Paris is known for its museums, iconic landmarks, architecture, history, and cuisine. Nicknamed the "City of Love" and the "City of Light," it's 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?" The answer to this question varies based on individual traveler's needs, but the average range is one to seven days. Below, we discuss the perfect length of time to spend in Paris and offer plenty of ideas for what to do when you get there.
There's no wrong answer here, but to get the most out of your trip, we recommend at least four days. However, we know 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 a one-day and seven-day itinerary. While four days in Paris is ideal, you can still see so much of this beautiful French city in just a day.
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The Eiffel Tower // 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. Head to Paris's most popular attraction, the Eiffel Tower, to start your day. Purchase tickets before you get to Paris so you can skip the long lines and go straight to the "Visitors with Tickets" line. After visiting the iconic landmark, stroll along the Seine until you find the 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!
While in Paris for one day, you'll also want to soak in the city's artistic 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 famous artists like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Don't miss Notre Dame, which closed due to the 2019 fire but is still quite a sight. 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.
L'Arc de Triomphe // 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. Start day one of your four-day itinerary with our one-day itinerary. On day two, consider a walking tour of Paris. These guided tours often lead travelers to popular places like the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Royal Palace.
After two days of sightseeing, spend day three exploring a neighborhood. We recommend the Marais district. Here, 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. Marais is also a famous shopping district. Visitors can easily spend the afternoon perusing everything from designer clothes to high-end teas. When you need a delicious meal or a refreshing beverage, head to the oldest covered market in Paris, the Marché des Enfants Rouges, which also calls Marais home.
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, visit the Eiffel Tower, and relax in a Parisian café.
Related: The 25 Best Things To Do in Paris
Tuileries Garden // 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. 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, Oberkampf, and a deeper dive into central Paris.
In Sentier, you'll find trendy shops and cute boutique hotels. The main draw here is Rue Montorgueil, which offers plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal and people-watching. Oberkampf is also chic but offers more vintage shops and bookstores. You'll also find lots of fantastic restaurants here.
Central Paris consists of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th arrondissements. As you learned during the four-day itinerary, it is gorgeous and offers much to see and do. Spend the morning at the Tuileries Garden, stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. In the afternoon, wander 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.
An alternative option for a seven-day trip to Paris is a day trip outside the city. We recommend Boulogne-Billancourt, Giverny, and Versailles. Boulogne-Billancourt is only 10 miles from Paris and offers three excellent museums: the Musée Paul-Belmondo, the Musée des Années Trente, and the Musée Albert-Kahn. 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 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
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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.
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Planning a trip to Paris? Get a France eSIM to stay connected during your trip.
