Discover Paris in 7 Days: A Complete Itinerary and Must Do Tips

Paris is a city that deserves a dozen lifetimes so, should you have a week to explore it, you will enjoy it so much more than you would on an express getaway! Discover Paris in 7 days with our complete guide, and do not rush to get to know its finest monuments, nooks, and crannies. Embark on local experiences, learn how to spend your time wisely and, above anything else, delve into the City of Light and relish your journey like never before. 

Previous Planning: Everything you must know before you travel to Paris

Note down these tips in order to plan your trip to Paris!

The best season to visit Paris

The best season to visit Paris will highly depend on your preferences, on your budget, and especially on the kind of trip that you are thinking of. Here you are a few detailed tips so that you can make the right choices!

Paris in springtime presents a very romantic and lively flair, and it is the favourite season of the year for many travellers to explore it. There are usually less tourists than in summer, but do try to avoid Easter, should you dislike the crowds. Throughout those holidays, you may enjoy events such as the Museum Night! 

Paris’ peak season takes place during summertime so, if you do not wish to find high prices and plenty of tourists, you should avoid the months of July and August. Nonetheless, should you still decide to visit the city during this season, you will be able to enjoy the urban beaches along the Seine, the open air museums, and also events such as Bastille Day. 

Paris during fall feels like the very embodiment of calmness to the traveller after the summertime hustle. You will be met with cooler temperatures, more dramatic skies, and romantic, autumnal colours doting its parks. You may also come across events such as Fashion Week, the European Heritage Days, or the Salon du Chocolat.

There is also a certain charm to visiting Paris in wintertime! Even though the temperatures are indeed quite cold, the city comes alive with Christmas lights and markets and, particularly throughout January and February, there are very few tourists, and the prices are rather affordable. It is ideal for travellers on the lookout for an intimate ambiance, or maybe wishing to enjoy the winter sales.

Therefore, the off season in Paris for tourists takes up the months of January, February, and March (up until Easter). 

If you want to know what our stance is on which are, by and large, the best months to visit Paris, we suggest that you come either in May or during September!

Needed Budget for 7 Days in Paris 

Next up, let us present you with a budget for 7 days in Paris, sorted out for every kind of traveller. Bear in mind that these prices can vary quite a bit depending on the season of the year and your travelling style.

To sum it up, the budget for 7 days in Paris will highly vary depending on your travel style. A backpacking adventurer will make do with less than €550, whereas a lavish tourist could easily spend well over €4000. The key is to plan, to compare prices, and to prioritise the experiences that you really wish to embark on!

Travel documents and requirements (2025)

Next on, we will go over the requirements to travel to Paris, and you will be provided with up to date information about passports, visas, and all the necessary documents for each different nationality.

Regarding citizens of the European Union (EU/EEA/Switzerland), the requirements to travel to Paris are very simple owing to the right of free circulation: it suffices to show a biometric passport or a valid ID (national identity document).

All remaining travellers will need a biometric passport meeting the following requirements upon their arrival to France (Schengen area):

• The passport must have been issued less than 10 years ago.
• It must have a minimum validity of 3 months after the departure date out of the Schengen area.
• At least one of its pages must be blank for any potential stamps.

As far as visas go, citizens from the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and a handful of further countries do not need any visa for stays up to 90 days long throughout a 180 day period, whereas visitors travelling from locations such as India, China, South America or Africa will be required a short stay Schengen visa (Type C). 

BREAKING NEWS: The Entry and Exit System (EES), which registers biometric data and the arrival and departure times, will be implemented at some point between October 2025 and March 2026, and it will be applicable for travellers outside the EU.

The ETIAS authorisation (applicable for visa free citizens, such as those from the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia), will be postponed until late 2026. It will call for an online form and the payment of 7 €, and it will be valid for 3 years. 

Besides all of this, the border police could ask you to show:

• A booking of the accommodation for your entire stay.
• A boarding pass back home, or some kind of fund proof. 
• Medical and return insurance, covering at least 30 000 €.
• Proof of financial resources. 
• When it comes to unaccompanied minors, legal authorisations, copies of the parents’ or guardian’s documents, and an official form. 
• Should you be staying with friends or relatives, you may be asked to provide an “attestation d’accueil” (sheltering certificate) issued by the city council. 

Tourist Passes and Savings Cards

Here follows a detailed comparison of the different passes available for tourists, featuring our recommendations for each kind of traveller.

