Ah, Paris—the City of Light, the epitome of romance, and a cultural treasure trove. If you’re planning your first visit to this iconic city, you’re in for a treat. With its charming streets, world-class museums, historic landmarks, and mouthwatering cuisine, Paris offers a rich tapestry of experiences that will leave you enchanted.

But with so much to see and do, planning the perfect week in Paris can feel overwhelming. That’s where this itinerary comes in. Designed to give first-time visitors a well-rounded taste of Paris, this itinerary balances must-see attractions with time to soak in the city’s ambiance, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories.

Ready to fall in love with Paris? Let’s dive into the perfect week-long itinerary!

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Heart of Paris

Morning: Arrival and Check-In

Welcome to Paris! After arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport or Gare du Nord (if you’re traveling by train), make your way to your accommodation. Whether you’re staying in a charming boutique hotel in Le Marais, a luxury hotel near the Champs-Élysées, or a cozy Airbnb in Montmartre, take a moment to settle in and freshen up.

Afternoon: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité

Start your Parisian adventure in the historic heart of the city: Île de la Cité. This small island on the Seine River is home to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although the cathedral is still under restoration after the 2019 fire, you can admire its stunning Gothic architecture from the outside and visit the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, known for its breathtaking stained glass windows.

• Tip: Stroll around the charming streets of Île de la Cité and cross the bridge to Île Saint-Louis, a quieter, picturesque neighborhood perfect for a leisurely walk.

Evening: Dinner in Le Marais

Le Marais is one of Paris’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its vibrant nightlife, historic buildings, and diverse food scene. Enjoy your first Parisian dinner at one of the many bistros or restaurants in the area. After dinner, explore the neighborhood’s narrow streets, art galleries, and lively bars.

• Dining Suggestion: Try classic French dishes like coq au vin or duck confit at a local bistro, followed by a visit to a nearby café for a dessert of tarte Tatin or crème brûlée.

Day 2: Iconic Paris—Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe

Morning: Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take the elevator (or the stairs, if you’re up for it!) to the top for stunning views of the city. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Champ de Mars park, where you can snap photos of the tower from different angles.

• Tip: For an unforgettable experience, book a time slot to visit the Eiffel Tower at sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking view of Paris bathed in golden light.

Afternoon: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Next, head to the world-famous Champs-Élysées, a bustling avenue lined with shops, cafes, and theaters. Take your time strolling along this iconic boulevard, stopping for a coffee or a bit of shopping. At the western end of the Champs-Élysées, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental arch that honors those who fought and died for France. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

• Tip: The Arc de Triomphe’s rooftop offers a unique perspective of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower, La Défense, and the Champs-Élysées all in view. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.

Evening: Seine River Cruise

End your day with a magical Seine River cruise. As you glide along the river, you’ll pass some of Paris’s most famous landmarks, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, all beautifully illuminated at night.

• Tip: Opt for a dinner cruise for a romantic evening experience, or choose a standard sightseeing cruise for a shorter trip.

Day 3: Art and Culture—The Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and Musée d’Orsay

Morning: The Louvre Museum

Start your day at the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a must-visit for any art lover. To make the most of your visit, consider joining a guided tour that highlights the museum’s most famous pieces.

• Tip: The Louvre can be overwhelming due to its size. Plan ahead by identifying the sections or artworks you’re most interested in, and focus on those during your visit.

Afternoon: Tuileries Garden and Musée de l’Orangerie

After exploring the Louvre, take a relaxing stroll through the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful public park located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Enjoy the manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures, and perhaps stop for a snack at one of the garden’s cafes.

Next, head to the nearby Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies series. This small museum also features works by other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.

• Tip: The peaceful setting of the Tuileries Garden is perfect for a picnic lunch. Grab some fresh baguettes, cheese, and pastries from a nearby bakery and enjoy a leisurely meal in the park.

Evening: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

In the evening, head to Montmartre, a bohemian neighborhood known for its artistic history and vibrant nightlife. Climb the hill to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Paris. After visiting the basilica, explore the charming streets of Montmartre, filled with cafes, art studios, and lively squares.

• Tip: Montmartre is especially magical at dusk, with street artists and musicians adding to the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at a traditional French bistro, followed by a stroll through Place du Tertre, known for its local artists.

Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles

Morning: The Palace of Versailles

Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, one of the most opulent and famous royal residences in the world. Located just a short train ride from Paris, Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and expansive gardens. Start your visit with a tour of the palace, where you’ll see the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, and the royal chapel.

• Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance. Versailles is vast, so plan to spend the entire day exploring the palace and grounds.

Afternoon: The Gardens of Versailles and the Trianon Palaces

After touring the palace, spend the afternoon exploring the Gardens of Versailles. These meticulously landscaped gardens are dotted with fountains, sculptures, and flowerbeds, offering plenty of spots for a leisurely walk. Don’t miss the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon palaces, smaller residences within the grounds that were used by French royalty for more private retreats.

