As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Paris has so many wonderful things to see and do. From snacking on Nutella crepes to walking the cobbled streets of Montmartre, there is never a dull moment.
There are twenty different neighborhoods in Paris called arrondissements. My goal was to cover a few of them each day during my trip.
This 6 day Paris itinerary is perfect for those who want to see the best of what Paris has to offer.
Since this was my first trip to Paris, I wanted to cover all of the major tourist attractions and explore a few off the beaten path neighborhoods too.
The gardens were not in bloom when I went in February, so you may want to consider allotting more time to these if you plan on traveling during the warmer months.
Related Posts:
- Paris on a budget – Costly mistakes to avoid making
- 12 travel mistakes every first-timer makes in Paris
- Paris Pass review – is it worth it?
What do I need to know about traveling to Paris?
Best time to go: Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit Paris. April and October are good times to visit when there are fewer crowds. June to September is perfect for sightseeing and checking out the summer festivals.
Best area to stay: The best areas to stay in Paris are The 7th Arrondissement (which is near the Eiffel Tower), Montmartre (a quiet and romantic neighborhood), South Pigalle (good for budget travelers), Le Marais (a central location and hip neighborhood), The Latin Quarter (popular with tourists and students), and Champs-Élysées (upscale shops and restaurants).
One of my favorite ways to save money on accommodations is to book through Booking.com.
Booking.comBest way to get around: The Métro is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to get around Paris.
If you’re staying in a central location like The 7th Arrondissement, you can visit most of the city’s top attractions and landmarks on foot.
If you prefer to be comfortable and relax, you can ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, which is a great way to get to familiar with Paris for first-timers.
Top 5 things to do in Paris: Musée d’Orsay (has a vast collection of Impressionist paintings), Sainte-Chapelle (beautiful stained-glass), Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum (see the famous Mona Lisa painting), and Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House).
Best way to save money on Paris attractions: Check which museums offer free days or specific hours (usually the first Sunday of the month). Or if you’re planning to visit a lot of attractions, consider getting a Paris city pass.
We found the Paris Pass provided the best bang for your buck and it includes free entry to the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower.
Other Paris city passes to consider are the Paris Museum Pass or the Paris Explorer Pass.
What’s Paris known for? Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. It’s famous for its Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Saving Money on Tours & Attractions
Paris is a big city and there’s lots of fun things to do and see. It can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attraction tickets to spend your money on.
Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 priority when planning a vacation and the Paris Pass was rated the #1 Paris tourism pass by TripAdvisor.
They’re also recommended by Trust Pilot and the Paris Pass currently has a rating of 4.2/5 on Expedia. Many people have already used the Paris Pass for their Paris trip and posted happy reviews.
With the Paris Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out these happy reviews!
PRO TIP: Buy the pass online to save extra money off the retail price. To buy the Paris Pass, click here to go to the official website.
What is the Paris Pass?
The Paris Pass can be a great option for anyone who wants to visit the most popular attractions and save money.
The Paris Pass is a pre-paid tourism card that includes free entry to over 35 popular attractions and tours in Paris. You can choose a 2, 3, 4 or 6-day pass duration for your trip.
If you choose the 4 or 6-day pass, you’ll also receive the Paris Museum Pass, which includes free entry to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris, including the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.
How to get your Paris Pass:
STEP 1: Choose which pass duration you want to buy (2, 3, 4 or 6 day). You can click here to purchase your Paris Pass from the official website.
If you want to visit the museums, such as the Louvre, choose a 4-day or 6-day Paris Pass.
- 4-day Paris Pass and receive a 4-day Paris Museum Pass.
- 6-day Paris Pass and receive a 6-day Paris Museum Pass.
HURRY! Buy your pass now before prices increase on March 6th! Use the code MINTNOTION at checkout to save 10% off.
Why you should consider buying the pass online:
- When you buy the pass online, you can take advantage of online discounts.
- They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund just in case your plans change.
