Paris, the city of love and light. It’s a beautiful, well-adored, historically magnificent city. Out of all my travel destinations, I have to admit, Paris is probably one of my favorites. It just feels like an entirely different world. There are so many attractions to visit, so many monuments to awe over, such beautiful architecture, and so much fashion to delve into, you will never find yourself bored there.
In the last three years I’ve been to Paris three times, because no matter how many times I go, I never tire of it. Beyond the iconic Eiffel Tower, Paris has been renowned since the 17th century for diplomacy, fashion, arts and sciences, and notably, its extensive street lighting system earning it the nickname “City of Lights.” Pretty cool, huh?
With all the things to do in the city it can get overwhelming, especially if you’re considering visiting the city for the first time. And while a weekend trip lets you experience the highlights, I recommend a week-long stay – you deserve it! I have the perfect 7-day Paris itinerary for you plus tips and trips on navigating the city and its museums.
Whenever if travel, I like to plan various activities in the same general area so that time isn’t lost going back and forth in a train or taxi. Paris is broken up into different districts called arrondissements, and this weeklong Paris itinerary focuses on different days in a handful of my favorite ones.
Paris Itinerary: Exploring The City in 7 Days
Day 1
It’s day 1 in Paris and I know you want to see it all. But, don’t start worrying just yet. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll be booked all week. No need to cram everything in on the first day!
That being said, after landing at Charles de Gaulle airport, getting through customs, taking the RER B train or taxi to the city, and checking into your destination, you’ll likely find yourself exhausted. I always like to plan a lowkey, relaxing activity. If you’re staying at a hotel in Paris, they often offer to store your luggage for you even if your room isn’t ready, so you can go ahead and start exploring!
Take a Seine River Cruise
Other than dinner at a close by café, one of the most relaxing activities that I can think of for your first day in Paris is a cruise on the Seine River. Assuming jet lag isn’t getting the best of you, this is a beautiful way to start your Paris trip since you’ll begin your trip by seeing Paris’s most famous monuments.
Enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower, pass by museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, then get a glimpse of Il de Cite with Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. Paris has 37 bridges, several of which you’ll get to see up close, that you can only view via boat.
There are a variety of options for a boat cruise on the Seine River, from a basic hour tour to more elevated options with snacks, champagne, and even dinner.
I recommend Vedettes de Paris if you’re staying near the Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero area or Eiffel Tower and Vedettes du Pont Neuf if you’re staying in Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, near the Louvre, or in Le Marais. Both offer one-hour guided tours in French and English.
No matter which boat company you choose, all bateaux mouches follow the same path, offering the same sightseeing experience.
I like to take a boat cruise in the evening before or after dinner, but this will of course depend on your arrival time in Paris.
Spend the rest of your first day walking around winding local streets near your hotel or apartment; they’re part of what makes Paris so charming, and it’s the best way to get acquainted with your neighborhood.
Day 2 – 1st Arrondissement
It’s your first morning in Paris, and you’re probably still trying to pinch yourself awake from the dreamthat is this city. Whenever I travel somewhere new, I like to cross of the heavy hitters and must-see things at the start of my trip. In Paris, this means classic landmarks and iconic museums.
Grab a pair of comfortable sneakers (everyone in Paris was wearing these or these when I visited last) and get ready for a sightseeing day!
Tour the Louvre
Whether you’re an art lover or not, the Louvre is one the most iconic museums to exist. It’s the world’s largest museum and houses some of the most famous masterpieces ever created. Here, you’ll find the Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Venus de Milo.
You won’t grasp how extraordinary this experience is until you try it yourself, and it’s extremely overwhelming, even if you’ve visited before.
Although you can use a map or purchase an interactive one with self-guided tours, I found the device to be unreliable with spotty geo-locating, which is needed for it to be effective.
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Instead, I’d highly recommend one of several guided tours through the museum. You can book these directly through the Louvre website or here. A guided walking tour through the Louvre is a great way to see the museum’s most famous works with informative commentary in 2 hours. Plus, you can always stay later if there are any part of the museum you still want to discover. I personally love the Napoleon III Apartments wing!
After your visit, you’ll definitely need a snack or lunch. There are several food kiosks in Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) just across the street. Then, make your way to Musee de L’Orangerie to continue your museum day.
See Claude Monet’s Water Lilies
Located on the far west side of the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) is Musee de L’Orangerie. It’s a serene, all white interior museum that houses Claude Monet’s enormous water lilies paintings.
