchsurfing community. You could also try Nomadic Matt’s Nomadic Network facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/nomadicnetwork

As always, practice safety and caution when arranging meet ups and arrangements with strangers 🙂

Louise Garrett says

5th April 2019 at 11:26 am

We’ve only got a few days free in the school summer holidays due to my work so thought Paris would be a good place to take our 13 & 16 year old what do you think? Also do you think we could add on Disneyland at the end? Your blog is so well written and as an adult it sounds great just wondering if a teenager would enjoy it? Thanks

Hey Louise!

So we don’t have children of our own, so the only experience I can give is that that when I was a teenager my parents took me on an adventure across Europe, and it’s still one of the best trips I remember having. Jess also visited Paris for the first time when she was 16 and had a wonderful time.

However, everyone is different, so our experiences aren’t of course guaranteed!

That said, Paris is a pretty special place, and I think anyone would love the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and so on.

I definitely can’t speak to Disneyland as I’ve never been, but I have heard good things.

I’m not sure this has helped too much, but hopefully it has been of some use! Have a wonderful trip, whatever you decide to do!

3rd February 2019 at 2:17 am

Great itinerary unfortunately I see no way to do this in two days. We attempted this itinerary in early January when there should have been smaller crowds and had no luck given the lines to get into the various venues. We even had the Paris pass that supposedly got us into venues fast, with no luck.

I would say that you could potentially do all this in three days. By the way, those venues we did get into including LaSalle cathedral were amazing.

3rd February 2019 at 11:22 am

Thanks for the feedback, that is much appreciated. It is certainly a busy day, but the first day in particular is perhaps a bit optimistic. As such, I’ve updated the text to make it clearer which I’d suggest skipping if you don’t want to feel too rushed. I’m pleased you had a good time though and were able to see everything you wanted!

Maynel Alvarez-Requejo says

4th January 2019 at 8:21 am

Hello, I stumbled across this while looking for the major things to do during a short stay in Paris. We are doing England and Ireland for my 40th birthday in June and doing a quick side trip to París from London. This is exactly the type of guidance I was hoping to find and thank you so much for being so detailed ans helpful.

Any similar itinerary recommendations for London and southern / central England and southern / western Ireland? Going for almost 3 weeks in June

4th January 2019 at 9:51 am

Certainly, we have quite a few guides to help you out on both our sites 🙂

We have a 6 day London itinerary and a 2 day London itinerary

We have a 1 week , 10 day and 2 week UK itinerary .

We also have content on Ireland 🙂 You can see all our UK content here and our Ireland content here 🙂

Shakerra Joseph says

24th October 2018 at 5:22 pm

I stumbled across your blog today, looking for a pretty good Paris itinerary and I have to say that I am so impressed. This was so well written and gave so much great information. I was so unsure about purchasing the Paris Pass, but after reading your post, I might end up buying it! Thanks so much. – From a new reader!

25th October 2018 at 8:13 pm

Thanks Shakerra! I hope the itinerary helps – if you do visit Paris, do come back and let us know how your trip was 😀

20th October 2018 at 5:03 pm

Hi Laurence and Jess, I am taking my husband on a surprise weekend trip to Paris next month and am so glad to come across your blog. I have never seen a travel blog so extensive, thorough, flexible and enjoyable!! You guys are super talented. Thank you so much!

20th October 2018 at 5:06 pm

Gosh Elly, that is so kind of you. Also, you have a very lucky husband obviously – to be surprising him with such a lovely trip 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, it means a great deal! Have a fabulous time!

anna chana Weinberg says

6th October 2018 at 8:24 pm

thank you so much for this post!! we just got back from our 2 day vacation in Paris and had such an amazing time because of all of your advice!!

10th October 2018 at 4:56 pm

Hi Anna! Thanks so much for letting us know! We’re thrilled we were able to help you have a great trip 😀

16th September 2018 at 4:48 pm

Me and my colleague will be coming to Paris from Brussels on Thursday lunch time and will be leaving on Saturday morning (around eleven). Will come by train and will fly out. What can be the area for stay in Paris? We are okay with some b&b options. Also one of us have flight at Saturday night. So after checkout in the morning can he dump the luggage somewhere (some cloak room facility) and roam around for the day?

16th September 2018 at 6:11 pm

We would advise staying in central Paris if you can. You could try this hotel , it is well rated and fairly central. Otherwise you might want to try AirBnB to see what you can find.

In terms of luggage storage, most hotels will let you leave your luggage. if you choose an AirBnb, then you can take your luggage to the train stations, all of the major train stations have left luggage facilities in Paris, for a fairly reasonable fee.

I hope this helps!

18th July 2018 at 6:37 am

Hi, My husband and I will be in Paris for 2 1/2 days. We will arrive on a Sunday after a 15 hour flight. I’d love to wander some of the flea markets on that day. Any suggestions on a good one? On our two full days we would like to go to Giverny one morning. This will take up 5 hours, arriving back in Paris around 1:15 p.m. We are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower at 9:00 p.m., on one of the days and, of course want to go to the Louvre. So many of the places on your 2 day itinerary sound like must dos, but I’m afraid our visit to Giverny is going to cut in to things. Do you have any suggestions as to what we might cut out and any thoughts on how to maximize our time. It’s kind of a blur to me as to how to organize our time. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

18th July 2018 at 8:35 pm

The most famous fleamarkets in Paris are the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, on a Sunday they will be open until 6pm. So that would be my suggestion. I’ve actually drafted a one day itinerary for Paris that will be going live in the next few weeks, which would probably help clarify your thinking, depending on when you go. But my must-do’s would probably be Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River Cruise, and Montmartre. Beyond that it really depends on your interests 🙂

Hope this helps a bit – happy to provide more direction if I can!

18th July 2018 at 10:43 pm

Thank You!!

Philip says

13th May 2018 at 8:56 am

Hi … really nice write up…I’ve not stumbled upon such a great guide to Paris… extensive and super informative… I was actually lost …abt how to plan out 2 days in Paris. We reach 18th May evening 19.00hrs. and leave on 20th evening 16.30 to Brussels. We are a family with 2 kids 7 &4 yrs….was wondering how to go about…what would be interesting for them and amount of walking they can do… We maynot be able to cover a lot as per your iterinary… As you have been there multiple times…can I have your thoughts on it… Thanks a ton again for the great write-up ..it does make a big difference to first-timers like us…

Regards Philip

13th May 2018 at 9:28 pm

Thanks very much! I have to say it’s a bit hard to provide specific advice – partly because we don’t have children, but mostly because everyone’s interests are difference – including kids 🙂 So I’m not sure exactly what they might be into. My suggestion would be to pick those items on the list that you think you and your kids would both enjoy, for example, everyone enjoys the views from the Eiffel tower, and a seine river cruise can be a nice way to let your feet relax and take a break- whilst the Louvre might not be quite so appealing 🙂

Generally, I’d suggest cutting the itinerary in half at least to give you lots of time to rest and take breaks and not be too rushed when travelling with younger people, so this might be a good rule of thumb. Then a mix of activities for everyone. I hope this helps a bit!

Annemarie Hood says

27th April 2018 at 7:27 pm

My boyfriend and I are excited to be spending a day and a half in Paris in early October. It is the last leg of a trip to Scotland and Ireland and we arriving early afternoon on a Friday and have all day Saturday in Paris.

Your 2-day itinerary was so helpful in deciding what we want to do — just wondering if what we have come up with is doable in a day and a half?

Day One – Notre Dame / Dinner on the Seine River / walk on Left Bank

Day Two – Champs Elysees / Arc de Triomphe / Eiffel Tower / Latin Quarter / The Louvre / Marais / Dinner in Bastille

28th April 2018 at 5:44 pm

Hi Annemarie!

That does sound do-able yes! Your second day will be quite busy, but certainly manageable 😀 Definitely for the Eiffel Tower make sure you book your tickets in advance so as not to have to waste time queuing. You can do it on the official website 🙂 Same with the Louvre, although you might find a 1 day Paris pass or 1 day paris museum pass will help – although I’m not sure if you’re going to be seeing enough to make the savings too great – you’ll have to do the math and figure it out 🙂

Have a wonderful trip!

Sharen says

23rd April 2018 at 6:25 pm

Hi there, this is great info. THANK YOU. I will be travelling to Paris in May with my 14 year old daughter. We are both EU citizens. Do I need to purchase a Paris Pass for her? If I purchase one for myself will she be able to go through the Fast track lane with me?

24th April 2018 at 10:27 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 As your daughter is under 26 and an EU citizen, she won’t need to pay to access the majority of Paris’s attractions – just make sure you bring your passport with you 🙂 In terms of fast track access, I’ve done some research and can’t find a definitive answer, but I think if she is with you then you should be ok to use the fast track lane together.

Melanie says

5th April 2018 at 2:05 am

My husband and I are hopping up from San Sebastián next week and will only have 2 days so this itinerary is perfect and full of great advice! Wouldn’t have thought to see Saint Chapelle. Would be curious to know your thoughts on dining? Thanks again for putting together such an informative blog!

5th April 2018 at 10:17 am

Hi Melanie! To be honest we usually just google the local restaurants to wherever we are and find options with high recent reviews, or wander around the neighbourhood we’re staying at and check out the menus of the day. We find that restaurants can change in quality so much that recommendations can be a bit hit and miss. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

25th March 2018 at 8:50 pm

Hi – great writeup ! My first time to Paris with my husband and teenage daughter. Your writeup helped me come up with my itinerary of two days. I was wondering why have you not included Palace of Versailles? I am planning to opt out of few attractions for second day especially Sacre Coeur and Musee d’Orsay. Can I include Palace of Versailles instead? Is it doable?

25th March 2018 at 8:56 pm

Thanks very much! For two days, I thought that Versailles would be a challenge (it’s on my three day itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/ ).

However if you wanted to opt out of some of the other attractions, you could definitely do Versailles – it’s your trip so it’s important you do what you want 😀 Just be aware it’ll take you around half a day, and you definitely want to get there early – plan to arrive as soon as it opens so you can make the most of your day.

Have a wonderful time in Paris!

25th March 2018 at 12:58 pm

Hello! This itinerary is amazing! Thank you so much for all the work that went into it! Our questions is…we are thinking about going in Nov. 2018…to celebrate my 5oth birthday and our 20th anniversary. We would fly on a Friday but not get in until Saturday mid morning. We would leave on a Wed. Monday is Veteran’s Day and although that won’t be a factor in Paris, we read that many things are closed on Mondays anyway. Our question is…is there a way to split up the 2 day Paris Pass and use it on non-consecutive days? That way we could relax on Saturday, tour on Sunday, relax on Monday and use the pass again on Tuesday?

Thanks so much for your help. 🙂

25th March 2018 at 1:09 pm

Hi Jennifer! Thanks very much and congratulations on your milestones 😀

Great question! So, the “easy” answer is that no, you can’t split up the pass as it is for consecutive days, and once activated can’t be paused. So you have a couple of options. The easiest of course would be to buy a longer pass, which comes with longer travel cards and would be easier to manage.

The other options is to get a bit creative. The Paris Pass actually comes as two different passes, which can in fact be activated separately. These are the Paris Museum Pass, and the Paris Attractions Pass. These cover different attractions, and you could activate these separately from each. Of course, the travel pass will only last for two days from activation date, so plan your timing on that based on your transport needs.

So, going through the itinerary, the following attractions are covered by the Paris Museum pass:

Saint Chapelle Cathedrale Notre Dame towers / crypt Louvre Arc de Triomphe Musee d’Orsay Centre Pompidou

And the Paris Attractions Pass covers:

Wine tasting Seine River Cruise Dali Museum Opera Garnier Tour Tour Montparnasse

It also includes the hop on hop off bus, which you could do on one of your days.

The Eiffel Tower isn’t on any pass, neither is the Sacre Couer tower.

So my suggestion would be to split up your days in Paris across the attractions, and see the different attractions for the correct passes. I’d also suggest maybe taking one of the days and visiting Versailles, which is wonderful. That’s included on the Paris Museum Pass. For more ideas, check out my 3 day Paris itinerary here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/

Also, just for reference, here’s a handy listing of days that different sites are open: https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/info/guides/weekly-closing-days-of-cultural-sites-in-Paris

18th March 2018 at 4:40 pm

Going to Paris in the first week of April for 3 days Staying in and area called Boulouge.

Got a few places would like to visit, How do you recommend we do this ?

19th March 2018 at 11:00 am

My suggestion would be to check out my just published 3 Day Paris itinerary 🙂 https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/

If you could be more specific about what help you need I will try to help out!

8th March 2018 at 10:52 am

Gosh…. the city of Love ? I am going next month and your pictures are making me excited to go there soon! Can’t wait!!

8th March 2018 at 11:10 am

have a wonderful trip!

6th March 2018 at 11:13 am

Hi Laurence , Are all the Museums open on Saturday and Sunday as well ?

6th March 2018 at 9:26 pm

The majority of museums are open on Saturday / Sunday – Monday is a more common day for museums to close in Paris 😉

here’s handy list to save you looking through museums individually:

https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/info/guides/weekly-closing-days-of-cultural-sites-in-Paris

25th February 2018 at 1:44 pm

Me and my girlfriend will be traveling in Paris around 1st week of May. Just a question the Paris pass (2 day) will give you unlimited access to transportation as well?

25th February 2018 at 1:52 pm

Yes, the Paris Pass includes free transport for the duration of the pass. It actually comes as a 2 day metrocard ticket, which is good for zones 1-3. So you can’t use it to get to the airport, or outside of those zones (Versailles for example is not included), but everywhere in this itinerary is covered. You can see more here:

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lbZC/pubref:FTU2DayParis/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parispass.com%2Fparis-transport%2F

Melanie Moore says

5th February 2018 at 3:18 pm

I was just in Paris in December and had only 24 hours! Luckily, it was my third visit so I didn’t feel like I had to squeeze everything in. (I wrote about what I did here: mywanderlustblog.me) I am making note from your post to see Saint Chapelle on my next visit. Wow, looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!

6th February 2018 at 6:31 pm

24 hours is a short time but I’m pleased you saw a lot still. And yes, definitely make time for Saint Chapelle next time!

Christine says

10th January 2018 at 2:42 am

Thanks for all the tips! I’ll be visiting Paris for the first time in March! I’ll be sure to read the other posts mentioned.

10th January 2018 at 9:30 am

My pleasure! Paris is one of our favourite cities – have a wonderful time!

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4 Days in Paris (Best First-Time Itinerary + Map)

• February 27, 2024

Paris, the capital city of France, is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It’s a city of romance, magic, light and history. No matter if you’re looking for art, shopping, fine dining or history, the city has it all.

Paris started as a small Celtic village, situated in the tiny area of Île de la Cité. Today, nothing reminds of its humble beginning but the city’s name. It derives from the Celtic tribe called Parisii, who lived in the area.

Paris is known as the City of Lights. Not only because it was one of the first cities in Europe, which had gas street lighting. It is also because of its important role during the Age of Enlightenment.

4 Days in Paris itinerary

How to plan 4 days in Paris? It’s difficult to craft the perfect Paris itinerary, especially if this is your first time to the City of Lights. This detailed travel guide will help you decide what attractions to visit and where to eat.

Keep in mind that most of the restaurants work between 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM and 07:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Also, they often have different working hours during the weekends. So, always check the working hours before visiting (and better make a reservation).

My best advice is to buy either a Paris Museum Pass in advance or skip the lines ticket for each attraction you want to visit. Don’t count on that you’re visiting off the season and there won’t be lines for every site.

The second time I visited Paris was in late October. I decided that I’ll buy a Museum Pass from the first visited attraction. In my case, this was the Orangerie Museum.

There should be no lines at all (according to what I’ve read in many forums and blogs). And guess what? I’ve waited 2 hours in the pouring rain (in the low season). Don’t do this mistake! Paris is a super popular destination, so always buy tickets in advance.

Already have a hotel booked? Then check your hotel’s location and make sure it’s in a good area (see my guide where to stay in Paris ).

Find a map of this 4-day Paris itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the article.

4 Days in Paris (perfect itinerary for first-timers)

• Day 1: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Triumphal Arch
• Day 2: Palace of Versailles (day trip from Paris)
• Day 3: Notre Dame Cathedral, Holy Chapel, Luxembourg Palace, Eiffel Tower
• Day 4: Cruise on Seine river, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre

4 Days in Paris – Day 1

08:10 AM – 09:00 AM Start the first day of this 4 days in Paris itinerary with breakfast at Matamata Coffee Bar or  BO&MIE . Choose the BO&MIE bakery for a quick breakfast.

See Mona Lisa in Louvre Museum

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) served as a royal palace of the French monarchs until the 17th century. Also, it is one of the largest museums in the world.

The museum is vast and packed with exhibits. You’ll need days to see everything. So, prepare for your visit ahead and check out  what exhibits in Louvre will be interesting for you.

12:30 PM – 02:30 PM Stop for lunch at La Bonne Excuse or La Cordonnerie .

Tuileries Garden and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

02:30 PM – 03:00 PM Catherine de’ Medici created the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) in 1564. The garden once was a part of the Tuileries Palace , destroyed in 1871 by the Paris Commune.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is one of the three arcs on the Triumphal Way. It’s a historical axis of monuments that starts with the Grande Arche de la Défense to the west and ends with the Louvre Museum to the east.

Emperor Napoleon I commissioned Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to remind of his military triumphs.

See the fountains at Place de la Concorde

03:00 PM – 03:20 PM Place de la Concorde is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. However, in the past things looked quite different. During the French Revolution , a guillotine was constructed and the square became an execution place. King Louis XVI of France and Queen Marie Antoinette lost their lives here in 1793.

Nowadays, in the centre of the square, you can see a giant 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk. The Obelisk of Luxor (Obélisque de Louxor) is decorated with hieroglyphics picturing the reign of pharaoh Ramses II. It was a gift to France from the Egyptian government in 1829. The obelisk is also known as Cleopatra’s Needle (L’aiguille de Cléopâtre).

Two beautiful fountains decorate the north and the south ends of Place de la Concorde. Their construction was inspired by the fountains on Piazza San Pietro and the Piazza Navona in Rome. The north fountain on Place de la Concorde represents the rivers and the south is dedicated to the seas.

Admire the Art Nouveau Bridge Alexandre III

03:30 PM – 03:45 PM Bridge Alexandre III (Pont Alexandre III) is constructed at the end of the 19th century. It is a stunning example of Art Nouveau style.

After seeing the bridge, pass along the Grand Palais and Petit Palais and then continue on Champs-Élysées.

Climb the Triumphal Arch

04:30 PM – 06:00 PM Triumphal Arch (Arc de Triomphe) commemorates all who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath the arch. Also, an eternal flame burns in memory of all unknown soldiers who died during the world wars.

The 280 steps to the top of the arc are easy for climbing, as there is a museum on the way up. The views over the city, the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees are unforgettable. If you have time climb the arc right before sunset time and spend an hour on the top watching the sunset over the city.

If you are visiting in the high season, better buy a  Triumphal Arch ticket in advance (lines could be long).

Try some delicious French cuisine at Chez Gabrielle or Le Bistrot d’Yves .

Take an Illuminations River Cruise

Wondering why Paris is called the City of Lights? Take this illuminations cruise along river Seine to find out.

More ideas for your 4 days in Paris – Day 1

To add more attractions to your first day, check out the suggestions below.

Go shopping at Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a huge shopping complex with a marvellous glass ceiling. Even if you are not into shopping, go and visit the rooftop terrace for some amazing views.

See an opera at Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier is the largest opera house in Europe. Learn more about its extravagant design by exploring the Palais Garnier on a self-guided tour .

Be amazed by Saint-Eustache Church

Saint-Eustache (Église Saint-Eustache) is a 16th-century church with a lot of history. This was the place, where young Louis XIV (the Sun King) received his communion. Also, Mozart chose the sanctuary for his mother’s funeral. Jean Baptiste Colbert, a French minister of Finance, is buried inside the church.

The church organ with its 8000 pipes is the largest pipe organ in France. Among the other treasures of the church, you can see paintings by Rubens, Vouet and Santi di Tito. Don’t miss the church concerts of Saint-Eustache choir . They are held every Sunday.

Madeleine Church

Madeleine Church (La Madeleine) is an outstanding church, near Place de la Concorde. It was designed to serve as a temple to commemorate and celebrate the glory of Napoleon’s army.

4 Days in Paris – Day 2

To get to Versailles you’ll have to take RER C to Versailles-Château – Rive Gauche station (about 40min journey). It’s advisable to get there before the opening times, even if you already booked your tickets in advance.

Therefore my advice is to have an early breakfast at your hotel or stop for a quick bite at any bakery on your way.

Discover the Royal Palace of Versailles

08:45 AM – 12:00 PM Versailles (Château de Versailles) is one of the most famous palaces not only in France but in the world. Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, built the palace in 1682 and moved the court here from Paris. Versailles is a true masterpiece that represents the greatness of the Sun King.

Get there as early in the morning as you can. By booking online you’ll skip the first line. Keep in mind, that you still have to wait at the security check line. That is the reason why you’d better be here before the opening times.

If you haven’t booked a guided tour, you can rent an audio guide to learn more about the royal palace.

The entrance to Versailles is free on the first Sunday of every month from November to March.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Take a rest and have lunch at  Chez StefS or  Le Ble Noir . For a typical French bistro visit Chez StefS, for some crêpes – Le Ble Noir.

Gardens of Versailles, Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet

02:00 PM – 06:00 PM The gardens of Versailles are marvellous, but they are huge. You’ll need hours to see them, so be prepared for a long walk and wear comfortable shoes.

There are musical fountain shows during the weekends from April to October. In May and June, there are shows every Tuesday, too.

The famous Apollo Fountain, the Trianon Palace and Queen’s Hamlet are located in the gardens. Louis XIV commissioned the building of the Trianon in 1670. He used the palace when he wanted to get away and rest from court life in Versailles.

Marie Antoinette commissioned the construction of the Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine) in 1783. This rustic retreat served as her country house and a private meeting place.

Finish the day with a dinner at  Le Bistrot du 11 or  Le Cafe des Arts .

4 Days in Paris – Day 3

08:30 AM – 09:00 AM Start the third day of the itinerary 4 days in Paris with some delicious croissants. Choose from Au Petit Versailles Du Marais or Boulangerie La Parisienne .

