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Planning a visit to Paris and wondering how long to spend in the City of Light? Here’s my advice for travelers!
I moved to Paris in early 2024, but I’d previously visited the city many times. My first trip to Paris was a four day-long stop on a month-long trip to Europe in 2015. I had been fully prepared to find Paris far too overrated, touristy, and glamorous for me – but I shocked myself when I fell head over heels for the city.
When I give visitors to Paris advice, the first thing I tell them is to be ready to move around. A central rule of Parisian travel is that the monuments are located throughout the city, and the good food is at least a few blocks (if not further) from the monuments. Put simply, the places where you want to eat are usually pretty far from the things you want to see.
To be frank, I don’t think there’s one right answer to “how many days do you need in Paris?” because there are so many factors at play. In this post, I’ll give my best advice, both as someone who has visited Paris many times and a local who hosts a number of guests and visitors.
Table of Contents
So, How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?
Suggested Paris Itinerary – Up to 7 Days
Best Time to Visit Paris
Where to Stay in Paris
FAQs
Conclusion
So, How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?
At the risk of frustrating you, I really think the answer depends on what you’re looking for and how you like to travel. If you want to simply “do” Paris, I recommend that you plan for three days and a whole lot of walking. For a more complete experience, five to seven days is preferable so that you can settle into the pace.
Another blogger once described Helsinki as the type of destination that you experience instead of see. I agree with her about Helsinki (a sightseeing tour of that city would be brief), but I’d argue that some of the same logic applies to Paris. There are a number of monuments and beautiful places in Paris that you simply have to see, but your trip will feel incomplete or hollow if you miss out on some of the core Parisian experiences.
Still, if pressed, I would say that you need a minimum of three full days in Paris, which is enough time to see most of the major landmarks and attractions in the city. Ideally, I would suggest five days in Paris so that you can really explore it and get a sense for how the locals live.
The slower you can afford to travel in Paris, the better – but it’s a relatively expensive city, so I recognize that this isn’t always possible.
Essential Paris Experiences
I was discussing the minimum length for a Paris trip with friends and one of them made a great point: there’s an art to visiting romance countries and it’s all about embracing the pace. Some of my fondest memories of Paris, Rome, and Seville are the times I just sat around and watched life go by from a park, restaurant terrace, or monument.
Spend some of your time in Paris just sitting around. Find a restaurant terrace that calls to you, sit by the Seine and wave to the cruises as they pass, or post up with a good book in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Then there’s the issue of food: you simply must spend some of your time enjoying relaxed meals in Paris. Preferably outside on the sidewalk, where you can watch people walk by while you enjoy your food. The restaurant needn’t be expensive, it just should have a terrace and food that you enjoy.
Finally, I’d argue that you really ought to go into a few of the quintessential Parisian shops. Stop by a boulangerie (bakery) for a baguette tradition or a croissant, visit a pâtisserie (pastry shop) for an eclair or whatever else grabs your attention, and swing by a fromagerie (cheese shop) for a little French cheese. Also good stops: a wine shop, a charcuterie shop, and a local grocery store.
Suggested Paris Itinerary – Up to 7 Days
I wanted to share my suggested Paris itinerary so that you have a sense of the types of places you might want to visit and things to do over the course of several days. Of course, if there are activities that you really want to try like visiting the catacombs or a show at Moulin Rouge, you can add them wherever they fit in your itinerary.
This itinerary is meant to be used as a guide, and these full days can also be moved around as needed. If the weather is looking cloudy and drizzly, you can move your walking tour to a day with more sun. It’s your trip, do what makes sense for you!
Day 1: Take a Tour of the City
Spend your first day in Paris just getting a feel for the city by taking a tour, either with a professional or doing a self-guided version. Be sure to head to the Eiffel Tower after dinner to see it glitter at the top of the hour in the night light.
✅ Self-guided Tour: I wrote out a self-guided tour as part of my weekend in Paris post, which uses Velib (public) bicycles. I’d recommend cycling because you cover a lot of ground, but you could also do it on foot.
✅ Best Free Tour: The Historic Paris Free Walking Tour was a little slow but offered a ton of context for understanding the different areas and landmarks of Paris. I did this tour in the summer of 2022 and thought it was worthwhile, with lots of great insights into Parisian history and culture. We tipped about $16 (€15) per person following the tour.
✅ Best Guided Walking Tour: Il de la Cité Walking Tour with Sainte-Chapelle offers a great overview of the central areas of Paris and includes a visit to the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle chapel in Paris. You’ll also be able to visit Conciergerie, the prison where Marie Antoinette was held during the French Revolution.
✅ Best Bicycle Tour: Charming Nooks and Crannies Bike Tour takes you around much of the center of Paris, especially the Latin Quarter and Le Marais. The tour takes about three hours and many visitors said it was the highlight of their trip.
✅ Best Alternative Experience: I haven’t done this yet, but I think a hop on, hop off Seine cruise would be a really great way to see the city. You can spend a full day exploring the banks of the Seine, combining a self-guided tour with a river cruise. I’d personally book the 24 hour option (instead of the two day) because I think one day on the boats would be plenty.
