Paris Itinerary

Paris is by far one of the top bucket list destinations in the world. So many people want to be enchanted by the city of romance, of light, of dreams. When it comes down to planning an itinerary, though, it could very well get overwhelming. Knowing how to organize days to maximize doing and seeing things while there is a skill in itself. I’ve been to Paris many times, and I go each year, sometimes several times per year. I’m confident I will be able to help you figure out what works for you, and assist in making your trip to Paris epic.

The pressure is immense to see all the things, from the Eiffel Tower (do you go up or just watch it sparkle from the Champ de Mars?) to seeing the overrated Mona Lisa (truly) to squeezing into Notre-Dame. What are your non-negotiable items and what can you live with not seeing? All of these questions have answers and solutions. Paris is rather easy to navigate, things are generally close, but you will want to get the lay of the land so you’re not zig zagging from left bank to right bank and back.

Planning a Paris itinerary can feel like a lot, but this itinerary is going to reflect a balance of the must-see attractions and more local experiences, as well as realistic pacing. You must go knowing you won’t see every last thing Paris has to offer, but you can do a lot, and I’ll help you with that here.

Outside of the Louvre

Making a Paris itinerary, even if it’s a loose one, is always a good idea when traveling there. Having an idea of what you’re interested in seeing and doing is important, if that is the type of traveler you are. A well-planned trip will make all the difference for your experience. You’ll feel more like you got the true vibe of Paris versus sprinting around and checking attractions off your list.

Something to note is that a lot of the city’s bigger attractions (like Musée D’Orsay and Arc de Triomphe) do require a ticket in advance, particularly during peak seasons (think summer). Spending hours in a line is utter drudgery, and not necessary with the right planning. A little time planning on the front end can eliminate a lot of upset and headache and fighting (if you’re traveling with people), so that’s the goal we’ll set in this guide.

Grouping by neighborhood is one of the keys to the success I’ve had exploring Paris. When I know I’m going to visit the Île de la Cité for Notre-Dame or Sainte-Chapelle, I’ll make sure I’m walking across Pont Neuf and snapping some photos before moving on to, say, the Jardin du Luxembourg, or simply Luxembourg Gardens. Combining activities and sites, like sunning your face in the Tuileries Gardens and shopping at Galeries Lafayette makes your days feel manageable. And that is what makes a good trip to Paris.

Short answer: hell yes. Absolutely. Paris is a place where you can be the most energized and the most relaxed, depending on what mood you’re in. There are iconic landmarks that make the city magical, like simply walking to lunch accompanied by Eiffel Tower views. Then you have hole in the wall bistros that serve the best meal of your life. If you’re in the mood for reading a book in the Jardin du Palais Royal, go for it. Perhaps a perfect cocktail at Bar Nouveau in the 3rd arrondissement is more your speed. Paris offers it all, and your days in Paris can be as moody and free flowing as you want them to be. Paris will take care of you, whatever your fancy is.

Knowing where you want your hotel in Paris to be and where it is situated in the city is going to make a huge difference, so a tip that I give to first-time or less frequent visitors is to stay close to the center. On the right bank, get a hotel in arrondissements 1-4, and on the left bank, get a hotel in arrondissements 5-7. You'll get more out of your time there if you do so since most things are central.

Palais Royal Gardens in March

The best time to visit Paris will depend on your schedule. I’m a firm believer in traveling in the off seasons, so you won’t catch me there in the middle of the summer during peak season. But you must go when it’s best for you and your schedule, and know that Paris will deliver. I’ve been there most months of the year, so I know my favorite times. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Peak Season (June - August):

• Warm weather, long days (not always AC in hotels)
• Biggest crowds and higher prices
• Lines (unless you book tickets in advance)
• Less patient Parisians

Shoulder Season (April - May, September - October):

• Flowers and trees blooming in all the gardens and streets
• Ideal weather
• Less crowds
• My absolute favorite time in Paris

Low Season (November - March):

• Can be biting cold (especially in January, but they have the Soldes - sales!)
• Perfect for Christmas markets (November/December)
• Fewer tourists
• My second favorite time to visit Paris

My first question is: how many days do you have? Depending on what type of traveler you are, you can get a lot done in a short amount of time if you’re willing to put in the effort. I’ll give you an idea of what’s reasonable to expect.