- You can activate your pass anytime within two years from the date of purchase.
STEP 2: Download your mobile pass instantly using the Paris Pass App.
If you prefer a physical pass, simply print your pass and guidebook at home. Links and easy-to-follow instructions for both options will be in your confirmation email.
STEP 3: You now have FREE access to any of the 75+ top Paris attractions included for the duration of your pass.
How to activate the pass: It will activate once you visit your first attraction and can then be used on consecutive calendar days for the number of days purchased.
You’ll also receive a free guidebook, which is included with your purchase. Use this book to help you easily plan your itinerary.
Day 1 in Paris
Photo from the Opera Garnier
Flights from Canada and the USA usually arrive in Paris during the morning.
Plan how you’ll be getting from the airport to your hotel.
Public Transportation
The metro is the cheapest option. You can easily get to Paris from Charles de Guaulle Airport by taking an RER B train.
RER trains are regional express trains that run every 10 minutes between the airport and the city centre, stopping at the main stations in Paris. The journey is approximately 30 minutes.
Private Transfer
If you prefer to relax in a comfortable air conditioned or heated car, then I recommend hiring a private transfer. It’s much more enjoyable than taking a taxi.
During my recent trip to Paris, we hired a private transfer and was very pleased with the service. Below are the best private transfers available:
- Private Transfer between Paris and CDG Airport
- Premium Private Transfer from/ to Charles de Gualle
- Charles de Gualle Airport Private Transfer
Taxi from CDG Airport to Paris
Taxis from Charles de Gualle Airport charge a flate rate. From the airport to the city centre will cost 55€ if your destination is on the right bank or 60€ if it’s on the left.
Once you arrive at the hotel, plan to leave your luggage at the front desk since check-in time usually starts in the afternoon.
PRO TIP: Download an offline Google map of Paris on your phone. This can easily help you navigate the city without having to pull out a paper map.
Chances are you’ll be hungry a long flight. I suggest heading to a local café for breakfast to enjoy a pastry and café au lait.
Use this time to take a look at the map to get yourself oriented (especially if this is your first time in Paris).
After a quick breakfast, it’s time to start exploring the neighborhood. I stayed in the 9ème – Opéra, Pigalle area in Paris so plan to see the main attractions based on your hotel location for the first day.
When we went to Paris the second time, we stayed near the Arch de Triomphe. While this area was more expensive, it was a beautiful neighborhood.
Sacre-Coeur
Set at the highest point in the city, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a popular attraction in Paris that is worth a visit that includes a beautiful view of the city. (Note that photography and film is not permitted inside the basilica).
PRO TIP: You can visit Sacre-Coeur for free. If you want to climb to the top of the Dome, you can visit for free with your Paris Pass. The view is amazing from the top!
Eglise St-Pierre
While not as popular as Sacre-Coeur, this is one of the oldest surviving churches in Paris.
Nouvelle Athenes
Developed in the 1820s for the professional classes of the new industrialist era, this residential neighbourhood features beautiful architecture and neoclassical homes where many artists and musicians once lived, including Chopin, Berlioz and Sand.
Covered Passageways
Numerous passageways were created in Paris at the end of the eighteenth century and beginning of the nineteenth century. These include mostly shopping arcades covered with glass roofs that feature shops, tearooms and restaurants.
Opera Garnier
[Free entry and guided tour with the Paris Pass]
Designed by Charles Garnier in 1874, this Opera House is a blend of neo-Renaissance and baroque styles. As one of the most recognized opera houses in the world, I highly recommend taking a tour of the building (self-guided or guided).
Not sure if the Paris Pass is right for you? Consider purchasing the Paris Explorer Pass instead. You can to visit 3, 5, or 7 top attractions and tours as you go. Save over 48% off Paris’s top attractions. Once activated, the pass is valid for 30 days. You can click here to buy your Paris Explorer Pass from the official website.
Moulin Rouge
Head to Moulin Rouge in the evening to see it lit up at night. End your evening by enjoying a nice dinner before retreating back to the hotel.
