Paris, France, is arguably the most romantic city in the world. The luxurious architecture, the Seine River, the baked goods—Paris is a city every human being must visit at some point in their lives. Follow this itinerary, and you will not regret your time traipsing through the stunning city. J’adore Paris!

When visiting Paris, you will probably want to fly unless you live in Europe, which in that case, you can either drive or take a train or other form of public transit. When staying in Paris you will not need a car, in fact, we advise against it. Public transportation in Paris is easy to use and accessible. The metro system is recommended.

Unlike other cities, Paris is separated by arrondissements or districts. Paris has seventeen arrondissements (formerly twenty, but were consolidated in 2020). For tourists, the 1st, 7th, 5th, and 9th arrondissements are great for lodging as they are close to tourist attractions. However, you can’t go wrong with most arrondissements. Paris is large and should be explored. The only neighborhoods best avoided are the Chateau Rouge neighborhood and Porte de La Chapelle.

Day 1 

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris! When you land at either Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, you will want to make your way to your hotel and lodging. Once you get there, make sure you find the closest cafe or boulangerie-pâtisserie in your arrondissement. You will want to start every morning in Paris with delicious coffee and divine pastries.

After a long day of traveling, you will probably want to take it easy. A leisurely outdoor activity is suggested. Visit the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. This 61-acre park is practically like a central park. The greenery is surrounded by bridges and plenty of space to wander and explore. After walking through Parc des Buttes Chaumont, we suggest visiting the Tuileries Gardens in the 1st arrondissement. Like Parc des Buttes Chaumont, this garden has a luxury that feels royal. Located near the Louvre - this public space was clearly once an exclusive royal location.

After a relaxing adventure in these parks, grab dinner and go to bed because tomorrow is going to be a fun-filled day.

Day 2

Although you just got to Paris, we suggest getting out - but only for the day. The top tourist attraction on your list must be the Palace of Versailles. Travel 12 miles outside of Paris and you will find yourself at the world-renowned palace and gardens that once belonged to the royal family of France before the 18th-century revolution.

The best way to plan your visit to Versailles is to book a tour which includes public transit to the palace. The palace is open everyday except Monday and the hours are 9:30 AM-6:30 PM. The gardens are open seven days a week and have similar hours.

Expect to spend all day here. Get advanced tickets and be on time. There are several different packages with different price ranges. I assure you, you will want to see everything!

By the time you return to Paris, it will be time for dinner. Grab dinner near your lodging. If you have enough energy, you must go out dancing. Find bars and clubs anywhere in the city, but look for nightlife in the Latin Quarter and Pigalle. Once you’ve tired yourself out, get to bed so you can start a new day.

Day 3

Since yesterday was a huge museum day, you should allow yourself a little freedom and fill your day with multiple excursions. After filling up on coffee and delicious morning pastries, take a walk up and down the Champs-Élysées. This is the day to check out the shops and small restaurants. Eat macarons, purchase souvenirs, and finish off your trek by stopping at L’Arc de Triomphe.

After you finish traipsing around this area, you should definitely grab lunch and then make your way to the Eiffel Tower. It’s a thirty minute scenic walk, or a quick cab or Uber ride. Make sure you get advanced tickets before visiting the most famous site in the city of Paris. The grounds around the tower are gated so make sure you can gain entrance. Walk around the grounds and make sure you take the elevator up so you can go to the top. Expect to spend an hour here.

After this, we suggest you just explore around the city. Walk up and down the Seine and see where you end up. Get dinner and then enjoy a night of dancing.

Day 4

After starting your day with coffee and breakfast, make your way to the 14th arrondissement so you can visit the Catacombs. The Catacombs is an underground burial site for six-million people. With bones and skulls on display, the Catacombs is a tourist attraction like no other. The Catacombs are open from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM everyday, but closed Monday. Make sure you get advanced tickets. Expect to spend one hour while you’re visiting. Make sure to hit the gift shop; the Catacombs gift shop has a ton of neat souvenirs.

After this, make sure you grab an espresso nearby before hitting your next stop. Next, you’ll take a twenty minute walk toward the Panthéon. The Panthéon is a large monument in the 5th arrondissement and is a must see. Get advanced tickets and make sure you are on time for your tour. The huge domes and the architecture are stunning and on par with structures like the Duomo in Florence or the Vatican. This temple is a sacred space. Many French historical figures are buried at the Panthéon including Voltaire, Marie Curie, and Victor Hugo. Expect to spend an hour touring the incredible and sacred structure.