The Paris Museum Pass will provide you with priority access, skipping the queues, to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris and its surroundings, such as the Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, the Sainte Chapelle, the Arc de Triomphe, the Pantheon, Versailles, and so on. It comes at a price of 92 € for six days (77 € for four days) so, should you wish to visit lots of museums and monuments, it is a great choice! It does not include transport expenses, nor activities such as cruises along the Seine.

The Paris Pass is an even more complete pass combining: Paris Museum Pass + Paris Attractions Pass + Paris Visite Pass. Besides everything that we have previously mentioned about the Paris Museum Pass, this includes a cruise along the Seine, a tour aboard the Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus, access to public transport (zones 1-3), admission to the Montparnasse Tower, wine and food tastings, and much more. The four day Pass costs 92 €. 

Comparison between the Paris Museum Pass and the Paris 4-Day Pass

To bring matters to a close, get the Paris Museum Pass if you come with the intention of exploring many museums and getting around on foot, or the Paris Pass, if you wish to carry out more varied activities in faraway spots in the city. Should you only be interested in two or three museums or monuments, it is best to purchase your tickets separately!

Where to stay in Paris: the best areas, depending on your budget

Tag along with us in order to read a brief overview on the best areas to stay in while in Paris, and make your trip perfect. In this further monographic article about accommodation in Paris you will find all of this information in a much more detailed fashion!

Centrally located areas, ideal for your first visit

For a first trip, you will probably wish to seek centrally located lodging in Paris, from whence you will have everything at hand, and you will be able to explore the city on foot and by metro comfortably. We recommend neighbourhoods such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the wider Louvre area. 

Le Marais stands out because of its historic flair and its nightlife, even though it can get a little bit noisy. Saint-Germain features timeless elegance, literary cafés and greater calmness, but its prices are also higher. In the surroundings of the Louvre you will enjoy easy access to museums and monuments, but you will have to pay the price! 

Charming neighbourhoods and affordable alternatives

Should you be looking for inexpensive accommodation in Paris, but you still do not want to give up on the unique charm of France’s capital city, we suggest that you book your lodging in Montmartre or the Latin Quarter, both of which are authentic and ideal boroughs to get to know the city without spending too much.

Montmartre offers panoramic views and a bohemian flair, although it is brimming with tourists during the peak season. The Latin Quarter combines history, a student friendly ambiance, and fair prices. There are also less touristy areas, such as Nation or Buttes-Chaumont, which are well connected by means of metro and have more affordable fees!

Price comparison and kinds of accommodation 

To bring this chapter to a close, take a look at this comparison of hotels in Paris, in which we have also included apartments, hostels, and alternative lodging options.

*These prices are current averages for the year 2025. During the month of August, or while special events are taking place, these prices can even double.

Day 1: Eiffel Tower and the Champs Élysées – The most iconic Paris

Now that you have everything set up, let us move on to your first day in Paris!

In the morning: Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro

For your first day in Paris, we suggest that you visit the Eiffel Tower with no queues. In order to achieve that, all you need to do is book your ticket online and in advance, selecting the earliest time slot you see available. You will avoid the crowds, and also enjoy finer views to take pictures of! Next on, you can take a stroll across the gardens of the Champ de Mars. 

In this article, you will find a complete guide on the history of the Eiffel Tower and how to visit it!

In the afternoon: Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées 

In the afternoon, drop by the Champs Elysées so that you get to know the imposing Arc de Triomphe, and you will be able to enjoy its panoramic views of Paris. Once there, continue your walk across the avenue, and pay a visit to emblematic stores such as Louis Vuitton, Ladurée, and the modern compound of Galeries Lafayette Champs Élysées. You could also stop by the Petit Palais, or in historic cinemas such as the Gaumont. Wrap it up in the Place de la Concorde, with access to the Tuileries Garden! 

In this further article, you can check out a complete guide of the Arc de Triomphe. 

At night: A cruise along the Seine

Calling it a day with a night cruise along the Seine would be the most romantic cherry on top to your first day in Paris. Additionally, this is the best way to behold and photograph the city while lit at night.

There are basic choices from 15 €, such as Bateaux Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens, with frequent departures and featuring audio guides. Should you be looking for something more unique, there are also cruises featuring dinner on board (from 70 €), such as those run by Capitaine Fracasse or La Marina, which offer gourmet menus and panoramic views. Bring a camera with a fine aperture, or a mobile phone with the night mode on, so that you can capture the reflections on the water, and book it beforehand in order to secure your window or deck seat.

If you want to combine the best Eiffel Tower tour in English with a cruise along the Seine, we have exactly what you are looking for!

Day 2: Louvre and Le Marais – Arts and History

For your second day in Paris, we propose an arts and history getaway between the Louvre Museum and Le Marais!

