Paris is one of those cities where seven days can still feel surprisingly short.
The French capital combines world-famous museums, historic neighbourhoods, grand boulevards, Gothic churches, palace architecture, fashion, cafés, food markets, gardens and the River Seine.
A first visit naturally includes the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, but Paris becomes much more interesting when you go beyond the obvious landmarks.
This seven-day itinerary combines the essential sights with Montmartre, Île de la Cité, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, Versailles, French food experiences and a Seine cruise.
It also deliberately groups attractions by area so you spend more time exploring and less time travelling across the city.
Quick Paris Trip Overview
| Travel detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Destination | Paris, France |
| Recommended duration | 7 days |
| Country | France |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | French |
| Main airports | Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY) |
| Time zone | Central European Time / Central European Summer Time |
| Ideal for | Couples, families, culture, food, history, shopping and art |
| Recommended bases | 1st–8th, 9th, 11th, 15th or nearby central arrondissements |
| Best overall periods | April–June and September–October |
| Peak period | June–August |
| Main attractions | Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, Musée d'Orsay, Versailles |
| Typical trip style | City sightseeing + museums + food + neighbourhood exploration |
Paris has 20 arrondissements, and choosing the right neighbourhood can substantially affect how convenient your holiday feels.
For a first visit, central areas along the Seine or near major Metro connections make it easier to reach the city's principal attractions.
Before You Travel to Paris
1. Book Your Flight
Paris is served by major international airports, principally Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris-Orly Airport.
If travelling internationally, compare both airports rather than assuming CDG is automatically the most convenient.
2. Book Your Hotel
Paris accommodation ranges from budget hostels and compact city hotels to five-star properties and luxury apartments.
For a first visit, consider staying somewhere with easy access to a Metro station rather than paying a premium simply for an Eiffel Tower view.
3. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can cover trip disruption, baggage issues, medical emergencies and other unexpected problems.
4. Get an eSIM
Paris has extensive connectivity, but an eSIM can make arrival much easier because you can have mobile data immediately for:
Maps
Metro directions
Translation
Restaurant searches
Booking confirmations
Ride-hailing
5. Arrange Airport Transfer
A private airport transfer is convenient if you have several bags or arrive late.
However, Paris also has extensive public transport connections from both major airports.
France Visa Requirements
France is part of the Schengen Area.
Visa requirements depend on nationality, residence status and the purpose and duration of travel.
For travellers applying from Kenya, France-Visas states that applications are submitted by appointment through TLScontact in Nairobi, with applications processed by the French Embassy. The official guidance says applications should be submitted at least 15 days before intended travel, although travellers should apply well in advance because appointment availability varies.
Check France-Visas requirements for Kenya
Do not book expensive non-refundable arrangements until you have checked the applicable visa requirements for your passport.
Where to Stay in Paris
Paris is divided into neighbourhoods rather than having one single tourist centre.
1st Arrondissement — Best for Major Attractions
This is an excellent location for first-time visitors who want to be close to:
Louvre
Tuileries Garden
Palais Royal
Seine
Place de la Concorde
The downside is that accommodation can be expensive.
4th Arrondissement — Best for Historic Paris
The 4th gives you easy access to:
Notre-Dame
Île de la Cité
Le Marais
Hôtel de Ville
Seine
It is particularly good for travellers who want to walk.
5th Arrondissement — Best for Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is packed with:
Historic streets
Restaurants
Bookshops
Universities
The Panthéon
Jardin des Plantes
It has a lively atmosphere without feeling as commercial as some central tourist areas.
6th Arrondissement — Best for Saint-Germain
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is associated with cafés, galleries, boutiques and elegant Parisian streets.
It is particularly attractive for couples and travellers interested in food, fashion and atmosphere.
7th Arrondissement — Best for Eiffel Tower Access
This is a logical choice if seeing the Eiffel Tower from your neighbourhood is important.
It is also convenient for:
Musée d'Orsay
Invalides
Champs de Mars
Seine
Expect higher accommodation prices.
9th Arrondissement — Best for Shopping and Nightlife
The area around Opéra and the Grands Boulevards is useful for:
Department stores
Restaurants
Theatre
Nightlife
Transport connections
Complete 7-Day Paris Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival + Seine + Eiffel Tower
Don't overload your first day.
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Paris
Arrive at CDG or Orly.
Travel into the city and check into your accommodation.
Airport Transport
Paris' 2026 public transport system has a specific Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket costing €14 for journeys to or from CDG or Orly using the designated metro, RER, train and Orlyval services.