Be amazed by the Holy Chapel

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM King Louis IX commissioned the construction in 1248 to house his collection of relics of Christ. The Lower Chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was used by all inhabitants of the palace.

The collection of relics was housed in the Upper Chapel. This Chapel was reserved only for the king and his family. It is a real masterpiece with its 6,458 square feet of stained glass windows and richly decorated wall surface.

See Notre Dame Cathedral and explore Île de la Cité

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (due to the devastating fire in April 2019 you can no longer visit the cathedral) Located on Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris) is one of the city’s iconic sites. The construction of the cathedral took almost 200 years. Some of its treasures are the purported Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross and one of the Holy Nails.

Right in front of the cathedral is the Kilometre Zero (Point Zero des Routes de France). This is the starting point from which all major distances in France are calculated.

Don’t miss to explore the charming small island, Île de la Cité. Also, if you have enough time, take a stroll along the neighbouring island of Île Saint-Louis.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Have lunch at La Cuisine de Philippe or Hebe .

See the royal Luxembourg Palace

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) was the royal residence of the regent Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century. She built the palace for herself after the death of her husband, Henry IV. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to the public.

Don’t miss to see the replica of the Statue of Liberty while exploring the beautiful garden.

Climb the Eiffel Tower

03:30 PM – 06:30 PM Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) is the most iconic monument in Paris. It was erected in 1889 for the World Exhibition. The site is constructed from 12,000 iron pieces and named after its creator, engineer Gustave Eiffel.

The 360-degree panoramic view of the city is fascinating. There are three visiting levels. You can reach the first and the second by lift or stairs. The third one – only by lift.

There is a light show every evening. For five minutes every hour on the hour, the tower is sparkling.

The most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower are from the Trocadéro gardens (the closest metro station is Trocadéro).

Plan your visit ahead and buy tickets in advance from the official website of the Eiffel Tower website. Choose the time of your visit. It will be stamped on your ticket. Then print the ticket or save it on your phone.

When you go to the tower, look for a sign “Entree Visiteurs Avec Reservation” (visitors with reservations). You won’t be allowed to enter more than 10-15 min earlier than the stamped time on your ticket. Don’t be late.

Finish the third day of the itinerary 4 days in Paris with dinner at  Au Bon Accueil or  Le Florimond .

More ideas for your 4 days in Paris – Day 3

Admire the architecture of hôtel de ville.

Hôtel de Ville is not a luxury hotel, as one could think taking in mind the name and its splendid exterior. It is, in fact, the City Hall. The building is gorgeous and it is right in the heart of the city. It totally deserves a few minutes of your time!

Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges is one of the most charming squares in the city. Built at the beginning of the 17the century, it is also the oldest planned square in the city.

Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge across the Seine river in the City of Lights.

Climb Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse)

Book a ticket for the Montparnasse Tower and visit one of the tallest skyscrapers in France. To get the best views of the city take the lift to the open-air roof terrace.

The Panthéon started its history as a church, but nowadays it is a mausoleum and a burial place of famous Frenchman. Some of the great men laid to rest in its crypt are Voltaire, Émile Zola, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and Soufflot, its architect. Marie Curie is the only woman honoured to be buried there.

If you are visiting in the high season or during the weekends, better buy your tickets to Panthéon in advance .

Saint-Etienne-du-Mont Church

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church (Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont) has a remarkable ornate rood screen that dates from the 16th century. The church also contains the oldest organ in Paris, built in 1631.

By the way, the stairs of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont may look familiar to you. This is the place from where the main character Gil (Owen Wilson) is picked up every night by a car from the past in the movie “Midnight in Paris”.

See the Thinker in Rodin Museum

If you like the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, this museum has to be on your list. It houses the famous Rodin’s sculptures “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”.

If you’re visiting in the season, book Rodin Museum skip the line ticket .

4 Days in Paris – Day 4

09:00 AM – 12:00 PM Visit an attraction of your choice (see below) or take a cruise on the Seine river . You can also join a perfume workshop  or behind the scenes bakery tour . And if you’re a wine lover, don’t miss this  wine tasting experience .

Take a Cheese, Wine & Pastry Walking Tour

Join this Cheese, Wine & Pastry Tour to discover the most charming neighbourhood of Paris, Montmartre. You’ll visit eight local artisan shops to taste delicious cheese, charcuterie, wine, pastries, and chocolate!

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père-Lachaise cemetery (Cimetière du Père-Lachaise) is the largest and most visited cemetery in the city. It is named after King Louis XIV’s confessor, Father François de la Chaise d’Aix (called le Père la Chaise), who resided on the site. The cemetery was established by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804.

This is the final resting place of iconic figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Molière and many more.

To learn more about the history of the cemetery, book a guided tour of Père Lachaise .

Tour the famous Catacombs of Paris

The Paris Catacombs (Catacombes de Paris) are underground ossuaries that house the remains of more than six million people. It is a lifetime experience, that can’t be forgotten.

The waiting lines are outrageous and visitors are restricted to 200 at any time. I went half an hour before the opening times and there were already about 30 people. And this was in late October.

Orsay Museum (for impressionism lovers)

Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum) is housed in the former railway station Gare d’Orsay. The station is built in 1900 for the Paris World Exposition. Gare d’Orsay served southwestern France until 1939 when the platforms became unusable for the new longer trains.

The museum houses impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces dating from 1848-1914. Among the featured artists are Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, van Gogh, Rodin and Cézanne.

The museum is one of the most visited ones in Paris and the lines are long (buy here Orsay Museum skip the line ticket ).

Orangerie Museum and Marmottan Monet Museum

If you’re a huge fan of Claude Monet, don’t miss the Orangerie and Marmottan Monet Museum.

Orangerie Museum (Musée de l’Orangerie) is the home of eight Water Lilies murals by Monet. In any case, buy tickets in advance. I waited more than 2 hours in the rain in the low season. At least the view of the Water Lilies was worth every single minute of waiting.

You can book an Orangerie Museum skip the line ticket here .

Marmottan Monet Museum has the largest collection of Claude Monet’s works in the world. It also houses his notable work “Impression, Sunrise”, the painting that gave the name of the Impressionism movement.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Have a lunch at  Le Cabanon de la Butte or  La Boîte aux Lettres .

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Coeur) owes its shiny white colour to the travertine stone. Built in a Romano-Byzantine style, it is the most beautiful church in Montmartre. The basilica honours all soldiers who died during the Franco-Prussian War and the rule of the Paris Commune.

Due to its location on a hill, you have to climb a lot of stairs to reach it. You can also take the funicular that costs one metro ticket each way.

The views over the city from the hill are beautiful, but for truly breathtaking views climb the dome. There are about 300 steps to the top. The entrance to the dome is outside on the left side of the basilica.

Explore Montmartre

03:00 PM – 05:00 PM Montmartre is the most beautiful neighbourhood. It’s a romantic place with narrow cobblestoned alleys, old-style bistros and street cafes. The perfect place to wander and get lost!

One of the most picturesque squares in Montmartre is Place du Tertre, famous all over the world for its painters.

Montmartre cemetery (Cimetière de Montmartre) is a beautiful old cemetery from the beginning of the 19th century. It is built below street level on the place of an old quarry that was used for a mass grave during the French Revolution.

Another popular attraction is the world-famous cabaret Moulin Rouge with its iconic red windmill on the roof.

Finish the day with a dinner at  Chez Toinette or  Can Alegria Paris .

Cabaret show at Moulin Rouge

Don’t miss to see one of the world-famous cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge . You can also attend a cabaret show at the Crazy Horse or Le Lido (see here a list of all cabaret shows ).

There are three major attractions, for which I strongly recommend buying tickets in advance.

Louvre Museum – 15,000 visitors per day (just imagine the lines), so book your skip-the-line ticket here .

Palace of Versailles – 27,000 visitors per day and there are two lines (one for tickets and one for security). I recommend not only to book tickets in advance here but also to get as early as you can (otherwise you’ll wait for hours).

Eiffel Tower – 19,000 visitors per day and tickets are timed entry. Plan your time ahead and book your tickets in advance here .

How to save money on your 4-day Paris itinerary

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, there is no real low season. The city is packed with tourists at any time of the year. And the waiting lines are hours long in most cases.

The best way to save money and hours of waiting is the Paris Museum Pass . I used it for both my trips to Paris and it was a lifesaver.

The pass includes:

• free admission to over 50 museums and monuments
• skip-the-line access
• unlimited number of visits
• avoid buying separate tickets for the major sites
• river cruise (if you choose this option)

Please note that if you want to use the skip-the-line access to the Louvre, you have to book a time slot entry after you collect the pass. You can do it online here .

4 days in Paris in the summer

If you’re visiting Paris in the summer, you can follow this itinerary without any modifications. My only advice is to book tickets in advance, as the summer is the busiest season. Also, don’t miss to add these activities to your itinerary:

• have a picnic at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
• take a late-night stroll along the Seine River
• summer is the perfect time for a river cruise
• watch the world go by at a café terrace

4 days in Paris in the winter

If you’re visiting Paris in the winter, you can still follow this itinerary with just a few modifications.

Skip the Tuileries Garden on the first day and the gardens of Versailles on the second day. In my Paris itinerary, you can find many options with which you can replace these sites. You just have to check the listed attractions after each day and choose according to your interests.

Also, winter is not a great time for a river cruise, but there are tens of Christmas markets! The biggest ones are at Notre Dame, Les Halles at Champs de Mars ( more info and dates here ).

Getting around in Paris

Find a map of this 4-day itinerary here .

The best way to get around the city is by using the metro or hop-on-hop-off buses . The city centre is big, so no matter where your hotel is, you’d probably use the metro 2-3 times a day.

During both trips, I used a carnet (a book of 10 single-use tickets, called t+ ticket ). It’s cheaper than buying a separate ticket every time. The carnet is valid on the metro, bus, RER (zone 1) and even the Montmartre funicular. Also, one carnet can be used by more than one person.

How to get to Paris

There are several major train stations in Paris: Nord Station (Gare du Nord), East Station (Gare de l’Est), Lyon Station (Gare de Lyon), Austerlitz Station (Gare d’Austerlitz), Montparnasse Station (Gare Montparnasse) and Saint-Lazare Station (Gare Saint-Lazare). All of them are well-connected to the rest of the city by the metro.

Check timetables and book train tickets online at SNCF official site . 

The city has two main airports – Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport.

The easiest way to get from either airport to the city centre is by booking a private transfer directly to your hotel. I recommend this airport transfer (160+ excellent reviews).

If you’re arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can also take the regional train (RER) to the city centre. 

There are no direct trains from Orly Airport to the city centre. You have to take the shuttle bus, Orlybus .

For those travelling with low-cost airlines like RyanAir or WizzAir, you’ll be arriving at Beauvais–Tillé Airport. It’s a small airport, located 70 km north of Paris. A shuttle connects the airport and Porte Maillot in Paris (1h15min journey). Yet, keep in mind that the journey could be longer if there is a traffic jam. 

Day trips from Paris

Palace of fontainebleau.

Château de Fontainebleau (Palace of Fontainebleau) is located 60km south of Paris. It’s a 16th-century palace, as sumptuous as Versailles but less crowded. Here on April 6, 1814, Napoleon I signed his first abdication.

How to get to the Palace of Fontainebleau Take a train from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (40min journey). From there it’s about 30min walk to the palace. You can also take a bus (line 1) . 

Palace of Vaux le Vicomte

Vaux le Vicomte is a 17th-century Baroque palace, situated 50km southeast of Paris. The palace served as a residence of Nicolas Fouquet, the finance minister of the Sun King.

How to get to the Palace of Vaux le Vicomte Take a direct train (Line P) in the direction of Provins from Gare de l’Est to Verneuil l’Etang station (40min journey). From there you have to take a shuttle bus to the palace .

Brussels is the charming capital city of Belgium. It’s a great destination for a long day trip from Paris. You can explore the historic centre of Brussels only in a day (see my Brussels itinerary for more details).

How to get to Brussels Take a train from Gare du Nord to Brussel-Centraal (1h40min journey). Note that you have to change trains at Brussel-Zuid station. You can get off there, but it’s about 2km walk to the city centre of Brussels. Brussel-Centraal is closer to the historic part of the city.

If you’re visiting Paris in December, then Strasbourg is a must. This French city is known as the capital of Christmas and there is a good reason behind that. 

Yet, keep in mind that the journey is about 2h30min by high-speed train (TGV). So, it’s best to have an overnight stay. 

How to get to Strasbourg Take a train from Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg Central train station. The historic city centre is just a short walk from there.

If you’re visiting Paris as a part of a European trip, you can easily combine it with London. The capital of the United Kingdom is located just 3h away by train. For more information take a look at my 4-day London itinerary .

How many days in Paris

Are 4 days in paris too much.

4 days is the perfect time to discover Paris if you’re visiting for the first time. You’ll need 3 days to visit the major attractions and 1 whole day for the Palace of Versailles. You’ll need one day for Versailles because this is a day trip from Paris (40min away by train). Plus, the gardens are vast, it will take you hours to explore them.

What if I don’t have 4 full days in Paris?

In this case, you can combine day 2 and day 4 from this Paris itinerary in one. Dedicate only half a day for Versailles (skip the Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet in the gardens). In the afternoon visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica and explore Montmartre.

3 or 4 days in Paris?

If you’re not into art, 3 days are enough for Paris. However, if you’re a museum person, I’d recommend you to dedicate 4 days. There are so many art museums to explore!

So my advice is, spend at least 4 days in Paris if you want to enjoy your time and not rush through everything. In addition, besides Versailles, there are two stunning palaces you can visit on a day trip (see more info further in the post).

Best time to visit Paris

Paris is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so there is no real low season. However, the busiest months are June, July, August and February (around Saint Valentine’s Day).

The best time to visit Paris is the months of April, May, September and October. The weather is warm and you’ll probably need only a light jacket. Keep in mind to check for annual events and exhibitions before booking your trip (to avoid the high hotel prices).

If you are visiting Paris in July plan your trip around the middle of the month. The French national holiday (Bastille Day) is on 14 July. On this day the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. The celebrations include a military parade on Champs-Élysées and spectacular fireworks on the background of the Eiffel Tower.

On the first Saturday of October, the White Night (Nuit Blanche) takes place. It is an evening art festival during which you can see free artistic installations and performances all over the city.

Of course, the Christmas season is not to be missed. It starts at the end of November when the Christmas lights are lit on Champs-Élysées. Visiting any of the Christmas markets will put you in the right Christmas mood.

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11 Comments

Thanks, Marco! 🙂

The Paris Museum Pass is a lifesaver! We skipped a lot of lines, some of which very long and saved a lot of money.

Hi Thomas, Totally agree with you! I found it very useful, too. 🙂

hi, hope you are doing well. i would like to know if i wanna go to Versailles,should i have to stay night there, or i can come back to my hotel on the same day? i just wanna make sure whether its possible to book one hotel for my 4 day trip. i am planning to stay near the center of paris. thanks

Hi Abir, There is no need to stay near Versailles. You can get there from Paris in about an hour. 🙂

Milena, Can you recommend a private tour guide for a tree day trip to Paris?

Hi Dennis, I’m sorry but I can’t. 🙁

no problem….great itinerary…i will use it.

What would you recommend budget wise? I.e. 100euros a day?

Thanks, James

It is hard to recommend a budget, especially when I don’t know which attractions (and restaurants) you plan to visit. I recommend you check the total amount of entrance fees (depending on your itinerary) and then look at the menu of some restaurants, which are on your list. Most restaurants have prices on their online menus (if not, there are often photos of the menu on the restaurant’s listing on Google Maps). In this way, you can easily decide how much a dinner or lunch will cost you. And plan the daily budget then. 🙂

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Home > Paris Itineraries > How to Spend 5 Days in Paris – Best Paris Itinerary 5 Days

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris – Best Paris Itinerary 5 Days

Visit paris in 5 days.

What to see in Paris in 5 days? As King François I says, Paris is a world , and so there is plenty to fill your time during 5 days in Paris. With a Paris itinerary 5 days, you’ve got plenty of time to see all the very best attractions, get lost exploring the quaint Parisian streets, enjoy delicious French cuisine, and even take a day trip further afield!

If you’re in the midst of planning your trip to Paris, this guide is a great starting point. Follow this 5-day Paris itinerary step by step, or simply use it as inspiration for your own itinerary. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have a wonderful trip to Paris!

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan:  Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the  best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with  Omio ; book your train tickets with  Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay:  Best Districts to Stay in Paris

• Le Pavillon de la Reine  (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
• Hotel La Comtesse  (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
• Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
• Seine River Night Cruise
• Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris?  Get your hands on a  Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance!   Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.

Paris Itinerary 5 Days – Proposal for Five Days in Paris

How to spend 5 days in Paris? Here’s an overview of the perfect Paris 5-day itinerary .

• Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and Right Bank
• Day 2 – Le Marais and Montmartre
• Day 3 – The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés
• Day 4 – Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5 – Paris 7 and Paris 8

As you can see from the above, this Paris itinerary 5 days is made up of 4 days exploring the sites in Paris and a 1-day trip to Versailles. To really maximize your 5-day trip to Paris, each day of this itinerary is based on exploring a particular area of Paris. This minimizes your walking time between attractions as well as transportation costs.

Another option you may like to consider is to follow this 3-day Paris itinerary and spend a weekend getaway somewhere nearby.

This suggested 5 days in Paris itinerary comes with four different maps, one for each day spent in Paris, and with the suggested points of interest.

Unless clearly stated, this Paris 5 days itinerary below assumes you’ll make your own arrangements for lunch between the morning and afternoon sections. However, as you will notice below, specific suggestions are usually made for dinner.

Related Articles

5 Days in Paris, Day 1: Ile de La Cité + Right Bank

Notre Dame | Ile de la Cité | Louvre Museum | Tuileries Garden | Place Vendôme | Galeries Lafayette | Moulin Rouge

The Seine River flows through Paris, cutting the city in two. You’ll hear the locals refer to one side of the river as Paris’ Left Bank ( Paris Rive Gauche ) and the other side as Paris’ Right Bank ( Paris Rive Droite ).

In the center of the River is a small island called Ile de la Cité , which was once the heart of Medieval Paris. It is here that the first Royal Palace stood, as well as the city’s main religious and institutional buildings. As such, it is not surprising that some of the best places to visit in this 5-day itinerary Paris are located on Ile de la Cité.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, Day 1 on Google

1. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

To kick off your five days in Paris, get off at metro Cité, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and head to Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris). The construction of this jewel of Gothic Architecture began in the 12th century and was finally completed in the 14th century.

As you would no doubt be aware, Notre Dame was severely damaged during a fire in April 2019 and is currently closed to the public. During the fire, parts of the roof and the spire were destroyed forever. However, the main façade and its twin towers were saved, as were the Cathedral’s treasures.

Despite Notre Dame currently being closed, you can still admire its main façade. Look out for the huge rose window, which is a dedication to Our Lady of Paris, and the 28 sculptures below, which represent the kings of Judah and Israel, the ancestors of Christ. These sculptures lost their heads during the French Revolution, and what you see today are replicas.

Before leaving Notre Dame, be sure to find the plaque on the ground indicating France’s Point 0 . All French roads (including those overseas) are measured from this point.

2. EXPLORE OTHER SIGHTS ON ILE DE LA CITÉ

Before leaving Ile de la Cité, consider visiting one or two of the other historical sights located there. Places of interest include the Archaeological Crypt, the Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and the Pont Neuf.

» The Archaeological Crypt: Just in front of Notre Dame, this underground museum houses a range of ancient remains discovered during excavations between 1965 and 1972. The museum was built around the Roman remains of former Lutetia, including some streets, part of Lutetia’s walls, and Roman baths.

» The Sainte Chapelle : This Gothic-style royal chapel was built in just seven years, from 1238 to 1248. Today, it has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections in the world.

» The Conciergerie : This 14th-century Gothic building was formerly the King of France’s palace and then used as a prison. Visitors can explore the dungeons and the chapel where Marie Antionette was held prisoner during the last days before dying under the guillotine.

» The Pont Neuf : the oldest bridge in Paris.

Save time! This combo ticket Sainte Chapelle + Conciergerie  gives you skip-the-line access to these unique sites.

» The Sainte Chapelle is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer. To get the full effect of its windows, try to visit on a sunny day.

» The Conciergerie opens every day, from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

» The Crypte Archéologique opens daily from 10 a.m. until 6 pm. (closed on Mondays).

Now leave the Ile de la Cité and wander along the Quai François Mitterrand, which stretches alongside the River Seine, and after around 20 minutes walking along here, you will arrive at the Louvre.

3. THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

Initially, the Louvre was the Louvre Palace , home to the Kings of France. This former palace is today the Louvre Museum , one of the world’s most visited museums and certainly one of the things to do in Paris in five days. While this 5 days Paris itinerary only allows you to visit the Louvre for a few hours, you could quite literally spend days exploring this popular Paris tourist attraction.

While you visit Paris in 5 days, it is recommended that you spend around 2 hours here at the Louvre seeing the museum’s main artworks.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: The famous tea house Angelina has an establishment inside the Louvre Museum, not far from Napoleon III apartments. Enjoy Angelina’s famous hot chocolate or taste the incredible Mont Blanc dessert without the crowds!

» The Louvre Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 9 to 6 a.m. and Fridays until 9:45 p.m.

» The Louvre Museum has long lines all year round. Have a look at our Louvre skip-the-line tips and buy your Louvre skip-the-line ticket now

» Check how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less

4. THE TUILERIES GARDEN

From the Louvre, take a short walk to the Tuileries Garden , one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. The Tuileries Garden was built in 1564 as the garden of the Tuileries Palace (today disappeared) and became a public garden in 1667. The name of the Garden comes from the tile factory which once stood where the gardens are now.

There is no particular path to follow to explore the gardens; just wander wherever you please.  There are several ponds that you can relax by or grab a quick eat from one of the guinguettes in the park.

If the weather is rainy, then instead of exploring the Tuileries Garden, take a stroll through the Covered Passages of Paris .

5. PLACE VENDÔME

From the Tuileries Gardens, leave through Rue de Rivoli in the north and walk around 300m along Rue Castiglione. Here you will find Place Vendôme , considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Paris .