Stop By Place de la Concorde
Just a short walk from this museum is Place de la Concorde, a site full of significant history. In its early days, it was an execution spot during the French Revolution, tallying up to 1,119 people guillotined just in this square alone, including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. That quickly changed, when less than 100 years later, Jacques-Ignace Hittorf changed the square into what exists today. Now sits the Luxor Obelisk, an Egyptian monument placed in 1836, reputable hotels, and two monumental fountains.
You don’t need to spend a ton of time here, but you can see the Obelisk up close and stare straight down Avenue de Champs Elysees for a view of the Arc de Triomphe.
Day 3 – Take a Day Trip
Visit Versailles
For your third day, get away from Paris’ city center and take a fun day trip! Day trips are the best way to still enjoy what the city has to offer while giving yourself a break from trying to take it all in.
Versailles is a wonderful day trip if it’s your first time in Paris. I know some people find it overrated, but the lawns themselves are stunning, and it’s a huge part of France’s history, dating all the way back to the 1600s. You’ll want to get there are early in the morning as possible because it does get very crowded.
I went there years ago when I was in high school and I still vividly remember the sprawling lawn enormous gardens, and famous Hall of Mirrors.
It’s worth paying for a guided tour of the palace and gardens; learn about the lavish life of kings and queens, a typical day in the life of Marie Antoinette, and explore the green space that was once the setting for elaborate balls and parties.
Other day trips from Paris include Disneyland Paris (40 minutes), Reims for Champagne tasting (45 minutes), and if you’re an art lover, Giverny to visit Claude Monet’s home and garden (60 minutes).
Day 4 – 4th, 5th and 6th Arrondissements
I stayed a full month in Paris right on the edge of the 5th and 6th arrondissements, so I’m biased when I say these neighborhoods on the Left Bank are my favorite. Even though there are plenty of tourists, this area somehow feels a little more local than other touristy parts of the city.
see notre dame cathederal
Start your day visiting Il de la Cite, a little island that is where the history of Paris begins.
The most famous landmark here is of course Notre Dame. It’s currently still being restored after the 2019 fire there but is supposed to re-open at the end of 2024.
Although you can’t go in, you can still admire its beautiful gothic architecture and rose windows from the outside.
Visit Sainte Chapelle and La Conciergerie
A couple blocks over you’ll find Sainte Chapelle, another church on the island with an equally impressive, if not better, display of stained-glass windows.
Just next door you’ll find La Conciergerie, which at various points in time was a royal palace, courthouse, and prison.
Walk Ile Saint Louis
From here, you can stroll east on Ile de la Cite to another small island, Ile Saint Louis.
You’ll notice several cafes all serving local Berthillon ice cream. Sit down and enjoy a scoop, or find even more flavors at the original Berthillon ice cream shop and tea room, also located on the island.
Ile Saint Louis is always quiet and peaceful, and it’s a great little escape in the middle of Paris.
Head to the Latin Quarter
After your ice cream, head south and over the river into the Left Bank. You’re now entering the Latin Quarter, or 5tharrondissement.
Because the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest parts of the city, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time into what Paris was in the very beginning. It began and remained a central hub for learning and education, housing many universities within its borders. Here’s a quick run-through of everything you’ll get to see while walking through:
- Saint-Michel Fountain
- Sorbonne University
- Shakespeare & Co
- The Pantheon
You can easily walk to any or all of these. After you’re done, stop by a boulangerie to pick up a sandwich, and head to Jardin du Luxembourg.
Enjoy Jardin du Luxembourg
Known for its lush lawns, tree-lined paths, and of course the famous green lawn chairs, it’s easy to see why so many people love Jardin du Luxembourg.
Take a seat in a chair, eat your sandwich, and enjoy people watching while you rest your feet for a bit. In warmer months you’ll find dozens of children running around the large fountain, chasing around their sailboats in the water. You’ll also find the beautiful Medici Fountain here, which looks like it was plucked right out for a fairytale.
End Your Day in Saint Germain
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (the 6th arrondissement), seated right on the left bank, was originally known for the artists, writers, and painters. Now, it’s become known for its bustling and lively vibe full of cafes, galleries, markets, and true heritage. There are plenty of places to visit and this place is truly a little village of its own.
Be sure to stop by one of the cafes; they are plentiful here. Don’t miss Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots; both are Instagram-worthy, but the people are nicer at Les Deux Magot (as is the food).
Once you’re done exploring, end your night with rooftop drinks with panoramic views of Paris at Hôtel Dame des Arts at 4 Rue Danton. Be sure to make advance reservations here.