In the morning: A strategic visit to the Louvre Museum

Discover the must see works in the Louvre with an efficient route across the museum in which you will be able to optimise your time properly: start off with the Mona Lisa, continue with the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo, and wrap it up with “The Coronation of Napoleon” and “Liberty Leading the People”. Book it online and take the Porte des Lions entrance in order to skip the queues!

Prepare for your visit with this super complete article on the Louvre Museum. 

In the afternoon: Le Marais and the Centre Pompidou

Devote the afternoon to exploring what to see in Le Marais, one of the most charming districts in Paris, teeming with character. Take a stroll along the elegant Place des Vosges, visit the Carnavalet Museum, and admire the architecture of the Hôtel de Sully. You can also enjoy its vintage stores and its cosy cafés. Afterwards, head to the modern Centre Pompidou and take in the views from the rooftop!

At night: Nightlife in Le Marais

Here are the best bars in Le Marais: if you wish to have some sophisticated cocktails, try the Little Red Door; should you be on the lookout for a lively ambiance, head towards La Perle; are you on a tight budget? At L’As du Fallafel you can have a quick, typical, and delicious dinner. You can also explore LGBTIQ+ venues such as CUD Bar or RAIDD!

Day 3: Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter – The heart of Paris

The Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter await you on your third day in Paris. 

In the morning: Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle

Start your day off by visiting Notre Dame in order to avoid the hours with the highest number of visitors. Next on, take the chance to get to know the neighbouring Sainte Chapelle and its Gothic stained glass, and the Conciergerie, Marie Antoinette’s former prison. All of this is located within the Île de la Cité, so it is ideal to explore on foot. 

Check out our monographic articles on Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle so that you do not miss out on anything important!

In the afternoon: The Latin Quarter and the Pantheon

In the afternoon, explore what to do in the Latin Quarter, a vibrant area which is packed with history. You can wander through its alleyways, dotted with bookshops, crêperies, and bohemian cafés, and also visit the historic Sorbonne University. Once at the hilltop, enter the majestic Pantheon, where Voltaire, Curie, and Rousseau rest, and then unwind in the Jardin du Luxembourg. 

Do not miss out on our complete guide of the Latin Quarter!

Experience: Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is usually brimming with interesting activities. If you are travelling with children, the puppet show and the pony walks are a must. During fall, bask in the colourful foliage with an open air coffee, or take a book and relax on one of the iconic green chairs beside the pond. This is a perfect spot to take a rest between different visits, or at the end of the day.

Day 4: Montmartre and Pigalle – Bohemian Paris

Take some notes about what to see in Montmartre during your fourth day in Paris, and check out this super complete guide on the neighbourhood!

In the morning: The Sacré Coeur Basilica and panoramic views

Get your day under way with a visit to the Sacré Coeur Basilica, atop the Montmartre hill, and climb your way up to its dome in order to relish some of the finest panoramic views of Paris. Afterwards, you can walk the alleyways in the quarter until reaching the viewpoint at the Place du Tertre. Wear comfortable footgear for the plentiful ramps and steps! 

In the afternoon: Place du Tertre and emblematic streets

In the afternoon, delve into the bohemian ambiance of the Place du Tertre, where you will be able to stroll amid street artists, portrait, landscape, and watercolour painters offering their art on site. Explore streets as emblematic as the Rue Norvins or the Rue de l’Abreuvoir, which are perfect to take pictures, and do not miss out on the charming Le Consulat, one of the most famous cafés in the neighbourhood.

At night: Moulin Rouge and Pigalle

Nothing beats a show at the Mouling Rouge to experience an unforgettable night. Book it beforehand in order to secure your ticket, whether it features supper or not!

If you are on the lookout for something more affordable, explore other clubs and bars in the bustling area of Pigalle, such as La Machine du Moulin Rouge or Dirty Dick, and enjoy the most risqué side to Paris.

Day 5: Versailles – A day in the court of the Sun King 

There is nothing quite like a getaway to Versailles from Paris to complete your trip to France’s capital city!

How to get there and optimise your visit

Transport from Paris to Versailles is really simple: you can take the RER C train, buses such as the Versailles Express from the Eiffel Tower, or even guided tours.

It is best to book your tickets online (the Passport Ticket will give you access to the entirety of the compound) and arrive there before 09:00 in order to avoid the queues. Try to go there on a Wednesday or a Thursday to avoid the crowds, and devote at least half a day to it!