From Orly, Metro Line 14 connects the airport with central Paris, including Châtelet, in roughly 20 minutes.
From CDG, the RER B is the main rail connection into central Paris.
Late Afternoon: Walk Along the Seine
Once checked in, take a relaxed walk.
Depending on your location, explore:
Seine riverbanks
Île de la Cité
Place de la Concorde
Tuileries
Champs de Mars
Don't worry about ticking off attractions yet.
Evening: Eiffel Tower
Head towards the Eiffel Tower around sunset.
The official Eiffel Tower website currently lists evening opening and recommends an evening visit; opening times vary by date.
You can choose:
Ground-level viewing
Second-floor visit
Summit visit
Restaurant experience
The official site currently lists adult tickets from €6 for some second-floor options, with different prices depending on whether you use stairs or elevators and whether you go to the summit.
Best Strategy
Book the official ticket in advance where possible.
Avoid buying questionable "skip-the-line" tickets from street sellers or unofficial websites.
Evening
Have dinner in the area or return to your neighbourhood.
Overnight: Paris
Day 2 — Louvre + Tuileries + Palais Royal
Today is your major art day.
Morning: Louvre Museum
Arrive early.
The Louvre is enormous, so don't attempt to see everything.
Choose a focused route.
Possible highlights include:
Mona Lisa
Venus de Milo
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Egyptian antiquities
French paintings
European sculpture
Decorative arts
The Louvre currently opens Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; it is closed Tuesdays. The official site lists the non-EEA visitor rate at €32 from 14 January 2026.
Check the official calendar before visiting because individual galleries can occasionally be closed.
Book the Louvre through its official ticketing system
Afternoon: Tuileries Garden
Exit the Louvre and walk directly into the Tuileries Garden.
Take a break.
Have coffee or lunch nearby.
The garden is free to enter, with opening hours changing seasonally.
Palais Royal
Walk towards Palais Royal.
Explore:
Cour d'Honneur
Colonnes de Buren
Gardens
Surrounding arcades
Evening: Rue de Rivoli
Continue through the central shopping and sightseeing area.
Have dinner around the 1st or 2nd arrondissement.
Overnight: Paris
Day 3 — Île de la Cité + Notre-Dame + Latin Quarter + Saint-Germain
Today is dedicated to historic Paris.
Morning: Notre-Dame
Start at Notre-Dame de Paris.
The cathedral reopened to visitors following its restoration and is now one of the central sights on Île de la Cité.
Allow time to appreciate both the exterior and interior.
Sainte-Chapelle
Walk to Sainte-Chapelle.
Its enormous stained-glass windows are among the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Paris.
The Paris tourist office describes Sainte-Chapelle as a masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.
Consider booking a combined Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie ticket.
The official Paris tourist office currently lists the combined ticket from €23.
Conciergerie
Continue to the Conciergerie.
The former medieval royal residence later became a prison and is strongly associated with the French Revolution.
Afternoon: Latin Quarter
Cross into the Latin Quarter.
Explore:
Rue de la Huchette
Shakespeare and Company area
Sorbonne surroundings
Panthéon
Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
Late Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens
Walk or take the Metro towards the Luxembourg Gardens.
Relax among:
Gardens
Statues
Tree-lined paths
Fountains
Evening: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Finish the day around Saint-Germain.
Have dinner at a traditional French restaurant or enjoy a classic Parisian café.
Overnight: Paris
Day 4 — Musée d'Orsay + Champs-Élysées + Arc de Triomphe
Morning: Musée d'Orsay
Start at Musée d'Orsay.
It is particularly important for visitors interested in Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
Look for works associated with:
Monet
Renoir
Degas
Cézanne
Van Gogh
Manet
The official Paris tourist office currently lists Musée d'Orsay tickets from €16.
Allow at least two to three hours.
Afternoon: Champs-Élysées
Walk towards the Champs-Élysées.
You can stop around:
Place de la Concorde
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Luxury boutiques
Cafés
Arc de Triomphe
Continue to the Arc de Triomphe.
The rooftop provides a major panoramic view over Paris.
You can see the radial arrangement of the city's major avenues.
Evening: Dinner
Explore the 8th arrondissement or return to your accommodation.
For a special evening, consider a dinner cruise on the Seine.
The official Paris tourist office currently lists Seine cruises from around €17 for a standard one-hour sightseeing cruise, while dinner cruises cost considerably more.
Overnight: Paris
Day 5 — Versailles Day Trip
Today you leave central Paris.