The Place Vendôme features the Vendôme Column, which was initially erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. The column was torn down in 1871 but has since been re-erected to what you see today. In the square, you will also find some exclusive jewelry stores and first-class historic hotels such as the Hotel Ritz .

6. OPÉRA GARNIER

This Paris itinerary 5 days takes you now to the Grands Boulevards. From Place Vendôme it’s a 700m walk to Opéra Garnier , located at the end of Avenue de l’Opéra. 

Also known as Palais Garnier or Opéra de Paris , this stunning building was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III for the Paris Opéra and built between 1861 to 1875. The building was designed by the architect Charles Garnier, and it is considered a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque Architecture.

An interesting fact about the Opéra Garnier is that this is the setting for Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera .

Depending on what you did before, you may have time to visit the Opéra Garnier inside. If so, check out the entrance tickets available , sometimes the Opéra hosts immersive games!

If rather than exploring the Opéra de Garnier, you’d prefer to go shopping, head to one of the shopping malls on Grand Boulevards . As well as shopping, you can admire the beautiful architecture and interiors of the buildings.

7. GALERIES LAFAYETTE ROOFTOP TERRACE

This 5 days in Paris itinerary is not only about sightseeing. Now it’s time to have a drink or two at Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop terrace , just 300m from the Opéra Garnier. From here, you can get fantastic views of the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Cœur, Notre Dame, and more. The 7th-floor rooftop terrace is free to visit and is open daily until 8 p.m.

8. MOULIN ROUGE CABARET SHOW

Of course, the best 5-day Paris itinerary includes a cabaret show and dinner, and there are plenty to choose from. Read this guide to the best cabarets in Paris to find the perfect one for you.

Many visitors to Paris decide to see the Moulin Rouge , which is perhaps the most famous Parisian cabaret. If you do decide to go to the Moulin Rouge, you must book your tickets well in advance, as it is always full – Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge

5 Days in Paris, Day 2: Le Marais + Montmartre

Le Marais | Montmartre

Day 2 of this Paris 5-day itinerary is all about exploring Le Marais and Montmartre. Both these areas of Paris are perfect for simply wandering the streets, admiring the gorgeous buildings you pass, and stopping in at various museums or art galleries along the way.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google

1. LE MARAIS

Located between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is one of the most beautiful areas in Paris, well known for its elegant mansions, gorgeous hotels, and art galleries. Le Marais is also one of the best places for coffee, and so the perfect spot to start your second day.

Start day two off in front of Hôtel de Ville , home to the city’s local administration. Find a great little café for breakfast before you begin exploring Le Marais.

Next, why not visit one of the museums in the area? There are a few to choose from, such as:

• Centre Georges Pompidou : This is a museum about contemporary art, with a library and music center. It is open daily from 11 a.m. until late (closed Tuesdays).
• Picasso Museum : Located in a beautiful private mansion, this museum holds 5,000 artworks by Picasso. It is open daily from 9.30 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).
• Carnavalet Museum : This museum showcases the art and history of Paris with a focus on the 16th and 17th and the French Revolution. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).

After you explore a museum of your choice, just get lost in Le Marais. Wander up and down the streets admiring the beautiful private mansions, stop in one of the cute cafés, and explore the small museums, art, and photo galleries you stumble across.

During your morning, make sure you check out Place des Vosges , the oldest square in Paris. This square has stunning architecture and a beautiful central garden and is a must-see in Le Marais.

» Check out this Paris 3 Quick Guide to learn more about the area around Temple.

» Check out this Paris 4 Quick Guide to learn more about the area close to Hôtel de Ville.

2. MONTMARTRE

Now it’s time to leave Le Marais and explore the nearby neighborhood of Montmartre . From Le Marais, take the metro to the Anvers station (line 12).

I suggest following this Stories of Old Montmartre walking tour , starting from Place du Tertre , which explores the top sights of Montmartre, such as the Sacré Coeur, the Moulin de la Galette , and the Wall of Love.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Montmartre is the Sacré Coeur (point #3 on the map). Officially called the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, the Sacré Coeur is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacré Coeur sits on top of a hill, and from here, there are great views across Paris. The Sacré Coeur is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m., and entry is free.

Do keep in mind that Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood with many steps. Also, unfortunately, there does appear to be a lot of pickpockets around Montmartre, particularly around the Sacré Coeur, so please be extra vigilant.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Climb up to Sacré Coeur’s dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris! The access to the dome is from outside the basilica, on the left side.

4. TERRASS HOTEL, RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP BAR

As the sun sets, head to Terrass Hotel (12 Rue Joseph de Maistre, also open for non-guests) , one of my favorite rooftop bars in Paris . This bar has some great views of the Paris skyline and is the perfect place for dinner and cocktails.

During the summer, Montmartre is very lively in the evening, so you can just walk around and revisit some sights under the moonlight.

5 Days in Paris, Day 3: The Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The Latin Quarter | Panthéon | Luxembourg Gardens | Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Day 3 of this 5-day itinerary Paris will see you exploring the Latin Quarter in the fifth Arrondissement .

While this area is known as the center of university life in Paris, it’s also where the Roman Paris – Lutetia (IC AD) was born. It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the center of religious and civil life during Roman times, was located at current rue Soufflot while today’s rue Saint Jacques was the former Cardo Maximus (one of the two main streets in Roman times).

As well as exploring some of the historical buildings and sights in the area, you will also see a few beautiful gardens.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 3 on Google

1. THE LATIN QUARTER

Start the day exploring the Latin Quarter , and more precisely, at Jardin des Plantes . This 400-year-old garden is the main botanical garden in France, with over 2.5 hectares of French-style gardens to explore. Depending on the weather, stroll around the park admiring the flowers and remarkable trees, or visit the 18th-century greenhouses with plants from all over the world.

While you’re here, you may also like to visit one of the museums inside the park, like the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution or the Paleontology Museum .

After you visit Jarden des Plantes, walk 700m to Les Arènes de Lutèce . Les Arènes de Lutèce is a Roman theatre that was constructed in the 1st century AD and was where people came to watch gladiatorial combats. You can visit Les Arènes de Lutèce for free and see where the actors once stood, the stage platform, and lapidary parts.

Now continue to Rue Mouffetard, which is approximately 550m from the Arènes de Lutèce. Rue Mouffetard is in one of the oldest and liveliest neighborhoods of Paris and is a great place for lunch. We recommend you lunch at Place de la Contrescarpe, a square along Rue Mouffetard.  Choose your favorite terrace for lunch and watch the people go by.

»The Jardin des Plantes is open daily from 7.30-8 a.m. to 5.30-8.00 p.m., depending on the season. Entrance is free.

» Les Arènes de Lutèce is located at 49 Rue Monge. It is open from 8-9 a.m. to 6-8.30 p.m., depending on the season. Entrance is free.

2. THE PANTHÉON

After lunch, take a 650m walk to the Panthéon in Paris , which sits high on the hill of Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. The Panthéon was once a church dedicated to the saint patron of Paris and is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris – Click here to buy your tickets .

Today this neoclassical-style structure is a mausoleum dedicated to the most notable citizens of France. Here, you can see the tombs of people like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, and Soufflot, the Panthéon’s architect. Marie Curie was the first woman interred in the Panthéon on her own merits.

The Panthéon was also the place where Foucault demonstrated in 1851 the rotation of the Earth by hanging a 67-meter-long pendulum from the central dome. Today, visitors can see a replica of this famous pendulum still hanging from the dome to commemorate this achievement.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: From April to October, visitors to the Panthéon can climb the stairs to the dome for some fantastic 360-degree views across Paris. Many say this is the ‘Balcony of Paris.’

» The Panthéon of Paris is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

» The access to the Panthéon’s dome is open from April to October. The ticket to the dome is the Panthéon ticket + 3.5€.

3. THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

Once you’ve finished exploring the Panthéon, take a short walk (550m) to the Luxembourg Gardens.

The Luxembourg Gardens were built upon the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici (the widow of King Henri IV) in 1612 and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The Gardens cover 25 hectares and are split into French and English gardens, with a geometric forest and a large octagonal pond dividing the two.

Other things to see at Luxembourg Gardens include the Médicis Fountain (considered one of the most romantic places in Paris), an orchard of old apple variety, an apiary where you can learn about beekeeping, a rose garden, and greenhouses with an orchid collection. Families may want to try this self-guided treasure hunt in the Luxembourg Gardens .

4. SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

After exploring the Luxembourg Gardens, take a 700m walk to Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church . Completed in 558, Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church is the only remaining Romanesque building in Paris.

Now it’s time to have drinks and dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés , one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Paris.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés started out as a rural village in the 12th century that grew around the former Saint-Germain Abbey.  After the Second World War, this area changed, and its cafés became a common meeting place for intellectuals, writers, and artists. Soon, the area saw the opening of small printers, more cafés, and bookstores.

These days Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been transformed due to the tourism industry. Instead of the small bookstores and cafés, now the neighborhood is filled with first-class hotels, luxury boutiques, and modern art galleries. Nevertheless, the area is still a gorgeous spot to explore and an excellent place for dinner and some drinks.

5 Days in Paris, Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles

Today it’s time to leave Paris for a day trip to Versailles, home to one of the world’s most famous châteaux. Built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, Château de Versailles is a jewel of French baroque architecture.

CHÂTEAU OF VERSAILLES & GARDENS

The State of Versailles is spread out across more than 800 hectares. In addition to the world-famous Château of Versailles , one can explore the magnificent Versailles Gardens , the Trianons, and the Queen’s Hamlet, making it well worth a visit during your 5-day Paris itinerary – Click here to buy your tickets to Versailles

Check out this guide with all the options for a day trip to Versailles . Versailles is easy to reach by public transportation; here’s how to get to Versailles from Paris .

MAKE IT SPECIAL: From April to October, the gardens offer stunning baroque shows of water and music around the fountains of Versailles and the Grand Canal!

5 Days in Paris, Day 5: Paris 8 and Paris 7

Arc de Triomphe | Champs Elysées | Orsay Museum | Eiffel Tower | Seine River Cruise

On your 5th and final day in Paris, you’ll take a closer look at some of the famous landmarks in the city, as well as spend some time admiring the brilliant architecture of the city’s buildings.

Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 5 on Google

1. ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Start your day by climbing the Arc de Triomphe and enjoying the views of Paris from the top – Click here to buy your tickets

The Arc de Triomphe, which stands at the western end of the Champs Elysées, is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris . Built between 1806 and 1836, the Arch de Triomphe honors those who fought for France, and in particular, those who did so during the Napoleonic Wars.

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll be rewarded with some brilliant views across Paris as well as the Eiffel Tower.

2. CHAMPS ELYSÉES

After you visit the Arc de Triomphe, walk down to the world-famous Champs Elysées. This 1.9km avenue is the perfect place for some shopping or just to admire the gorgeous buildings that line “the world’s most beautiful avenue.” I highly recommend stopping in at Guerlain’s historical shop (68 Avenue des Champs Elysées) to admire this stunning historic building and perhaps buy some perfumes.

3. GRAND PALAIS AND PETIT PALAIS

From Champs Elysées, continue onto Grand Palais to admire this historic building. The Grand Palais is a large site that houses an exhibition hall and museum. The building, constructed for the World’s Fair of 1900, is recognizable by its large glass dome. Just in front of the Grand Palais is the Petit Palais , housing the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.

4. ALEXANDER III BRIDGE

Just by Petit Palais is the Alexander III Bridge , said to be the most romantic bridge in Paris. Built between 1896 and 1900, it features Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at either end.

This bridge connects the Champs Elysées quarter with the Eiffel Tower District , and as you stroll across it, you’ll have brilliant views of the Eiffel Tower.

5. ORSAY MUSEUM

For a cultural afternoon, you can continue along to the Left Bank and visit the Orsay Museum . The Orsay Museum is in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900 – Click here to buy your tickets .

The Orsay Museum holds mainly French art from the period 1848 to 1914 and includes artworks by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and the Impressionists. Even if you’re not into art galleries, a visit here is well worth it just to see the train station, which looks like a palace!

6. THE EIFFEL TOWER

We have kept the Eiffel Tower for the last moment of this 5 days in Paris itinerary. Before sunset, head to Champ de Mars for a close look at the Eiffel Tower , the most iconic monument in Paris.  Is it worth going up to the Eiffel Tower? You can read our thoughts in this post .

Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night is truly magical. Did you know that while it is lit up, it sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour?

If you decide to climb up, book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance ! With only five days in Paris, it’s important to secure the date and time slot ASAP.

7. SEINE RIVER DINNER CRUISE

After your Eiffel Tower experience, what better way to finish off your 5 days in Paris than by taking a Seine River cruise ?

This dinner cruise down the River Seine always has good ratings and reviews. During the cruise, you will see many of the most famous Paris landmarks magically illuminated, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more.

5-day Paris Itinerary: Where to Sleep

As you make your bed, so you lie. Find the right accommodation in Paris – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. We have them all! Book your accommodation by using the map below.

We recommend Booking.com  for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.

WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view ? Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 3

Le Marais is a central neighborhood in the Seine’s Right Bank, perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is beautiful, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais

• Hotel de Josephine de Bonaparte (charming 4-star hotel inspired by Napoléon’s wife)
• Hotel France Louvre (mid-range hotel in a typical Haussmanian style)

HOTELS AT THE LATIN QUARTER

If you prefer to stay in the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is also a good option, usually with less expensive options. Stay close to the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes but also to lively areas like rue du Mouffetard or the Sorbonne, with many bars and restaurants nearby – Click here for the best hotels in the Latin Quarter

• Hotel La Lanterne (4-star hotel located between Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens)
• Observatoire Luxembourg (4-star hotel near the Luxembourg Gardens)

And there you have it, a comprehensive Paris 5 days itinerary for your coming trip to Paris. Follow this 5 days in Paris itinerary step by step, or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Do you have more time in Paris? Less time? Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

• 1 day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 4 days in Paris Itinerary
• 6 days in Paris Itinerary
• 7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

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Home » Europe » France » Paris

This is the ULTIMATE Paris Itinerary (2024)

Paris, the City of Lights, art, history and  amour . It has taken center stage in songs, movies and novels across the years, and often graces the top spot on travel wish lists.

I think it’s safe to say that no one can ever be bored in Paris. With the endless museums, cathedrals, lush gardens and Parisian bistros to enjoy, your itinerary will be packed whether you’re spending a week or a weekend in Paris.

While you’re never going to see everything – you can damn well try! This itinerary has the best that Paris has to offer without stretching you and your time too thinly.

Use this Paris itinerary as a jumping off point and explore the world’s most delightful city yourself!

A Little Bit About This 3 Day Paris Itinerary

Where to stay in paris, getting around paris, paris itinerary day 1: the big guns, paris itinerary day 2: cathedrals & catacombs, paris itinerary day 3: montmartre & more, best time to visit paris, how to get around paris, what to prepare before visiting paris, faq on paris itinerary, final thoughts.

Travelling through Paris is like having a treasure box with a secret compartment. Just when you think you’ve seen it all though, you turn down an alley and find another delicious bakery alongside a piece of 20th-century history. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or zipping along on the metro, Paris is your oyster (and there are so many pearls inside).

You’re never going to finish exploring all the epic places to visit in Paris – even if you’re here for a lifetime! And most of us don’t have a lifetime to lounge around in the Louvre or sip wine at sunset. So, where do you go when you’re short on time in a city so full of life?

Well, we’d suggest taking at least two to three days to explore Paris. This itinerary is full of the best Paris has to offer!

But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in.

We’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

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3 Day Paris Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 –   Arc D’ Triomphe , Palais Garnier , Musee De La Orangerie , La Louvre , Eiffel Tower
• Day 2 –   Notre Dame , Saint Chapelle , Musee D’Orsay , The Catacombs , Montparnase
• Day 3 – Montmartre , Geore Pompidou , Pere Lachaise Cemetery

With a Paris City Pass , you can experience the best of Paris at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

No matter how many days in Paris you spend exploring the city holds, you’ll need somewhere fantastic to stay. Because there’s so much to see and do on your vacation in Paris, it’s always a good idea to stay somewhere central and in an area that has what you’re looking for!

Choosing where to stay in Paris is definitely an important consideration. The city has a unique layout, with the city being divided into the North and South Bank on either side of the Seine River. Then, there is the spiral of 20 arrondissements (districts), which start at the Seine and move out in a circular design.

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While popular Paris monuments are sprinkled all over the city, the 1st to 7th arrondissements are the most central with the biggest variety of landmarks to enjoy. If you stay in one of these areas, it is also easy to fit more into your day as there is a reasonably short travel time between sightseeing spots. The 7th arrondissement is the most iconic. of the central districts and is home to such attractions as the one and only Eiffel Tower.

The amazing thing about Paris is that it attracts all kinds of people – from lovers to revolutionaries. If you want to stay in a more romantic district, go for Montmartre. And if it’s nightlife and getting a little wild you’re after, then you can’t pass up Oberkampf!

Paris is the old stomping ground of Ernest Hemingway, so why not pay a visit to Hemingway Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, where the atmosphere is warm and the bartenders are well-versed in the Hemingway classics.

Accommodation in Paris ranges from the abysmal to the exquisite. Our guide to the best cheap hostels in Paris is, therefore, a godsend to which you are quite welcome.

Best Hostel in Paris – St Christopher’s Inn

On the edge of the idyllic Canal, St Martin is the award-winning hostel, St Christopher’s Inn.  It has an unbeatable vibe and excellent security to keep your valuables safe. Enjoy breakfast on the waterfront terrace, then head off for the day knowing your belongings are safe.

Just 3 stops away from the Gare du Nord station, St Christopher’s is in a prime location and a perfect home-away-from-home if you’re in Paris on a budget.

Best Airbnb in Paris – Cute Studio Near the Eiffel Tower

You can’t get any closer. This Airbnb is located a few meters from the Eiffel Tower and many other attractions, like the Seine River. Surrounded by fine dining restaurants, cafes and the typical french shops, you will find yourself in the best area to stay in. This studio is great for first time visitors to Paris. You’re also very close to public transport options so you can fully explore the city.

Best Budget Hotel in Paris – Hotel de la Tour

With a prime spot in the 14th arrondissement, this well-priced hotel is possibly just what you’re looking for. The Hotel de la Tour is close to a treasure trove of Paris landmarks including Notre Dame, the Luxembourg Gardens and Palais Garnier. With the metro station only 5 minutes away and free bicycle hire on offer, exploring Paris from your hotel is beyond easy.

Best Luxury Hotel in Paris – Hôtel Napoleon Paris

If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of Paris hotels, the Hôtel Napoleon Paris has it all. Located in the 8th Arrondissement, you can enjoy the stunning views of central Paris from your window as you relax in your plush room.  The Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile Metro Station is just minutes away so it is easy to explore nearby Paris attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées Avenue.

Being the massive and sprawling city it is, Paris can seem intimidating to get around. However, it also provides locals and visitors with a fantastic public transport system. You can take one of the more than 60 busses that run daily! Taking the bus through Paris is a great way to take in some scenery, while also getting from A to B. You could also jump on the Paris metro. This can be a little busier – especially at peak hours – but it’s sure to feel like you’re getting a local’s experience of Paris. It’s very easy to get tickets for any of these modes of transport, just make sure you get your hands on a map so no time is wasted by getting lost! The metro in particular can baffle first time users.

While a lot of Paris is walkable, it doesn’t help with getting the most out of your trip. Perhaps the best thing to do is grab a day pass for either the bus or the metro. This way, you can get to your destination easily and spend more time exploring Paris!

For our first day in Paris, we are going to see some of the big headline sights that probably brought you here in the first place! The Arc De Triomphe, Paris Opera and the mighty Eifel Tower all make an appearance. What a day huh?!

9:00 AM – Arc de Triomphe

Begin your first day backpacking Paris at the Arc de Triomphe, which lies at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of Champs-Élysées.

The monument is a stunning example of sculpture from the first half of the 19th century. It marks the sacrifice of French soldiers, especially those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Inside the arch and on top of the storied monument, is carved the names of generals and the wars fought by France.

The striking French landmark is also the home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who lies beneath it. With just his date of birth accompanying the gravesite, the Unknown Soldier is an emotional reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I. Every evening at 18h30, the torch of the Eternal Flame is lit to remember the wars France has fought.

There is also the opportunity to walk up the stairs to a 30m-high walkway along the top of the arch, which is the perfect place to get an unbelievable panoramic view of Paris!

The historical sentinel representing the loss and triumph of war is unmissable on your trip to Paris.

Note that the Arc is free to look at and free to walk under. It is only climbing the platform that incurs a fee, and entails a bit of queueing. To complete this itinerary in a single day, you may wish to skip climbing the platform.

• Cost  – $10 to go up inside
• How long should I stay here?  – 60 minutes including queuing
• Getting there  – Get the metro to Charles De Gaulle Etoile

10:30 AM – Palais Garnier

Peek into the immensely challenging and stunningly beautiful world of opera on a visit to the Palais Garnier. As a pillar of the Opera National de Paris, the opera house is a monument of French history and the development of ballet as an art form!

On your visit to the Palais Garnier, you can explore the Opera Library-Museum, where you can view fascinating set models and works of art. You will also be able to see features such as the Rotonde des Abonnés, Bassin de la Pythie, Grand Foyer, Avant-Foyer, Salons de la Lune et du Soleil, Rotonde du Glacier, intricate tapestries, and temporary exhibitions throughout the opera house.

The main auditorium in the opera house is the largest in Europe. With its exquisite design and a spectacular chandelier adorning the ceiling with a crown of light, you’ll wish you were on stage!

The stunningly opulent facade is only the beginning of how amazing the building is, and the historic location has become a major symbol of Paris itself. Just walking up the staircase into the Grand Foyer makes you feel fancy enough to be hanging out with a bunch of aristocrats!

• Cost  – $20
• How long should I stay here?  – 60 minutes
• Getting there – Take the metro to Gare Auber

12:00 PM – Musée de l’Orangerie

Make your thrid stop of the day that much better by skipping the queue Musee de l’Orangerie . It sits on the corner of Jardin des Tuileries in the 1st Arrondissement and was originally built to protect the orange trees belonging to the Tuileries Palace!

In this unique place of French art and history, there are a number of well-known artworks on display. The Orangerie Museum has quite an impressionist and post-impressionist flavor with paintings by Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and Modigliani.

