The seductive allure of this city has inspired artists through the ages; Paris is, after all, the City of Love, the City of Light, and the Fashion Capital all rolled into one effortlessly sexy package. World-class restaurants and museums, stunningly imposing monuments, sprawling boulevards and an electric art and culture scene make Paris incredibly easy to fall in love with. If you’re planning to visit and explore this fabulous city, ensure your wine glass is always half-full with our ultimate Paris itinerary.
Explore more with our selection of the most beautiful places in France.
Best time to visit Paris
Paris is beautiful all year round, with summer (June to August) being the peak tourist season for its warm sultry weather and long hours of sunshine. Autumn (September to November) brings a cooler climate and bright splashes of fall colours across the city’s parks and gardens, while winter in Paris (December to February) sees the temperatures drop and festive spirit at an all-time high with starry lights twinkling along the Champs-Élysées and Christmas window displays decked out in their glittery best, battling for the spotlight. Spring (March to May) sees the city’s parks like the Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Gardens in full bloom, with a pleasant climate perfect for meandering through the city’s boulevards and gardens. Explore our guide to the best things to do in Paris for more insights.
Days 1 and 2: The Parisian way of life
Arrive at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, one of Europe’s busiest airports, and upon exiting you’ll find a line of Paris airport taxis (Taxi Parisien), local buses, night shuttles, RoissyBus, as well as RER B airport trains to take you to downtown Paris in 40-minutes.
Alternatively, navigate the city at your own pace with our guide to convenient car rentals in Paris.
Spend day 1 getting acclimated to the Parisian rhythm by taking a leisurely stroll around Canal Saint-Martin to soak in the real Paris. Stop for a coffee and a chausson aux pommes at Pain et des Idées, a historic boulangerie serving up artisanal bread and fabulous pastries (be prepared for a line that wraps around the corner of the sidewalk – it’s that good). Once you’re pastried out, head over to the Musée Marmottan to soak in the largest collection of Monets in the world – a must-add to your Paris itinerary. Spend your first evening in Paris indulging in an impeccably fresh seafood meal at Girafe Paris, an upscale restaurant with a terrace that boasts stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and St Jacques scallops drenched in hazelnut butter that are to die for. Explore our guide to spending a perfect day in Paris.
Wake up bright and early with a coffee and sesame eclair at the exquisite Boulangerie Utopie the next morning, before a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. With its newly imposed security regulations, the lines and wait times to get to the top of the tower are a nightmare – instead, avoid the tourist tussle, pack a picnic of local cheese and charcuterie, and head to Champ de Mars for beautiful views of the Iron Lady. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Centre Pompidou, a radical architectural anomaly with its exposed industrial pipes and inside-out finish in direct contrast to Paris’ otherwise well-behaved Haussmanian uniformity. Known to locals as Beaubourg and home to Europe’s largest museum for modern art, expect everything from Picasso to Warhol, Henri Matisse to Frida Kahlo.
When you’re done browsing the galleries, head up to the rooftop for lunch in the clouds at Restaurant Georges with its selection of fresh seasonal cuisine and magnificent panoramic views of Paris. Once dusk descends, skip the touristy Moulin Rouge and spend the evening at the Cabaret Au Lapin Agile in Montmartre instead, made famous by Picasso’s oil painting Au Lapin Agile.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris via Agoda.com
Days 3 to 5: Museums, fromageries and more
Dedicate all of day 3 of your Paris itinerary to the iconic Louvre Museum. With 35,000 works of art and 400 rooms, it’s impossible to see everything in just one day; we suggest dedicating mindful time to the few wings that are top on your list (the most iconic works, including the Mona Lisa and The Raft of the Medusa, are housed in the Denon wing). Make lunch reservations at the stunning Café Marly in the Louvre, serving fresh seasonal French cuisine complemented by grand interiors and exquisite views of the Louvre Pyramid. After all day on your feet, unwind with a Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise along the Seine River, featuring a 3-course meal, live music, champagne, and views of Paris’ iconic landmarks – including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral – lit up against the night sky.