• Tip: Rent a bike or a golf cart to explore the extensive gardens more easily. During the summer months, you can also enjoy the Musical Fountains Show, where the fountains are set to music.

Evening: Return to Paris and Relax

After a full day of exploring Versailles, return to Paris in the evening. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel, or simply unwind with a glass of wine at a cozy café.

• Dining Suggestion: Try traditional French comfort food, such as boeuf bourguignon or French onion soup, at a neighborhood bistro.

Day 5: Literary Paris and Left Bank Wanderings

Morning: Shakespeare and Company and the Latin Quarter

Begin your day on the Left Bank with a visit to Shakespeare and Company, a legendary English-language bookstore that has been a gathering place for writers and artists since the 1920s. After browsing the shelves, take a stroll through the Latin Quarter, a historic area known for its universities, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.

• Tip: The Latin Quarter is full of charming cafes and bookshops. Take your time exploring the area and perhaps stop for a coffee or a light breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: The Panthéon and Jardin du Luxembourg

Continue your literary exploration with a visit to the Panthéon, a neoclassical mausoleum that honors notable French figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie. The Panthéon’s interior is stunning, with beautiful frescoes and a crypt where many of France’s great minds are laid to rest.

Afterward, head to the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg, one of Paris’s most beautiful parks. The gardens are perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll, with fountains, statues, and plenty of seating areas to relax and people-watch.

• Tip: If the weather is nice, rent a small sailboat at the Grand Basin in the center of the garden. It’s a popular activity for both locals and visitors.

Evening: Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

End your day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a historic neighborhood known for its literary cafes and intellectual history. Enjoy dinner at one of the area’s famous cafes, such as Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, both of which were frequented by writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

• Dining Suggestion: Try a classic French dish like steak frites or duck à l’orange, paired with a glass of French wine.

Day 6: Modern Paris—Musée d’Orsay, Champs de Mars, and La Défense

Morning: Musée d’Orsay

Start your day at the Musée d’Orsay, a stunning museum housed in a former railway station. The museum is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The building itself is a work of art, with its grand hall and iconic clock overlooking the Seine.

• Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and don’t miss the museum’s upper level, where you can see some of the most famous paintings up close.

Afternoon: Champs de Mars and the Rodin Museum

After exploring the Musée d’Orsay, head to the Champs de Mars, the large public greenspace that stretches from the Eiffel Tower to the École Militaire. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Next, visit the Rodin Museum, a beautiful museum dedicated to the works of the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum’s gardens are particularly lovely, with sculptures such as “The Thinker” displayed among lush greenery and flowers.

• Tip: The Rodin Museum is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Paris, making it a great place to relax and reflect after a busy day of sightseeing.

Evening: La Défense and Modern Paris

In the evening, take a short metro ride to La Défense, Paris’s modern business district. La Défense is known for its futuristic skyscrapers, public art installations, and the Grande Arche, a modern monument that aligns with the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.

• Tip: Visit the rooftop of the Grande Arche for a unique view of Paris’s skyline, including the Eiffel Tower and the city’s historic landmarks.

Day 7: Farewell to Paris—Shopping and Savoring the Last Moments

Morning: Shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré and Le Bon Marché

Spend your final morning in Paris indulging in some shopping. Start on Rue Saint-Honoré, one of the city’s most fashionable streets, where you’ll find a mix of high-end boutiques, designer stores, and chic Parisian brands. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Le Bon Marché, Paris’s oldest department store, known for its luxurious selection of fashion, home goods, and gourmet food.

• Tip: Even if you’re not looking to buy, window shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré and exploring Le Bon Marché’s food hall (La Grande Épicerie) are quintessential Parisian experiences.

Afternoon: Explore the Marais

In the afternoon, return to the Marais for a leisurely exploration of its unique shops, art galleries, and historic sites. Visit the Picasso Museum, which houses an extensive collection of the artist’s works, or simply wander through the charming streets, stopping at cafes and boutiques along the way.

• Tip: The Marais is also home to some of the best falafel in Paris. Head to Rue des Rosiers for a delicious falafel sandwich from one of the famous local vendors.

Evening: Sunset at Montmartre and Farewell Dinner

For your final evening in Paris, head back to Montmartre for one last magical sunset. Climb the steps to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and watch as the sun sets over the city, casting a golden glow over the rooftops.

Afterward, enjoy a farewell dinner at a classic Parisian bistro or restaurant, savoring the flavors of French cuisine one last time.

• Dining Suggestion: Treat yourself to a memorable meal at a fine dining restaurant, or enjoy a cozy dinner at a traditional bistro with a view of the Eiffel Tower or the Seine.

Conclusion: Au Revoir, Paris!

As your week in Paris comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had—from admiring world-famous art at the Louvre to savoring a croissant in a charming café. Paris is a city that leaves a lasting impression, and no matter how much time you spend here, there’s always more to discover.

With this itinerary, you’ve seen the highlights, experienced the culture, and soaked in the ambiance of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Whether you’re saying goodbye for now or planning your next visit, Paris will always be there to welcome you back.