The museum is particularly famous as the home of the Nymphéas, eight stunning Water Lilies pieces by Monet. You don’t want to miss it!

• Cost  – $8
• How long should I stay here?  – 60 – 90 minutes
• Getting there – It’s 20 minutes on foot from Palais Garnier

1:30 PM – Lunch

Paris is a true foodie’s paradise; there are exquisite food tours and dining options on offer. However, in the interests of keeping to a budget, we are going to satisfy ourselves with a delicious french baguette sandwich from any of the many fine boulangerie’s that line the city.

2:30 PM – Louvre Museum

You could easily spend hours exploring the cultured corridors of the Louvre Museum, which are lined with art from across the ages. The world’s largest museum is in a former royal palace, and it was the French Revolution that it was made into a museum to display the nation’s masterpieces.

The Louvre houses an amazing collection of artworks, which span several thousands of years! They are divided into 8 categories including Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities and Islamic Art. Some of the most famous artworks are the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo!

The building itself is a work of art, with its golden roof created by a web of 9000 steel tubes, which almost appear to float above visitors to the Louvre.

• How long should I stay here? – 120 minutes or more
• Getting there  – Walk here from your lunch stop.

6:00 PM – Eiffel Tower

A trip to Paris is incomplete without a visit to the worldwide symbol for the city of love. It is a site rich in history, as it was built for the world fair in 1889 and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution!

With three extraordinary levels, and sights to match, the Eiffel Tower has the best view in Paris. Its top level sits at 906 feet high, which gives visitors an unbelievable view of the Paris cityscape, so it’s no surprise that the tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world.

Take in a panoramic view of popular Paris attractions, including Montmartre, Notre Dame, Les Invalides, and the glimmering waterways of the River Seine. There’s no better way to finish off the day than to watch this spectacular tower light up under the Paris sky!

Note that if you are visiting in Autun or Winter, it may get dark a early as 6pm. Your view of Paris will of course be impacted by this so you may wish to get this one out of the way earlier in the day unless you prefer the city at night view. If you are visiting Paris for the first time then you MUST climb the Eiffel Tower – it’s a Parisian rite of passage.

• Cost  – $12 – $30
• How long should I stay here?  –  60+ minutes
• Getting there  – Take the metro to Trocadeor or Passy and walk from there

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Day 2 of this Paris itinerary involves some hefty church-going (don’t worry, even the Atheists amongst you will be astounded!), swings by a lovely art museum and then takes in the macabre Paris catacombs.

9:00 AM – Notre Dame

Begin day 2 of your 3 days in Paris in the best way at Notre Dame as you take in the stunning Gothic architecture. The cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité, or City Island, and has become one of the most iconic monuments in Paris!

Entrance is free but if you would like to venture up to the Trésor de la Cathédrale (Treasure of the Cathedral, where all precious religious items are kept) or the Crypte Archéologique (which houses archaeological remains), you will need to buy tickets, but it’s more than worth it to venture into the top of the cathedral!

You can also see the iconic bell towers, which make a stunning sight! The artwork and atmosphere of reverence are stunning to witness, and it would be a sad day in Paris if you left Notre Dame off your list! Don’t forget to enjoy a stroll around the gardens, while you take a mental picture (or a real one) of the River Seine.

Update for October 2019:  Notre Dame was of course, tragically badly fire damaged earlier this year. At the time of writing it is closed for repair. You can still admire the structure from the outside although of course, the famous turrets are no longer standing.

• Cost – FREE!
• How long should I stay here?  –  30 minutes
• Getting there  – Take the metro to Trocadero or Passy and walk from there

10:00 AM – Sainte-Chapelle

If you thought Notre Dame was special, then wait until you see Sainte-Chapelle!

The cathedral pays homage to the stunning Rayonnant Gothic period of architecture. With its incredible collection of 1113 utterly exquisite stained glass panels that fill the church with beautiful multicolour light, Sainte-Chapelle is unmissable.

If you’re a history buff and a fan of exquisite architecture, you will enjoy Sainte-Chapelle’s legacy as one of the earliest remaining buildings from the  Capetian dynasty .

It is also the home of treasured Christian relics, as well as stunning depictions of the Old and New Testament which line the walls. The cathedral’s walls are also flanked with dignified stone statues representing the 12 apostles.

• Cost  -$10
• Getting there – It’s a 10 minute walk from Notre Dame

11:00 AM – Musee d’Orsay

The Musee d’Orsay is a fantastic museum with an incredible collection of art. The location is the first memorable aspect of the museum as it is found in what used to be the Gare d’Orsay railway station and hotel, giving it a truly unique architecture! A complex design of galleries lies beneath the gleaming iron and glass barrel vault in one of Europe’s largest museums.

The museum is home to some truly iconic art collections including paintings, sculptures, photography and decorative art pieces. Some of the museum’s most famous works include The Artist’s Studio, The Gleaners, Dane at Le Moulin de la Galette, Dinner at the Ball and van Gogh’s renowned Starry Night Over the Rhone.

Visit the Musee d’Orsay to truly get your fill of artworks that will make you wax poetically for the rest of the day!

You should allow 3 hours to  properly  explore the Musee D’Orsay.

• How long should I stay here?  –  120 minutes
• Getting there – Take the RER Line C to Musee D’Orsay

2:00 PM – Paris Catacombs

Experience the Les Catacombs de Paris, for an emotional and historical afternoon in Paris. The Catacombs are a labyrinth of underground quarries, which were created to eliminate the city’s overflowing cemeteries, and became one of the largest ossuaries in the world.

While officially named the Paris Municipal Ossuary, it was nicknamed the Catacombs after the Roman Catacombs created so much public fascination. The Catacombs are a place of great reverence, but also hugely informative!

It was carefully arranged as an underground museum, with monuments such as steles and tombs, as well as ‘cabinets of curiosities’, which offer information on mineralogy and pathology. You can also view plaques with poignant religious and poetic texts, which explore the nature of mortality.

Insider Tip:  You can’t take a large bag or suitcase with you because they can damage the fragile interior. It is also not wheelchair accessible because of the many stairs.

Note that the lines are very long.  We suggest paying to skip the line if you can.

• Cost  – $20 – $35
• Getting there  – RER or Metro to Denfert Rocherou

Dinner in Montparnase

From the Catacombs, you can walk or take a metro to Montparnasse. Known for its large, looming tower, the area is a hub of bars, bistro’s and eateries. Note that the French tend to dine around 7 – 8 pm but if you’re already feeling hungry, you’ll find something open from 5 pm onwards.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Paris:

Eiffel Tower

Paris’ 7th Arrondissement is one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in the city. Situated on the Left Bank, the 7th Arrondissement is right in the heart of the action, making it the best neighbourhood in Paris to stay in for sightseeing.

• Go for a stroll through the impressive Champs de Mars gardens.
• Marvel at the iconic Eiffel Tower and climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Paris.
• Experience a staggering collection of Impressionist art at the incomparable Musee d’Orsay.

The 3rd day of our 3 days in Paris itinerary takes in the artist village of Montmartre. Once home to Dali, Picasso & still home to the fabulous Moulin Rouge club. From there we visit one of Paris’ most bold buildings before paying our respects to the dead.

10:00 AM – Montmartre

This bohemian town in the 18th arrondissement is a surreal place to visit. The timeless village gets its name from the large hill it sits in the shadow of, and is a place with an amazing history.

Don’t miss out on a view of the breathtaking Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur, a sentinel in Montmartre’s landscape. Montmartre is also well-known for its incredible relationship with art and the careers of prominent artists. Many famous painters, including Modigliani, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso and van Gogh lived in the town.

Pay a visit to the Musée de Montmartre, which used to be the home and studio of a number of artists. You could also take a walk through the town and enjoy the idyllic surroundings that once inspired some of France’s greatest painters. Then, get your own portrait painted at the bustling Place du Tertre!

Enjoy a day finding the secret gems in Paris in this artistic hub from days gone by. It was featured in famous poetry, paintings and the hit film, Moulin Rouge. Any Paris itinerary MUST feature a trip to Montmartre.

• Cost  – Depends what you do!
• How long should I stay here?  –  3 hours
• Getting there – Take the Metro to Pigalle and then explore on foot

12:30 PM – Lunch in Montmartre

Montmarte has loads of bistro’s to choose from. There are a few treasures set amidst the streets near the Basicalla although the ones nearer to Pigalle metro tend to be cheaper catering for a daytime, business crowd.

1:30 PM – Geore Pompidou Centre

The Paris Pompidou centre is the cities premier, leading modern art museum. Whilst La Louvre and Musee’ D’Orsay boast some of the finest classical art in the whole world, Pomdidou specialises in 20th-century works. Featuring masterpieces from Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, the museum is a must for art buffs.

As well as the art, the museum itself is remarkable on account of its bold “inside out” design. The views from the top floors are also pretty sweeping.

• How long should I stay here?  –  90 minutes
• Getting there  – Take the Metro to Hotel Deville

4:00 PM – Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the most visited cemetery in the world. This is mostly on account of the sheer abundance of Paris’ good and dead who are laid to rest here. Notable resting Pere Lachaise residents include Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Moliere, plus the composers Rossini & Chopin.

Not only is the guest list worthy of any A-list after party, but the monuments themselves are also quite captivating. The cemetery makes an unusual, serene detour and is a wonderful break from Paris’ bustling streets.

• Cost  – Free
• How long should I stay here?  –  60 – 120  minutes
• Getting there  – Ride the metro to Pere Lachaise

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

France does have seasons so there’s definitely a time when it’s best to visit Paris . The summers are hot, bringing sweaty days and long evenings. A lot of Parisians head for the coast in August although the influx of tourists make up for this. Winters get chilly and wet but snow is still relatively rare. The shoulder seasons (Spring and Autumn) are possibly the best times to visit.

The time of year you visit will effect what you need to bring. Our Paris packing list will therefore come in useful. The table below will also help you perfectly plan a trip to Paris.

OK so Paris is big and the main attractions are pretty spread out. Walking IS possible but will take considerable exertion and time. Thankfully, the public transport system is pretty robust with reliable efficient Metro, RER and bus networks running across the city.

We suggest buying a book of 10 public transport tickets ($15) which you can use on either trains, busses or RER’s. You need to “stamp” your ticket by feeding it into the machine. Once stamped you can use it to ride unlimited for 1 hour and can even change train/bus. Note that if you are headed to the airport, you need to buy a separate airport RER ticket.

Taxi’s and Uber’s are very expensive in Paris so use them sparingly. There is an automated bike hire service available but personally, I find daytime traffic a bit too intense for this to be enjoyable.

While ol’ Paris is pretty safe , you can never be too cautious. Here are the best tips for keeping your trip problem-free.

• Pickpocketing can be fairly common, especially in large crowded areas such as the metro stations, major tourists attractions, and shopping hubs.
• There are areas that can be unsafe at night or when they are especially empty, including Chatelet, Les Halles, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, Jaures, Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, and Saint-Ouen.
• There were of course some high profile terror attacks in Paris over the last few days and it is true that terrorists may try again. However, there is nothing to suggest that Paris is particuarly at risk and no need for fear or any hysteria.

Paris is still one of the safest European metropoles but backpacking through any country needs some safety precautions. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any trouble and try not to go through isolated areas, especially on your own.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Paris

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning Paris itinerary.

How many days do you need in Paris?

You can pack a lot into 2-3 days in Paris, especially if you’re interested in hitting all the hotspots.

What should you include on a Paris 3 day itinerary?

You can’t miss these top Paris attractions! – Eiffel Tower – Arc de Triomphe – Museums: Louvre & Musee d’Orsay Montmartre

Where should you stay for a weekend in Paris?

The 1st or 7th Arrondissements are the most central, making them the ideal base for a short Parisian getaway.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

April and October are best you want to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy some decent weather.

For anyone seeking history, fantastic cuisine, sublime scenery and an endless supply of things to be amazed by, Paris is the place to visit! There are boundless opportunities to experience everything from world-renowned French monuments to hidden Parisian gems.

With everything on offer and every possible mode of transport available, Paris is a backpacker’s paradise!

As the queen of class, Audrey Hepburn said, “Paris is always a good idea”. Need I say more?

Mathilde Magnier

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Jetsetting Fools

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7 Days in Paris Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect Paris Trip

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Paris may be the City of Light and Love, but it’s also an enormous, functioning and formidable metropolis. Packed with a multitude of sights, planning a succinct Paris itinerary is a challenging task. No need to worry, with our 7 Days in Paris Itinerary, you will be able to plan a perfect trip!

After visiting Paris numerous times over the last 20 years, we have experience in navigating to the top Paris attractions and off-the-beaten-path gems.

To help other travelers fall in love with the city, we have created an ideal One Week in Paris Itinerary that features the absolute best things to do!

Creating The Perfect 7 Days in Paris Itinerary

Everyone has their own interpretation of the perfect trip to Paris. We know someone who spent their entire three days in Paris inside the Louvre – and we have other friends who have visited Paris for a week and never set foot inside a museum. There is no right or wrong way to see Paris.

Our 7 Day Paris trip planner can be followed step-by-step – or used as a base to design a Paris trip itinerary that fits your travel style.

Don’t feel obligated to visit a specific sight just because someone says that it’s a must-see. There are an endless number of things to do in Paris in 7 days and it’s nearly impossible (and certainly exhausting) to try and see them all.

When creating a Paris One Week Itinerary, it can be tempting to approach the city with a checklist of sights. However, Paris is a city designed to be savored. One thing we highly recommend in Paris is spending time relaxing in cafes and casually strolling along the Seine.

For your 7 Day Paris Itinerary, it’s important to allow room for flexibility and schedule time to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the city.

About Our Paris Itinerary 7 Days

In our 7 Day Itinerary Paris, we share a detailed, day-by-day sightseeing plan. For our Paris itinerary planner, we have outlined all the sights that you can see each day. It’s an ambitious Paris tour itinerary that squeezes in just about as much as possible.

Designed for determined sightseers, travelers who want a less intense and more leisurely agenda should eliminate some sights from our 7 Days Paris Itinerary Planner.

Your style of travel, season of visit and expectations will dictate how you create your absolute best Paris itinerary.

What To See in Paris in 7 Days

Our Paris, France itinerary covers a total of seven days and features all of the major tourist attractions and a few hidden gems. For each sight we provide a brief description and pertinent information. With that, you can decide if you want to include it in your personal trip plan of what to do in Paris in 7 days.

Maps for Paris 

To assist in routing your way through Paris, we have included a map for each day’s sightseeing adventures. Additionally, we have included a pin drop to each sight so that you can easily locate it. Furthermore, at the end of the post, we have a complete map of all the sights to see in Paris.

That said, we strongly suggest you purchase a Paris map in advance of your trip ( like this one ) and spend a little time studying the layout. Paris sightseeing will be a lot more enjoyable if you have a better understanding of where things are located.

Getting Around Paris  

Top Paris sights are located throughout the sprawling city. Visitors can get around by walking, taking a bus, hopping on the Metro or getting an Uber. 

For each sight on our Paris in One Week itinerary, we indicate our preferred method of travel (Walk, Metro, Bus) based on arriving directly from the previous stop. We talk more about getting around in Paris at the end of the article.

Museums and Landmarks

Our Paris in a Week Itinerary includes several museums and other landmarks that require an entrance fee. While we feel it’s possible to enjoy a trip to Paris without paying entry fees, most will want to visit some of these most iconic places.

Top sights will likely have long lines for entry and security, which needs to be taken into account when planning a trip to Paris. Additionally, some are closed on certain days of the week (often Mondays and Tuesdays). Make sure to check opening times and plan your Paris travel itinerary accordingly.

If your plan includes visiting multiple attractions, we recommend buying a Paris Museum Pass . In addition to the savings, the Museum Pass often includes Skip-The-Line access.

For each sight listed in our Paris itineraries, we indicated whether it is free or requires a ticket – and if it is included with the Paris Museum Pass. We provide additional information about Paris sightseeing passes later.

Planning a Paris Travel Itinerary 7 Days 

Those planning a 7 day trip to Paris can use our detailed outline as it is written. However, we know not all travelers planning a Paris vacation intend to stay for an entire week. So, we created additional Paris itineraries that outline what to do in Paris in one day or longer.

Whether you are a first-time visitor trying to see Paris in a day or are returning for a long weekend in Paris, you can use our plan to build your perfect Paris Itinerary!

Tips for Planning Paris, France Itinerary 7 Days

If you choose to follow our itinerary for Paris exactly or use our plan as a blueprint for creating your own adventure, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind.

Paris Architecture, Street Art and Entertainers

In Paris, viewing art isn’t limited to museums. Art is everywhere . Paris architecture is among the most beautiful in the world. Make sure to look up from the map during your 7 days in Paris, France to observe your surroundings!

Also keep your eyes peeled for Paris street art, like wall murals and small tiled works by famous Parisian Street Artist, Invader. The streets of Paris are also filled with street musicians and entertainers. Slow down, listen and enjoy the atmosphere.

Top Tip : Like many popular tourist destinations, Paris also attracts scam artists. Steer-clear of common tricks, like friendship bracelets, petition signature requests and anything resembling a gambling game.

Travel Planner for a Paris Itinerary

Our Paris 7 Days Trip Planner is the perfect place to start researching what to see and do during your trip to France.

However, as you begin to make reservations and buy tickets, organization is key. We recommend using our Travel Planning Printables , to keep your vacation to Paris organized!

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Paris Travel Guide to plan your trip to France!

ONE WEEK IN PARIS ITINERARY

This Paris travel guide is designed to help you effortlessly plan your trip. It works great for a First Time Paris Itinerary, but is incredibly useful for return visitors, as well. Now, without further ado, let’s get started with your Paris vacation!

Day 1 of your 7 Days in Paris Itinerary

Day 1 Route  MAP . Kick off your 1 week trip to Paris with the must-see sights and attractions – like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe. Experience the vibrant atmosphere along the River Seine and stroll the renowned Champs Elysees. 

Free | Metro | Map

Created for the International Exposition in 1937, Trocadero Square (Place du Trocadero) is the place for the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Making it the perfect location to start your 7 days trip to Paris.

Lining the square to the northwest is the impressive Palais de Chaillot; sculptures and fountains complete the layout of the picturesque gardens. However, the real reason you’re here is to soak in the Eiffel Tower views that extend beyond to Champs de Mars.

• Eiffel Tower

Free to View; Ticket Required to climb/ride | Walk | Map

The iconic Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) was built for the 1889 World’s Fair by engineer Gustave Eiffel. Naturally, it tops every list of places to see in Paris!

Made of wrought-iron, the Eiffel Tower stands at 1,063 feet, which at the time of completion made it the tallest structure in the world. The tower has three platforms and is one of the most visited monuments on the planet.

Top Tip : If you want to visit the Eiffel Tower (not just look at it), we recommend that you Buy Skip-The-Line Tickets in advance.

Paris Promenade Walk 

Free | Walk | Map

Walking along the Seine River is one of the top things to do in Paris. Soak in the Parisian atmosphere and enjoy a stroll as you travel from the Eiffel Tower to the next stop on our 1 Week in Paris Itinerary.

Pont Alexandre III (and the Grand and Petit Palais)

Hailed by many as the most beautiful bridge in Paris – and a must see for your Paris 7 Days Itinerary – Pont Alexandre III was built at the turn of the 20th century and named for Tsar Alexander III.

Spanning the Seine River to connect Les Invalides to Champs-Elysees, the bridge features numerous statues (including the four glittering winged horses, called Fames) and picturesque street lamps.

On the north end of the bridge (Right Bank), are the Grand Palais (ticket required) and the Petit Palais (free).

Top Tip : Step onto the bridge to soak in the scene, then walk back to the Left Bank with the grand view of Les Invalides in the distance (which you will visit on Day 4 of your 1 Week Trip to Paris).

• Musee d’Orsay

Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass | Walk | Map

The stylish Gare d’Orsay train station was built in the late 1800s but fell to disuse when longer trains exceeded the platforms. Slotted for demolition, the building was saved by being labeled a Paris Historic Monument and subsequently turned into a museum.

The Orsay Museum opened in 1986 and is now one of the largest art museums in Europe, housing an impressive collection paintings, sculptures and photographs.

Several masterpieces are on display, including Impressionist paintings by some of the world’s most renowned artists (Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh). Both the collection of artworks and the building architecture make Musee d’Orsay a must see on your Paris 7 day trip. 

Pro Tip : With so many sights to see on Day 1 of your Paris Itinerary, we recommend eating a quick lunch now. The café at Orsay Museum offers sandwiches and small bites or grab a savory crepe from a kiosk.

The Louvre 

Housed in the former Louvre Palace (where French royalty resided from the 14th century until Louis XIV moved to the Palace of Versailles), the Louvre is the most popular art museum in the world. 

The Louvre first opened in 1793 – and now draws more than 10 million visitors annually. The museum is a highlight of many itineraries for Paris. 

The glass Louvre Pyramid in the center of the courtyard was added in 1989 and serves as the main entrance. There are two other less-crowded entry points: Porte des Lions and Carrousel du Louvre.

The Louvre contains 38,000 items that span history from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Collections include Egyptian antiquities, Near Eastern antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman displays, Islamic art, sculptures, decorative arts and paintings, prints and drawings.

The museum’s most famous resident is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (which size is often disappointing for many visitors).

Other top attractions in the Louvre include Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Coronation of Napoleon and The Wedding at Cana (opposite Mona Lisa).

Planning Your Time at The Louvre

The Louvre is an absolutely massive museum and you could easily spend the better part of an entire day here.

If visiting the Louvre is on your list of Things To Do in Paris in 7 Days, but you still want to see all the other sights on our list for Day 1, we recommend spending 1.5 hours seeing the highlights.

Top Tip: Alternatively, save visiting the Louvre for Day 5 of your trip and condense that day’s sightseeing to allow for more time inside the iconic Paris museum.

Tuileries Garden

West of the Louvre is the pleasant and neatly planned Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries). Dating to 1564, the gardens were opened to the public in 1667.

Highlights of the Tuileries Garden include the Arc de triomphe du Carrousel (not to be confused with the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile), a statue-lined promenade, and beautiful fountains surrounded by those famous Paris green SENAT chairs.