Morning: Travel to Versailles
Take the RER C towards Versailles.
The RER C serves the Palace of Versailles area.
Allow enough time for the journey and security procedures.
Palace of Versailles
Spend several hours exploring:
State Apartments
Hall of Mirrors
Royal Chapel
Gardens
Grand Trianon
Petit Trianon
Queen's Hamlet
The official Versailles ticketing system offers different ticket products depending on what is operating on your chosen date, including Passport tickets and seasonal fountain or musical garden experiences.
Check official Versailles tickets
Afternoon
Spend substantial time in the gardens.
Don't make the mistake of treating Versailles as just an indoor palace.
The grounds are enormous.
Consider renting a small vehicle or bicycle where available if you want to cover more ground.
Evening: Return to Paris
Return to central Paris.
Have a simple dinner and rest.
Overnight: Paris
Day 6 — Montmartre + Sacré-Cœur + Le Marais
Today combines two of Paris' most atmospheric neighbourhoods.
Morning: Montmartre
Start early.
Explore:
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Place du Tertre
Montmartre streets
Artists' quarter
Moulin de la Galette
Rue des Abbesses
Walk rather than rushing from attraction to attraction.
Montmartre's streets are part of the experience.
Sacré-Cœur
Visit the Basilica and enjoy the elevated view over Paris.
The surrounding steps and gardens provide one of the city's classic panoramic perspectives.
Afternoon: Le Marais
Take the Metro towards Le Marais.
Explore:
Place des Vosges
Hôtel de Sully
Rue des Rosiers
Jewish Quarter
Boutiques
Art galleries
Historic hôtels particuliers
Food Stop
Try:
Falafel
French pastries
Cheese
Crêpes
Chocolate
Specialty coffee
Evening: Bastille
Continue towards Bastille.
This is a good area for dinner and nightlife.
Overnight: Paris
Day 7 — Canal Saint-Martin + Shopping + Seine Cruise
Your final day should be flexible.
Morning: Canal Saint-Martin
Start around Canal Saint-Martin.
Walk along:
Canal banks
Bridges
Cafés
Independent boutiques
This gives you a more local-feeling Paris experience after several days of major attractions.
Late Morning: Shopping
Depending on your interests, choose:
Galeries Lafayette
Best for:
Fashion
Beauty
Department-store experience
Rooftop views
Le Marais
Best for:
Independent boutiques
Fashion
Vintage
Design
Saint-Germain
Best for:
Luxury
Books
Art
Elegant boutiques
Afternoon: Final Paris Café
Don't schedule another museum.
Sit down.
Have coffee and a pastry.
Enjoy the streets.
Evening: Seine Cruise
Finish the trip on the Seine.
The Paris tourist office describes the cruise as a way to see major monuments including Notre-Dame, the Conciergerie, Grand Palais and Eiffel Tower from the river.
Choose between:
Standard sightseeing cruise
Sunset cruise
Dinner cruise
Browse official Paris sightseeing experiences
Then return to your hotel and prepare for departure.
Overnight: Paris
10 Paris Experiences to Book in Advance
1. Eiffel Tower
Reserve your preferred floor and time.
2. Louvre Museum
Advance planning is particularly useful because of the museum's size and visitor demand.
3. Versailles
Book according to the specific ticket and seasonal programme you want.
4. Seine Cruise
Choose between sightseeing, sunset and dinner cruises.
5. Musée d'Orsay
Particularly worthwhile for art lovers.
6. Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie
A strong combination for history and architecture.
7. Montmartre Walking Tour
A guided tour can add context to the neighbourhood's artistic history.
8. French Cooking Class
Learn how to prepare classic French dishes.
9. Paris Food Tour
Explore markets, bakeries, cheese shops, chocolate and local specialities.
10. Cabaret Experience
For an evening entertainment experience, consider one of Paris' established cabarets.
Browse Paris tours and experiences
Getting Around Paris
Paris is one of the easiest major European cities to explore without a rental car.
Metro
The Metro is usually the fastest way to cross central Paris.
Paris currently has 16 Metro lines and more than 300 stations. The network generally runs from around 6:00 a.m. until approximately 12:45 a.m., with later service on Friday and Saturday nights.
RER
Use the RER for destinations farther from central Paris.
Examples include:
CDG Airport — RER B
Versailles — RER C
Disneyland Paris — RER A
2026 Public Transport Prices
The 2026 full-price Metro-Train-RER ticket is €2.55.
A Bus-Tram ticket is €2.05.
The Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket is €14.
A Navigo Day pass is currently €12.30, excluding airport journeys.
For tourists making many journeys, compare the cost of individual tickets with a Paris Visite pass before purchasing.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to experience Paris.
Several major attractions are close enough to combine on foot.
Taxi / Ride-Hailing
Useful when:
Carrying luggage
Travelling late
Travelling with children
Moving between locations poorly served by Metro
Rental Car
Generally unnecessary for a seven-day Paris holiday.
If you are extending your trip into the French countryside, however, a rental car becomes more useful.
Food to Try in Paris
Paris is one of the world's great food cities.
Croissant
Start at a neighbourhood boulangerie rather than a tourist restaurant.
Baguette
Try a traditional French baguette fresh from a bakery.
Crêpes
Available as sweet or savoury versions.
Croque Monsieur
A classic French toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich.
Steak-Frites
A simple but iconic French combination.
Onion Soup
A traditional Parisian comfort food.
Duck Confit
Slow-cooked duck served with traditional accompaniments.
Escargots
For adventurous travellers.
Cheese
Try regional French cheeses with bread and wine if you drink.
Macarons
Look for established pâtisseries and specialist macaron shops.
French Pastries
Try:
Éclair
Mille-feuille
Tarte
Financier
Paris-Brest
Estimated 7-Day Paris Budget
Paris costs vary enormously depending on accommodation and dining choices.
These are planning ranges excluding international flights.
Budget Traveller
Approximately €900–1,400 per person.
Possible profile:
Hostel or budget hotel
Metro
Bakeries and inexpensive restaurants
Free attractions
Selected paid museums
Limited organised tours
Mid-Range Traveller
Approximately €1,600–2,700 per person.
Possible profile:
Comfortable 3–4 star hotel
Public transport
Major museum tickets
Versailles
Seine cruise
Restaurant meals
Food experiences
Several paid attractions
Luxury Traveller
Approximately €4,000–8,000+ per person.
Possible profile:
Five-star hotel
Private transfers
Fine dining
Private tours
Premium Eiffel Tower experience
Private Seine cruise
Luxury shopping
Chauffeur services
International flights can add considerably to the overall cost.
Best Time to Visit Paris
April–May
Spring brings:
Mild temperatures
Blossoming gardens
Longer days
Good sightseeing conditions
It is a strong period for walking around the city.
June
Long daylight hours make June particularly attractive.
You can fit more sightseeing into each day.
The trade-off is increasing visitor numbers and prices.
July–August
Summer brings long days and major tourist activity.
Paris can be hot during heatwaves.
Accommodation prices can also be high.
Some independent businesses close temporarily during the summer holiday period.
September–October
Early autumn can provide a good balance between:
Comfortable temperatures
Cultural events
Walkability
Fewer summer crowds
November–February
Winter can be colder and darker, but Paris has advantages during the low season.
You may find:
Lower accommodation prices
Christmas markets
Seasonal decorations
Fewer visitors at some attractions
Pack appropriately for cold and wet weather.
What to Pack for Paris
Comfortable Shoes
You will walk a lot.
Bring comfortable shoes rather than sacrificing your feet for fashion.
Layered Clothing
Paris weather can change.
Bring:
T-shirts
Light jacket
Sweater
Comfortable trousers
Rain jacket
Smart-Casual Outfit
If you plan to dine somewhere upscale or attend a performance, pack one polished outfit.
Umbrella
A compact umbrella is useful.
Phone + Power Bank
Navigation can consume battery quickly.
Universal Adapter
France uses European-style Type C and Type E sockets.
Day Bag
Use a comfortable small bag for:
Passport copy
Phone
Wallet
Water
Power bank
Tickets
Paris Travel Tips
1. Don't Try to See the Louvre in Two Hours
Choose a route.
The museum is enormous.
2. Book Major Attractions
Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Versailles are all worth planning ahead.
3. Check Official Websites
The Louvre warns visitors about fraudulent ticket websites and street sellers.
Use official ticketing channels wherever possible.
4. Learn a Few French Words
Even basic phrases can make everyday interactions easier.
Useful phrases include:
Bonjour
Merci
S'il vous plaît
Excusez-moi
Au revoir
5. Validate or Properly Use Your Transport Ticket
Paris transport tickets can be checked, and travellers without valid tickets can be fined.
6. Watch Your Belongings
Tourist-heavy areas and crowded transport require normal urban precautions.
