Paris, the City of Lights, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. With its iconic landmarks, incredible culinary scene, and rich history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This comprehensive 7-day Paris itinerary travel user guide will help you make the most of your trip and ensure you experience the best the city has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Morning: Arrival in Paris
Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport, take a taxi, airport shuttle, or the RER train to your accommodation.
Check-in at your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel, and freshen up after your journey.
Afternoon: Explore Le Marais
Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll around Le Marais, one of Paris’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.
Visit the historic Place des Vosges, the city’s oldest square, and enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the surrounding cafés.
Explore the boutique shops, galleries, and museums in the area, such as the Musée Picasso or the Musée Carnavalet.
Evening: Dinner and a Seine River Cruise
Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local bistro or brasserie in Le Marais or along the Seine River.
End your day with a magical Seine River cruise, taking in the illuminated cityscape and iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks
Morning: Louvre Museum
Begin your day with a visit to the world-famous Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and consider a guided tour to make the most of your visit.
Afternoon: Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
After lunch, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous boulevards, lined with shops, cafés, and theaters.
At the end of the Champs-Élysées, climb the Arc de Triomphe for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Evening: Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Head to the Montmartre district in the evening and explore its cobblestone streets, bustling cafés, and artistic atmosphere.
Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, taking in the breathtaking views of Paris from the top of the hill.
Enjoy dinner at a local Montmartre restaurant, and consider catching a cabaret show at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
Day 3: Museums and Palaces
Morning: Musée d’Orsay
Start your day with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, and marvel at its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Afternoon: Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Luxembourg Gardens
Stroll around the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, famous for its literary and artistic heritage.
Relax in the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, the perfect spot for a picnic lunch or an afternoon break.
Evening: Palace of Versailles
Take a short train ride to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the former residence of King Louis XIV and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the opulent palace, its expansive gardens, and the stunning Hall of Mirrors.
Return to Paris for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Culture and Shopping
Morning: Centre Pompidou
Visit the Centre Pompidou, a modern art museum with an iconic architectural design, and explore its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky.
Afternoon: Shopping in the Fashion Capital
Indulge in some shopping in the fashion capital of the world. Visit the famous department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, for luxury brands and designer fashion.
For a more local shopping experience, explore the trendy boutiques in Le Marais or the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
Evening: Opera Garnier and Fine Dining
In the evening, visit the stunning Opera Garnier, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and the inspiration for Gaston Leroux’s “The Phantom of the Opera.” Book a guided tour or catch a performance if your schedule permits.
Enjoy a fine dining experience at one of Paris’s Michelin-starred restaurants or a cozy bistro in the Opera district.
Day 5: The Eiffel Tower and Surroundings
Morning: Eiffel Tower
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and take the elevator or climb the stairs to the top for spectacular views of the city.
If you prefer a more leisurely morning, enjoy a picnic breakfast in the nearby Champ de Mars park, taking in the view of the Eiffel Tower.
Afternoon: Trocadéro and the Palais de Chaillot
After descending the Eiffel Tower, walk across the Seine River to the Trocadéro and the Palais de Chaillot, which offers another great viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower.
Explore the surrounding museums, such as the Musée de l’Homme or the Musée de la Marine.
Evening: Seine River Walk and Dinner
Take a leisurely walk along the Seine River, admiring the beautiful architecture and atmosphere of the city.
Choose a riverside restaurant for dinner and enjoy traditional French cuisine while soaking in the Parisian ambiance.
Day 6: Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter
Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité. Marvel at its Gothic architecture, and climb the towers for a close-up view of the famous gargoyles and panoramic views of Paris.
Explore the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, with its stunning stained-glass windows, and the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison.
Afternoon: Latin Quarter and Panthéon
Stroll through the lively Latin Quarter, known for its historic universities, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Panthéon, a neoclassical mausoleum housing the tombs of many famous French figures, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo.
Evening: Jardin des Plantes and Dinner
Relax in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris’s main botanical garden, and visit the Natural History Museum or the Menagerie, a small zoo located within the garden.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the Latin Quarter, sampling French classics or international cuisine.
Day 7: Montparnasse and Farewell
Morning: Montparnasse Tower
On your final day, head to the Montparnasse Tower, and take the elevator to the 56th-floor observatory for one last panoramic view of Paris.
If time permits, explore the Montparnasse Cemetery, the final resting place of many famous figures, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Charles Baudelaire.
Afternoon: Last Minute Souvenirs and Farewell
Spend your final afternoon in Paris picking up last-minute souvenirs from local shops, markets, or department stores. Consider purchasing items such as French wine, cheese, macarons, or Parisian fashion accessories.
Relax at a café or bistro, savoring a final cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or a delicious French pastry, and soak in the atmosphere of the city one last time.
Return to your accommodation to pack your bags and prepare for your departure.
Conclusion
This 7-day Paris itinerary travel user guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and rich history. While it’s impossible to see everything Paris has to offer in just one week, this guide will help you make the most of your time and create lasting memories in the City of Lights. Bon voyage!