Day 5 – Montmartre & Other Arrondissements
Montmartre and Sacre Coeur
The neighborhood of Montmartre feels very different from the rest of Paris. With steep winding roads and a bohemian feel, it’s almost as if you’re not even in the same city. But it’s definitely worth a trip here. Perched at the top of the hill you’ll find Sacre Coeur Basilica. Even if you’re not religious you should go in; it’s really pretty (and you’re already there so you may as well). The steps of this church provide a bird’s eye view of Paris and it’s beautiful.
After, take a short walk down a winding road to Place du Tertre, the famous square where you can find dozens of painters and portrait artists, cafes, and small tourist shops.
Take some time to get lost in the little side streets, then make your way over to Terrass Hotel for a fabulous rooftop lunch or drinks.
Moulin Rouge is about a five-minute walk from here, but keep in mind that its immediate surrounding areas are vastly different from where you’re coming from since it’s located in the former red-light district. If you really want to see it, great, but there’s not much to it and I don’t love the area.
Grab a taxi and make your way to the Arc de Triomphe.
Take in Rooftop Views at Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is one of my favorite Paris landmarks. Climb up 330 stairs to the top (there’s an elevator for those who need it) for views of the Eiffel Tower as well as the buildings and streets. Although the view is especially incredible at nighttime, it’s breathtaking no matter the time you take the trek.
You can then take the metro to Trocadero, a massive open area with another A+ view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s always busy, but once you’re there you can see why.
Alternatively, make dinner reservations for Girafe. It’s an upscale restaurant with the same view and great food. If you time things correctly and have dinner late enough at night, you’ll also be able to see the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle. It sparkles at the top of every hour after dusk hits.
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Day 6 – Shopping
Shopping
Day 6 will be your last big activity day, because you’ll need all the rest you can get before heading back home.
I’d be remiss to skip out on mentioning shopping in Paris! Shopping in Paris is always a good idea. For starters, most French brands are cheaper there than in the US because there’s no exporting. This means decent savings on French fashion brands like Sezane, French pharmacy beauty, and especially designer purchases – even when converting from euros to dollars.
But you can also take advantage of VAT refunds. VAT (value added tax) is included in all prices in the European Union, and you’re able to qualify to get that refunded so long as your purchase is over 100 euros and you let the sales associate know before you purchase, so they can provide you with the right forms. (When you leave Paris, scan these are the passport and within a few weeks you’ll receive the VAT amount back onto your card.) This is usually around 12%.
Rue Saint-Honoré and the surrounding streets are famous for luxury shopping, and you can find everything there from Dior and Louis Vuitton to Hermes and Chanel.
There are also several amazing department stores in Paris: Le Bon Marche, Samaritaine, and BHV.
Walk around Le Marais
You can also find small boutiques and vintage stores in Le Marais, so head there in the afternoon after you’ve dropped off any designer purchases safely at your hotel.
Once you’re in the area, be sure to visit La Place des Vosges. It’s the oldest square in Paris. It’s small, but it’s pretty.
Find a nice brasserie or café for dinner.
Where To Stay In Paris
Paris is a large city, and each arrondisssement, or district, has a different vibe. There’s truly a place for everyone here but is also makes choosing an area overwhelming.
The 6th Arrondissement
This is where I have stayed the most during my trips to Paris, so it’s where I have the most recommendations. The 6tharrondissement, otherwise known as Saint Germain, is one of my favorite neighborhoods. It boasts tons of cafes, great shopping, and easy access to both the Seine and Jardin du Luxembourg. I prefer to stay here because it feels a bit more local than areas like Champs Elysees or near the Louvre but is still centrally located.
A few fabulous hotels in this area include:
Other Hotels in Paris
- La Fantaisie (9th arrondissement) – beautiful courtyard garden, vibrant interiors, and restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn. The rooftop bar and spa are highly recommended.
- Grands Boulevards Experimental (between 2nd and 9th arrondissements) – glass-covered courtyard dining area, and if you’re into cocktails, this is the place to be
- Terrass Hotel (18th arrondissement/Montmartre) – quiet, village vibes but super close to Sacre Coeur and Moulin Rouge. Great rooftop bar with panoramic views and romantic feels, plus also a Nuxe Spa there in case you want to add in a day of pampering.
Luxury Hotels in Paris
Are you excited to go to Paris yet?
Paris is a beautiful city to visit, and there’s so much to do there. I hope this 7-day Paris itinerary helps you plan your perfect trip there! If you use this guide in any way or visit any of the locations I shared, let me know! I want to know it all!
If you’re also heading to the South of France, don’t skip my St Tropez Travel Guide for all of your need-to-knows there.
