The City of Light is the destination par excellence for tourists from all over the world. Walking through its alleys, walking through its squares, climbing the Eiffel Tower, immersing yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of its neighborhoods and trying the delights of its gastronomy, are just some of the things that this famous European capital offers you in a week of walking.
If this is your first trip to the capital of France and you don’t have much guidance, here’s an idea of what to do in Paris in 7 days. At the end of the article you will find information on what to do when you arrive at the Paris airport.
Day 1
Crossing the River Seine
A magnificent way to get to know the French capital is through a walk along the Seine River. You will thus observe the most emblematic buildings of the city, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Orsay Museum and other places of great architectural beauty.
Here you can listen to the explanations that a guide gives about the places or monuments that are part of the journey. You can also enjoy brunch , lunch or dinner during a tour. This makes this walk a very enriching and relaxing experience.
Avenue of the Champs Elysées
One of the most famous and beautiful in the world. On the Champs-Elysées you will find the most exclusive boutiques , such as Louis Vouitton, Galeries La Fayette and other prestigious stores.
You can make a stopover to eat in one of the many restaurants, terraces or cafes that are located along this famous road.
Arch of Triumph
One of the most famous monuments in Paris and the most famous arch in the world. It was built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, between 1806 and 1836, to commemorate the triumph of the Battle of Austerlitz.
It is located in District VIII, on Place Charles de Gaulle. Twelve avenues of the capital converge at this Parisian monument, which is why it is also known as Place de l’Etoile (Star Square).
Inside the Arch there is a museum where its history and construction can be appreciated. At the base is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in honor of the soldiers who died during the First World War. At the top you can enjoy a beautiful view of Paris.
Opening hours are from 10:00 in the morning to 10:30 at night. The cost of entry for young people between 18 and 25 years old is 10 euros and for adults it is 12 euros. Those under 18 years of age do not pay.
Day 2
Palace of Versailles
Taking an excursion to the Palace of Versailles is a must on your list of things to do in Paris. This is where the glamor of the monarchy and the history of France come together to learn a little more about this beautiful city.
It is located south of Paris, in the town of Versailles. By car, the journey takes approximately one hour, while by train it can take up to 1 hour and 55 minutes.
This Palace was the royal residence from 1682 to 1789, when the French Revolution broke out. It is a symbol of the opulence of the monarchy and touring the elegant halls, its beautiful gardens, the Hall of Mirrors and the royal apartments will be quite an experience.
The visit to this beautiful place will take you a good part of the day, so the return to Paris will be in the evening.
Latin Quarter
After an arduous tour of Versailles, we recommend a quiet dinner in one of the many cafes or terraces that you will find in the Latin Quarter, located in the V District of Paris.
The famous Sorbonne University is located in this neighborhood, so you will see students from different parts of the world, so the atmosphere is very cosmopolitan.
Day 3
Louvre Museum
Tour the galleries of one of the most famous museums, which houses 35 thousand works made up of Roman, Egyptian, Oriental art and sculptures from all over the world. Leonardo Da Vinci’s Gioconda, the most famous painting in this sprawling museum, is on display here.
Be sure to admire the Venus de Milo, the Code of Hammurabi and all the pieces that are part of this museum, which is the most famous in Paris and one of the largest in the world.
It is located on Rívoli Street, in District 1. You can buy your tickets in advance on the official website .
Luxembourg gardens
After the tour of the Louvre museum, nothing like a well-deserved rest in these beautiful and impeccable gardens. Here you can enjoy a pleasant afternoon, sitting on a bench, while you observe the traditional Parisian dynamism.
Eiffel Tower
Conclude this day by visiting the most iconic symbol of Paris. Admire the Eiffel Tower in all its glory, with its light show at night. Enjoy the best panoramic view of the city from the top of this beautiful structure.
On the different levels of the imposing iron lady, you can enjoy a good dinner, a glass of champagne or taste the delicious French macaroons.
You can ascend to the first level by stairs, while for the second and third levels you must take an elevator; for this, you will have to buy a ticket. If you wish, check the rates and schedules on the official website of the tower.