On day 4, stroll into Fromagerie Griffon, just one of Paris’ many incredible fromageries (cheese shops) and fill your shopping bag with the delectable truffled Brie, stuffed with French Périgord truffles (don’t be shy to ask for a tasting of any of the cheeses that catch your fancy). Then stroll through the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg, find a shady spot, and sample a few of your freshly-bought spoils.
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After working up an appetite, head to an early sunset supper at the magical Chalet des Îles. This historic chalet was a popular literary cafe during the Belle Époque, perched on an island in the 16th arrondissement. Take a charming 5-minute boat ride to the restaurant, where the chef’s take on French gastronomy is “mischievous, precise and playful”, an ode to the changing seasons featuring freshly grown produce from the chalet’s vegetable garden. End your night with an evening of ballet at the opulent Palais Garnier, a magnificent opera house host to some of the greatest masterpieces in the world of ballet and opera.
Paris’ historic 18th arrondissement Montmartre – a charming neighbourhood perched on a hill with winding alleyways and hidden streets – is an essential addition to your Paris itinerary. Home to quintessentially Parisian cafés and the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret, this is where artists like Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh and Renoir once lived and spent their days painting. Start day 5 at the Musée de Montmartre, Renoir’s 17th-century home where he lived and created his famous painting La Balançoire (“The Swing”), then wander up to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica for some of the best panoramic views of Paris. Stop for a glass of wine and a taste of homestyle French cuisine at the Moulin de la Galette, a historic windmill first built in 1622 that is now a cosy restaurant, bar and meeting point for local artists. Immortalised by painters like Van Gogh and Renoir, it’s the last windmill in Paris, symbolising an era when Montmartre was still part of the French countryside. Finally, end your night at bustling Bab-Ilo, a tiny local family-owned jazz club, or at the irresistibly sexy Le Silencio, a nightspot designed by David Lynch and buried six flights of stairs beneath rue Montmartre.
Book your stay at Le Bristol Paris via Booking.com
Book your stay at Le Bristol Paris via Agoda.com
Paris itinerary days 6 and 7: Wine tastings, pastry making and everything in between
If shopping is part of your Paris itinerary, then Saint-Ouen flea market is your mecca. Head to one of the largest markets in the world early for a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, vinyl and old-world collectables. For a more luxurious shopping experience in Paris, wander down the iconic Champs-Élysées, home to designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Dior, or for one-of-a-kind pieces try local boutiques like Marin Montagut for quintessentially Parisian handicrafts and curiosities, or Deeya Paris for exquisite avant-garde designs inspired by Indian heritage. After a day in the sun, quench your thirst with a wine tasting at Clos Montmartre, a secret vineyard in the heart of Paris that offers wine tours and tastings, before a 7-course dinner at L’Arcane, a chic restaurant boasting one Michelin star and an exquisitely fresh menu drawing from traditional French cuisine.
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Start day 7 in the kitchen at La Cuisine Paris with a pastry-making class, learning how to make pastries and viennoiseries, macarons and madeleines, and getting a literal taste of French culture. Then burn off the extra calories dancing at Le Bal Blomet, Europe’s oldest jazz club with a distinguished guest list that has included the likes of Man Ray and Ernest Hemingway, or venture to the outskirts of Paris for a night out at La Station, an underground nightclub in a former coal station.
Book your stay at Hotel Plaza Athénée via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Plaza Athenee via Agoda,com
Itinerary day 8 to 10: La vie en rose and the darker side of Paris
Begin day 8 at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, a literary museum and former residence of painter Ary Scheffer, who used to host artistic Salons frequented by the likes of George Sand, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt and Charles Dickens. Wander through the museum’s collection of artefacts and works of the salon’s famous attendees, then stop for tea at the courtyard tea room nestled within the museum’s wildflower-filled garden. For a fascinating taste of Paris’ darker underbelly, try an evening ghost tour with the Paris Dark City Secrets Walking Tour – you’ll see guillotines where monarchs were executed, learn about secret Templars with buried treasure, and visit the prison of Marie Antoinette.
Start day 9 of your Paris itinerary bright and early at the lively Marché des Enfants Rouges, nibbling your way through the many multicultural food stalls of the city’s oldest food market dating back to 1615, when it opened its doors. Then walk over to one of La Marais’ many museums – Musée Carnavale dedicated to the history of Paris, or Musée Picasso dedicated to the life and work of the legendary artist. End the day with a seasonal cocktail at Le Lavomatic, a secret speakeasy and uber-trendy cocktail bar hidden behind the unassuming veil of a stainless steel washing machine.
