Day 1: Classic Paris
Morning: Start your Paris adventure at the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take in the breathtaking view from the top. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, enjoy the tower from Champs de Mars with a fresh croissant in hand. Next, take a scenic walk along the Seine to Trocadéro for the best photo ops. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a Bateaux Mouches river cruise to see the city’s most famous landmarks from the water.in its walls.
Afternoon: Head to Île de la Cité to visit the stunning newly-restored Notre-Dame Cathedral. Stroll through the charming streets of the Latin Quarter, popping into the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Then, make your way to the Louvre, the world’s largest museum. Even if you’re not a museum person, seeing the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace is a must. If you have time, explore the less crowded sections of the museum, such as the Richelieu Wing and the impressive Egyptian Antiquities section.
Evening: Wrap up your day with a sunset aperitif at a rooftop bar like Le Perchoir, offering stunning city views. If you’re up for a late-night adventure, take a moonlit stroll along the Seine River, where Paris truly shines at night.
Save Tip: Take the stairs instead of the elevator at the Eiffel Tower for a cheaper and more rewarding climb with incredible views along the way.
Splurge Tip: Book a private evening tour of the Louvre for an intimate, crowd-free experience with an art historian. The Louvre has extended hours on Fridays and close at 9 pm.
Day 2: Montmartre and Artsy Paris
Morning: Climb the steps (or take the funicular) to Sacré-Cœur for one of the best panoramic views of Paris. Then, wander through Montmartre’s cobbled streets, discovering artists at Place du Tertre and hidden gems like Le Consulat Café. Stop by Musée de Montmartre, a lesser-known but fascinating museum that captures the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit. Don’t forget to visit Dalí Paris, a small museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí’s surrealist masterpieces.
Afternoon: Make your way to Musée d’Orsay, home to masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. The museum’s grand clock windows offer another beautiful view of the city. After soaking up the art, cross the Seine to the trendy Saint-Germain-des-Prés district for a long, leisurely lunch at Les Deux Magots, another historic literary café. If you have time, stop by Eglise Saint-Sulpice, a stunning yet underrated church with grand murals and a fascinating history.
Evening: Experience the magic of a classic Parisian cabaret show at the legendary Moulin Rouge. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to the Belle Époque era with its opulent décor, red velvet curtains, and sparkling chandeliers. Enjoy a spectacular show featuring elaborate costumes, high-energy dance performances, and the famous French can-can.
Save Tip: Skip the funicular and take the stairs to Sacré-Cœur for free exercise with a view.
Splurge Tip: Book a VIP experience at Moulin Rouge, complete with champagne and the best seats in the house. After all, you can only experience this in Paris.
Day 3: Off-beaten and Foodie Paris
Morning: Start your day with a visit to Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece with dazzling stained glass. Then, head to Galerie Vivienne, one of the historic covered passages of Paris, for a taste of old-world charm. If you’re into quirky experiences, visit Poilâne Bakery, the oldest in Paris, for a fresh loaf of sourdough. Take a short detour to Rue Cler, a famous market street lined with bakeries, cheese shops, and flower stalls.
Afternoon: Explore Le Marais, one of Paris’s most charming districts. Browse quirky boutiques, stop by Place des Vosges, and enjoy some of the best falafel in the city at L’As du Fallafel. For more Parisian history, visit Musée Carnavalet, which dives into the fascinating past of Paris. For a sweet and elegant snack break, try a macaron-tasting session at Ladurée or Pierre Hermé.
Evening: Choose your own foodie adventure. Indulge in a decadent dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Epicure, or take a Seine River dinner cruise for a romantic experience with breathtaking views. If you’re a fan of cocktails, consider visiting Little Red Door, one of Paris’s best speakeasies.
Save Tip: Skip the funicular and take the stairs to Sacré-Cœur for free exercise with a view.
Splurge Tip: Book a hands-on French pastry-making class. Many classes take place in charming Parisian kitchens, making it a quintessential culinary experience.
Day 4: Gardens and Shopping
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Palais Garnier, the historic opera house. The grandeur of its golden foyer and the mesmerizing ceiling painted by Chagall make it a must-see. This is easily one of the most beautiful buildings in all of France. After taking a guided tour, take a leisurely walk to Jardin du Luxembourg. Stroll through its manicured gardens, find a peaceful spot by the Medici Fountain.
Afternoon: Enjoy a full-on Parisian shopping adventure, starting at the luxury boutiques of Avenue Montaigne, moving to the elegant Galeries Lafayette, and then exploring vintage finds at Saint-Ouen flea market. Finish with a walk through the stylish Le Marais district, where you can find unique designer pieces, indie shops, and charming cafés for a mid-shopping break.h-language bookstores in Europe.
Evening: End your trip with Parisian wine and cheese tasting. Many cafes and bistros offer this in a wide range of prices. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along the Seine, stopping at Pont Alexandre III for one last breathtaking view of the city’s shimmering lights.
Save Tip: Window shop and people-watch at Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop terrace for a free stunning view.
Splurge Tip: Catch a show a Palais Garnier. If you think this building is gorgeous during the day, wait until you see it at night time. It is absolutely magnificent.
It is impossible to see everything in Louvre in one day, so if like most people (including me) you are happy to just see the highlights, you can consider dropping by from 3 pm onwards. Do a self guided tour of the Louvre’s Museum Masterpieces visitor trail which lasts for about 1.5 hours.