I highly recommend Il caratello (5 rue Audran, 75018 Paris) which is not far from Moulin Rouge.
My must-have Paris accessories:
Click the product to shop
Day 2 in Paris
Photo from the Arc de Triomphe
If breakfast is not included in your hotel, I suggest grabbing a quick bite to-go at a local café before heading to the Louvre. The Louvre will get busy, so aim to arrive a little before it opens to avoid long waits.
Musée du Louvre
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
As one of the world’s largest and most visited museums, you can easily spend the entire day touring the Louvre.
I don’t recommend it though as you’ll be exhausted and you may not be interested in seeing everything that it has to offer.
If you’re unsure what to see, grab a map of the museum at the information desk which provides a list of the most popular attractions to visit.
Plan to spend 2-3 hours here (depending on your interests and walking pace). This is where you’ll find the famous Mona Lisa painting.
Place de la Concorde
Designed for Louis XV in 1754, this busy crossroad is one of the most exquisite spots in Paris.
Musée de l’Armée
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
Under the order of Louis XIV in 1671-6, the Invalides served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Today you can visit the museum, the tomb of Napoleon I, the Dome and the St-Louis churches.
Museum Rodin
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
Visitors can enjoy around 500 sculptures and 8,000 prints and drawings by the artist Rodin. Don’t miss the gardens which feature some of his most important works including Le Penseur (The Thinker) and Les Bourgeois de Calais (The Burghers of Calais).
Eiffel Tower
While it does cost a little more, I highly recommend a visit to the sommet (the top of the Eiffel Tower). Aim for a clear day which allows you to take in beautiful views of the city below.
PRO TIP: You can visit the Eiffel Tower for free with the Paris Explorer Pass. This is a good option for those who want to just visit a few attractions in Paris.
Trocadero
This impressive Palais de Chaillot overlooks the River Seine, opposite the Eiffel Tower. One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower is from here.
Arc de Triomphe
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
The best time to visit the Arc de Triomphe is at sunset, where you can get another beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower. Stay here until the sun goes down and watch the city light up.
Day 3 in Paris
Photo from the Palace of Versailles
Château de Versailles
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
If you have time to take a day trip from Paris, you don’t want to miss the Palace of Versailles! This is where Marie Antoinette lived in the Queen’s State Apartment.
Aim to arrive about 10-20 minutes before it opens to beat the tour groups. This will hopefully allow you be one of the first people inside the palace so you can get some photos of its famous rooms without too many tourists around.
PRO TIP: I recommend devoting a whole day to the Palace of Versailles since there is plenty to see and do here. Take advantage of exploring the gardens on the property. They are absolutely beautiful!
Day 4 in Paris
Photo from Sainte-Chapelle
Musée d’Orsay
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
Home to France’s national collection of impressionist, postimpressionist, and art nouveau movements spanning from the 19th and early 20th centuries, this is a must visit museum.
Some of the most famous artists showcased here include: Degas, Manet, Van Gogh and Renoir.
Place Vendôme
Built in the shape of a rectangle with its corner cut off, the center of this square holds the Vendome column (19th century) which was made famous by Napoleon.
Pont des Arts
The famous Love Locks bridge in Paris. While most of the locks have been recently covered, it remains a popular spot for visitors.
Pont-Neuf
Completed in 1604 to allow King Henry IV to cross from one bank to the other, this is the oldest and most famous of Paris’ bridges.
Conciergerie
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
A former prison in Paris, here you can visit the guardroom (14th century) and the cells where Queen Marie-Antoinette spent her last days.
Sainte-Chapelle
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
This Gothic chapel was built at the request of St Louis (1245-8) to house Christ’s Crown of Thorns. This was one of the most beautiful spots in Paris. I highly recommend a visit here to see the stained glass.