The Palace, the Gardens, and the Trianon 

Start off your visit to the Palace with an audio guide (it will take a couple of hours at most), and then explore the Gardens of Versailles and enjoy the fountain show (devote around an hour and a half to it) and the Grand Canal. Next up, head towards the Grand and the Petit Trianon (which will take at least one hour), and pay a visit to the Hameau de Marie Antoinette.

Devote about five hours to the entire route, and do not forget that you can use the tourist train or the bikes, should you wish to save some time!

Tips to make the most of Versailles

At last, here you are a few tips for your visit to Versailles: 

• Get there early: the palace opens at 09:00, but the gardens do so at 08:00. Avoid Tuesdays and weekends.
• Buy your tickets in advance: do not forget that the Passport Ticket features the palace, the gardens, and the Trianon.
• Plan accordingly to the weather: springtime and early autumn offer fine weather and less crowds. The fountain shows take place from April to October!
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water: the estate is enormous. There are restaurants, restrooms, and picnic areas available. 

Have a look at this further article to read a complete guide of the Versailles Palace and its Gardens!

Day 6: Museums and Saint Germain – Cultural Paris 

For your sixth day, we will suggest what to see in Saint Germain to get to know the most cultural side to Paris.

In the morning: Musée d’Orsay or Musée de l’Orangerie

Kick your morning off at the Musée d’Orsay, a paradise for Impressionist painters such as Manet, Monet, Degas, and Renoir. It takes up an old and quaint train station, and it is ideal for a visit lasting about a couple of hours.

Another great choice (or an extra, should you prefer it) is the Musée de l’Orangerie, which is smaller, and it is home to Monet’s famous Water Lilies, as well as other works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso.

Buy your tickets online and in advance in order to skip the queues, and combine both of them if you are passionate about Impressionism!

In the afternoon: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

In the afternoon, we propose a route across the historic cafés in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the quarter that served as the cradle of existentialism and Parisian bohème. Visit venues such as Les Deux Magots and the Café de Flore, Sartre’s and Simone de Beauvoir’s favourites, and explore bookshops such as La Hune, luxury boutiques, and art galleries. 

Do not miss out on the Saint Germain Abbey, the oldest church in Paris! 

At dusk: Les Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb 

Wrap your day up in the majestic compound of Les Invalides by visiting Napoleon’s tomb in Paris (it closes at 18:00, so make sure to go before 17:00).

Additionally, explore the Army Museum and admire the Baroque architecture of the building, as well as its solemn atmosphere, while you listen to the audio guide in order to get a proper historical context. It is ideal for a quiet visit at the end of the day!

Day 7: Disneyland Paris o Alternative Paris – You choose

For the last day of your trip, you have two, equally appealing options: to enjoy Disneyland Paris, or to unravel the alternative side to Paris.

Disneyland is perfect for families or fantasy and classic cartoon lovers. Just 45 minutes away from Paris by means of the RER A train, it features two parks: Disneyland, and Walt Disney Studios. The admission fee ranges from 70 € to 105 € depending on the season, even though meals, souvenirs, and queues could spike up your budget. 

On the other hand, you can also explore quarters full of character in Paris, such as Canal Saint Martin, Belleville and Ménilmontant, Marché d’Aligre, or Marché aux Puces de Saint Ouen, or even spend your day shopping and browsing flea markets.

Option A: Disneyland Paris in one day

One single day in Disneyland Paris calls for some strategy! To begin with, purchase your tickets online and get there before it is opening time. Next on, focus only on the classic park, and make use of the official app to check out the waiting times and book your Disney Premier Access, if possible.

Our advice is for you to prioritise key attractions such as Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight and Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain, and do not miss out on the evening parade nor the night show. Have an early lunch, or bring snacks in order to avoid the queues!

Option B: Canal Saint-Martin and La Villette

A different, very interesting choice is to explore the Saint Martin canal in Paris, a veritable diamond off the beaten path. You will be able to enjoy a quiet walk amongst iron bridges and cosy, tree lined streets, packed with bohemian cafés, independent stores, and street art. Follow the canal up to La Villette, an extensive cultural park dotted with museums and green spaces, which is perfect for a relaxing day! 

Option C: Flea markets and shopping in Paris

Sunday markets in Paris have a unique ambiance, and they are ideal to unravel local treasures and flavours. For example, you could drop by Les Puces de Saint Ouen, the most famous flea market, filled to the brim with antiques and memorabilia, or also explore food markets such as Marché Bastille or Marché Biologique Raspail. They are perfect to sample fresh and artisanal produce amidst colourful and bustling stalls!

Useful tips to save time and money in Paris

We cannot bid farewell to you without providing some wonderful tips to save up in Paris. Pay attention and take notes!