Day 4
Passage of the Panoramas
The best way to get to know the City of Light is to walk its streets, walk through its neighborhoods and delve into the comings and goings of its corners like any Parisian. So you will find some galleries and passages that house shops, restaurants and even theaters inside.
One of the most famous passages is the ” Passage des Panorames “, located between Boulevard Mont Martre and Rue Saint Marc, in District I. This passage was declared a Historical Heritage in 1974.
It is the oldest and most famous passageway in Paris. Inside you can find bookstores, philately shops, handicrafts, restaurants (Italian, Arab, Oriental cuisine) and cafeterias where you can enjoy an authentic croissant and exquisite coffee.
Montmartre
Meet the Bohemian district of Paris and walk its cobbled streets. In this district you can visit the studios of the most famous painters (Dalí, Picasso or Van Goh).
Admire its cobbled alleys and feel as if you’ve traveled back to the Bélle Epoque (a period of French history from 1871 to 1914), while having a drink in the Lapin Agile or Le Chat Noire bars, which were frequented by artists such as Edith Piaf and Monet.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is also located in this district, in whose interior dome you can see a huge and beautiful mural of Christ with outstretched hands. To know its opening hours, worship and other religious events, you can consult the official page .
In the same way, you will be able to appreciate the itinerant painters making portraits of the landscape or, well, visit the numerous craft and souvenir shops that abound in this place.
This is also one of the most beautiful districts, as it is located on the highest hill in Paris, so the views it offers of the city are simply spectacular.
Moulin Rouge
To close your visit to this neighborhood with a flourish, be sure to go to this emblematic Parisian cabaret , enjoy a night of music, dance and glamor and watch how a spectacular show is offered between the lights, feathers and sequins of the stars .
The Moulin Rouge is located at Boulevard Clichy 82, 750018, Paris. Check schedules and reservations on the official website.
day 5
Hotel de Ville
Right on the Plaza del Hôtel de Ville, on Rue Rívoli, number 29 of the IV District, is this beautiful building. This is built in the Renaissance style that houses the Paris City Hall, where the administrative offices of the city government have been located since 1357.
On its façade you can see 108 famous people who have forged the history of Paris, all carved in the numerous niches and pillars that make it up, as well as 30 statues representing French cities. At night, the lighting offers a beautiful view of the building.
Inside, the opulence of the Third Republic is represented, adorned by marble, statues, fine wood, paintings and gold details. The ballroom is a replica of the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles.
Exhibitions and some relevant events for the City are also held here. On Mondays, the mayor presides over Council sessions that are open to the public.
The hours of the Hôtel de Ville are from 8:00 in the morning to 7:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday.
The Conciergerie
Continuing with the tour through the history of the city, 650 meters from the Hôtel de Ville, crossing the Arcole Bridge and walking on the Quai de la Corse, we will arrive at La Conciergerie, a Gothic-style building that was the royal prison during the French Revolution.
Queen Marie Antoinette was held captive here for 76 days before being executed. Some of her personal belongings and the tunic that she was wearing at the time she was transferred to her place of execution are still preserved intact in her cell.
Walk through the different rooms that made up the prison, learn about the conditions in which the prisoners were kept and admire the four towers that stand out in this building: the Torre de César, the Torre Bombec, the Torre d’Argent and the Torre del Reloj . The first public clock in Paris was placed here, which in 1885 was replaced by the current one.
courthouse
Continuing on the Boulevard de Palais, we will arrive at the seat where justice has been administered in Paris since medieval times, the Palais de Justice. A beautiful building located in the center of the city, in the heart of the Ile de la Cité (Cité Island) and which was the former Royal Palace of Saint Louis.
The building is part of the Conciergerie complex, on the banks of the Seine River, guarded by a beautiful gold wrought iron gate. Inside you can see the tall stone towers with the characteristic Gothic style. The facade is oriented towards the beautiful Place Dauphin.