Notre-Dame
As Paris’ most visited unticketed site, this cathedral is a beautiful display of French Gothic architecture. NOTE: Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently closed due to the 2019 fire.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the climb up the Notre-Dame Towers. From the top you’ll find one of the best views of Paris. Free with your Paris Pass.
Ile Saint-Louis
This small island, just a few steps away from Notre-Dame, has a small French village vibe that’s lined with boutique shops and delicious ice cream.
Musée National du Moyen Age
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
Housed in the Hôtel de Cluny, a gothic-style 15th-century mansion, this museum is best known for the beautiful, allegorical The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry. It also has a collection of medieval sculptures.
Pantheon
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
Located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, the Pantheon contains the remains of some of France’s distinguished citizens which include: Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Rousseau and Marie Curie.
Eglise Saint-German-des-Pres
With parts of this church dating back to the 6th century, this is the oldest church in Paris.
Day 5 in Paris
Musée Gustave Moreau
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
Originally Moreau’s dwellings, this museum was built to showcase his paintings. Worth a visit for those who are fans of his work.
Canal St-Martin
If you’ve seen the blockbuster hit, Amélie, you’ll recognize the iron footbridges that set as the backdrop for some of the film’s famous scenes. This 4.5 km long canal is worth a visit to explore the cafes and boutiques around the neighbourhood.
Belleville neighbourhood
Once a wine-making village, this neighbhourhood is home to a mix of cultures and includes one of Paris’ lively Chinatowns. Don’t forget to visit Parc de Belleville while you’re here.
Hotel de Ville
Constructed at the end of the 19th century, this is the administration centre of the municipality which houses the Mayor’s office, the Conseil of Paris, reception and exhibitions rooms.
Place des Vosges
Dating back to 1604, this is the oldest planned square in Paris and one of the most beautiful in the world.
Centre Pompidou
[Free entry with the Paris Pass]
Opened in 1977, the Centre Pompidou is home to the largest collection of modern art in Europe (second in the world after MoMA in NYC).
While the Paris Museum Pass only includes admission to the permanent collections, it’s also worth paying extra to see the temporary exhibits.
Cimetière du Père Lachaise
Opened in 1804, this is the world’s most visited cemetery and the largest in Paris. Here you can visit the tombs of some notable people including Oscar Wilde, the rock star Jim Morrison, and the composer Chopin.
Day 6 in Paris
Photo from the Galaeries Lafayette
Jardin du Luxembourg
One of the most popular gardens in Paris, this is the perfect place to take a stroll during a spring or summer afternoon. Don’t forget to relax in one of the chairs near the octagonal pond.
Catacombes
These underground ossuaries hold the remains of about six million people. While much of the catacombs are out of bounds, visitors can tour a small section which covers about 2 km and takes about 45 minutes to walk.
Champs-Elysées
Stretching almost 2 km long, this is probably the most famous avenue in the world. Spend the afternoon here exploring a variety of cafes and luxury shops.
Galeries Lafayette
Shop the upmarket French department store while admiring its beautiful ceiling.
Paris Itinerary FAQs
Is 6 days in Paris too long?
6-7 days in Paris is the perfect amount of time for first-timers to relax and see the main highlights of the city. You may have enough time to take a day trip from Paris too, such as to the Palace of Versailles.
How many days in Paris is ideal?
4-5 days is enough time for first-time travelers to get a taste of Paris and some of its main landmarks and attractions. If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Paris, then I recommend spending at least 6-10 days so you can relax and take your time exploring the 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods).
Is it worth going to Paris for 5 days?
Yes! With 5 days, this gives you plenty of time to see the city’s best attractions, explore its many neighborhoods, and enjoy delicious French cuisine.
Is it worth going to Paris for a week?
Yes! I recommend spending at least a week in Paris so you can full experience all that the city has to offer. This gives you time to see the main attractions and take a day trip or two from Paris.
Is 5 days too long in Paris?
5 days is just enough time to get a decent feel of Paris. But if you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend staying longer to fully enjoy its landmarks, museums, and attractions.