How to save up on meals without giving up on local cuisine

Having an affordable meal in Paris is possible, as long as you follow these indications:

• Choose daily menus: many bistros feature menus at noon at an inexpensive price, and they are an excellent way to have a cheap meal in Paris without giving up on quality.
• Seek out boulangeries and crêperies: they feature quick and cost efficient French delights, which are perfect for an informal meal.
• Do your shopping at local markets: markets such as the Marché d’Aligre or the Marché des Enfants Rouges will allow you to taste fresh produce and ready meals at a fair price.
• Shirk touristy areas: staying away from places such as the Eiffel Tower or the Champs Élysées will lead you to discover authentic and more affordable restaurants.

Transport: Optimising your tickets and routes 

Should you be pondering the convenience of Paris Visite vs Navigo, everything actually comes down to your kind of stay: Paris Visite is ideal for short trips, and it will grant you access to museums and discounts; on the other hand, Navigo Découverte will be more convenient for you, should you stay for a week or more, given that it offers unlimited trips at a lower cost.

How to avoid scams and commonplace situations

It is important for you to try your best to avoid the commonplace tourist scams in Paris, which are more frequent in popular spots such as Montmartre or the Eiffel Tower. Take extreme care with fake pollsters, “free” bracelets, or signatures for alleged humanitarian causes. Never accept any help at ATMs, nor buy tickets from strangers.

Above all, always keep your belongings close to you, especially in the metro, and avoid leaving valuable items on display!

Frequently Asked Questions about how to visit Paris in 7 days

Budget and Costs

How much money do I need for a week in Paris?
It will depend on your travelling style, but bear in mind that, by and large, a modest experience will cost you around 60–90 €/day, 120–180 €/day for a mid-range one, and 250+ €/day if you are travelling on a more comfortable budget. On average, a complete experience with just a few luxuries will cost you about 850–1300 € a week.

Will 1000 euros be enough for a week in Paris?
That could perfectly suffice, as long as you tweak up your budget a little bit when it comes to accommodation (seek it out outside downtown), meals (daily menus), and a transport pass.

How much does it cost to have dinner in Paris?
Even though prices can vary quite a bit depending on the venue, a mid-range restaurant could cost between 30 € and 50 € per person, whereas a luxury eatery, or one boasting a Michelin star, will cost you over 100 €. You can find bistros, or even fast food, at a much more reasonable price!

Seasons and Weather

Which is the best season to travel to Paris?
The best months to travel to Paris are April, May, June, September, and October. The weather will be pleasant, and there will be a lot fewer tourists than you would find during the summer high season.

When does the off season take place in Paris?
It is considered that the off season in Paris begins in November and finishes in March (barring Christmas and New Year’s Eve).

When is it the cheapest time to travel to Paris?
The most affordable months to travel to Paris are January and February. There are often special offers for flights and accommodation!

Organisation and Planning

How many days would be ideal to visit Paris?
Between five and seven days would be ideal to visit Paris for the first time, while being able to include a day trip.

How many days are needed to see Disneyland Paris?
If you only wish to visit the classic park, one single day will be enough but, should you also want to get to know the Walt Disney Studios, two days would be preferable.

Are 7 days in Paris too many?
Not at all! In seven days, you could visit all of the classic monuments unhurriedly, go on day trips to Versailles and Disneyland, and discover less touristy nooks and crannies such as the Saint Martin canal or the local flea markets.

What can I see in Paris in 7 days?
Having seven days in Paris, you can get to know all of the classic monuments (the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre), explore quaint quarters such as Le Marais and Saint Germain, visit Versailles or Disneyland, and enjoy museums, flea markets, and local cuisine leisurely.

What should I visit in Paris in 5 days?
With five days, you will have enough time to get to know the best monuments and landmarks (the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Sainte Chapelle), take a walk along the Seine, spend an entire morning in Montmartre, and perhaps a day in Versailles. Have a look at this further article in which we can help you to organise it!

What should I visit in Paris in 3 days?
If you are only going to spend three days in Paris, you should focus on the essentials: on the first day, the historic centre plus Notre Dame, the Louvre, and a stroll along the Seine; on the second one, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Élysées and, on the third one, Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur. We can help you to plan it properly in this other article!

What can I do on a single day in Paris?
For one single day in Paris, start it off with a coffee by the Seine, and then visit Notre Dame and the very best of the Louvre. In the afternoon, climb up to the Eiffel Tower or drop by the Arc de Triomphe, and wrap it up with dinner with a view in Montmartre. We can help you to think it over unhurriedly in this further article!