As it is a building at the service of the community, admission is free. However, raising your voice and taking pictures is prohibited. This is because sometimes, inside its rooms, some legal cases are carried out.
Sainte Chappelle
Right in front of the Palais Royal we find another jewel of the city’s Gothic architecture. It is a chapel built at the request of King Luis IX (San Luis) to protect the crown of thorns that he bought from the king of Constantinople and a piece of the Holy Cross, from Byzantium.
Also conceived as a royal chapel, it is made up of two floors. To access the vault on the upper floor, you have to climb a spiral staircase and thus be able to admire the 670 m 2 of huge stained glass windows with Biblical passages in predominant shades of red and blue, which by reflecting the sun’s rays provide a beautiful sight to see.
notre-dame
Another of the great symbols of Paris is its beautiful Cathedral, located east of Ile de la Cité , on Notre Dame Square, right at point zero, from where all distances in France are measured.
Its architecture is in the Gothic style, it has a total height of 69 meters, 130 meters long by 48 wide and its façade has three portals, the central one, which is the most important, represents the final judgment, while the lateral ones are consecrated to the Virgin Mary and her mother, Santa Ana.
It was the writer Victor Hugo who immortalized this imposing temple by writing, in 1831, the novel Our Lady of Paris, in which he makes a poetic illustration of its architecture and, at the same time, narrates the story of Quasimodo, the hunchback that fell in love with Esmeralda, the gypsy.
Due to the fire of April 2019, which collapsed a large part of its interior structure, you cannot enter the Cathedral, but you can get a magnificent view of its towers and its façade from Plaza de Parvis, number 6, in the District IV of Paris.
day 6
Faubourg Saint Germain neighborhood
Another neighborhood worth knowing is Saint Germain, which is one of the most elegant in the center. Here is the oldest church in Paris, founded in the 6th century and dedicated to Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Opposite the church are two famous cafes (Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots), which were frequented by the famous writers Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Paul Sartre.
Orsay’s Museum
At number 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, in District VII and a few blocks from the Church of Saint German des Prés, this museum is located, which was previously the building of the Gare D’Orsay (Orsay Station) .
A vast collection of art from the second half of the 19th century is exhibited here. This collection is made up of more than four thousand works exhibited in the 80 rooms that make up this museum, which was inaugurated on December 1, 1986, by the then president, François Mitterand.
Despite being one of the newest museums in France, it receives approximately 2,500,000 visitors annually. Here you can see the most famous works: Olympia, by Manet; Gaugin’s Church of Auvers; The Dressed Dancer, by Degas; The Dance of the Ningas, by Camille Corot and El Molino de la Galette, by Renoir.
Center Georges Pompidou
After admiring the works in the Musée d’Orsay, cross the River Seine and walk approximately 3 kilometers to reach 19 Rue Beaubourg. There we will find a huge metal structure where the most representative of modern art is exhibited.
It is a property of avant-garde architecture with a facade of metallic structures. From the outside you can see its pipes painted blue, green or red, as well as the air conditioning ducts, chimneys and other conductors that should be hidden.
This center was built at the request of the President of France, George Pompidou, in 1970. It was inaugurated on January 31, 1977, by Giscard D’Estaing, President during that period.
In addition to being the Museum of Modern Art, this center is also home to the Public Information Library, the Children’s Gallery (where artistic creation and awareness workshops are held), art exhibition rooms, movie theaters, debate rooms, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Paza des Vosges
After an exhausting visit to these museums, it is time to take a break in one of the most beautiful and welcoming parks in the city. This is the Place des Vosges, located in the emblematic district of Les Marais.
This square is surrounded by art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Opposite is the house of Victor Hugo. Admission to this house is free and its interior exhibits objects that were part of the life of this famous French author of great literary works such as Les Miserables.
The place is ideal to rest on a bench or on its large green areas. You can also choose one of the restaurants in the area to end the day with a good dinner.
day 7
Montparnasse district
Located on the left bank of the Seine River, this is home to writers, painters and sculptors. It has a wide variety of cafes, creperies, historic bistros, as well as theaters and movie theaters. In addition, in this neighborhood is the observatory that offers fabulous views of the city.