Top Tip : Walk up the ramp toward Musee de l’Orangerie (which we visit on Day 5) to the Terrasse de l’Orangerie where there are picturesque views of the Eiffel Tower over Place de la Concorde.

• Place de la Concorde

The next sight on our 7 Day Paris Travel Planner is the largest square in the city, Place de la Concorde. The centerpiece of eight converging streets (including the main thoroughfare through Tuileries Garden), the square marks the east end of Paris’ most famous boulevard, Champs-Elysees.

Within Place de la Concorde are eight enormous statues – each marking an angle of the square – as well as the 75-foot-tall Egyptian Luxor Obelisk and the matching Fountain of the Rivers and Fountain of the Seas.

During the French Revolution in 1789, Place de la Concorde was the site of numerous executions via guillotine. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette are two of the most notable figures to be executed in the square.

• Champs Elysees

The Avenue des Champs-Elysees is one of the grandest avenues in the world and a top sight to include in your 7 Day Paris Vacation Itinerary.

Running only 1.2 miles – from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe – the tree-lined Champs Elysees is home to an array of luxury brand and fashion retail outlets, as well as opulent palaces and gardens.

The Grand Palais and Petit Palais sit within the Jardins des Champs-Elysees and Elysees Palace (the residence of French presidents), lies just north of the gardens.

In the past, the avenue has been used for military parades – and it marks the final stretch of the Tour de France bicycle race.

Top Tip : Taste-test France’s finest confection, the Macaron, at Paris’ two most famous macaron shops: Laduree and Pierre Herme.  

• Arc de Triomphe

Free to Visit, Ticket Required for Rooftop Climb; Included with Museum Pass | Walk, Metro or Taxi | Map

Another iconic Paris landmark, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile marks the west end of the Champs Elysees – and the last sight for Day 1 of our One Week Paris Itinerary!

The arch, which stands at 164 feet, sits in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle and is ringed by a roundabout that connects 12 streets in a star pattern. For a panoramic view of Paris, visitors can climb the stairs to the top of Arc de Triomphe.

Built in the early 1800s to honor the men who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the Arc de Triomphe straddles the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

The arch is an integral element in the Axe Historique – a 6.2-mile axis that connects multiple Paris monuments in a line. From east to west, the Axe Historique includes the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Tuileries Gardens, Luxor Obelisk, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile and La Grande Arche de la Defense.

Top Tip : For an excellent first meal in Paris, make a reservation at Le Souffle and order the Beef Bourguignon!

Day 2 of your Paris, France Itinerary 7 Days

Day 2 Route MAP . No Paris visitor should miss the extraordinary Versailles Palace sights. Spend the entire second day of your Paris Week Itinerary sightseeing at Versailles. 

Palace of Versailles and Gardens

Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass | Train | Map

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Versailles Palace – or Chateau de Versailles – was the home of the royal family from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789. What began as a modest hunting lodge for King Louis XIII in the 1620s, was subsequently expanded into the grandiose Palace of Versailles by King Louis XIV from 1661 to 1715.

Visitors can see the lavishly decorated interior, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Apartments of the King and Queen.

The Versailles Palace grounds are as extravagant as the palace itself and feature meticulously planned gardens and magnificent fountains. Furthermore, guests are invited to tour the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.

We recommend picking up the free Versailles audio guide – or save time by downloading the mobile app . 

Tips for Visiting Versailles

Versailles Palace is located 12 miles from the Paris city center and can be easily reached by RER C train. Depending on your point of departure, the route can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Plus there is a 10-minute walk from the Versailles train station to the palace.

If touring Versailles on your own without a guide, arrive early – before the tour buses – and visit the interior of the palace first. When exploring the Gardens of Versailles, be mindful of the time to ensure you visit all of the sights before traveling back to Paris.

Before entering the palace, all visitors are required to go through security – and may have wait times of up to two hours. Some private tours allow guests to skip to the front of the security line.

The gardens are free to visit except during high season on Musical Fountain and Musical Garden Days – usually Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If the line to get inside the palace is too long when you arrive, consider visiting the gardens first and then going inside the afternoon.

There are restaurants at the palace and in town where visitors can eat both lunch and dinner. We recommend enjoying a picnic lunch in the gardens and then eating and early dinner at the historic La Flottille overlooking the Versailles Grand Canal before heading back to Paris.

Day 3 of your Paris 7 Day Itinerary 

Day 3 Route MAP . Top attractions today include the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, the pretty Le Marais District, the famed Pere Lachaise Cemetery and the always engaging Montmartre District. 

Pont Neuf – or New Bridge – is ironically the oldest bridge in Paris (more than 400-years-old) and spans the Seine River, crossing the tip of a small island, Ile de la Cite. 

Decorating the bridge are 381 stone face masks of ancient mythology; each one is unique – but none are original. An equestrian statue of Henry IV marks the spot where the bridge crosses Ile de la Cite.

Note : Just downstream from Pont Neuf is Pont des Arts, the once-famous “Paris Love Lock Bridge”. It no longer has locks because the weight threatened the stability of the bridge!

Top Tip : Find the steps behind the statue of Henry IV that lead down to the water. Walk through the park to the very tip of Ile de la Cite for a different vantage point of Paris.

• Ile de la Cite

A natural island in the middle of the Seine River, Ile de la Cite has been inhabited since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, it became the center of Paris – as it remains today. 

All distances in Paris are measured from the Zero Kilometer mark (you can find it in the plaza that sits in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral). We think sightseeing on Ile de la Cite is essential during your 7 Day Trip to Paris Itinerary.

Many of the top Paris sights are located on Ile de la Cite, including Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Palais de Justice, Conciergerie prison (where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution) and the Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation.

Sainte Chapelle

Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass (but cannot skip security line) | Walk | Map

With floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) is the most colorful church in Paris.

The chapel was built on the grounds of Palais de la Cite, where the royal Kings of France resided from the 10th to 14th centuries. The purpose of the chapel was to house a holy relic: Christ’s Crown of Thrones (now at Notre Dame).

Sainte-Chapelle was built in just 10 years – from 1238 to 1248 – an astounding feat at the time. Situated on two levels, the upper level features the enormous stained-glass windows (two-thirds of which are 13th-century originals). Each panel depicts a different bible story.

Conciergerie

The Conciergerie was built as an extension to the Palais de la Cite to serve as a dining hall for staff and royal banquets. When Charles V moved to the Louvre Palace in 1358, he put a concierge in charge of the Palais de la Cite functions (thus the name Conciergerie).

In the late 1300s, a portion of the building was converted into a prison. During the French Revolution, the Conciergerie was where counter-revolutionaries and suspected traitors were held. Including the last queen of France, Marie Antoinette.

They were tried before the Revolutionary Tribunal and were either acquitted or sentenced to death. More than 2,700 prisoners were sent to the guillotine in Place de la Concorde.

Notre Dame Towers

Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass, but time reservation required | Walk | Map

NOTE: The Notre Dame Towers have been closed since the fire in 2019 and are scheduled to reopen in late 2024.

Standing at 226 feet, the double towers of Notre Dame Cathedral reigned as the tallest structure in Paris from when they were built in 13th century until the Eiffel Tower was finished in 1889.

The most beautiful view in all of Paris is from the Notre-Dame Cathedral Towers. We highly recommend including it on your 7 day Travel Itinerary Paris. 

Top Tip: Entrance to the Notre Dame Towers is available at timed increments each day and they often fill up quickly. It’s best to download the JeFile App to reserve your entrance time online beginning at 7:30am each morning. You can also reserve your time at one of the machines near the east gate entrance. Just make it your first stop of the day, before you get in line at Sainte Chapelle. 

• Notre Dame Cathedral

Free to Visit Church | Walk | Map

The Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is the most visited landmark in the city. As one of the top things to do in Paris, it attracts 12 million visitors annually.

It took almost 200 years (from 1163 to 1345) to complete the massive structure. The key features of the French Gothic church are the rib vaulting, flying buttresses, stained-glass rose windows, façade sculptures and menacing gargoyles.

Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation

The somber, subterranean Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportations monument pays tribute to the more than 200,000 French people who were sent to German concentration camps in World War II. In addition to the poignant memorial, there are a few exhibits and artifacts on display. 

Berthillon Glacier

€3.50 for a small single scoop | Walk | Map

Located on Ile Saint-Louis, the island just upstream from Ile de Cite, Berthillon Glacier is the most raved-about ice cream shop in Paris – and this wouldn’t be the Best Paris Itinerary 7 Days if we didn’t mention it, too!

Opened by the Berthillon family in 1954 as Le Bourgogne Café, Berthillon remains a family-run shop. The ice cream is made on-site using only fresh products to create both standard and unique flavors. Guests can get a cone to-go from the shop or take a seat in the Tea Room next door.

Le Marais 

The historic Le Marais District was once the posh neighborhood of nobles…until the French Revolution. When the noblemen abandoned their mansions, Le Marais became home to Paris’ Jewish community and working-class families.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that many of the rundown residences were restored to their original architectural splendor. Many hotels (as they were called) now house museums and art galleries.

In addition to the Jewish community that is still very prevalent, the once-again stylish district has a large Chinese community and is the center of the Paris LGBT culture.

What To Do and Where To Eat in Le Marais

Explore the streets of Le Marais on your own or follow a walking tour of the district and admire the grand architecture.

Of the many museums in the area, the Maison de Victor Hugo and Musee Carnavalet are both free. Le Marais sights that should not be missed are Place des Vosges, the Church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, Rue des Rosiers and nearby Hotel de Ville.

The Le Marais district is also home to some of the best cheap eats in Paris. We have a few recommendations for restaurants to include on your Itinerary Paris 7 Days. 

We suggest joining the queue at L’as du Fallafel for the best falafel in Paris. Get it to-go, then walk to the hidden Rosiers-Joseph-Migneret Park ( MAP ) to savor the massive falafel sandwich on one of the benches.

Other highly rated eateries in the area are Breizh Cafe (for their signature crepes) or Chez Alain Miam Miam for classic Parisian sandwiches. If you are craving something sweet or an afternoon coffee, stop by Au Petit Versailles du Marais – a quintessential Parisian café. 

Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Free | Walk or Bus 69 | Map

Travelers wondering if it is strange to include a cemetery on their Paris 7 Days Trip Planner need not worry. Pere Lachaise Cemetery is not an average graveyard, it’s a top Paris tourist attraction!

Opened in 1804, the Pere Lachaise Cemetery was, at the time, considered to be too far from the Paris city center. In an effort to attract burials, the remains of two famous French poets (Jean de La Fontaine and Moliere) were re-buried at Pere Lachaise.

With a desire to have a final resting place among renowned citizens, more people chose to be interred at Pere Lachaise…including other famous figures.

The most-visited Paris gravesites are of Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Frederic Chopin, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison. While seeking out these famous Paris tombstones is well worth it, we also recommend enjoying the beautiful headstones and lush greenery. 

Sacre Coeur

Free to Visit Church | Metro | Map

The Roman Catholic Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) in the Montmartre district is perched at the city’s highest point and ranks as one of the top places to visit in Paris.

The Basilica was built in the late 1800s as a penance for society’s moral decline, but also to honor the nearly 60,000 soldiers who died in the Franco-Prussian War.

The white travertine church, which features unusual Byzantine-style architecture and stately elements, is fronted by a steep staircase that offers sweeping views across Paris.

Top Tip : The dome, which can be visited for a fee, offers an even more impressive viewpoint.

Montmartre and Pigalle

Known for its nightlife and artist haunts, the Montmartre District is a fabulous feast for the senses. In the immediate area surrounding Sacre Coeur, the quaint streets evoke a time of the past.

Classic French cafes line the streets that lead to Place du Tertre, where artists sit at easels drawing the portraits of paying tourists.

Meanwhile, downhill in the Pigalle neighborhood, the bright lights of sex shops and adult nightclubs draw all the attention. The world-famous Moulin Rouge – identified by the giant red windmill – sits among the many cabarets along Boulevard de Clichy.

Tickets to Moulin Rouge shows with champagne and an optional dinner can (and should) be booked in advance .

Other sights in the district include the Montmartre Cemetery, Musee de Montmarte and the Wall of Love.

Day 4 of your Itinerary for Paris 7 Days

Day 4 Route MAP . Today’s route of what to see in Paris includes sights on the left bank of the Seine River. You will explore the Latin Quarter and go underground to the catacombs. Then see artistic sculptures at the Rodin Museum, visit Napoleon’s Tomb and enjoy an al fresco picnic dinner with an Eiffel Tower view!

Latin Quarter 

The Latin Quarter is home to the historic Sorbonne University, ornate churches, spacious parks, classic cafes and chic nightclubs.

The district obtained its moniker in the Middle Ages when university students – who were taught in and spoke in Latin – resided in the neighborhood. The May 1968 protests – which led to 11 million factory workers going on strike – began with student occupations in the Latin Quarter. The successful movement marked a cultural shift in France’s history.

How To Discover the Latin Quarter 

Wander the area on your own, join a walking tour  or use this map for what to see and do in the Latin Quarter.

Start your exploration at one of the top sights in the Latin Quarter, the Shakespeare & Company Bookstore – which is known for stocking English literature in a charming shop. Marvel at the architecture at the Sorbonne University campus, then step inside two of the best churches in Paris: Saint Sulpice Church and Saint Germain-des-Pres Church.

End your time in the Latin Quarter with brunch at Café de Flore, perhaps the most famous café in Paris. 

Built in the second half of the 18th century as a church, in 1791 the domed building was transformed into a mausoleum only one year after completion. The dominating portico (which offers a nice view of the distant Eiffel Tower) is lined with stately columns.

Inside, hanging from the dome, is a Foucault Pendulum – a device created in 1851 proving that the earth rotates.

Many of France’s most revered politicians, intellectuals and national heroes are buried at the Pantheon in the crypt. Some of the notable ‘residents’ include Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.

Luxembourg Gardens

The spacious gardens of the Luxembourg Palace (where the French Senate meets today) were designed in the early 1600s. Centering on a fountain that is a popular place for model sailboats, the Luxembourg Gardens feature decorative flower beds, tree-lined paths, tennis courts, statues and monuments.

Paris Catacombs

Ticket Required | Walk or Metro | Map

A labyrinth of underground tunnels displaying skeleton bones, the Catacombs are one of the eerie and unique things to see in Paris. 

Built in the 1700s to stave off the overcrowded cemeteries, the Catacombs of Paris are believed to hold the remains of more than six-million people. Today, visitors can descend into the subterranean maze and explore the dimly lit walkways. 

As this is an incredibly popular Paris attraction, we recommend buying Skip-the-Line tickets in advance.

Top Tip : Another attraction in the area is the Montparnasse Tower. Excellent views extend from the Montparnasse building observation deck on the 56th floor ( ticket required, MAP ). 

Rodin Museum

Featuring the works of French sculptor, Auguste Rodin, the Rodin Museum has a collection of more than 6,600 sculptures.

The building that houses the artwork, Hotel Biron, was used by the artist as his workspace in the early 1900s. When Rodin passed away, he donated his sculptures, drawings and photographs. As well as his personal collection of paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir.

His most popular sculptures, which are on display in the garden, are The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. Inside, visitors will find The Kiss.

• Les Invalides

Free to enter the grounds and Saint-Louis des Invalides Cathedral, Ticket required for Napoleon’s Tomb and museums; Included with Museum Pass | Walk | Map

Built as a care facility for injured and aging soldiers in the late 1600s, the Les Invalides complex now houses museums, monuments and – most notably – Napoleon’s Tomb.

In addition to the attractions, there is still a military hospital and veteran housing on-site. The monumental structure’s most striking feature is the golden dome, under which Napoleon lies.

Rue Cler is a photographer’s dream and a foodie’s paradise with carefully crafted window displays and gastronomic delights. The picturesque pedestrian-only street features specialty shops, boutiques and a luxurious – and what we often think of as an undeniably Parisian – shopping experience.

To assemble a gourmet meal, visitors hop from the boucheries (butcher shop) to the fromagerie (cheese shop) to the cave a vins (wine shop).

Top Tip : Select items for a picnic and head to Champ de Mars for a meal-with-a-view of the Eiffel Tower!

• Champ de Mars

Originally used as military training grounds, the green lawns of Champ de Mars stretch from the Eiffel Tower south to Ecole Militaire. The rectangular park is lined with benches and provides spectacular views of Paris’ most famous landmark.

View the Sparkling Eiffel Tower at Night

An impressive sight in day light, the Eiffel Tower is absolutely stunning at night. At dusk, the structure is illuminated by 336 orange-hued lamps. From the top, two beams of light stretch 80km, rotating like a beacon.

However, the Eiffel Tower is most beautiful during the hourly (on the hour after sunset) five-minute lightshow when 20,000 sparkling lights make the structure dance and shimmer.

Day 5 of your Paris 7 Day Itinerary

Day 5 Route MAP . On Day 5 of your Paris Week Vacation, discover some of the city’s most opulent architecture and the best shopping venues. Some of these are Paris hidden gems!

Palais Garnier Opera

Ticket Required | Metro | Map

Designed by Charles Garnier and built for the Paris Opera in late 1800s, the structure is an architectural gem (thus the name Palais Garnier). The ornate façade features arches, columns and sculptures (which required the work of 73 sculptors).

Palace Garnier is the setting for The Phantom of the Opera and once stood as the centerpiece of Paris. The new, modern (and less attractive) Opera Bastille, which houses the Paris National Opera, opened in 1989 and the Palais Garnier is now mostly used for ballet.

Galeries Lafayette Rooftop View

A high-end Paris department store, Galeries Lafayette began as a small fashion outlet in 1895. In 1912, the owners commissioned the Art Nouveau building on Boulevard Haussmann, which the store still occupies today. 

Even those not seeking retail therapy should go inside, take in the view under the central dome and then ride the escalators to the rooftop for outstanding Paris city views. It’s one of the fun free things to do in Paris!

La Madeleine Church

The Neo-Classical, 52-column La Madeleine Church resembles a Roman temple. In fact, the UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as a temple and military monument by Napoleon on the site of a former church (the Old Church of the Madeleine).

After the fall of Napoleon, it was transformed back into a church. The interior is lavishly decorated with frescoes, statues and bas-reliefs.  

Musee de l’Orangerie

Since 1927, the Musee de l’Orangerie has displayed Claude Monet’s most recognizable work: Water Lilies (Nympheas). The eight massive murals, which are based on the flower garden at his home in Giverny (which can be visited on a tour ), decorate two oval rooms.

In addition to the murals by Monet, the collection includes works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso and Renoir (among others).

Pro Tip: If you skipped entering the Louvre on Day 1 (or want additional time there), visit it after the L’Orangerie Museum.

Palais Royal

Dubbed a ‘Village in the City’, the Palais Royal became a royal residence in 1642. The enclosed space features 18th century gardens and the inner palace courtyard, Cour d’Honneur.

Decorating the courtyard is the Les Deux Plateaux art installation, which is made up of black-and-white stripped columns of differing heights (which make for fun photos!).

The building itself is now used as luxury retail space and the offices of the Ministry of Culture and Constitutional Council.

Covered Passages 

Designed with glass ceilings to filter in the sunlight and lined with boutique shops and chic restaurants, the covered passages in Paris are both functional and charming.

The Paris passageways can be used as shortcuts to avoid long walks around city blocks. However, visitors seeking the ambiance of 19th century Paris will find appeal in simply strolling the length of the covered lanes.

The most opulent passageway is Galerie Vivienne, but we also recommend venturing further north to Passage des Panoramas (the oldest existing Paris passageway, built in 1799) and Passage Jouffroy (a ‘modern’ passageway, built in 1845).

Top Tip : Bistro Vivienne – located at Galerie Vivienne – is a classic French restaurant (with classic Parisian service) that is a good spot for lunch. Try the onion soup!

Centre Pompidou

Free to enter lobby, tickets required for exhibits | Walk | Map

The premier museum in Paris for contemporary art, Centre Pompidou is a massive complex displaying a variety of artistic works. From masterpieces by Picasso to ever-changing rotating exhibits, the space is positively enthralling for art aficionados. Plus, the rooftop view is sublime. 

The building itself is a modern architectural marvel – and it’s free to go inside the lobby (you will need a ticket to visit the exhibits). Centre Pompidou stays open late, so relax and enjoy the artwork and surrounding area until you are ready for dinner.

Rue Montorgueil

The bustling Rue Montorgueil shopping street has a lively, real-life Parisian atmosphere – and is one of our favorite streets in all of Paris. The (mostly) pedestrian-only street features a mix of shops that fit a range of budgets. Among the everyday shops and cafes are specialty stores (like fish, wine, bread and cheese shops).

The street is also home to three historic restaurants: Patissier Stohrer (Paris’ oldest pastry shop credited with creating Baba au Rhum), L’Escargot Montorgueil (specializing in buttered snails) and Au Rocher de Cancale (known for their oysters).

Day 6 of your 1 Week in Paris Itinerary

Day 6 Route MAP . One of the fabulous things about planning a week in Paris Itinerary is that you can discover some of the off-the-beaten-path gems. Today we will explore the east side of the city, beginning in Vincennes. Walk your way back to the center along the Coulee Vert Rene-Dumont – a railroad-turned-park. End your day with a stroll along the Seine and a Paris river cruise!

Chateau de Vincennes

Free to enter grounds, Ticket Required to enter church and tower; Included with Museum Pass | Metro | Map

With origins as a hunting lodge – built in 1150 for Louis VII – Chateau de Vincennes was expanded into a royal fortress in the 14th and 17th centuries.

Surrounded by deep moats and walls, the chateau was used as a royal residence and, later, as a prison. Within the compound is the Royal Chapel and Tower. The grounds are open to visitors, but tickets are required to enter the church and tower.

Although the Chateau de Vincennes is the highlight, the quaint town of Vincennes – which feels a world away from busy Paris – is worth a quick look around as well.

Bois de Vincennes Park

The largest park in Paris, Bois de Vincennes was established in the mid-1800s. Once the royal hunting grounds, then used as military training grounds, it was the site for several events of the 1900 Summer Olympics.

Bois de Vincennes features four lakes, numerous planned gardens, wooded areas, an arboretum, a zoo, a farm and two stadiums. Visitors planning a spring or summer 7 Day Paris Itinerary should not miss Parc Floral de Paris, which features colorful blooms and roaming peacocks. 