3 Days in Paris:

Enough to cover the highlights (if you’re planning a shorter trip, I have a nice guide of 3 days in Paris for you to follow)

4-5 Days in Paris:

I recommend this if you’re a first-time visitor or doing a double trip, like Paris and London together

6+ Days in Paris:

You will get a deeper sense of how Paris flows, and the maximum benefit of seeing major attractions as well as taking it slow

Rushing through Paris is not ideal. If you just have a few days, then I would recommend making a plan to come back for longer so you can get the real feel of this deep-souled city.

If you have 6+ days, you may consider a day trip to Versailles or Giverny, easy train rides from Paris.

Don't Forget to Stop and Smell the Flowers in Paris

Visit the Eiffel Tower

You can’t miss this one. I’ve done the viewing all kinds of ways, from walking up it to viewing it from the Champ de Mars. Watching it twinkle is one of the most magical things you can do while in Paris. Make sure you know when that is by checking my guide of when does the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

Explore a Museum

I’m going to be a contrarian and tell you that if you’re like me and don’t give a rat’s a$$ about classic museum art or the Mona Lisa, then don’t go inside the Louvre. Take your selfie by the pyramids and visit Musée D’Orsay or, my favorite, Musée Carnavalet, or the Rodin Museum. The Louvre is a lot, and not worth it unless you have specific exhibits you want to see.

Check out the Îles

The two islands that connect the two banks are some of my favorite strolls in the city. You are surrounded by the Seine River, watching the Seine River cruises go by, eating Berthillon ice cream, and visiting the famous Cafe St. Regis. You might also be visiting Notre-Dame or Sainte-Chapelle or walking along the Quay. If you can snag a chair on the riverbank, do so. It’s so Parisian of you.

Wander the Left Bank

The more I go back to Paris, the more I enjoy the left bank. I acquainted myself with a tour of the Latin Quarter, and I enjoy seeing it in all its glory. Luxembourg Gardens are a feast for the eyes, and if you fancy a meal or coffee at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, I think you should do that. Rue Mouffetard is perfect for foods and shops. Don’t forget the Pantheon for history and views from the top. For a more relaxed left bank experience, grab a book at The Abbey bookstore and finding a cafe to enjoy a coffee and a read.

Shop Till You Drop

Whether you’re going to one of the many vintage stores in the Marais or hitting the prestigious Galeries Lafayette, shopping in Paris is a must. For clothes, I love Le Bon Marché because it’s less formal (or stuffy), and it's dressed up in new decorations all the time. It’s a whole experience. Don’t miss Merci for some great items to take back with you.

Enjoy Montmartre

Montmartre is its own vibe. It’s gotten very crowded with tourists, but a hack is going early in the morning or walking through it very late at night. If you’re not hellbent on buying things and just want to go see it, these are the times I’d recommend. The morning will give you access to Sacré-Cœur, which I highly recommend entering. And the views from the front of it are stunning.

Eat

Most everything you eat in Paris will be amazing if you do a little planning. My recommendation is not to eat where the tourist attractions are, but branch out. Find the small family owned restaurants that serve food from their handwritten chalkboard menus and enjoy your finest meal. There are plenty of them throughout Paris. On the go is not really a thing in Paris, so budget time for proper meals, unless it’s a croissant or pain au chocolat to take with you. Yum!

Be a Flâneur

Wander around the city and get lost, having no direction. This is a Parisian pastime that will serve you well. Give yourself a couple of hours to get lost, wander around neighborhoods with nowhere specific to be. It’s one of my favorite things to do, and I always have my camera with me because there are surprises around ever corner. Paris is the perfect place to just get lost.

