Paris is renowned for its museums, iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, rich history, exquisite cuisine, and is a top destination for many travelers. So, when planning a trip to this beloved city, many wonder, "Just how many days do you need in Paris?"
There's no wrong answer here, but to get the most out of your trip, we recommend at least four days. However, not everyone has the time to spend four days in Paris, and some people might want to stay longer. Therefore, in addition to a four-day itinerary, we also offer one-day and seven-day itineraries.
Jump to:
Visit the Eiffel Tower on your trip, Photo from Unsplash
One-Day Itinerary in Paris
If you only have one day in the French capital, you will be busy. There's a lot to do and see here. Here's a good way to break down your day:
- Visit the Eiffel Tower: Head to Paris's most popular attraction, the Eiffel Tower, to start your day. Purchase tickets before you arrive in Paris so you can skip the long lines and proceed directly to the "Visitors with Tickets" line.
- Walk by the Seine: After visiting the iconic landmark, stroll along the Seine until you find Pont Alexandre III. This gorgeous Beaux-Arts style bridge offers a fantastic view of the tower you just visited. If you don't feel like walking along the Seine, hop on a Seine cruise. This is a great way to see the sights of Paris!
- Immerse yourself in the culture: While in Paris for one day, you'll also want to soak in the city's culture. The Louvre is the world's biggest museum and is worth a visit. The Musée d'Orsay is another fantastic museum featuring works by renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. You can also visit Notre Dame, a cathedral rich in history.
- End your day peacefully: Explore the Latin Quarter and pop into a French café for dinner. When the sun goes down, marvel at the lights of the Eiffel Tower. Paris really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Check out the Arc de Triomphe, Photo from Unsplash
Four-Day Itinerary in Paris
Four days in Paris won't feel rushed. It's the perfect amount of time to see the sights and get a real taste of the city. Here's a quick breakdown:
Day One
Start day one of your four-day itinerary with our one-day itinerary.
Day Two
On day two, consider a walking tour of Paris. These guided tours often lead travelers to popular destinations, such as the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre.
Day Three
After two days of sightseeing, spend day three exploring a neighborhood. We recommend the Marais district for:
- Cultural experiences: You'll find the oldest square in Paris, Place des Vosges, and the Musée Picasso, located inside a 17th-century hotel with an impressive collection of over 5,000 pieces.
- A shopping afternoon: The Marais is a famous shopping district. Visitors can easily spend the afternoon perusing everything from designer clothes to thrift stores.
- Tasty food: When you need a delicious meal or a refreshing beverage, head to the oldest covered market in Paris, the Marché des Enfants Rouges.
Day Four
On the fourth day of your four-day itinerary, head to anywhere you missed on the first three days. Chances are, on day one, you only had time to visit one museum. Check out the other one. Stroll along the Seine one more time, revisit the Eiffel Tower, and relax in a Parisian café.
Related: The 25 Best Things To Do in Paris
Relax at the Jardin des Tuileries, Photo from Unsplash
Seven-Day Itinerary in Paris
A week in Paris is truly a gift. A full seven days allows you to spend more time in restaurants and cafés, wander through museums, slowly stroll the Seine, and peruse outdoor markets.
Day 1-4
Start your seven-day itinerary with our four-day itinerary.
Day 5-7
Option 1 - Explore Unique Neighborhoods
After completing the four-day itinerary mentioned above, spend your extra three days exploring Parisian neighborhoods. This gives travelers a much bigger taste of the city. Pick a new neighborhood each day and fully immerse yourself in it. We recommend:
- Sentier: In Sentier, you'll find trendy shops and cute boutique hotels. The main attraction here is Rue Montorgueil, which offers ample outdoor seating, ideal for enjoying a meal and people-watching.
- Oberkampf: Oberkampf is also chic but offers more vintage shops and bookstores. You'll also find lots of fantastic restaurants here.
- Central Paris: Central Paris comprises the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th arrondissements. As you learned during the four-day itinerary, it is gorgeous and offers a wealth of sights and activities to explore.
Need an example? Here's a great day in Central Paris:
Spend the morning at the Tuileries Garden, stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. In the afternoon, wander through a museum, relax in a café, or go shopping for fun souvenirs to take home. In the evening, visit a jazz club or buy tickets to the Opéra Garnier.
Option 2 - Take a Trip Outside the City
An alternative option for a seven-day trip to Paris is a day trip outside the city. We recommend:
- Boulogne-Billancourt: Boulogne-Billancourt is located just 10 miles from Paris and offers three excellent museums: the Musée Paul-Belmondo, the Musée des Années Trente, and the Musée Albert-Kahn.
- Giverny: Giverny is 47 miles from Paris, but it is worth the distance. This tranquil spot was the home of Monet from 1883 to 1926. Here, you can visit Monet's gardens and the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes.
- Versailles: Versailles is 18 miles from Paris and is home to one of the grandest royal residences in Europe.
Related: Explore France: Top 5 Day Trips From Paris
Stay connected on your trip abroad
Stay Connected With an eSIM From Airalo
No matter how many days you find yourself in Paris, it's important to stay connected while you travel. Airalo gives you access to affordable eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions — including France.
Why Airalo? Here are a few reasons to use an Airalo eSIM when you travel:
- Connect to a mobile network within minutes of arrival.
- Choose from flexible local, regional, and global data plans.
- Eliminate the need to find a local SIM vendor.
- Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges.
- Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device.
- Running out of data? Top up in the Airalo app.
Planning a trip to Paris? Get a France eSIM to stay connected during your trip.
FAQ
What are the must-do activities in Paris?
Must-do activities will depend on your interests, but we recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower, taking a stroll along the Seine, and visiting one of Paris' popular museums.
Where is the Eiffel Tower in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower is on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement. The closest metro stations are Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, and École Militaire.
How far is Giverny from Paris?
Giverny is 47 miles from Paris. It takes a little over an hour to drive from Paris to Giverny.