Pro Travel Tip: Assemble picnic items in the morning or stop into a shop in the town of Vincennes so that you can enjoy lunch in the park. Alternatively, dine at one of the park cafes – like Le Bosquet. 

Coulee Verte Rene Dumont

Also called the Promenade Plantee, the Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont is a narrow 3-mile-long park that follows the old Vincennes-Paris railway tracks. When the line became obsolete in 1969, developers redesigned the space, including the elevated tracks and tunnels, into a park.

The Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont was the inspiration for other old train track parks in the United States. Including the Highline in New York City , the Rail Park in Philadelphia  and the Bloomingdale Trail in Chicago .

Rue Cremieux

Reminiscent of the brightly painted buildings in French towns like Colmar , Rue Cremieux is unlike any other street in Paris.

The houses that line the narrow lane are painted pastel pink, mint green and sunshine yellow – and each doorstep is decorated with potted plants. Although it is a residential street, shutterbugs flock to the enclave of color for photo ops and a short stroll.

Paris Botanical Garden

Established in 1626, the original garden was transformed into a medicinal herb garden in 1635 – then opened to the public in 1640.

Today, the Botanical Gardens (Jardin des Plantes) is a National Historical Landmark and features greenhouses, a small zoo, libraries and museums. At the west end of the gardens (outside the park) is the Great Mosque of Paris, which dates to the 1920s and is the oldest mosque in Paris.

Riverside Parks and Paris Bridges

The Seine River is spanned by 37 bridges that connect the Left and Right Banks of Paris. Much of the shoreline has greenspace and walkways. An ideal way to experience Paris is to walk along the river, crossing at each bridge to the opposite bank all while soaking up the atmosphere.

Along the route are numerous riverside Bouquinistes – antique book sellers – which sell used books and souvenirs. The riverside is a perfect spot for a Paris picnic or just people watching. There are endless options for places to sit, but the western tip of Ile de la Cite – Square du Vert Galant – is our favorite (where the above photo was taken).

Seine River Boat Trip

Prices vary by company | Walk | Various Locations

A Seine River boat cruise is a fantastic way to see the sights of Paris. In fact, we feel it’s a must when visiting Paris in 7 days! Most Seine cruises have open-air decks, where passengers have unobstructed views of the best Paris highlights, from the Eiffel Tower to Ile Saint-Louis.

Sightseeing cruises on the Seine River depart throughout the day and night. Some Paris boat tours include beverages and/or meals, while others allow you to bring your own food and drinks on board. Many travelers tout the Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Champagne and live music to be a memorable Paris experience. 

Find some of the best Seine boat tours on Viator – and read reviews by other travelers before booking your Paris river cruise.

Top Tip : For a budget Seine River cruise, we recommend Vedettes du Pont Neuf, which offers cruises at prices as low as €19 and allow passengers a BYO option ( get tickets ). We took an early evening Seine Cruise in Paris on New Years’ Eve and brought our own champagne!

Day 7 of your Paris 1-Week Itinerary

Day 7 Route MAP . Complete your one week in Paris with a bit of relaxation. Wind down by visiting a historic market and exploring a few of the 19th Arrondissement sights, which includes some hidden Parisian parks. 

Republique Square, Paris

One of the largest squares in Paris, Republique Square encompasses more than 8 acres and borders the 3rd, 10th and 11th Arrondissements. In the center of the square is Marianne, the national personification of France.

The massive square was revitalized in 2013 to create an open space for pedestrians (as well as demonstrations). After the 2015 terrorist attacks on Paris, and estimated 1.6 million people gathered to mourn at Republique Square.

Marche de Enfants Rouges

The oldest covered market in Paris and a historic monument, Marche de Enfants Rouges has origins that date to the early 1600s.

Inside, vendors sell produce, flowers and freshly baked bread alongside street food-style kiosks that feature fare from around the world.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Free | Walk or Metro | Map

Opened in 1867 on the site of a former quarry in northeast Paris, Parc des Buttes Chaumont is uncharacteristically hilly and feels more natural than most of the city’s gardens.

The space features intertwining paths, a suspension bridge, lake and waterfall. However, the most distinctive sight is the Temple de la Sibylle, which sits above the lake on the top of a rocky cliff.

Climb to the top of the temple for views across the city, including an incredible vantage point of Sacre Coeur.

Top Tip : Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a favorite park for locals to enjoy a simple lunch of cheese, bread and wine. Pick something up at the market or eat at elegant Le Pavillon du Lac.

Parc de la Villette

The spacious Parc de la Villette, which was created in the 1980s, marks the northeastern edge of central Paris. In addition to the recreational space, the park hosts numerous museums (including Europe’s largest science museum, Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie), concert halls and theaters.

Art installations are found throughout Parc de la Villette and the space is used for a variety of events, including an open-air Paris film festival.

Canal de l’Ourcq, which is part of the Parisian canal network, cuts through the center of the park and feeds into the Canal Saint-Martin.

Canal Saint-Martin 

The final area we explore on our Paris Travel Plan 7 Days Itinerary is the pretty Canal Saint Martin district. 

Built in the 1800s, Paris’ canals have served several purposes – from providing water to cleaning the streets to transporting supplies. Less than 3-miles in length, more than half the Canal Saint Martin is now covered. The uncovered portion, however, remains a fascinating place to visit in Paris.

The canal, which is lined by trees and walkways, features nine locks and several elegant iron bridges. In recent years, many nearby buildings and bridge underpasses have been utilized by artists to create evocative street art murals.

Boat operators run Canal St Martin Cruises that travel from Parc de la Villette to the Paris Arsenal Marina near Place de la Bastille.

Eating and Drinking along Canal Saint-Martin

Mid-Range Prices | Walk | Various Locations

Of the many cafes and restaurants that line the canals, we recommend two places to stop for a drink or a meal.

Paname Brewing Company is located in a repurposed granary on the banks of the Bassin de la Villette. In addition to brewing their innovative craft beers on-site, they offer a selection of ‘street food,’ which can be enjoyed in the enclosed glass veranda or on the floating patio.

Lulu la Nantaise Creperie is located on a side street along the canal. The cozy space is small but comfortable – and the crepes are incredible. It’s the perfect place to end your Paris, France in 7 Days Itinerary! 

Read all our recommendations for Paris Craft Beer Bars ! 

Map of Paris Sights

Our Map of Paris attractions is color-coded by day, based on our One-Week Paris Itinerary. Day 1 in Paris = RED; Day 2 = ORANGE; Day 3 = YELLOW; Day 4 = GREEN; Day 5 = BLUE; Day 6 = PURPLE; Day 7 in Paris = PINK. In the Map Legend, sights are listed in the order to be visited.

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Paris Map below.

Paris Day Trips

We have detailed how to plan a Week in Paris Itinerary. However – with the exception of Versailles – it doesn’t go beyond the Paris Ring Road. Those who want to see more of the region can do so on a day trip from Paris.

Some of the best Paris day trips are just a train ride away. Many trips can be organized on your own using public transportation, while others are best done with small tour groups.

Explore more of France with these highly-rated Paris day tours. Also consider adding the Alsace cities of Strasbourg or Colmar to your visit to France!

Chateau de Chantilly

An opulent palace just 30 miles from Paris, Chateau de Chantilly houses the Musee Conde. Easily accessible by the RER D train; visitors can book a 2.5 hour bike tour (or electric bike tour) to learn more about the castle and town. Book it in advance . 

Disneyland Paris

Located 20 miles to the east, the Disneyland Paris entertainment complex includes two theme parks – Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios – as well as a golf course, shops and restaurants.

Paris visitors can travel on their own to Disneyland – or purchase a package that includes private transport to-and-from Disneyland as well as entrance tickets.

Chateaux de Chambord and Loire Valley Wine Tasting

Spend a day visiting three beautiful castles – Blois, Chambord and Cheverny – and sample French wine along the way. The tour includes Skip-the-Line tickets to all three castles and lunch. Find out more!

Paris to Champagne Region Tasting

Many travelers planning a trip to France are eager to get a taste of the famous French beverage. Travel with a small-group tour to the Champagne countryside where you will enjoy a guided Champagne-tasting. Learn about the history and process of winemaking while sipping Champagne and enjoying a provided lunch. Book this tour!

Giverny and Monet’s Gardens

Join a small-group tour to visit the lily garden that inspired many of Claude Monet’s masterpieces. The half-day tour from Paris includes entry into the house Claude Monet lived in (now a museum) and the gardens around it. Get the Details!

Normandy D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery

Spend the day exploring famous World War II sites in Normandy, including Utah and Omaha Beaches and other D-Day sights. The coach tour departs from Paris with an English-speaking guide and includes a cider tasting and lunch. Read reviews!

Chateau Fontainebleau

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chateau de Fontainebleau is one of France’s largest palaces. Home to a long line of royals, the palace can now be toured by visitors. Entry is included with the Museum Pass or non-pass holders can book a guided tour with transport . 

How Many Days in Paris, France?

Determining how many days to spend in Paris is a big decision. Travelers will need to consider their budget, interests and overall time allotted for the trip. 

For a first-time visitor, we recommend spending 3 nights in Paris – at a minimum . Using the first three days of our outline for what to do in 1 week in Paris, travelers can see the highlights without rushing. 

Visitors who really want to experience Paris should consider staying at least 7 days, following our complete Week in Paris Itinerary. Spending 10 days in Paris will allow time for even further exploration on day trips.

More Paris Itineraries

Only you can decide how many days you stay in Paris! Hopefully our alternate itineraries for Paris will give you some ideas and guidance. 

1 Day in Paris

Creating a Paris One-Day Itinerary is an ambitious endeavor, but it is possible to squeeze the top things to do.

Our plan of what to do in Paris for One Day includes the most recognizable sights…but is fast-paced and covers a lot of ground. It is designed in the style of a self-guided Paris walking tour and bypasses many sights, simply due to time constraints.

There might be time to visit museums, but only to see the highlights (as long as there is no waiting for entry). Visitors planning what to do in Paris for 1 day need to be especially mindful of hours of operation and time of day.

Our list of places to visit in Paris in 1 day are based on personal experience, and it is a long day and requires a lot of walking.

Paris Itinerary 1 Day: Sights and Map Route

Use this Google Map for your Paris in a Day Itinerary.

• Pont Alexandre III (and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, if time)

2 Days in Paris

Visiting Paris in 2 days moves just as quickly as our 1-day itinerary. However, it is a good starting point for anyone looking for a Weekend in Paris Itinerary that covers the highlights.

Our advice for what to do in Paris for 2 days starts by using the condensed itinerary directly above. Then venture to Versailles and explore the Palace and Gardens on day 2.

Back by late afternoon, end your Paris two-day itinerary in the Montmartre District to visit the area’s top sights and experience legendary Paris nightlife.

Paris Itinerary 2 Days: Day 2 Sights and Map Route 

Use this Map of things to do in Paris in 2 Days.

• Versailles Morning Tour
• Sacre Coeur 
• Montmartre District

Paris in 3 Days

Visitors will get a great introduction to the city on a 3-day trip to Paris. Days 1, 2 and 3 from our One Week Paris Trip Itinerary includes the best things to do in Paris in 3 days. 

4 Days Paris Itinerary

Building off of the above, create a perfect Paris 4-Day Itinerary by spending a half day at Versailles. Then add a few sights from Day 5 to your list of what to do in Paris in 4 days. 

For example, after spending the morning at Versailles, visit l’Orangerie Museum, Palais Royal, and the Paris covered passages in the afternoon and have dinner on Rue Montorgueil. 

Paris Itinerary 5 Days

On an ambitious 5-Day Paris Itinerary, visitors can see all of the sights from Day 1 through Day 6 of our Paris One Week Trip Plan. To arrange what to do in Paris in 5 days, follow our outline of our 4-day trip to Paris, directly above. 

Begin Day 5 seeing Paris Opera, Galeries Lafayette and Le Madeline Church. From there, take the Metro to Chateau de Vincennes and the sights we outline for Day 6, ending with a night river boat tour on the Seine River. 

6 Days in Paris

There are a multitude of ways to plan a 6-Day Paris Itinerary. By condensing the sights on Days 1 to 6 of our One Week Paris Itinerary into 5 days, visitors have the opportunity to see all the sights in 6 days. Alternately, simply eliminate Day 7 all together!

How To Plan a Paris Trip

Throughout our guide, we have shared advice on the best way to plan a trip to Paris. Although creating a day-by-day plan is essential, we have a few more travel tips on how to prepare for a trip to Paris.

Paris Museum Pass

There are numerous sightseeing passes in Paris – however, the one we have used (and love) is the Paris Museum Pass. (Not to be confused with the Paris Pass, which is much more expensive).

The Paris Museum Pass can be used to see almost all of the ticketed sights on our Paris Itineraries. (Except the Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier Opera, Catacombs and Le Centre Pompidou.) It also offers Skip-the-Line entry. The Paris Museum Pass is valid for 2, 4 or 6 days. Passes can be purchased in advance online . 

Paris Trip Cost

Paris is a pricey destination – there is no doubt about that. How much you spend on a Paris trip will depend on your travel style and overall budget. As travelers on a budget ourselves, we’re able to also help in planning a cheap Paris vacation!

How To Plan a Trip to Paris on a Budget

Using our 1week itinerary as a Paris guide, visitors can expect to pay about €120 for sights (if buying the Paris Museum Pass ) and €25 for public transportation.

We offer a few recommendations for places to eat in Paris – there are so many to choose from! However, sitting down at a Paris restaurant is rarely a budget choice.

Opting for take-away bakery sandwiches over sit-down meals will save a lot of money. Paul Bakery (with numerous locations) is our go-to choice for inexpensive meals.

However, the cheapest option for eating in Paris is buying food at the grocery store. Monoprix offers a nice selection of pre-made meals and inexpensive picnic options.

Best Time To Go to Paris

While we don’t think there is a bad time to go to Paris (it’s always a good idea, right?!), there are pros and cons of each season. Not only does the season affect what activities you do, but it will also have an impact on how to pack for a trip to Paris. 

Summer in Paris

Summers are hot and crowded. Lines are long. Prices are higher. Based on that, you might not want to plan Paris trip for summertime. However, summer is also sensational in Paris – with long days for sightseeing and generally comfortable weather for dining alfresco (or in a park).

Plus, summer is the only time of year to enjoy the Paris Plages – the pop-up sandy beaches that line the Seine River!

Paris in Spring and Fall

What we love about visiting Paris in the spring and autumn is that there are generally fewer crowds with fairly pleasant weather. That said, on our shoulder-season Paris visits, we’ve gotten caught in rain and endured warmer days than expected. It’s best to be prepared with a travel umbrella or raincoat …and some sunscreen , just in case. 

Shoulder-season prices can make visiting Paris outside of the summertime a more affordable trip, too. We share more tips on how to travel to Paris on a budget in the next section.

Paris Trip in Winter

We were unsure what to expect of Paris in the wintertime – but it was wonderful! The city was lively and decorated in lights for the holidays, making Paris one of the Top European Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve ! Bakeries churned out delectable traditional treats and there was an undeniable festiveness in the air.

Although the weather was a bit overcast and grey at times, overall it was mild and enjoyable to be outdoors. Plus, we never encountered lines to enter sights.

Getting To Paris

Paris can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. On our most recent trip, we arrived in Paris by train from Frankfurt and departed from CDG on a flight to Lisbon . 

Paris Airports

There are two major airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle (GDG) and Orly (ORY). Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air fly into Beauvais-Tille Airport (BVA). We recommend searching for tickets on SkyScanner – but use our Tips for Getting the Best Prices on Airfare first!  

How To Get from the Airport to the City Center

Avoid expensive taxis from Paris airports to the city center by taking the bus. Trains also connect the airports in Paris to the city, but we have found the buses to be more reliable. For the most current information about connections between CDG and Paris and ORY-Paris, consult the official site .

Paris Trains

Gare du Nord is the busiest train station in Europe – and where many travelers to Paris will arrive to or depart from. It has Metro line connections as well as a train to the Charles de Gaulle Airport. That said, there are several train stations in the Paris, and which one you might use will depend on your origin/destination.

How To Get Around Paris

We think the best way to get around Paris in on your own two feet! Part of the Paris charm is found on the streets that are lined with incredible architecture and boutiques. That said, navigating the entire city on foot is unrealistic.

The Paris Metro is an easy way to get around and relatively inexpensive. Single Ride Metro Tickets can be purchased from machines at the entrance to the station. However, buying a Navigo Easy Card or a Paris Visite Pass will save you money over 7 Days in Paris. More information for Paris Public Transit .

Where To Stay in Paris, France

Finding the best place to stay for 7 days in Paris can be a monumental task. Accommodations in Paris range from luxury hotels with Eiffel Tower views to hostel dorms stacked with bunk beds.

During our numerous trips to Paris, we have booked a variety of accommodations. We have even stayed for free in a Paris apartment when we were petsitting .  Find out more about International Housesitting .

Our best tip for Paris accommodations is to find a place that is close to a Metro stop for easy access to the rest of the city.

Hotels in Paris

Travelers will find that there are many, many,  many Paris Hotels to choose from. Visitors splashing out on a luxury trip to Paris should check availability at the Four Seasons Hotel George V. The extravagant hotel ranks as one of the best in the world. 

Those looking for a more affordable option should read our advice on how to Find Top Hotels at the Best Prices . Then start their search on Booking.com .

Paris Airbnb

As long-term travelers, we typically prefer staying in vacation apartments – like those on found on Airbnb . We have found it is less expensive than hotels, with the added benefit of a kitchen and more space. However, the pesky fees can now add up quickly on short stays. Be sure to compare the final price before booking.

How To Pack for a Trip to Paris

Before you go to Paris for 7 Days, you will want to make sure you pack the right things! We offer a few specific tips here, but you can find our complete packing list and top hacks on our Travel Packing page. 

Durable Walking Shoes

Paris is very walkable…but only if you have the right travel shoes ! Our Paris Itinerary covers a lot of ground, so you will need a pair of lightweight and comfortable shoes. I like lightweight trainers and Kris prefers wearing trail shoes by Merrell .

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip – Paris is incredibly photogenic! Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for the best quality photos. We travel with a popular budget camera , a DSLR Canon Rebel and use a 18-135mm lens .  

Versatile Day Bag 

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll also want a stylish day bag . Not only to organize all of your everyday essential items – including a city map and guidebook – but to protect against pesky pickpockets !

Paris Trip Insurance

Travel insurance may be useful if you encounter trip delays or lost luggage , and it can come in handy in the event of illness or injury abroad . If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Paris, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to France ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Paris in One Week: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary for 2023

Planning to spend 7 days in Paris France, and looking to see as much as possible? There are so many things to see in Paris in a week. This 7-day itinerary will help you make the most out of your stay in the city.

The enchantingly picturesque city can be explored in one day or an entire month, and every visit is bound to unveil more of its secrets. In this 7-day itinerary to Paris, I will show you how you can utilize your time to be able to see the most important attractions while also being able to get a taste of local Parisienne life.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

7 Days in Paris Quick Guide

Planning a trip to Paris? Find here everything you need: Looking for transportation from/to the airport?  Click here for more information and to book your private transfer. Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Paris: – Closing Time At The Louvre: The Mona Lisa At Her Most Peaceful –  VIP Paris Catacombs Tour with Small Group, Skip the Line Tickets, and Special Access –  Closing Time at Versailles: Small Group Versailles Tour After the Crowds with Gardens or Fountains Show –  Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access –  1-Hour River Seine Cruise Where to stay in Paris:  Hotel Gustave (near the Eiffel Tower), Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche (great location near Luxembourg Gardens), Shangri-La Paris (luxury + great location)

How to get From Airport to City Center

Before you figure out how you’re going to get from the airport to the city center, consider first which airport you’re going to be landing in. The main airport in Paris is Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Even though the airport itself is huge and might first seem as intimidating, it has a lot of transportation options to get you to the city center.

Note: If you have a lot of luggage during your week-long Paris itinerary, I recommend either taking a shuttle bus, a taxi, or an Uber straight to the hotel. It will be a major hassle for you to take the luggage to the metro station as the metro only has stairs and rarely escalators.

Charles de Gaulle:

By Train : Every 10 minutes, you can take the train, and it’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to the city center. The ride will take you about 30 minutes but might take longer if the train stops at multiple stations within Paris. Bus : There’s a bus that runs directly from Charles de Gaulle to the Paris Opera, and it takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. It is the cheapest option to use if you have a lot of luggage on you. Taxi : Taxis are expensive, and the ride can range from 50 to 70 EUR, and it will take you from 40 to 60 minutes from the airport. Private Transfer with Welcome Pick Ups The easiest and most comfortable way to get to the city center is by a private transfer service like Welcome Pick Ups . It costs exactly the same as a regular taxi, only now you will have already prepaid for it, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it, a bottle of water and a city map. You will not have to worry at all about the language as all drivers speak English. Find here more information and book your private transfer.

The second most important airport in Paris also has a wide array of transportation options. Train : Even though you can take the train, there are no direct train lines from Orly to the city center. Therefore, you will need to take the train to Anthony Train Station and then switch to the city center. The journey will take an hour. Bus : The bus will take you 45 minutes. Luckily, this option is one of the best and will be able to fit all your luggage if you have a lot. Taxi : A taxi will take about 30 minutes. Private Transfer with Welcome Pick Ups The easiest and most comfortable way to get to the city center is by a private transfer service like Welcome Pick Ups . It costs exactly the same as a regular taxi, only now you will have already prepaid for it, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it, a bottle of water, and a city map. You will not have to worry at all about the language as all drivers speak English. . Consider this option for hassle-free transportation in your Paris itinerary. Find here more information and book your private transfer.

Where to Stay in Paris

If you’re staying 7 days in Paris, it’s important to choose hotels that are comfortable, convenient and budget-friendly. Here are a few hotels you can consider:

Hotel Gustave

Hotel Gustave is conveniently located. A 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, the hotel is a comfortable boutique hotel that guaranteed a relaxing stay. Hotel Gustave is also set in a very typically Parisian building, the rooms are inspired by the Belle Époque, and there’s a continental breakfast served every day. The River Seine is a few minutes away on foot, the Petit Palais and the Place de la Concorde are also a metro ride away.

Find here more information and book Hotel Gustave.

Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche

This 17th-century residence was once the home to monks and is now an authentically beautiful hotel. There are shared living areas, a great buffet breakfast every day and free Wi-Fi everywhere. There’s a metro station only 5 minutes away from the hotel, and you’ll be able to visit most of the monuments quite easily.

Find here more information and book Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche.

One of the six hotels in Paris awarded the “Palace” status. The whole hotel is styled with 18th-century furnishings and architecture, and there is a lot of emphasis on old-style doors, antique 1940s lift, and traditional personal service.

Find here more information and book Hotel Le Bristol.

Shangri-La Paris

This hotel was originally the private mansion of Ronald Bonaparte, who was the nephew of Napoleon. You should expect incredible services, Michelin-starred Shang Palace with some of the best cuisine in town. Some of the rooms have incredible views of the Eiffel Tower.

Find here more information and book Shangri – La Hotel.

How to spend 7 days in Paris, a comprehensive itinerary

• Day 1: Montparnasse Tower
• Day 2: Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, Les Marais
• Day 3: Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe
• Day 4: Palais Royal, Place Vendome. Opera Garnier, Paris Story, Galerie Lafayette, Printemps Department Store
• Day 5: Montmartre, Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, Seine Boat Cruise
• Day 6: Day trip to Versailles, Crazy Horse Show
• Day 7: St. Germain Neighborhood, Jardin de Luxembourg, Pantheon

Paris Itinerary: Day 1

Your first day should be one of relaxation and lazy exploration to prepare you for the hectic sightseeing of the upcoming few days. Seven days in Paris is a lot, and it’s advisable to spend your first day idly getting used to the city. Set your bags at the hotel, maybe even cherish those fluffy beds and embark on a discovery of Paris.

Montparnasse Tower

On our first day, we decided to embrace the creative roots of Paris and head to Montparnasse. This neighborhood is where creativity is left to run wild, where streets buzz with local life, and where you’ll find quintessential reflections of arts and literature scenes embedded in the streets. Quaint shops, cozy cafes, and brasseries are not the only beautiful things about Montparnasse. There are quite a few attractions, from the Catacombs museums to the Parc Montsouris.

The main attraction that we thoroughly enjoyed, however, was the Montparnasse Tower. A true symbol of Paris second to the Eiffel Tower, this tower pierces the sky and is the tallest skyscraper in all of France. Climb up the tower on a clear day, and you’ll be met with spanning views, vistas, and the gorgeous skyline of Paris. It’s a good way to start your trip as this way you’ll be orienting yourself to all there is to see ahead.

Click here for more information and to book your terrace tickets.

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

In this seven-day itinerary, you’ll be spending your second day exploring different historical attractions in Paris.

Saint Chapelle

Saint Chapelle is nothing short of an architectural wonder with the aesthetic marvel that hides behind the Palace of Justice. Climbing the spiral staircase to be surrounded by glorious stained-glass walls, the vaulted ceilings, and the relics is itself a magnificent experience. You’ll get to see jewel-encrusted goblets, rich colors and beauty that seems to be alive. With the light streaming through the windows, the elaborate decorations and the spiritual vibe – Saint Chapelle is the perfect place start to your trip.

Tip: The queues are long for Saint Chapelle so get there as early as possible or buy a skip the line ticket.

Free entrance with the Paris City Pass / Museum Pass

More info: Sainte Chapelle

Notre Dame 

After the recent tragic events Notre Dame is no longer open for a visit.

Embark on a journey to one of the world’s most renowned gothic cathedrals of all time. The Notre Dame embodies the soul of Paris in its walls and its 13th-century architecture. The true meaning of medieval is symbolized in this iconic gothic sanctuary and you will be able to see and experience the beauty at full force. Make sure to visit really early, as the doors open at 9 am and the lines by then are already daunting. With its gargoyles and chimerical sculptures, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to gothic times in the 13th century, so it will be worth the visit.

Head over to The Towers , where you can climb 387 stairs up to be rewarded with sweeping views of Paris. From there, you’ll be surrounded by bell towers and gargoyles with a view of the Louvre, the Sorbonne, the Panthéon, and the Ile Saint-Louis.

Despite its name, Pont Neuf – which directly translates to New Bridge –  is actually the oldest bridge in all of Paris. Elegant arches reflect beautifully on the rushing River Seine, gargoyles and grotesque creatures decorate the edifice, and the skyline of Paris gloriously finishes the image…Walking the bridge is simply enchanting. Also, try going there by sunset when the sun paints the bridge and the surroundings in hues of orange and red.

The closest you can get to what Paris was like in medieval times is by exploring Le Marais. This highly progressive community has come a long way since its industrial times and today it serves as the melting pot for the Jewish community, the Chinese, the LGBT, and all things progressive. You’ll also find that it’s not a major tourist hub so you can experience that little bit of Parisienneamore in the streets. Vintage boutiques, cozy sidewalk cafes, and great bars – Le Marais is worth roaming around in.

Pay a visit to Place des Vosges, one of the oldest squares in Paris, and one of the most beautiful, and immerse yourself in the different facades, the lively atmosphere, and the different museums. You can visit Victor Hugo’s house, author of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, or learn about Picasso at Musee de Picasso.

7 days in Paris Itinerary: Day 3

Of course, with seven days in Paris, you’ll have time to visit its most iconic symbols comfortably. On the third day, you’re going to be going on the ultimate tour of Paris. All the highlights you’ve been dreaming about and the symbolic attractions can be visited in a day, albeit a hectic one.

We started off with Le Louvre, a museum that puts all others to shame. Unparalleled when it comes to its collection, its sense of grandeur and its diversity – Le Louvre is one of the most renowned museums in the world. It’s more of a monument, than a museum with a staggering 35,000 pieces of artwork that span some of the world’s most important civilizations. From European artists, to Egyptian mummies – you can find everything at Le Louvre. Gawk at the Mona Lisa, take pictures in front of the giant glass pyramid, relish the Egyptian antiques or learn about Islamic in the Islamic arts section.

Tip: The lines at the Louvre are big, book a timed entrance ticket or a guided tour or my favorite closing time at the Louvre tour by Take Walks in advance to skip the lines.

Tip: The museum is huge so plan ahead what you want to see. Also, take advantage of the late opening on Wednesday and Friday.

More info: The Louvre

Recommended skip-the-line tours and tickets for the Louvre. Click here to book a skip-the-line timed ticket . Louvre Museum Skip the line ticket and Guided Tour – you will get to see the highlights in just 2 hours. My absolute favorite is the Closing Time at the Louvre tour by Take Walks where you get to see the masterpieces of the Louvre without the crowds in an intimate group of 6 people.

Musee d’Orsay

With a fascinating history, Musee d’Orsay has transformed multiple times throughout the course of history. From being a railway station to a mail center – this museum has finally settled for its final form. A rich collection of both impressionist and post-impressionist paintings are showcased in the museum in all forms. You’ll find all sorts of sculptures, furniture displays, paintings, and a lot more!

Tip: Another busy museum in Paris you can buy a   Reserved Access 1-Day Admission Ticket and head straight at the entrance for visitors with pre-bought tickets. Alternatively, I highly recommend the Meet the Impressionists: Musée d’Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour by the company Take Walks

More info: Musse d’ Orsay

Place de La Concorde

Unwind after those two museums at one of the fountains in Place de La Concorde, or sip on some coffee at a sidewalk café. The main attraction there will be a 23-meter Egyptian obelisk magically adorned with hieroglyphs that date back to 3000 years ago. Sit by fountains devoted to the seas and rivers, walk around the same place Marie Antoinette was executed, and take postcard-worthy pictures at this plaza!

Champs-Élysées

The acclaimed streets of the Champs-Elysees are known for their glamour, posh boutiques, and high-end shopping, but visiting them before Christmas was an entirely different experience. The streets were drenched in gorgeous flickering lights that adorned the buildings, the spirit of festivity oozed out of every alley, and dazzling displays created an unparalleled happy vibe. You could actually feel Christmas with every step you took.

Arc de Triomphe

Elegance and prestige emanate from one of Paris’s most symbolic icons – the Arc de Triomphe. This colossal architectural edifice acts as a central masterpiece of the Champs Elysees and has a significant place in the history of Paris. You can visit the first floor for free, but word of warning: the queues are tremendous. We always resorted to booking the skip-the-line ticket to avoid wasting our time.

Tip: To avoid the queues you can buy a Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets.

More info: Arc de Triomphe

7 days in Paris Itinerary: Day 4

Palais Royal

Start your day at the quietest, most quintessentially French Parisian garden and enjoy the surrounding atmosphere. Sunshine creeps its way through the trees, the sounds of rushing fountains in the background, and the arcades that line the garden.

You can spend your time relaxing or strolling through galleries that border the garden – whatever it is, make sure to enjoy your morning coffee at this tranquil place. To the north of the gardens, there is the Galerie Vivienne, a passage with an array of cafes, little sidewalk bars, and beautiful mosaic floors. Try to have breakfast either there or at Galerie Colbert with its statues and architectural designs.

Place Vendome

If you’re even slightly interested in jewelry, head over to the Place Vendome. This is without a doubt, the most luxurious of all the squares in Paris. Envision classical architecture, mansions, jewelry shops, luxury everywhere, and crystal boutiques – this is where you go to get a taste of all things glitzy and glamorous!

Opera Garnier

Not only is the Opera Garnier an architectural treasure – but it’s also a central spot for classical music and ballet. Home of the Phantom of the Opera, the inspiration for countless of paintings, and one of the most visually stunning spots – the Opera Garnier is magnificent!

A ceremonial staircase takes you between lavish gold and marble, and literature and art all find their snake their way through the edifices of the Opera. Try to enjoy a performance amidst this spectacle of high society! The guided tour of the Opera was one of the highlights of my visit to Paris.

Free guided tour with the Paris City Pass . (You need to go to the opera a few hours before the tour starts and book your tour – a valid ID is required)

More info: Opera Garnier

Book a self-guided tour of the Opera Garnier.

Paris Story

Next to the Opera Garnier is a theater of 140 seats that showcases a movie about the entire history of Paris. You’ll be able to learn about the secrets of Paris, be whirled through the scenes of the most famous landmarks and how they came to be, take a voyage of time to the foundations of this contemporary city, and much more. You’ll be fully immersed in an unexplainable French ambiance, and you’ll come out much more knowledgeable than you were before.

Free entrance with the Paris City Pass .

More info: Paris Story

Galerie Lafayette

The Belle Époque architecture isn’t the main attraction here; it’s the insanely extravagant shopping you’re about to be met with. Designer clothes, men’s fashion, home furnishings, fashion shows, jewelry, and much more are all displayed in one of the world’s most important fashion institutions. It’s a must-stop for all fashion enthusiasts, and if your budget is a little tight, a little window shopping can’t hurt!

Printemps Department Store

After visiting Galeria Lafayette, we headed to the Printemps department. What caught my eye at first was the beguiling Christmas decorations that filled the entire department store. Whether I was planning to buy something or not did not matter at this point, the Christmas vibe alone made me want to stay there all day. All window displays almost compete on who can become more Christmas-y.! The stained glass, mosaic tiles, and Belle Époque designs all intertwine with the decorations to create an incredible ambiance.

7 days in Paris Itinerary: Day 5

Hilly, historic, and hipster – three words that accurately describe the Montmartre neighborhood. Perched on top of the highest hill in Paris, Montmartre is a world on its own. Walking through the streets of the neighborhood is like walking through an old French village with winding narrow alleys, cobbled streets, houses still as rustic as ever, and staircases that disappear into the dark. We walked around Montmartre for a while, enjoying its little alleys, and then headed over to Sacre-Coeur. If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous, visit the renowned Moulin Rouge at night.

Sacre-Couer

Sacre Coeur is an enchanting fairytale that has come to life. A Roman-Byzantinian design takes over the church from its exterior while magical spiraling steps, bells, mosaics, and stained glass windows all steal the show from the interior. For incredible views of Paris, try to climb up to the Basilica’s Dome.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower does not need an introduction. Piercing the sky proudly, the tower makes it hard not to stop and stare. Glimmering into the sky, the Eiffel Tower is there with all of its clichéd glory for you to explore.

You can climb up the stairs, or take an elevator up to the third floor where you can get gorgeous views of the city above with the hoards of tourists below, or watch an educational movie about the tower’s history. For the cherry on top, you can visit Gustave Eiffel’s office.

After you’re done exploring, head over to Restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel and have the meal of a lifetime. You’ll be enjoying lunch from inside the Eiffel Tower with the best views you’ll ever have in your lifetime.

More info: Eiffel Tower

Tip: The queues to enter the Eiffel Tower are long and you might have to wait for hours to enter especially in high season. A great way to skip the lines is by taking a guided tour or buying a skip-the-line ticket. Please book your tickets in advance (even weeks) to avoid disappointment.

Here are some recommended tickets and tours of the Eiffel Tower (all with skip the line access):

• Eiffel Tower Tickets: Summit-Level Access
• Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Ticket and Small Group Tour

Another great idea is to combine your priority ticket to the Eiffel Tower with a Seine Cruise.

• Two-in-One: Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise Tickets

Seine Boat Cruise

What better way to end your day than by floating on the waters of the Seine, the city of Paris reflected unto the water, the distant sound of a violin playing, the intertwining of foreign chatter in the background? We ended our day by sitting back and relaxing with a glass of wine and a 4-course meal  – all while passing the most important monuments in Paris. We did a dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches and it was one of the highlights of our visit.

You can read about my Dinner Cruise along the Seine with Bateaux Mouches River Cruise here.

7 days in Paris Itinerary: Day 6

Take a day trip to versailles.

Reflecting the power of King Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles is an embodiment of French architecture and art. Even though it’s outside of Paris, the monument is still one of the most visited in all of France. The chateau is grand, a little bit intimating, and quite exhausting. But nothing should stop you from exploring the exquisite interiors and exteriors of this palace. We checked out the Hall of Mirrors, the landscapes, the Chapel, the auditorium, the Grand Apartment, and Marie Antoinette’s apartment!

The queues at the Palace of Versailles are huge. It is recommended to buy a priority admission ticket.

More info: Palace of Versailles

Free entrance with the Paris City Pass / Museum Pass -no skip the line

The queues at the Palace of Versailles are huge. It is recommended to buy a priority admission ticket. Click here to book your skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide. Alternatively, you can book a Versailles Palace & Gardens: Skip the line Ticket, Audio Guide & Transfer with bus from Paris I highly recommend, Closing Time at Versailles: Small-Group Palace Tour After the Crowds with Garden Show from Paris by the company Take Walks.

Crazy Horse Show

Risqué, posh, glamorous, and intimate – the Crazy Horse is one of the most renowned cabarets in France. Acting as an ode to all things sultry, feminine, and intimate – this cabaret is what you’d imagine you’d see in a French movie. Girls with scarlet lips choreographed dance and burlesque shows, this is how the French entertained themselves years ago.

Find here more information and book your tickets.

7 days in Paris Itinerary: Day 7

While seven days in Paris may first seem like a lot, on your last day, you will realize how fast the time went by and how much you absolutely need one more month at least to get a real gist of all what Paris has to offer. Spend your last day exploring neighborhoods, unwinding at palace gardens and going on food tours.

St. Germain Neighborhood

An artistic hub but also the classiest neighborhood in Paris, we visit St. German for its chic shops, historical sights, window shopping and small art galleries. It was beautiful walking around the alluring neighborhood, the actual literary heart of Paris.

Did you know? Most of the scenes in Midnight in Paris were actually filmed in this neighborhood! This should just convince you why even a simple stroll in this place is worth it!

We actually did a food tour there with Paris by mouth where we got to sample the best bread, cheese, charcuterie, and the best fine wines. Read about my experience here .

Jardin de Luxembourg

The beautiful French gardens mix Latin quarters with Italian architecture, Parisian space with greenery, and the modern with the old to create a heavenly garden. Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, the Luxembourg Garden is a place to unwind by the lake, go pony riding, or read a nice book while a free live band plays their music.

Sitting atop the hill in the Latin Quarter, this former church forms an iconic silhouette in Paris’s skyline. Including a necropolis, a crypt, sculptures, and tombs – the Pantheon is vast. Originally a church and now a mausoleum, it’s worth checking out the impressive architecture of this edifice.

Paris City Pass

Visiting a city for the first time is usually an overwhelming experience. You’re met with hundreds of attractions and a lot of planning. You need to think of what attractions to see, how much to pay for each, where to book tickets, admission fees, and long, long lines.

To reduce that incredible amount of stress and have a carefree trip, we decided to purchase the Paris City Pass, and it made our entire trip so much easier. Basically, you get an all-inclusive pass to experience the best of Paris – with over 60 attractions and museums and the chance for us to skip most lines. You’ll see through the article why the “skip the line” option is essential!

This way you can purchase discounted tickets, you save a lot of money, and you get to spend more on other expenses during your vacation while also having more time in general.

The Paris City Pass also offers free transportation around the city.

Check out more information and book your Paris City Pass.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is an incredible vacation destination year-round thanks to its changeable climate and its varying events throughout the year. Whether you explore Christmas markets in the snow in December or bask in the summer sun in the Jardins throughout Paris, you’re sure to enjoy your time in the city of lights and love.

Thanks to Paris’ relatively small size and great public transport system, it is easy to get around the city come rain or shine both on foot and under cover. Plus, this awesome city has both outdoor sights to see as well as tons of indoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Therefore, there’s no reason to use weather as an excuse not to visit.

Springtime in Paris is unsurprisingly beautiful as days start to warm up and the trees and flowers across the city are in full bloom. Make the most of dry days with long slow walks meandering along the banks of the seine; taking in the sights and street markets before stopping to enjoy the café culture in the bistros that have opened their pavement dining tables after the cold of winter. Paris in spring boasts blue skies but fewer tourists, so is probably the best time to visit the city.

N.B If you think you might visit Paris in May, find out when the Nuit de Musee (Night of Museums) is and try to plan your trip around this. It is a night when all of the city’s galleries and museums open their doors to the public free of charge and is a wonderful way to spend an evening.

Summer really starts to hot up in Paris and tourists from all over the world start to flock in to explore Le Louvre, the Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower. While we all want a little sun sometimes, summer in the city can be a bit much. The metro system becomes stifling and the queues unbearable so a visit to Paris in summer is probably best reserved for those who have visited before and would rather take slow strolls around the city and discover some unknown spots. Many of Paris’ citizens head out on holiday during July and August but their numbers are definitely replaced by the thousands of external visitors.

As the colours of Autumn come into play in Paris you’re in for a real treat. The avenues and boulevards are lined with burnt orange leaves and the golden light makes for stunning photographic opportunities around the city. Tourist numbers start to die down, allowing for a much more relaxing trip and prices are lower than the rest of the year. This is the perfect time of year to explore the city of lights before spending long, slow evenings dining out French-style on indulgent meals with friends and family.

Winter months in Paris are marked by generally crisp, clear days with temperatures mostly in single figures. This is a wonderful time to wrap up warm, dip in and out of cafés for steaming cups of chocolat chaud, and discover the city’s amazing collection of museums. Christmas markets pop up along the Champs-Elysées around the end of November and the ice rink at the Hotel de Ville is truly magical.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris’ metro system is easy to understand with colors and numbers pointing the way. The metro snakes its way throughout the city and connects with overland trains and national TGV (high-speed) services so you can explore both the city and its surroundings without any hassle or confusion. Nearly all stations have automatic ticket machines that operate in a number of languages and there are a range of tickets to purchase depending on the length of your stay. Either buy a book of 10 billets which are each valid for a single journey (on the bus or metro), purchase a day pass or invest in a multi-day ticket which you can use to hop on-and-off public transport around the city with ease.

While the bus system is a little more difficult to understand, it does serve some places that are not on the metro line, so research your route first or ask in your accommodation about the best way to get around by bus.

Another option for exploring the city of lights is by bike. Paris was one of the first cities in the world to set up the pick-up/drop-off bicycle system and there are bikes available throughout the city. This is a great way to get around quite quickly, while still being able to see the sights along the way.

Finally, if the weather allows, discovering the city by foot is arguably one of the best options. Paris’ architecture and city design are truly stunning and with parks and gardens popping up all over the place it’s a beautiful space to stroll. Plus, by walking around the city you are able to find some real gems like vintage shops, quirky cafés, and unknown museums, as well as being able to watch daily Parisienne life go by.

How to Save Time and Money in Paris

The elegant city of Paris is one of the most luxurious places to live and visit in the world, with high-end dining, exquisite hotels, and perfect patisseries that are just calling out to be bought and devoured. However, this does mean that the cost of a trip to the city of lights and love can start to rack up quite quickly. That’s not to say there aren’t budget options though, so here are a few tips on where to save and when to splurge.

Accommodation:

While you may want to spend on a five-star hotel if you’re on a romantic break to Paris, there are plenty of cheaper options for groups of friends traveling on a budget. The city has some great hostels and budget hotels that are still well-located for exploring the city. Plus, if you visit in the shoulder season such as September and October, you are much more likely to get a great deal on your accommodation.

Of course, dining out in Paris is a must, but thankfully delicious French cuisine comes at every budget. Rather than sitting down for breakfast, head to a boulangerie to pick up some fresh pastries and eat them as you wander around the city to save some pretty pennies first thing. Then find a prix-fixe menu for lunch which offer two or three courses for under 20 euros! These are quite common, especially around the Latin Quarter.

Transport and Tickets:

As mentioned above, walking and public transport are both great options in Paris, and multi-day tickets are bound to save you money if you think you’ll be exploring all corners of the city. The Paris City Pass includes both attraction tickets and transportation so you can have everything you need in one pass for a fantastic price.

Major museums such as the Louver and Musée d’Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe are included which are a must for anyone visiting Paris for the first time, so it’s worth the investment. This pass also offers queue-jump privileges, so you will be saving both time and money!

Free Things:

While shopping on the Champs-Elysées is most definitely expensive, many other attractions and sights across the city are free, and making the most of these is essential. Wandering along the Seine is one of the free highlights as you can see many of the main sights while walking in a beautiful setting.

Churches too are mostly free and with Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur being some of the most stunning works of architecture in the world, visiting is a must. If you’re European and under 26 a number of museums and attractions are free of charge as long as you have your passport or identity card on hand! Plus, many museums open their doors free of charge on the first Sunday of the month, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to save!