After you finish touring the Panthéon, you must stop by the Original Shakespeare and Company located right off the Seine. This bookstore was frequented by many famous literary figures throughout history including Anais Nin, James Baldwin, and Allen Ginsberg. When you purchase a book at the store it gets stamped as purchased from the prolific and legendary bookstore.

Afterwards, make your way across the Seine to the ever famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Ever since the cathedral succumbed to a horrendous fire in 2019, Notre Dame has been closed to visitors. Although tourists are unable to tour the facility, it is important to walk by it and take in the famous beauty.

Instead of going to grab dinner, schedule a dining experience you will never forget. Have dinner on a boat tour on the Seine. Enjoy a full meal while getting to take in the city on the water. See all the important sites while feasting. There is nothing like watching the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower while it shimmers against the rippling waters of the Seine River. There are several dinner boat tours on the Seine that you can find online, booking one is easy. Expect to spend at least $65 USD per head. Don’t worry, the price is worth the experience.

Afterwards, find your way to the 8th arrondissement to see a cabaret performance at Crazy Horse. Crazy Horse has world-wide fame as an incredible and luxurious dance performance. Even Beyonce was so moved by it that it inspired one of her visual albums. Book tickets for a late night viewing online and be prompt to the performance. There are several packages that include drinks, champagne, and even caviar. Expect to spend two hours there. Afterward, take a car back to your lodging as it will be late at night.

Day 5

Today is going to be a full blown museum day. This is the Louvre Day. The museum is open every day except Tuesday, and the hours are reasonable 9 AM to 6 PM, except Friday which has extended hours until 9:45 PM. Get advanced tickets and be early as the line can get long. If you miss your entrance time you may have to purchase new tickets.

Expect to spend three hours minimum here, however one can spend three full days in the Louvre. Enjoy yourself and take in all the stunning art, especially the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. Afterward, grab dinner in the area and perhaps a drink somewhere and discuss all the art you’ve seen at the Louvre.

Day 6

After you wake up and have some pastries with espresso, make a morning hike to the famous and stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the 18th arrondissement. The Basilica is open 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM and admission is free. It’s a bit of a hike, so make sure you wear comfortable footwear. You can show up at any time and walk in and tour the sacred church. Expect to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the church.

Once you finish touring the church, you must visit a couple cemeteries. Montmartre Cemetery is nearby and is the burial ground for some of the most famous people including singer Dalida, film director François Truffaut, and artist Degas. Admission for the cemetery is free and the hours are typically 8 AM to 6 PM. Spend as little or as much time there as you wish.

After Montmartre Cemetery, take a subway ride across the city to Père Lachaise Cemetery. The hours are the same here and expect to spend an hour here as well. Visit the famous graves of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and the like.

After the cemetery visits, make sure to grab a delicious dinner in this area. Since Algeria was a French territory, Algerian cuisine is present all over Paris. Find an Algerian restaurant so you can experience authentic Algerian cuisine that you wouldn’t have anywhere else.

After dinner, get nightcap drinks closer to your lodging. Go to bed so you can start tomorrow refreshed and ready to go.

Day 7

This is your last day in Paris before you go home, so it’s time to seize the day! Although it’s your last day we want to offer you some freedom. After your morning coffee and pastry, find your way to the 11th arrondissement so you can visit the Edith Piaf museum. Unlike other museums in the area, the Piaf museum holds strange hours. The museum is only open Monday through Wednesday from 1 to 6 PM, but admission is free. Stop by and tour the tiny museum and see artifacts owned by the unforgettable voice of France. Expect to spend 45 minutes at the museum.

Afterwards, walk along the city and find yourself to Seine to walk along the path. Explore the little boutiques and sidewalk sales. Paris is a city that you can happily get lost in. Give yourself the permission to enjoy the city of romance. Have a long goodbye while strolling through.

Day 8

Have your final morning espresso and pastry before you board your flights at either airport. Purchase some macarons in your terminal before you board your flight. Although the farewell is bittersweet, you will always have the memories. You will always have Paris.

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