On the Boulevard Montparnasse there is an Alameda where the Vandamme Library, the Montparnasse Tower and the area of the catacombs of Paris are located. Also here is the Luxembourg Palace, seat of the Senate with its beautiful gardens.
Visiting this neighborhood is like taking a trip to the 1920s, as the cafes were frequented by writers such as Hemminway, Jean Paul Sartre, whose remains rest in the Montparnasse Cemetery, as well as those of Simone de Beauvoir. It is worth mentioning that the tomb of General Porfirio Díaz is also located in this Pantheon.
Army Museum
It was built by order of Louis XIV in 1670. It is one of the most important art and military history museums in the world and is part of the Hôtel des Invalides complex.
In this space is the royal gallery of relief plans, which consists of a collection of one thousand square meters of models. There is also an area where the cannons stand out, welcoming a large collection of weapons and combat items.
There are also two galleries that were created after World War II: The Museum of the Order of Liberation and the Museum of Contemporary History. This huge military compound is located on the Esplanade des Invalides, in the VII District of Paris.
In the Dome of the Church of San Luis des Invalides rest the remains of various military leaders, marshals, governors and those of Emperor Napoléon I.
To the north, continuing along the esplanade, you will reach the Alexander III Bridge, considered the most beautiful in the City.
Alexander III Bridge
A must see in the City of Light is this bridge, decorated with statues, golden ornaments and Art Nouveau lamps . From here you can see the mighty Seine River and the boats that sail on its waters.
You can also get beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. Admire the Petit and Grand Palais on one side and the Musée des Invalides on the other. In the afternoon, the lighting of the lights of the bridge and the surrounding monuments is a spectacle that is well worth enjoying.
Trocadero Square
It is 2 kilometers from the Alexander III Bridge, following New York Avenue, and from this square you can get the best views of the Eiffel Tower. It has a fountain with beautiful architecture, from which three enormous jets emerge.
During the summer it is very typical to see people enjoy a drink, be it beer, champagne or wine to see the lights of the Eiffel Tower turn on. A wonderful show with different types of light that starts at 8:00 p.m. in summer time.
Alternative Tour
If you want to change any of the recommendations on what to do in Paris in 7 days, you can opt for the following places, which also have their particular charm.
Faubourg St. Honoré neighborhood
It is located on the right bank of the Seine River. Its name is derived from the main avenue, which is parallel to the Champs Elysées. It is one of the most expensive and exclusive areas of the city. Here you can find boutiques of exclusive brands such as Lacroix, Lanvin or Louis Feraud.
In this neighborhood is the official residence of the President of the Republic, known as the Elysee Palace.
Taking the San Honoré roundabout as the starting point, we will move to the next point, which is less than 1 kilometer away and you have to walk on Rue des Pyramides towards the Saint Roche passage and turn left to take Avenida de la Ópera all the way to the Paris Opera.
Paris Opera
Another symbol of classical art, also known as Palais Garnier. It was inaugurated on January 15, 1875 as the Paris Academy of Music and Dance.
Its majestic marble staircase highlights the magnificence of the building, although all its facilities have an exquisite decoration where luxury and glamor are present.
During the visit it is advisable to take a tour with a guide to learn about the history of this beautiful building. You can check the schedules, rates and reservations on the official website .
To go to the next point of the tour, it is necessary to take the pink metro line 7 at the Chausée d’Antin La Fayette station and get off at the Corentin Cariou station. The tour lasts approximately 10 minutes.
Villette Park
A huge green space, the largest in the city and located in the XIX District. It is the perfect place to spend a day with the family and entertain yourself with all the attractions that its facilities offer.
In addition, in its green spaces you can go for walks, rest or enjoy a picnic in this huge Parque de la Villete, which is located at Avenida Jean Jaurès 211, 19th District of Paris. Nearby metro stations are: Porte de Pantin and Porte de la Villete.
Here the arts, sciences, music, art, cinema and other shows converge through the different pavilions.