7. Don't Eat Every Meal Near a Major Attraction
Walk a few streets away and explore neighbourhood restaurants.
8. Leave Time for Wandering
Some of your best Paris memories may come from streets that were never on your itinerary.
9. Reserve One Evening for the Seine
Paris looks completely different from the river after dark.
10. Don't Over-Schedule Versailles
It is large enough to deserve most of a day.
Useful Paris Booking Links
Flights
Hotels
Travel Insurance
Airalo eSIM
Alternative eSIM/SIM
Airport Transfer
Car Rental
Tours
Attractions
Official Paris Tourist Office
Paris je t'aime — official tourism information
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris
Is 7 days enough for Paris?
Yes. Seven days allows you to cover the major landmarks while also exploring neighbourhoods, museums, food and Versailles.
How much money do I need for 7 days in Paris?
A budget traveller can plan around €900–1,400 excluding international flights, while a mid-range traveller may spend approximately €1,600–2,700. Luxury trips can exceed €4,000 significantly.
What is the best area to stay in Paris?
Central areas such as the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th arrondissements are convenient for first-time visitors, but the best area depends on whether you prioritise sightseeing, nightlife, food, shopping or a quieter atmosphere.
How many days do I need for the Louvre?
Allow at least three hours for a meaningful first visit. Art lovers can spend considerably longer.
Is Versailles worth a day trip?
Yes. The palace, gardens and estate are large enough to justify most of a day.
Can I visit Paris without renting a car?
Absolutely. The Metro, RER, buses and walking routes make a car unnecessary for most city holidays. Paris has a dense public transport network covering the capital and surrounding region.
Is Paris expensive?
Paris can be expensive, particularly for accommodation and fine dining, but travellers can control costs through public transport, bakeries, local restaurants, free attractions and carefully selected hotels.
What airport should I use for Paris?
Charles de Gaulle and Orly are the principal airports. Compare the flight price, arrival time and accommodation location before deciding.
Can I use public transport from CDG to central Paris?
Yes. The RER B connects Charles de Gaulle Airport with central Paris, and the 2026 airport ticket costs €14.
How do I get from Orly Airport to Paris?
Metro Line 14 provides a direct connection into central Paris, including Châtelet, while other public transport options are also available.
Is the Eiffel Tower open at night?
Yes. Opening times vary by date, and the official Eiffel Tower site currently lists evening visits.
Should I book the Eiffel Tower in advance?
Advance booking is sensible if you want a particular date, time or access level. Official tickets are sold through the Eiffel Tower's official website.
What food should I try in Paris?
Start with croissants, baguettes, crêpes, French pastries, steak-frites, onion soup, cheese, duck confit and local dishes from neighbourhood restaurants.
Is Paris good for couples?
Yes. Seine cruises, cafés, museums, gardens, restaurants and evening walks provide many options for a romantic trip.
Is Paris good for families?
Yes. Families can combine major landmarks with parks, boat cruises, museums and attractions designed for younger visitors.
Final 7-Day Paris Booking Checklist
Before travelling, make sure you have:
Flight booked
Hotel booked
Visa requirements checked
Travel insurance purchased
eSIM arranged
Airport transfer or public transport plan prepared
Eiffel Tower ticket booked
Louvre ticket booked
Versailles ticket booked
Seine cruise considered
Musée d'Orsay ticket planned
Sainte-Chapelle ticket planned
Airport-to-city transport understood
Metro/RER ticket strategy chosen
Comfortable walking shoes packed
Rain jacket or umbrella packed
European travel adapter packed
Passport and travel documents secured
Restaurant reservations made where necessary
Some euros or suitable payment method available
The Ideal 7-Day Paris Experience
Paris is best experienced in layers.
Start with the landmarks everyone knows: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre-Dame.
Then move into the city's history through Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle, the Latin Quarter and Versailles.
Spend another day with the artists of Montmartre and the neighbourhoods of Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
And leave enough time for the things that cannot be scheduled neatly — sitting at a café, walking beside the Seine, entering a small bakery, browsing a bookshop or discovering a quiet Parisian street.
A seven-day itinerary therefore gives you much more than a checklist of monuments.
It gives you art, architecture, history, food, fashion, neighbourhoods, gardens, river views and the everyday rhythm of Paris.
For transport, Paris' 2026 system is particularly useful for visitors: the Metro-Train-RER single ticket is €2.55, the airport ticket is €14, and the Metro network operates late into the evening.
The key is to book the major attractions in advance, group sightseeing by neighbourhood, and deliberately leave some hours unplanned.
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