Spending seven days in Paris is guaranteed to give you the trip of a lifetime with memories you cannot create elsewhere. You’ll be able to visit all of Paris’s different sides – the glamorous, the historic, the medieval, the natural, and the symbolic. You’ll have time to get lost in neighborhoods or enjoy museums almost every day!

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15 Ways To Have The Most Memorable Paris Trip

Y ou probably won’t have to try too hard to have a memorable time in Paris, but these 15 Ways To Have The Most Memorable Paris Trip will definitely give you some ideas!

Having a memorable Paris trip is pretty much a given when you visit this romantic city - however, you probably don’t want to have the exact same trip you’ve heard about from everybody else. 

See Some Famous Graves

Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris is where you’ll find the graves of many famous people. Located in the northeast corner of Paris, the Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the most visited cemetery in the world. Over 800,000 people are buried here, including Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.

There are many other famous residents, including Chopin, Moliere, Edith Piaf, and Rossini. It’s actually a beautiful place with some impressive headstones and tombs and well worth a visit.

Many people like to leave trinkets at Jim Morrison's grave, and there’s even a tree covered in multicolored chewing gum. You never know when you might find somebody quietly playing The Door’s songs and swaying sullenly to the music, either. 

Sleep In Luxury

If you're looking for some incredible accommodation options, I'd strongly suggest looking for a place to stay in some of the iconic holiday rentals in Paris.

Located throughout the capital, you'll easily find a place near main attractions with simple public transport options, helping you get round the city. Catering to a variety of budgets, you'll find a beautiful place to rest your head and continue exploring! 

Enjoy As Many Of The Culinary Delights As You Wish

What’s the point in visiting Paris if you’re not going to sample all of the culinary delights it has to offer? Aside from all of the cheese and fresh pastries, make sure you have some Crepes! One of the best things to do while in Paris is to eat.

If this sounds good to you, then booking a food tour could be a good way to go! You’ll visit some of the very best places in the city and enjoy some amazing foods. 

Plan For Plenty Of Galleries And Museums

There are so many galleries and museums to choose from in Paris, so make sure you plan to visit many of them. Of course, you shouldn’t try to cram too many into a weekend or you won’t be able to appreciate them fully! 

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum. This building was once the home to French Kings, including Louis XIV. The Louvre was converted to a museum during the French Revolution in the 18th century.

You could spend days here and not see it all. The highlights include the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. 

Musee d’Orsay houses the largest collection of Impressionist art in the world. You’ll be able to enjoy the works of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet, Degas, and more here. 

Musee de l’Orangerie is a small museum with just a few oval rooms that feature Impressionist artwork. The highlights of this museum are the eight Water Lilies murals painted by Claude Monet, which span the whole panoramic space of a room.

You can also see art by Picasso, Sisley, Cezanne, Matisse, and more.

One of the 15 Ways To Have The Most Memorable Paris Trip is to SHOP!

Visit The Flea Markets For Trinkets And Souvenirs 

There are many incredible flea markets in Paris, and they are perfect for picking up trinkets and souvenirs that you can take home with you to remember your trip. You’ll also find many stalls set up along the Seine River, selling used books, magazines, and artwork.

This tradition of selling used books along the Seine started in the 16th century and this is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could easily buy a few used books and other goods on your way to visit some of the museums and galleries listed above. 

Walk As Much As You Can - And Get Lost 

Paris is a city that should really be navigated on foot. You never know what you might miss if you don’t make the effort to explore on foot! You should even get lost on purpose, as there are so many beautiful things just waiting around the corner.

This way, you’ll get the opportunity to peek behind those doorways and discover the hidden gems you might have otherwise missed.

If you don’t want to navigate Paris alone, the Le Marais walking tour will show you the best of medieval Paris, and there are a few more walking tours you could take part in.

While many companies offer ‘free’ tours with the expectation that you’ll tip the guide at the end, you’ll find many self-guided tours if you type ‘free & self-guided walking tours in X’ into your phone browser.

Don’t Miss Some Of Paris’ Beautiful Bridges

There are a total of 37 bridges and footbridges along the Seine, connecting the Left Bank to the Right Bank. Some of these bridges are the most beautiful bridges in Paris and should not be missed, no matter the goal of your trip!

The best known bridges in Paris include the oldest one, Pont Neuf, which began construction in 1578. The Pont de l'Alma has a history and is a magnet for tourists, as it is the place where Princess Diana died tragically in the year 1997. 

Have A Picnic On The Seine 

The Seine is a wonderful place to stroll arm in arm with a lover or friend and find a spot to have a picnic. Take your own cheese, croissants, wine, and a fresh baguette, or if you prefer, you could order pizza from the Pink Flamingo. They’ll give you a balloon and deliver it straight to your spot when it’s ready! 

You could even try the Canal St Martin, which is more popular among the locals. 

Take Yourself For An Espresso

Take yourself on a coffee date with a book, just like the Parisians do! Enjoy your tiny but mighty espresso drink with your water on the side (to cleanse the palette), and take your time with your book.

You could even just people watch. This could also be a great idea for a date in Paris. Coffee dates are a great alternative to going out to expensive restaurants! 

Learn A Little French Before You Go 

The French people will really appreciate the fact that you tried to learn some French before arriving. Learn the basic phrases and it’ll make your trip so much more manageable at the very least. In some places, being polite in French might even get you a little bit knocked off the bill. 

Book Your Eiffel Tower Tickets In Advance

If you really do want to visit the Eiffel Tower, the smartest thing to do is book your tickets in advance. Otherwise, you’re looking at a 2-3 hour wait.

The Eiffel Tower is beautiful, but it is usually packed full of tourists, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself - and don’t expect to enjoy it if you don’t like crowds. If you want to give it a miss, head somewhere you’ll be able to see it lit up at night time instead, like the Trocadero or a cruise on the Seine. 

Walk Along The Champs Elysees

It’s touristy, but you have to do it! It’s one of the most recognizable streets in the world. Plus, you’ll be able to grab some macarons from Laduree while you’re there, which you will not regret. 

Buy A Book From Shakespeare and Company

Located on Paris’ Left Bank, Shakespeare and Company is a small but very famous bookstore. It’s very small and cramped inside, and this can be difficult when other tourists are around - there’s even somebody on the door to make sure there’s no funny business.

This bookstore was frequently visited by authors like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Ezra Pound. Now, it has lots of modern books and the classics you’d expect, and when you buy a book from there you get a special stamp!

It’s quite the experience and one all avid readers and bibliophiles should have. 

Take In The Views From A Rooftop Bar

There are so many restaurants that will give you the most amazing view of the city. You could enjoy the sunset and some French cuisine at the same time at a place like Le Perchoir or 43 Up on the Roof. 

Visit The Catacombs

The Catacombs will take you under the streets of Paris in a sort of labyrinth lined with human bones.

During the 18th century, cemeteries around Paris were cleared and the bones were moved to underground tunnels. Six million Parisians currently rest here. 

Don't Dress In Fancy Outfits 

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make in Paris is to dress in fancy outfits. You might want to show the French what you’re made of, but this is something you will no doubt end up regretting later on down the line.

You want to be comfortable while you’re exploring, and the last thing you want to think about is how much your feet are hurting. Take a sensible pair of shoes or trainers to navigate the Parisian streets. It’s also worth noting that in some clubs, the dress code is very casual.

You might be turned away if you’re too dressed up, so bear this in mind! Hopefully, you now have lots of ideas on how to have the most memorable Paris trip! 

Do you love to travel? Check out our TRAVEL Index for more ideas! You can also subscribe to our  email newsletter  and follow The Rebel Chick on  MSN ,  Pinterest ,  Instagram , and  Facebook  and never miss a new post!

This Ways to Have a Memorable Trip To Paris post first appeared on TheRebelChick.com .

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London & Paris

About this tour.

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, cross the English Channel via train and take in the best of these iconic cities. Take a walking tour to Westminster to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Personalize your stay in Paris by choosing to savor a thrilling dinner and cabaret show at the Paradis Latin theatre or indulge in a traditional brasserie dinner before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. Dine at the Eiffel Tower and cruise the River Seine at night.

Your Tour Includes

• 2 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Buckingham Palace
• Covent Garden
• Eurostar Train

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$1,399.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour&#39;s activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Embark on a tour of London with a local expert.

Cross the English Channel aboard the Eurostar Train.

Cultural Experiences:

Take advantage of a full day of leisure in both London and Paris.

• Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

Discover London on a walking tour to Westminster and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner featuring contemporary British cuisine.

Savor an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.

• Choices on Tour
• Arc de Triomphe
• Eiffel Tower Dinner
• Seine River Cruise

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 activities. Your first choice is to gain an overview of the French capital during a panoramic bus tour. With your local guide, take in the most iconic sights of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Place de la Concorde. OR, join a local expert on a walking tour. Travel like a Parisian as you hop on Le Métro bound for the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Explore the winding streets, home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs and learn the history of this artistic village in the heart of Paris.

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 evening activities. Your first choice is to cross into the Latin Quarter for an eventful dinner at the legendary Paradis Latin,* the city’s oldest cabaret theatre, complete with wine, champagne and a captivating show. Your second choice is to explore Paris’ culinary scene during a traditional brasserie dinner, before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. * The Paradis Latin show features some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children - consult your Tour Manager.

Extend your stay in London with a 2-night pre extension. A locally guided walking tour begins by on the London Underground tube before you explore along the River Thames discovering the iconic buildings of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare’s, ending at the food stalls of Borough Market. An included ticket to the Tower of London lets you peek into the city’s storied past independently uncovering the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Spend ample free time exploring the best of London.

• Overnight Flight
• You’re on your way to London, where you will arrive early and enjoy an additional 2-night stay to explore your way.
• Arrive in dynamic London, a sophisticated, historic city metropolis with a timeless style of its own. The day is yours to explore independently.
• Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour along the River Thames, where you will see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Art Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe. End at Borough market, London’s premier Food Market, dating back over 1000 years. You will love independently strolling the small, specialty produce stalls and sumptuous street food traders. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
• See London your way today! Be sure to take advantage of your included ticket to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Later today meet your fellow travelers to start your tour.

Extend your stay with 3 nights in Amsterdam. Arrive via high-speed train before getting acquainted with the city during a locally guided food walking tour. Enjoy ample time at leisure, giving you the opportunity to peruse the city’s many iconic museums or take a cruise along the canals. This 3-night stay is ideal for taking in the art, architecture, culture, and picturesque canals of Amsterdam.

• Paris - Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Board a high-speed train and take off for Amsterdam, the thriving 800-year-old capital of Holland. After some time to settle in, meet up with a local guide to get acquainted with the Jordaan District of Amsterdam. Explore this charming neighborhood and learn of its rich multicultural roots during a walking food tour where you’ll taste traditional Dutch fare as you walk along the canals and historic homes between stops.
• Stroll through the city with a local expert. Get acquainted with the cozy lanes and quintessential Dutch houses as you wander along the canals that lead to Amsterdam’s museum district. Explore the Rijksmuseum with your local guide and experience works from the great Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Enjoy an afternoon on your own to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll choose to explore the Anne Frank House,* a museum dedicated to the memory of the young diarist who documented her time in hiding during WWII.
• The day is yours. Explore the narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed roads at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll choose to see the city from a different perspective and embark on a canal cruise or spend some time relaxing at a café. Maybe take the train to The Hague to see the renowned Girl with a Pearl Earring in the Mauritshuis Museum.
• Amsterdam - Tour Ends
• Bid Amsterdam farewell as your tour comes to a close today.

Enjoy an interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, travel by coach to Versailles where your local guide will recount the history of the palace and lead you through the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest are the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. You then have leisure time to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete.

Join us for a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Begin your exploration of the museum by entering through I. M. Pei’s famous Louvre Pyramid, a magnificent glass pyramid rising out of the courtyard of the Louvre. A local expert will provide commentary as you venture through the countless masterpieces that line the halls of the museum, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed!

Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

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What to Know About Xi Jinping’s Trip to Europe

The Chinese president this week will be visiting France, Serbia and Hungary. His trip comes at a time of tensions with many European countries over trade and accusations of Chinese espionage.

By Emma Bubola

This week, for the first time in five years, President Xi Jinping of China is visiting Europe, with stops in France, Serbia and Hungary.

Mr. Xi’s trip comes at a time of tensions with many European countries over China’s support for Russia in the face of its war in Ukraine, its trade practices and its apparent espionage activities . The trip will also test Europe’s delicate balancing act between China and the United States.

Mr. Xi hopes to head off a trade war with the European Union as frictions rise over exports of Chinese electric vehicles and diminished market access for European companies in China. Mr. Xi will also encourage President Emmanuel Macron of France to pursue greater autonomy from the United States in a bid to weaken Washington’s global dominance.

Here is what we know about Mr. Xi’s trip, which began Sunday.

What is the significance of Mr. Xi’s itinerary?

The three countries Mr. Xi will be visiting, experts say , to varying degrees embrace China’s push for a redefined global order. All have to some extent questioned America’s postwar ordering of the world, and are eager to bolster ties with Beijing.

Hungary has close ties to China and is keen to attract Chinese investments in areas like electric car and battery manufacturing as Chinese producers expand beyond Asia. Serbia, too, has warm relations with Beijing and has secured billions of dollars in Chinese investment.

Mr. Xi’s first stop is France, where Mr. Macron recently said that Europe “must never be a vassal of the United States,” and has cast France as a bridge between the “Global South” and Western powers.

Despite his courting of Beijing, Mr. Macron has said he is still closer to its ally, the United States, than to China.

“I prefer to choose my relationship with the United States, with China, rather than have it imposed on me by one of the two parties, either pushing me in one direction or pulling me in the other,” he said in an interview with The Economist magazine. But, he added: “Very clearly, we are not equidistant. We are allies of the Americans.”

Before Mr. Xi’s visit, Chinese diplomats expressed hopes that ties between France and China would be at the forefront of China’s relations with the West .

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, the E.U.’s executive branch, joined talks on Monday with Mr. Xi and Mr. Macron in Paris.

This year is also a symbolic one for China and the three countries.

It is the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France and the 75th of those with Hungary.

This year is also the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, during the Kosovo war, which killed three Chinese journalists and set off angry protests at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Chinese authorities have continued to point to the bombing as a sign of NATO aggression and an example of why Russia was justified in feeling threatened before it decided to invade Ukraine.

When was the last time Mr. Xi visited Europe?

Mr. Xi’s last European visit was in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, which he spent hunkered down in China, leaving the country’s borders for the first time in the fall of 2022 .

The 2019 trip included a flashy ceremony in Rome to celebrate Italy’s participation in China’s Belt and Road global infrastructure project, which is aimed at expanding China’s influence abroad. France rolled out the red carpet for Mr. Xi in Paris and signed more than a dozen commercial and governmental treaties worth billions of euros, even as Mr. Macron warned that “China plays on our divisions” and that “the period of European naïveté is over.”

Mr. Xi also visited Greece , where he pledged his support to the country in its struggle with Britain to obtain the Parthenon sculptures known as the Elgin Marbles .

How is the relationship between Europe and China?

Since Mr. Xi’s last visit, there has been a widening rift in the relationship between China and much of Europe. The coronavirus pandemic , Beijing’s embrace of Russia and its repression of ethnic minorities, and a surge in Chinese exports have generated backlashes against China in many European countries.

China has quintupled car shipments to foreign markets in recent years, and the European Union has recently adopted a more confrontational tone over China’s trade practices. E.U. authorities have opened an investigation that could result in limits on Chinese solar exports, and have taken preliminary steps toward restricting trade with Chinese goods that include electric cars, wind turbines and medical devices.

Italy has also told China that it would no longer participate in its Belt and Road Initiative, and last month, six people in Europe were charged with spying for China in the span of a week, in a sign that European countries are stepping up their response to Chinese espionage.

At the same time, European nations vary in their views on how to engage with Beijing and benefit from economic opportunities there, and some are fearful of any imposition of European tariffs.

Mr. Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany also think that China’s leverage will be critical in bringing an end to the war in Ukraine.

David Pierson contributed reporting from Hong Kong, and Aurelien Breeden from Paris.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in London, covering news across Europe and around the world. More about Emma Bubola

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France itinerary help - Bordeaux to Lyon - France Forum

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France itinerary help - Bordeaux to Lyon

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We are 2 40-something females. No set budget but not the luxury travel types. Meaning we are ok with paying the fee to drop off the car at another location but don't need to stay at a fancy hotel or have an ultimate meal (although we do like food).

Day 1 (August 1) - train from Paris to Bordeaux, afternoon/evening in Bordeaux

Day 2 - day trip to St. Emilion

Day 3 - morning in Bordeaux, pick up rental car early afternoon, drive to Arcachon/Dune du Pilat, overnight in Arcachon

Day 4 - road trip to Sarlat-la-Canéda, stopping at various small villages along the way

Day 5 - road trip to Clermont-Ferrand (-ish) stopping for some light hiking and cheese tasting, …

Day 6 - road trip to Gorges de l'Allier/Le Puy

Day 7 - return car to Lyon early afternoon, afternoon in Lyon

Day 8 - Day trip from Lyon (??) probably north from Lyon towards, but not necessarily to, Dijon

Day 9 - Lyon

Day 10 - early train from Lyon to CDG for afternoon flights (departures: 13:00/14:00)

4 replies to this topic

Have you ever spent time in Lyon? If not, it really deserves more than 1-1/2 days. It's a beautiful city, with great architecture, history, scenery, and food. Rather than take a day trip to Dijon (or Beaune ), I'd recommend that you stay there for your 3 days at the end. Even if you spend the entire 2-1/2 days in Lyon, you'll run out of time before you run out of things to do/see.

However, if you'd prefer a day trip elsewhere, you might instead consider heading south to one of the wine-centric towns on the northern Rhone like Vienne or Tain-Hermitage (and its sister village across the Rhone of Tournon-sur-Rhone).

You can certainly get cheeses in Salers and Murat. The two from this area are Cantal and Salers. they are made from milk from the same cows, but Cantal is made from hay fed cattle ( Nov 15 to Mar 15 ) and Salers is made from cattle on summer pastures.

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The Meandering Traveler

A Travel Blog with Travel Tips and Interesting Facts

Tauck River Cruise Update for 2025. What’s New?

During 2025, Tauck will introduce a new 14-night “ Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris ” river cruise itinerary. If you’re interested in an enticing new Tauck river cruise, this is a great one to consider.

Here’s how the journey will flow. Guests will start in Prague, the Czech Republic , with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel . Next up is a nine-day, luxurious, pampering river cruise.

Boarding either the 130-passenger Savor or sister vessel Joy,  Tauck’s guests will sail from Regensburg, Germany, to Trier, Germany. This itinerary will travel the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers as well as the Rhine-Main Canal.

Guests will then disembark and travel overland to Luxembourg. There, they’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Luxembourg City.

Then they’ll board a train to Paris . The trip concludes in “The City of Light” with a two-night stay at the L’Hotel du Collectionneur, considered an Art Deco masterpiece.

(Shown in the photo above is Schlosshotel Kronberg where Tauck’s guests will enjoy a private reception and dinner. Photo by Tauck.)

Tauck River Cruise: New Itinerary Highlights

During this vacation, travelers will sail on a vessel accommodating just 130 guests, compared to the 150 or up to 190 passengers carried by other European river vessels of a similar size.

In addition, Tauck’s guests will enjoy enriching activities and experiences. For instance, here are a few:

• Private evening ashore in Germany with a reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg.
• Visit to t he legendary Nurburgring motorsports complex in Germany.
• Scenic, private boating excursion on the Seine River.
• Underground walking tour of historic Prague.

Fortunately, travelers will have great flexibility in picking a departure date. Tauck will offer 10 departures of this new “ Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris ” river cruise itinerary from April through October of next year.

At press time, fares started at $9,790 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare. Talk with your personal travel planner about accommodations and timing that’s best for you to travel.

Tauck River Cruise: Esprit Redeployed

So, what else is new for Tauck on European rivers? In addition to the new itinerary outlined above, Tauck also said this week that it will redeploy its intimate, 98-passenger Esprit riverboat to France’s River Seine.

This year, that vessel is operating on the Rhine and Danube rivers. “But Tauck believes that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris will generate greater demand for vacations in France next year,” says Shelby Steudle , president, Pavlus Travel .

“So, the line will smartly double its capacity there,” she emphasizes. “We believe that’s a great move to help assure that loyal Tauck travelers as well as first-time Tauck guests will have more Seine River opportunities.”

In 2025, Esprit (along with Sapphire ) will operate all four of Tauck’s Seine River cruises. Here are links to those itineraries, ship features, accommodations details, pricing and other information.

• “Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy”
• “Rendezvous on the Seine”
• “Cruising the Seine, plus London & Paris”
• “Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy”

More About Tauck

This week Tauck also announced two new small-ship ocean cruise itineraries elsewhere in Europe . Founded in 1925, Tauck is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 land tours, safaris, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises to 70+ countries and all seven continents.

In each of the last 26 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrating the very best in luxury tours, cruises, hotels and more.”

Want to learn more about Tauck’s offerings? Check out the Tauck official website .

Did you know that  Pavlus Travel is the top global seller of Tauck? It’s true. So, that means that Pavlus’ skilled personal travel planners truly know the Tauck products. And that provides travelers with great service!

To discuss planning a Tauck river cruise for 2024, 2025 or even beyond, follow the contact details below.

Important Notes from  Pavlus Travel

• For information about the best deals, sign up for Pavlus’ email newsletter, which  spotlights terrific pricing  on a multitude of cruise and travel options. Readers can simply add their email to the sign-up box on the top right corner of the  Pavlus Travel website .
• If anything tweaks your interest in this blog above, and you DO have questions about specific pricing, brochures, savings, accommodations, accessible options and so on, please contact us at   800-528-9300. 
• Or  visit us online at Pavlus Travel’s official agency Web site;  t here you can “live chat” with us online too!
• This blog site provides “basic, general information” about travel. It’s not staffed by travel advisors.
• Any price examples and included vacation features in blogs are subject to change. They also don’t represent the full range of options; a travel advisor can assist with additional information.
• Please don’t use the Reply Section below if you are asking for pricing, travel dates, accommodations, brochures or other specific requests. Please use the 800 number or online link. 

Susan J. Young

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