Luxembourg Gardens in Full Bloom

Visiting Paris is an amazing experience, and one that requires planning, particularly if this might be your only time to get there. We’ll go over some basics that will help make the trip smooth and memorable (in all the best ways). If you’re traveling solo, you may be wondering is Paris safe for solo female travelers. I answer that here.

Group Attractions by Neighborhood

Avoid bouncing around the city by foot or metro and study the map of Paris, its arrondissements, and the orientation of the attractions, restaurants, and things to do in each place. I use Google Maps to save and organize where I want to go so I’m not bumbling around wondering what to do or where to go next.

Book Timed Entry Tickets in Advance

When I went to the catacombs, I booked a timed ticket and showed up a smidge early. Same for when I went to the Eiffel Tower to climb it. Each thing I wanted to do that I suspected may have a line, I booked a ticket in advance. It helps make the flow of the day much easier. Less stress is the name of the game here.

Plan Around Peak Hours

Just as I said about visiting Montmartre in the early morning or late evening (night), I encourage the same for certain things you want to do. I’ve made the mistake of waiting until peak hours for museums and ended up scrapping it because…who wants to wait in line in Paris? There’s always something else, so if you find yourself in a long line and want out, have a Plan B.

Balance Busy Sightseeing with Slower Experiences

Overload is real when you’re seeing some of the most popular places in the world, so plan accordingly. When I do something that takes brain power, like a museum (yes, it does), I add time to lie down in grass in the Tuileries Garden or Place des Vosges, or take a book to a cafe and decompress with a glass of vin rouge. Packing it all in doesn’t win you a prize.

Avoid Scheduling Too Much

Accept that you will not see everything in one, two, three, or ten days. It’s impossible, so no need to stress about it. A trip to Paris involves some running around, and some leisure time. Pop into Harry’s New York Bar after walking through Place de la Concorde and take a load off. The Arc de Triomphe will not be mad at you for not going to the top.

Include Time for Meals and Walking

As I said, to-go is not a thing in Paris, so plan accordingly for slower service (because that’s how Paris does meals) and walking around. Even taking the metro takes time, so your best bet is a mindset of “I’ll get there when I get there.” You’ll be a much more content traveler if you do, because Paris cannot be rushed. She’s not that kind of lady, so don’t make her be something she is not.

Here’s how I’d (loosely) structure your days in Paris without rushing around the city.

Day 1:

• Focus on central Paris and iconic views with a relaxed pace.
• Seine River Cruise (day or night - my vote, night with champagne only)
• Dinner nearby (Fontaine de Mars is excellent)

Day 2:

• Louvre (outside is enough unless you need to go inside)
• Tuileries Garden (relax on a bench or the lawn with the locals)
• Place de la Concorde
• Drinks (Harry’s New York Bar, of course)

Day 3:

• The Îles (de la Cité and Saint-Louis)
• Walk across the bridges and snap some photos
• Explore Luxembourg Gardens and the Latin Quarter
• Dinner & drinks at nearby (Freddy's is a favorite)

Day 4:

• Walk around the Marais and Montmartre
• Visit Place des Vosges
• Eat at Le Colimaçon for dinner (make a reservation)
• Drink at Bar Nouveau

Sun's Out, Paris Is Out!

It’s best to keep in mind how you want to experience Paris: on her terms or on yours? When you touch down at Charles de Gaulle airport, my advice is to do it her way, let her envelop you, excite you, take you in. You’ll have a much more robust experience if you follow this loose itinerary, and see what magic pops up as you are wandering. Skip the mindset of rushing around to see it all, because you won’t anyway, and that’s ok. You’ll have a trip well experienced, and you’ll be booking your next one soon after this one. I can’t wait for you to get there. À bientôt!

If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to know what the best boutique hotels for solo travelers are and my guide for the right bank.

Subscribe to my amusing, informational, and fun newsletter that comes out every other Friday by clicking here.

Some of the links may go to my affiliate account. If you purchase from one, you're helping me grow my business. Thank you!