If you’re looking for a lovely city to visit in just one week, Paris is the perfect destination. Here are some tips on what to do and see while you’re there.
If you love art and architecture, Paris is definitely the place for you. The city is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. Make sure to visit at least one of them during your trip! And don’t forget to stroll along the banks of the Seine River and admire all the beautiful bridges crossing it.
Of course, no visit to Paris would be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. You can either take the elevator to the top or walk up the stairs (if you’re feeling brave). Either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city.
A one-week program in Paris that combines discovery, shopping, cultural visits and walks. Although there is a lot to see and do, one week is an ideal time to discover the city in depth. And you’ll probably want to come back!
DAY 1 – SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE AND DISCOVER PARIS
- To soak up the unique atmosphere of Paris, start your first day by going to the Île de la Cité. The historic heart of Paris, you will discover a former palace of the kings of France (Palais de Justice & Conciergerie), a royal square (Place Dauphine) as well as the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.
See our walking itinerary on the Ile de la Cité.
- For lunch, go to the Palais Royal. This superb monument hides an amazing garden, ideal for a break after this first morning of walking. You will find many bistros, bars and restaurants all around.
- Finish this first day in Paris by visiting the Louvre Museum. Count on at least 2 to 4 hours for the complete discovery of at least one wing of the museum.
DAY 2 – CULTURE AND HISTORY
- After this first busy day, you are ready to learn more about Paris and its history. Head to the Marais district, and start with the Carnavalet Museum, dedicated to the history of Paris.
Then walk around the Marais: don’t miss the Place des Vosges, the Rue des Rosiers, the Rue des Francs-Bourgesois… You’ll discover both 17th and 18th century mansions and a large number of designer boutiques. Combine culture and shopping, what more could you ask for!
- Then head to the Latin Quarter. This name comes from the fact that in this district, in the Middle Ages, university courses were given only in Latin. It remains today the major student center of Paris.
In the Latin Quarter, you can discover the Pantheon, the Arènes de Lutèce (one of the last Gallo-Roman remains in Paris), the Jardin des Plantes, a fabulous garden where flora from all over the world is represented, or the great mosque of Paris. It’s your choice!
DAY 3 – THE VILLAGES OF PARIS
- Paris is a city that can be visited on foot. To really discover its different districts, devote this third day to walking (and getting lost!), in Paris.
- When we think of Paris village, we think of course of Montmartre. To get the most out of the incomparable atmosphere of the place, try to go there early in the morning (around 9am). After mid-morning, some places like the Place du Tertre are crowded and lose some of their charm.
To learn more about the history of Montmartre, you can visit the Montmartre Museum, housed in one of the oldest houses on the hill. Otherwise, prefer the Dali Museum, which holds a beautiful collection of this unique artist.
- Two small Parisian “villages”, which have retained a country character in the middle of Paris, are also worth discovering, if you like to visit off the beaten track. You will find them in the 19th arrondissement, around the Parc des Buttes Chaumont: La Mouzaïa (also called the American district) or the Butte Bergeyre.
DAY 4 – THE EIFFEL TOWER AND THE TROCADERO
- Go to the Eiffel Tower as soon as it opens to avoid the long queue. After enjoying the magnificent views of Paris from the top of this iron giant, head to the Trocadero, opposite the Eiffel Tower. The esplanade offers a superb panorama of Paris.
Most of the buildings on the square (and its surroundings) were built during the World Fairs of 1878, 1900 and 1937. A very interesting district if you like architecture!
- In this area, the choice of tourist activities, and museums, is very large: you can visit the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, the Musée d’art moderne de la ville de Paris, the Musée Guimet (Asian arts), the Musée de la Marine, the Palais de Tokyo (contemporary art)… There is something for every taste!
- You can end this fourth day in Paris by strolling on the Allée des Cygnes, an artificial island in the middle of the Seine, where the Statue of Liberty is located. Or take a stroll in the 16th arrondissement to discover the Art Nouveau architecture of Paris.
DAY 5 – THE POPULAR PARIS
- Discovering the popular districts of Paris is also a must. To do so, go to the place de la république, then follow the Canal Saint-Martin to the bassin de la Villette. Far from the usual tourist districts, you will discover a typically Parisian atmosphere.
To discover in particular: the unusual garden of the Saint-Louis hospital, or the last lifting bridge of Paris.
You can then go to the Parc de la Villette, which, in addition to being a pleasant green space, is a major cultural center of Paris (Zenith, Cité des Sciences, Philharmonie, Cité de la Musique…).
DAY 6 – THE MUST-SEES
As you will have understood, one week is not enough to discover Paris… Here is a list of suggested places to see or things to do during your last day in Paris.
According to your desires… and the weather of the moment!
- Museums : The Musée d’Orsay and its extraordinary impressionist and post impressionist collection. The Palais de la Découverte, ideal for a visit with children, or the Centre Pompidou,
- Gardens : The Monceau park (17th district), the Buttes Chaumont park (19th), the Belleville park (20th), the Luxembourg garden (6th) or the Montsouris park (14th).
- Monuments : The Garnier Opera, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world, the Montparnasse Tower, which offers one of the most beautiful views of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides.
- Unusual: The Cité Internationale de Paris, the Saint-Serge de Radonège church (19th arrondissement), the Faubourg Saint-Antoine.
- Other: Discover the covered passages of Paris, visit Père-Lachaise, stroll in the Butte-aux-Cailles.
Hi, I’m Julien. I was born in Paris, France in 1985. I grew up in a lovely neighborhood in the city, and I’ve always loved Paris. It’s a beautiful, vibrant city with so much to see and do. I’ve been lucky enough to visit many other cities around the world, but there’s nothing quite like Paris.