Day 2: See the Arc de Triomphe; Explore Pigalle, Montmartre, and Sunset at Sacré-Coeur
For your second day, start out by seeing the incredible Arc de Triomphe. You can simply stop by and admire it from the outside, or pay $15 (€16) to climb to the top. I’ve never been to the top, but it’s supposed to be a great view of the city.
Then, head to the northern part of Paris to explore the lively Pigalle and Montmartre areas. Be sure to either sample treats on your own as you go or join a Montmartre food tour so that you can enjoy the flavors of this trendy area of Paris.
For sunset on a clear evening, be sure to visit the incredible Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre. You don’t need to go inside, just find a spot on the steps looking out over the city as the sun dips out of sight. This would be a great spot to bring snacks and wine for an evening picnic.
Day 3: The Louvre, the 1st Arrondissem*nt, and Seine Sitting
My biased opinion is that the Louvre is absolutely worth visiting for most travelers – but there’s a right and a wrong way to do it. Be sure to go early, have a plan for what you want to see, and wear comfortable shoes. Don’t try to eat at any of the restaurants within a few blocks of the Louvre; they’re all overpriced and almost sure to disappoint.
Spend the afternoon doing one of the most quintessential Parisian things: sitting by the side of the River Seine with a bottle of wine and a picnic. You can sit most anywhere along the river with a view of the passing boats, but I especially like the area just west of Pont Neuf.
This evening would be perfect for a nice dinner in Paris (my favorite spot is Le Florimond in the 7th arrondissem*nt – make a reservation).
Day 4: Gardens, Statues, Crepes, and a Brasserie dinner
Start your day in the Rodin Museum, an outdoor statue garden with an indoor collection dedicated to the late French sculptor Auguste Rodin. This museum is much smaller than the massive collection at the Louvre, and the main fountain outside is perfect for sitting and taking it all in for a little while.
Optionally, you can combine the Rodin Museum with the d’Orsay Museum, which is just a short walk away. Purchase combined tickets at the Rodin Museum.
Then, it’s time for one of the most relaxing things you can do in Paris: sitting back and watching the world go by in a city park. After four days of walking all over the city, you’ll probably be ready to get off your feet for a few hours in the sun or shade – weather depending, of course. My absolute favorite park in Paris is the Jardin du Luxembourg in the 6th arrondissem*nt.
For the evening, settle into an adorable brasserie for a classic (but typically affordable) French dinner. I love Brasserie Des Prés because they have plenty of seating, a vegetarian option, and they’re reasonably priced. Plus, the interior is very cute!
Day 5: Day Trip to Versailles
Take a day trip just outside of Paris to the Palace of Versailles, one of the most opulent and beautiful palaces in the world. Versailles was home to French royalty for over a century until 1789, the beginning of the French Revolution. Visitors today can wander the impressive halls and gardens of the palace by traveling about 45 minutes southwest of Paris.
You can absolutely plan your own visit to Versailles, just purchase a timed ticket in advance (note: they do sell out!) and take the train from Paris. However, if you’d rather see the palace with a guide you can book a tour that includes a visit to Marie Antoinette’s private estate or a simple guided tour of the palace.
Note: you don’t need to book a private driver to get to Versailles. This is a common tourist trap. If you don’t want to take the train, simply call an Uber or a taxi.
Day 6: Le Marais, Republique, and Canal St Martin
The sixth day of this itinerary is all about seeing the hip neighborhoods of Paris, and especially the lively neighborhood of Le Marais. If you skipped the food tour in Montmartre (or if you really loved it!), you might consider a food tour in Le Marais. That way, you can taste your way through the unique eateries that make up Paris’ historic Jewish and LGBTQ quarter.
Le Marais is also great for window shopping, checking out local artisans, and even exploring a smaller museum or gallery (if that’s your thing).
Then, make your way to Canal St Martin, a popular neighborhood that’s a bit off of the beaten path for most visitors (though hardly undiscovered!). You can walk around the canal or just sample some treats from the local restaurants and bars.
Near Canal Saint Martin is BBP Canal Paris, a brewery with another location in Pigalle. They have a great selection of delicious beers and good pub food if you catch them while the kitchen is open.
For the evening, consider ducking into a jazz bar during the evening for some live music. Le Caveau des Oubliettes is an intimate spot just across the Seine from Le Marais. The covers are usually less than $11 (€10), but you will probably need to bring cash.
Day 7: Neighborhood Day OR Day Trip Day
On your final day in Paris, spend some time exploring the more residential parts of the city – where people actually live. Really, you could choose any neighborhood, but I have a few suggestions.
Paris has an elevated greenway called the Promenade Plantée that runs for about three miles from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. You can grab a coffee and hop onto the Promenade most anywhere along the route, then walk in whatever direction calls to you. There are benches along the way if you want to get off your feet.
You can relax in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a large park in the 19th arrondissem*nt that has a laid back feel. Alternatively, you could stop by La Villette, a large park that’s home to Restaurant Ventrus. This memorable little restaurant features rotating chefs and truly feels like a hidden gem.