City of Science and Industry
A 300-meter pavilion where representations are permanently exhibited to arouse interest in children and adolescents through images, sound, mathematics, energy, etc. The city of children and other thematic rooms are also located here.
The Geode
A giant silver sphere 36 meters in diameter shelters the most frequented movie theater in France, through which large-format films are shown on a thousand-square-meter screen.
The Zenith
It is a covered stadium where concerts are held. It is, for this type of activity, the largest space in Paris. It has a capacity for more than six thousand spectators.
The City of Music
Here is the Music Museum, as well as concert halls, workshops, exhibitions and an amphitheater, it is the newest cultural space in the park.
These are just some of the pavilions that Parque de la Villete has. To check rates, hours and events offered by this park, you can go to the website .
What can you see for free in Paris?
The Place de la Concorde, the Place de la République, the Campo Marte and the Arco de la Defense are free, as well as the Tuileries Gardens, Luxembourg Gardens and others where you can take photos. Entry to Paris museums is free on the first Sunday of every month.
What to visit outside of Paris?
In the surroundings you can enjoy beautiful medieval buildings, just over an hour away. Among these constructions are the Palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte, the Castle of Fontainebleau, the Palace of Chantilly, the Castle of Pierrefonds, the Cathedral of Chartres and the Gardens of Jean Claude Monet in Giverny.
How many days in Paris?
Being a city so full of art, history and one of the main European capitals, it would take several days to delve into all its corners and charms, cross its bridges, enjoy its squares, admire its gardens… However, at least 4 would be necessary days to know the most famous places.
What to do when you arrive in Paris?
Everything will depend on the airport where the plane that takes you to Paris lands, since this city has two airports: Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport. Below we present the main transport alternatives according to the airport.
1. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
It is the largest and, therefore, the busiest. In it you can select the following means of transport to get to the city center.
Cab
Taxis are the most comfortable way to get around, in addition to the fact that there are a large number of them, you just have to look at the exit to see the line of vehicles waiting for passengers. However, this is the most expensive means, since the cost of the trip ranges between 50 and 70 euros and the journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Train
It is a fairly comfortable and economical means. The tour lasts, on average, 30 minutes and the ticket costs 10 euros, plus there are departures every 10 minutes.
Bus
This is an economical alternative, since a ticket costs around 12 euros. There is an exit that goes from the airport to the Paris Opera (in the IX District) and the journey takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour and a half.
Private transfer with welcome packs
Welcome Pickups is a private transport company with the convenience that a bilingual driver (French-English) picks you up at the airport carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver gives you a map and a bottle of water. The service has a cost of 60 euros, previously paid by transfer. The drive from CDG airport to the center of Paris takes 1 hour.
Another option could be an uber or a shuttle bus, which are much more recommended than the metro when you carry a lot of luggage, since it would make your transfer by metro very uncomfortable, especially when entering or leaving the trains. Also, most stations have stairs and these are not electric.
2. Orly Airport
It is located 14 kilometers south of Paris and is the second most important. Most of its flights are domestic and between countries on the European continent. It also has some transportation services; the most used are the following.
OrlyBus
It is a transfer service that works from 6:30 in the morning until 9:45 at night. It offers a route from the airport gate to the Denfert-Rochereau station which is next to a square. The square and the metro station have the same name. The Denfert-Rochereau station connects with several lines.
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Everything will depend on the traffic and the cost of the ticket is 830 euros. It is very important that as soon as you get on the bus, you validate your ticket in the machine designated for it, otherwise, you will have to pay a fine of 35 euros.
Train
From this airport there is no station that takes you to the center of Paris, so you would have to go to the Antony train station and take the train to the center. The cost of the ticket is 12 euros and the journey takes approximately one hour.
Bus
If you have a lot of luggage and a small budget, this method is the most economical, since it is spacious and the cost of the ticket is 8 euros. The journey to the city center takes, on average, 45 minutes.
