Paris is one of the world’s most popular cities and for good reason. With plenty to do and see, Paris makes for the perfect weekend getaway or a longer break. But how much time should you plan for when visiting Paris? In this article, we’ll explore all the factors to consider before booking your trip, from what there is to do in the city to how long it takes to really experience its many wonders. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or a week-long adventure, find out how many days you need to make the most of Paris.
How to spend one day in Paris?
Paris is a city that can easily be explored in a day, as there are so many things to see and do. Start your day by grabbing a coffee and croissant at a local café, then head to the Eiffel Tower for some stunning views.
After that, meander through the Latin Quarter and explore the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, stroll along the Champs-Élysées and do some shopping, then treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants. Finally, end your day with a glass of wine while watching the sunset from the Place de la Concorde.
Paris in two days
If you’re tight on time, you can still see a lot of Paris in just two days. Start your trip by exploring the must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Then, spend some time strolling through one of the city’s many beautiful parks or window shopping along the chic Champs-Elysées. In the evening, enjoy a classic French meal at a local bistro or restaurant.
On your second day in Paris, take a walking tour to see some of the lesser-known but equally impressive sights like Place de la Concorde, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Moulin Rouge. If you’re interested in art and history, consider spending a couple of hours at the Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay. Before leaving Paris, be sure to grab some souvenirs from one of the many markets or shops around town.
3 days in Paris
If you have three days in Paris, you can easily see the city’s most popular sights. Start your trip with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Then, explore the Louvre Museum, home to some of the most famous paintings in history. Don’t miss a chance to see Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic Gothic structure located in the heart of Paris. Spend your third day strolling through charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais. With three days in Paris, you’ll get a taste of everything this amazing city has to offer!
Day 1
• Visit the Eiffel Tower
• Take a Seine River Cruise
• Stop for lunch at one of the many sidewalk cafés in the area
• Explore the Louvre Museum
• Walk along the Champs-Élysées
Day 2
• Go to Notre Dame Cathedral and climb to the top of its towers
• Check out the stained glass windows in Sainte-Chapelle
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of Paris’s parks
• Take pictures of iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and La Grande Roue de Paris Ferris Wheel
• Spend an evening at one of Paris’s cabaret shows.
Day 3
• Wander through Montmartre and soak up its unique atmosphere
• Have lunch in Le Marais while admiring its historical architecture
• Visit Musée d’Orsay and take a look at some of France’s most famous art pieces
• Shop for souvenirs at Galeries Lafayette or Printemps department stores
• Enjoy an evening cruise down the River Seine.
4 days in Paris
When most people think of Paris, they envision the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. While these are definitely must-see sights, there is so much more to the City of Light! With four days in Paris, you can explore some of the city’s hidden gems, enjoy a leisurely meal or two, and still have time to check off those iconic attractions from your list.
Start your trip with a stroll down the charming Rue Cler. This pedestrian-only street is lined with bakeries, cafes, and shops selling fresh flowers and produce. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the many outdoor cafes before heading to the nearby Eiffel Tower. Even if you don’t want to wait in line to go all the way up (we don’t blame you!), simply admiring this world-famous structure from below is an unforgettable experience.
Next on your itinerary should be a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, so be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds. After marveling at the exterior, step inside to see incredible stained glass windows and carved stone details. Consider climbing up to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of Paris – it’s well worth the effort!
After working up an appetite with all that walking, sit down for a leisurely lunch at a local bistro. Paris cuisine is widely celebrated, so take your time and savor the flavors. For dinner, you might consider heading to one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
On day three, explore some of Paris’ hidden gems. Visit the picturesque Montmartre neighborhood and admire the cobblestone streets, local artists, and iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Then wander over towards the Jardin des Tuileries to take in views of the Louvre Museum and its glass pyramid. End your day with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay for an impressive collection of Impressionist works from Monet, Manet, and Degas, among others.
Finally, spend your last day in Paris exploring one of its most popular attractions: The Louvre Museum. Here you can find some of Europe’s most important pieces of art – including the iconic “Mona Lisa” painting by Leonardo da Vinci! After gazing upon masterpieces like these, end your trip on a high note with a boat cruise along the Seine River as you watch the sun set behind Paris’ skyline.
5 days in Paris
Assuming you’re starting in Paris and have 5 full days, here are a few ideas of how you can spend your time:
On the first day, get oriented by taking a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. This will give you a good overview of the city and help you plan out where you want to go in more detail later. In the evening, enjoy a classic French dinner at a restaurant like L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon or Le Relais de l’Entrecôte.
On the second day, explore some of Paris’ world-famous museums like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. If art isn’t your thing, spend some time strolling around one of Paris’ beautiful parks like Tuileries Garden or Luxembourg Gardens. In the evening, catch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris.
On the third day, head to Montmartre to see Sacré-Cœur Basilica and take in the amazing views from Place du Tertre. Wander around the charming streets of this bohemian neighborhood and pop into cafes and boutiques along the way. Finish up with a visit to Moulin de la Galette, made famous by Renoir’s painting of the same name.
On the fourth day, take a day trip out of Paris to see one of France’s many beautiful castles like Château de Versailles or Château de Vincennes. Alternatively, venture out a bit further to Disneyland Paris or Giverny to see the house and gardens of Claude Monet.
On the fifth day, do some more exploring around Paris. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and take a boat ride along the Seine River. Spend some time shopping in one of the city’s chic neighborhoods like Saint-Germain des Prés or Le Marais. Finally, cap off your trip with a classic French meal at L’Astrance or La Tour d’Argent, two of Paris’ most famous restaurants.
What to do with extra time in Paris
Paris is a city that can easily be enjoyed in a short amount of time, but if you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Here are a few ideas of things to do with extra time in Paris:
- Visit the Musée d’Orsay: This world-famous museum is home to an extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. If you’re a fan of Monet, Van Gogh, or Renoir, this is a must-see.
- Explore the Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter is one of the most historic and vibrant areas of Paris. Stroll through the narrow streets and stop in at any of the cafes or shops that catch your eye.
- Take a boat ride on the Seine: A boat ride on the Seine is a great way to see some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks from a different perspective. You can choose to go on a guided tour or simply relax and enjoy the views as you float down the river.
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral: This Gothic masterpiece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, and for good reason. Take some time to admire the exterior architecture before exploring the inside of the cathedral.
- Climb to the top of Sacré-Cœur: For stunning views of Paris, head to Sacré-Cœur Basilica and climb up to
Conclusion
Paris is a city of unparalleled beauty and culture that one could never tire of exploring. With three to four days, you can explore the essential sights and attractions in Paris while taking your time soaking up all it has to offer. However, if you have more days available, there’s no limit to what else you can experience in this wonderful city! So plan out your itinerary carefully and make sure to pack plenty of energy! Bon Voyage!