Alternatively, you might choose to leave Paris for a day trip to Mont Saint Michel, Giverny, Normandy, or the Loire Valley. You could arrange these day trips on your own, or I linked to established tours above.
Tip: if you decide to plan your own day trip, you might first look at the associated tour’s itinerary for ideas. 😉
Best Time to Visit Paris
Paris is truly a year round destination, so chances are that you’ll enjoy yourself whenever you choose to visit. Still, if you have the flexibility to plan ahead, there are some times that are a little extra special in Paris.
The absolute best time to visit Paris is during the late spring or early fall, just on the cusp of the shoulder season. The months of (late) April, May, September, and (early) October are cooler than the sweltering summer months without sacrificing the warm evenings.
The summer in Paris is beautiful and idyllic, but it’s also very hot and crowded. The month of August is especially rough because the temperatures remain high while many of the local shops close for Parisians to take their holidays. Always double check that your hotel has air conditioning when booking a room in Paris so that you’re not surprised.
Where to Stay in Paris
Unlike many other cities, Paris doesn’t have a distinct “city center.” Sure, there’s a central area of Paris – the 1st arrondissem*nt – but most of the city’s landmarks are rather spread out. That means that there are plenty of great places to stay in Paris, where you can be far from the Louvre but still feel like you’re in the middle of all of the action.
For more options and a detailed write up, I wrote another post about the best places to stay in Paris on a budget.
📍 Best Budget Pick: The People – Paris Marais is a hostel in the charming Le Marais neighborhood – Paris’ historic Jewish and LGBT quarter. Although the rooms are basic (and prone to being stuffy), you’ll be right in the heart of one of the most fun parts of Paris. It’s the perfect crash pad while you explore Paris’ attractions and nightlife.
📍 Best Mid Range Pick: Hotel Joyce – Astotel is a charming boutique hotel with lots of little perks and amenities in the bustling Pigalle neighborhood near Moulin Rouge. As a bonus, the rooms have air conditioning – a bit perk if visiting during the hot summer weather in Paris. My sister stayed a night at the Hotel Joyce during her visit to Paris and thought it was exceptionally clean and comfortable, with a lovely breakfast.
📍 Best Luxury Pick: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre is a quirky, upscale hotel in the Montmartre district near the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. In addition to air conditioning and soundproofing – two serious perks in Paris – the staff at Hôtel des Arts Montmartre are wonderful and welcoming. A friend stayed at the Hôtel des Arts Montmartre recently and said that it was divine.
Note to travelers: For my luxury pick, I included a lovely hotel in Montmartre. However, I should note that, in Paris, a true luxury hotel like the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris is also available to book.
There are also great five star hotels in the city, like Le Cinq Codet, which is just steps from Invalides. A family member recently stayed at Le Cinq Codet and raved about the breakfast and adorable rooftop.
FAQs: How Many Days in Paris?
Considering a visit to Paris and still have questions? Here are the answers to some common queries from other travelers planning their trips to France.
Are 3 days enough for Paris?
Yes, in three days you’ll get a taste for the city and see most of the essential landmarks. However, with five or more days, you will have a chance to really explore beyond the major highlights. If you only plan to visit Paris for three days, you should be prepared to travel around a lot because the city is quite spread out. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Is 5 days enough for Paris?
Yes, within five days you’ll feel like you really had a chance to see and experience Paris. You may or may not have enough time to take a day trip out of the city, but you should be able to have most of the quintessential experiences. Plan to have at least one day that’s very laid back when you sit by the Seine or spend time lounging in a park (or at a restaurant if the weather is cold).
How many days is sufficient for Paris?
After five days, you’ll feel like you’ve really seen Paris and had a chance to settle into the pace of the city. If you just want to see the major sights, eat a croissant, and see the Louvre, you could get away with as little as three days or a weekend in Paris. Even on a shorter trip, try to set aside a few hours to lounge and relax so that you get a small taste of the pace of the city.
Is Paris an expensive city to visit?
Generally speaking, Paris is a fairly expensive city to visit. The most expensive part of visiting Paris is probably going to be your hotel or accommodation, so it’s a good idea to really shop around and book early (preferably also find one that is cancelable, in case you find a better deal). Groceries are reasonably priced, but restaurants can quickly add up if you’re not careful.
How much is a croissant in Paris?
A standard croissant or a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) typically costs between €1 and €2 in Paris from a boulangerie (bakery) or patisserie (pastry shop). The prices for a plain and chocolate croissant are similar, but the chocolate croissants are usually about 5-10% more than the plain.
Conclusion: How Many Days in Paris?
Paris is a smaller city than London, but there are so many things to see and do that you’ll need at least three days to explore. With a longer trip of four to seven days, you’ll not only see the very basic areas of Paris, but also more local spots. Be sure to try to slow down for at least a day of your trip so that you can lounge in a park or leisurely sip an espresso on a terrace.
If I were planning a first trip to Paris, I would try to visit for four to six days so that I had plenty of time to relax and try the quintessential Parisian experiences. A week would be even better, offering enough time to even get out of Paris to a nearby area. Ultimately, you should make your decision based on what you most want to do and see while you’re in the City of Light – again, it’s your trip!