Cab
The transfer in this way is 30 minutes and the cost is 40 euros. As in the Charles de Gaulle airport, also in Orly you will find the alternatives of shared transfer through the Shuttle Van, which cost around 20 euros, or also the private transfer with a welcome package through Welcome Pickups .
Now that you have some options for getting from the airport to the city, the next point to consider is accommodation, so let’s look at some options.
Accommodation in Paris
Paris is not a cheap city, so choosing where to stay can be a difficult task. In this regard, you must consider three aspects: the dates, the area and the type of accommodation where you are going to stay, whether you choose a hotel or a hostel.
Here are some hotels from Booking.com, rated 8.5 on average, which is pretty good, with a price range of $100 a night. This rate corresponds to a double room with private bathroom:
Hotel ibis Styles Paris 16 Boulogne
Rating: 8.6
District: XVI
Approximate price per night: USD 100
Nearby places of interest
Eiffel Tower: 3.9 km
Arc de Triomphe: 5.1 km
Champs Elysées Avenue: 5.5 km
Boulogne Residence Hotel
Rating: 8.4
District: XVI
Approximate price per night: USD 100
Nearby places of interest
Eiffel Tower: 4.6 km
Arc de Triomphe: 5.9 km
Luxembourg Gardens – 6.8 km
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Malakoff
Rating: 8.4
District: XIV
Approximate price per night: USD 87
Nearby places of interest
Eiffel Tower: 4.5km
Arc de Triomphe: 5.6 km
Louvre Museum: 5 km
Now, if the budget is not a problem and you have the option of staying in a luxury hotel, then we leave you the following options.
Le Bristol Paris Hotel
Rating: 9.4
District: VIII.
Approximate price per night: USD 1350
Nearby places of interest
Champs Elysées Avenue: 0.5 km
Arc de Triomphe: 1.5km
Louvre Museum – 2.1 km
Eiffel Tower: 2.1 km
Le Pavillon de la Reine Spa
Rating: 9.0
District: III
Approximate price per night: USD 925
Nearby places of interest
Avenue des Champs Elysées – 4.1 km
Louvre Museum – 2.1 km
Arc de Triomphe: 5.5km
Eiffel Tower: 5.2 km
Maison Souquet
Rating: 9.3
District: IX
Approximate price per night: USD 664
Nearby places of interest
Avenue des Champs Elysées – 2.3 km
Louvre Museum – 2.6 km
Arc de Triomphe: 2.9 km
Eiffel Tower: 3.9 km
How to get around in Paris
Paris is a very conducive city to walk through its streets and get to know its neighborhoods on foot. However, it is, at the same time, a very large city, so you have to look for other transport alternatives to learn more and that it does not take so long.
Subway
It is the cheapest and fastest means of transport in the city to move from one place to another. It’s easy to learn to use, but be careful, because pickpockets abound, a gang that is dedicated to theft and that will distract you in any way so that you don’t realize that you are the victim of a robbery.
Cab
They can get you from one place to another quickly. However, the cost is very expensive. Also, most taxi drivers do not speak English. So considering that public transport is quite accessible, this means is not highly recommended.
Hop On Op Off Bus
If what you want is to take a walk around the main places of interest in the city, this tourist bus is a very good alternative. It is a two-story vehicle, uncovered at the top, with very frequent departures. You can buy your ticket here and enjoy it from 1 to 3 days.
Bike rental
Paris gives you the option of touring its streets on bicycles. You can rent one through the public bike rental service.
As you have seen, this article includes the neighborhoods of Paris and the most emblematic places that are in the metropolitan area, although it would not hurt if you also took a walk around its surroundings and discover the secrets of its castles, ruins and monasteries, taking advantage of the excellent French transport system.
These are some recommendations on what to do in Paris in 7 days, so if you are already thinking of traveling to the City of Light, you already know where to start. It’s just a matter of preparing your suitcase. Be sure to share your experience with us in the comments section.
See also:
- Check out our guide to the 27 things to do in Paris at night
- Know the 51 tourist places in Paris to visit
- See our guide on how much the trip to Disney in Paris costs
