7 Days in Paris: The Ultimate First-Time Itinerary
Paris. The City of Light, the city of love, and, if we’re being honest, the city that can overwhelm you if you don’t know where to start. A week is the sweet spot — enough time to see iconic landmarks, wander charming neighborhoods, and leave room for a few delightful surprises. Here’s how I’d spend 7 days in Paris, based on what I’ve shared with friends (and now you).
Day 1: Arrival + Evening in Montmartre
Where to Stay
I personally like to hostel hop when I’m in Paris. On my last trip, I stayed at St Christopher’s Inn at Gare du Nord — easy to reach from Charles de Gaulle Airport and super central to the metro, which makes getting around the city simple.
If hostels aren’t your style, consider staying in:
Le Marais: Stylish, lively, historic streets full of cafés and boutiques.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Classic Parisian vibe, artsy and cozy.
Opéra / Grands Boulevards: Well-connected with hotels, boutique stays, and Airbnbs.
Afternoon: Explore Montmartre
Drop your bags, grab a light snack, and head straight to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Climb the steps for one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Then, wander the Montmartre neighborhood. Its winding cobblestone streets, street artists painting in Place du Tertre, and tucked-away cafés feel like stepping back in time. I never get tired of getting a little lost here — it’s Paris at its most magical.
Pro Tip: Stop by Le Consulat café for a coffee and soak in the classic Parisian scene.
Evening: Dinner
Grab a classic French bistro meal — think coq au vin or steak frites — and ease into Parisian time. Don’t rush: this first night is about absorbing the ambiance.
Day 2: Louvre + Seine Walk
Morning: The Louvre
No Paris itinerary is complete without the Louvre. Book your tickets in advance to avoid lines. Being a history and art enthusiast, I can confidently say it’s worth every minute.
Don’t try to see everything — focus on a few wings or highlights:
Mona Lisa
Venus de Milo
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT or another AI guide while visiting museums. It can provide deeper context on artworks and artifacts, often better than standard audio guides.
Afternoon: Stroll Along the Seine
After the Louvre, walk along the Seine River. Check out the green bookstalls, known as Bouquinistes, selling secondhand books, prints, and art. Pass by Notre-Dame Cathedral, then lose yourself in the Latin Quarter.
Tip: Stop at Shakespeare & Co., a legendary English-language bookstore, for a quick browse.
Evening: Jazz & Wine
Find a cozy wine bar in the Latin Quarter or Saint-Germain. Or duck into a basement jazz club — Paris has a fantastic live music scene.
Day 3: Iconic Paris — Eiffel Tower & Champs-Élysées
Daytime: Picnic at Champ de Mars
Head to the Eiffel Tower area. Instead of waiting in line, grab food from a local market — think fresh baguettes, cheeses, pastries, and wine — and have a picnic on Champ de Mars.
After your picnic, walk or take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe via the Champs-Élysées. Climb to the top for panoramic views, then stroll down this famous avenue, soaking in the energy of Paris.
Optional Evening: Seine River Cruise
Experience Paris from the water — it’s a completely different perspective of the monuments and bridges.
Pro Tip: Skip the crowded Trocadéro plaza for the Eiffel Tower light show. Instead, walk down the stairs to the Seine for a quieter, more intimate view. (That’s actually the photo you see here!)
Day 4: Versailles Day Trip
Morning: Getting There
Take the RER C train or a bus to Versailles. Plan a full day to explore — tickets should be booked in advance.
Inside the Palace
Versailles is over the top, in the best way. Highlights include:
Hall of Mirrors
King and Queen’s Apartments
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
Gardens
The gardens are massive and meticulously designed with geometric precision. Fountains, sculptures, and hidden groves abound. You could spend hours wandering and discovering unexpected corners.
Fun Fact: Versailles has over 2,000 rooms — that’s more than enough to feel like royalty for a day.
Evening: Return to Paris
Head back for a casual dinner near your hotel or Airbnb. If you have energy, take a stroll along the Seine — nighttime in Paris is magical.
Day 5: Art + Hidden Corners
Morning: Musée d’Orsay
Visit the Musée d’Orsay, home to Impressionist masterpieces in a stunning converted train station. Highlights include:
Monet’s Water Lilies
Van Gogh’s Starry Night over the Rhône
Degas’ Dancers
Afternoon: Le Marais
Explore Le Marais, one of Paris’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Don’t miss:
Rue des Rosiers for the famous falafel
Trendy shops and art galleries
Hidden courtyards and historic architecture
Evening: Jazz or Live Music
Check out a basement jazz club for an intimate Parisian evening. Paris has an unparalleled music scene if you know where to look.
Day 6: Parks + Markets + Subtle Paris
Morning: Gardens
Relax in Luxembourg Gardens or Tuileries Garden. These spots are perfect for reading, people-watching, or photography.
Late Morning: Market Visit
Stop by Marché d’Aligre, a lively market where locals buy everything from cheese to fresh flowers.
Afternoon: Museums & Hidden Gems
Explore smaller museums:
Musée de l’Orangerie — Monet’s Water Lilies in a serene setting
Rodin Museum — Sculptures in a beautiful garden
Evening: Sunset & Dinner
Watch the sunset at Pont Alexandre III, arguably Paris’s most beautiful bridge, then enjoy dinner at a nearby café or bistro.
Day 7: Slow Paris + Departure
Spend your last day soaking in Paris. Take it slow:
Café breakfast — a croissant and coffee at a sidewalk café
Neighborhood strolls — revisit a favorite area or find a hidden street
Final pastry — maybe one, maybe three
If time allows, sneak in one last museum or walk. The key is to leave some breathing room — Paris is best savored, not rushed.
Final Thoughts
Paris can overwhelm even the most seasoned travelers. Some experience “Paris Syndrome” — disappointment when the fantasy doesn’t match reality. But slow down, wander, and notice the subtle details:
The smell of freshly baked bread from a corner boulangerie
A quiet courtyard tucked away from the crowds
Sunset over the Seine
One week isn’t enough to see everything — but it’s enough to fall in love with the city and want to return.
Paris Guide Coming Soon
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Paris Guide Coming Soon 〰️
This post is just the beginning — a taste of what Paris has to offer. Soon, I’ll release in-depth guides covering:
Detailed maps and routes
Hidden gems and secret spots
Insider tips for museums, cafés, and neighborhoods
If you loved this post, stay tuned — the guides will give you everything you need to explore Paris like a local.
