Ever wonder how many days it takes to visit Paris without missing the essentials? Whether you’re the kind of person who wants to see everything in a flash or take your time, I’ve got just the thing to help you plan the perfect stay. Spoiler: even in one day, Paris never disappoints!
In brief: You can visit the must-sees in 1 day, but 2 to 4 days are ideal to really enjoy Paris.
Map of Paris
Paris is a big city, so to make the most of your stay in the capital, you need to pick out the places you really want to see and visit.
Although Paris is easily discovered on foot and by metro, I recommend that you plan your activities by grouping them geographically for the very best experience.
How Many Days in Paris?
Whether you’re staying in Paris for a day or a week, it really does make a difference.
For a short getaway, let’s focus on the must-sees, but if you’re extending your stay, why not explore Paris in greater depth or even take a trip to Normandy and/or Versailles!
1 Day in Paris
You’ve only got a day to explore Paris? Even if it’s a bit of an express tour, you’ll certainly be able to see and experience a lot.
Here’s a suggested itinerary, which you can of course adapt to your own wishes and schedule.
- Montmartre: Walk up to the Basilique Sacré-Coeur for a panoramic view of Paris. Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque, adjacent streets (Place du Tertre).
- Arc de Triomphe: Take the metro to Arc de Triomphe (line 2 or 6).
- Champs-Elysées: Walk down the 2.5km avenue des Champs-Elysées towards Place de la Concorde.
- Jardin des Tuileries: Cross the Place de la Concorde to enter the Jardin des Tuileries. Then stroll through the garden towards the Musée du Louvre. Enjoy a nice picnic with a gorgeous view.
- Musée du Louvre: If you wish to enter, save at least 2 hours for a quick tour of the museum’s highlights.
- Notre-Dame: Take the metro (3 stops) or walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral (1.4km).
- Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower: Take the metro to Champ de Mars (20 minutes). Enjoy the view and go up the Eiffel Tower a little later, after dinner for example. Watch the sunset from the top of the Iron Lady while avoiding the crowds of tourists during the day.
With this busy schedule, you’ll have explored some of Paris’s most iconic places. Make sure you’ve got comfortable clothes and shoes for a day full of adventure!
Here are a few tips to make the most of your day :
- Use the metro and buses to move quickly between sites.
- Book skip-the-line tickets for the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower to save time.
2 Days in Paris
You’ll be able to see a bit more with an extra day. Follow the previous itinerary for your first day in the capital, then add this itinerary for your second day:
- Musée d’Orsay: Visit to admire Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
- Palais Garnier: 20 minutes by metro or on foot. Explore the sumptuous interior of the Opéra Garnier and stroll through this vibrant district.
- Grands Magasins: Take a shopping break at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
- Marais District: A 20-minute metro ride away, discover the historic streets and trendy boutiques of the Marais, as well as the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris.
- Center Pompidou: Admire its architecture and modern art collections.
- Châtelet: Enjoy a drink on a terrace and do a little shopping in this lively, historic district.
- Quartier Latin / Saint Germain des Prés: Just 1km away, explore this bohemian neighborhood populated with bookshops and boutiques.
3 or 4 Days in Paris
With 3 or 4 days in Paris, you can explore the less touristy districts and discover the city’s hidden gems. In addition to the itineraries for the first two days, here are some suggestions for additional days:
- Versailles: Take a day to visit the Château de Versailles, which features magnificent gardens and the Hameau de la Reine. The RER train journey from Paris takes around 40 minutes.
- Montparnasse: Discover this animated district, with the Montparnasse Tower offering a panoramic view of the city and restaurants of all kinds, including the best crêperies in Paris.
- Jardin du Luxembourg: Stroll through one of the city’s most beautiful gardens and admire its statues, fountains, and the Senate.
- Ile de la Cité / Ile Saint Louis: Explore these two historic islands. Admire the Sainte-Chapelle’s remarkable architecture, and cross the city’s magnificent bridges such as the Pont Neuf or the Pont des Arts.
- Canal Saint-Martin: Spend a relaxing morning wandering along the canal, with its trendy boutiques and cafés.
- Belleville and Ménilmontant: Explore these cosmopolitan neighborhoods, known for their street art and panoramic views of Paris.
- Buttes-Chaumont: Enjoy a moment of relaxation in this picturesque park with its hills, caves, and waterfalls.
- Bastille District: Discover this dynamic district, famous for its opera house and vibrant nightlife.
- Cruise on the Seine: Take a dinner cruise on the Seine to admire Paris as it’s illuminated by the city’s lights. It’s a unique experience!
5 to 7 Days in Paris
For a 5 to 7-day stay in Paris, you can discover even more varied neighborhoods and take day trips outside the city. In addition to the itineraries for the first four days, here are some suggestions for your additional stay:
- Villette District: With the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Zénith.
- Canal de l’Ourcq: Enjoy an evening on the banks of this canal with memorable night-time entertainment.
- Pigalle: Discover this district famous for its cabarets such as the Moulin Rouge.
- La Défense: Visit the modern business district of La Défense and bear witness to its skyscrapers and the impressive Grande Arche.
- Bois de Boulogne: Enjoy a walk or bike ride in this spacious park, and visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton for a contemporary art viewing.
- Normandy: Take a day trip to visit the Normandy landing beaches, Mont Saint-Michel, or charming coastal towns like Honfleur.
- Fontainebleau: If you prefer to stay closer to Paris, visit the Château de Fontainebleau and its vast gardens.
The Final Verdict – How Many Days in Paris Are Enough?
It all depends on your travel style. A day in Paris allows you to experience the must-sees but is still very quick.
Within 2 to 4 days, you can explore several neighborhoods, taste French cuisine, and enjoy the city without feeling rushed. For me, it’s an ideal length of time for a pleasant, relaxing stay.
For those who stay 5 to 7 days, you have the opportunity to discover less touristy places, revisit your favorite spots, and live like a true Parisian. However, don’t forget that the pace of Paris can be intense, so make sure you leave plenty of downtime to relax so you don’t wear yourself out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the Best Area in Paris to Stay?
If you want to be in the center of the action, surrounded by restaurants, stores, and cultural spots, there are several charming neighborhoods to choose from.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés / Quartier Latin: on the Seine’s left bank, a bohemian ambiance emanates from its literary cafés and cobbled streets.
- Montmartre: perched on its hillside, Montmartre seduces visitors with its narrow streets and lively bistros. Expect a romantic village atmosphere.
- Opéra / Grands Boulevards: an elegant neighborhood with the Opéra Garnier, theaters, and upscale shopping options at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
- The Champs-Élysées: central and luxurious, perfect for those who want to be close to major tourist attractions and high-end stores.
- The Marais is renowned for its historic charm, art galleries, and trendy cafés. Very central and ideal for discovering Parisian nightlife.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around Paris?
To visit Paris, combining walking with using the metro is the best option. The city is easy to discover on foot, but distances can quickly pile up and become tiring. My advice: use the metro for longer journeys.
You can also take a cab or Uber back to your hotel after dinner.
What Are the Must-See Attractions in Paris?
Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame and the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Add to this the Musée d’Orsay, the Palais Garnier, the Latin Quarter, a stroll along the Seine, and a picnic at the Jardin du Luxembourg. Explore the Marais and the Centre Pompidou for a complete tour of Paris.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