The ultimate climax to your Paris itinerary on your last day in the city? A hot air balloon ride at Ballon de Paris, flying to a height of 150 metres for some truly magnificent panoramic views of Paris’ iconic monuments. Squeeze in any last-minute shopping and grab one final pain au chocolat before bidding adieu to the City of Love.
Charles de Gaulle Airport has plenty to do with luxury boutiques to browse, restaurants serving up French delicacies and spa facilities with facials and massages on offer if you have extra time before your flight.
Book your stay at InterContinental Paris Le Grand via Booking.com
Book your stay at InterContinental Paris Le Grand via Agoda.com
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(Feature Image Credit: S.Borisov/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How many days are enough to explore Paris?
First-time travellers to Paris should plan at least 4-5 days to explore the city and soak in its iconic landmarks, sights and distinct culture.
-Are there any day trips I can take from Paris?
There are several day trips you can take from Paris to explore nearby regions and sights, including to Versailles to explore the Palace of Versailles; to Giverny to visit the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet; to Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest royal châteaux in France; to the Champagne region 145 km east of Paris to take guided tours of champagne vineyards and cellars.
-What should I pack for my trip to Paris?
Packing for a trip to Paris depends on the season you’re travelling in and the activities you have planned, but packing essentials include comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, a raincoat and umbrella for rainy days, some euros in cash for places that don’t accept cards, travel adapters and chargers, and all essential travel documents.
-How do I get around Paris?
Getting around Paris is relatively easy due to its efficient public transportation system and pedestrian-friendly layout; you can use the metro, public buses, the tramway, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, the RER (Réseau Express Régional, a suburban commuter rail network), or explore the city by foot or by bicycle.
-Do I need a visa to visit Paris?
Unless you’re coming from a visa-exempt country, you must have a visa issued before you arrive in France or within the Schengen area. France does not issue visas upon arrival – check with your respective government guidelines on entering France.
-What are some adventure activities to do in Paris?
There are many adventure activities to do in Paris including hot air balloon rides at Ballon de Paris, Seine River cruises, bungee jumping from the top of the Parc André-Citroën tethered hot air balloon, indoor skydiving at iFLY Paris, rock climbing at MurMur or Arkose gym, or Parkour workshops across the city.
-Where can I find the best dining options in Paris?
The best dining options in Paris can be found across the city in vibrant neighbourhoods like Montmartre, Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, featuring local cafes and cosy bistros, Michelin-star restaurants, and eclectic street markets. One way to explore Paris’ culinary scene is by joining a food tour or culinary experience under the guidance of a local expert.
-What activities are available in Paris besides sightseeing?
There are many activities available in Paris besides sightseeing including cooking classes and wine tastings; painting, sculpture or photography workshops; boat cruises on the Seine; cycling tours around Paris; spas and wellness retreats; concerts and theatre performances; or outdoor activities like picnicking and jogging in Parisian gardens like the Luxembourg Gardens or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
-What are the best things to buy from Paris?
A few of the best things to buy in Paris include designer clothing, accessories or shoes from iconic French brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Dior, or Yves Saint Laurent; world-class wine and champagne; gourmet foods including artisanal cheese, chocolate and charcuterie; art, antiques and artisanal crafts; and French pastries and confections.
-What are the best hotels to stay in Paris?
A few of the best luxury hotels in Paris include Four Seasons Hotel George V located near the Champs-Élysées; the Ritz Paris; Le Bristol Paris; the Hôtel Plaza Athénée and the InterContinental Paris Le Grand.
-What are the best restaurants in Paris?
A few of the best restaurants in Paris include Table Bruno Verjus, Yam ‘Tcha, Girafe Paris, Chalet des Îles, Le Comptoir du Relais, Parcelles, L’Ambroisie, and Le Bon Georges.
Written By
Nirupama Belliappa
Nirupama Belliappa is a features journalist and a classical harpist. She has previously worked at NDTV hosting shows on travel, food & wine, music and wellness. Though originally from Coorg, she grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada, but now calls India home.
