How many days do you need in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Montmartre — Paris holds so many iconic sites that first-time visitors often face a planning dilemma. How many days in Paris does one actually need? There’s no perfect answer. It really depends on what kind of trip you want. First-time visitors might feel pressure to see everything, but that’s not realistic—or enjoyable. Instead of cramming in every attraction, focus on what interests you most and pace yourself. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the goal isn’t to check off a list—it’s to experience Paris in a way that actually feels good. 

How many days do you need to see Paris?

How many days do you need in Paris might depend a bit on your travel style. For the efficiency-focused travelers, 2 days can cover major landmarks if you prioritize ruthlessly and use skip-the-line passes. Most people find that three to four days gives enough time to explore without feeling rushed, while five to seven days might be better if you want more local experiences. 

If you’re first time setting foot in the city, adding an extra day helps, since unexpected detours are inevitable. If it's your first trip to France in general, be sure to see our guide to how to plan a trip to France.

If museums are a priority, plan accordingly: the Louvre alone can take four hours or more. Paris also has rotating museum closure days (the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, the Orsay on Mondays), so double-check schedules when planning.

Seasonal timing in France matters too—winter visits are less crowded but have shorter daylight hours (8 hours in December vs. 16 in June). No matter how long you stay, you’ll always leave with more to see next time.

2 days in Paris

Two days in Paris gives you just enough time to see the city’s biggest landmarks without feeling like you’re in a race. You’ll need to keep a steady pace, focusing on essentials like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. 

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

Start your day at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even with restoration work still underway from the 2019 fire, its silhouette is as recognizable as ever, and still one of the best places to visit in France. From there, follow the Seine to Shakespeare and Company, the legendary bookstore where writers like James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway once gathered. By mid-morning, the Latin Quarter is full of students from the Sorbonne, just as it has been for centuries.

Head to the Louvre when it opens at 9 AM to avoid the worst of the crowds. The building itself has a long history—it started as a fortress, and you can still see parts of its medieval foundations in the basement. Beyond the famous works, the Napoleon III Apartments give a glimpse into 19th-century luxury. When it’s time for lunch, Bistrot Vivienne serves classic French dishes inside a beautifully preserved 19th-century passage.

In the afternoon, take a walk through the Tuileries Garden and make your way toward the Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the best spots to catch the sunset, and unlike the Eiffel Tower, you usually don’t need to book ahead. Wrap up the day with dinner at Le Baratin, where chef Raquel Carena brings Argentinian flavors into classic French cooking.

Day 2

Start early at the Eiffel Tower, when the morning light reflects in the Trocadéro fountains, and one of the best things to do in France. It was originally meant to be temporary, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, but its use as a radio antenna kept it from being torn down. Walk through Champ de Mars, once a military training ground, now a quiet green space. 

Not far away, Les Invalides is home to Napoleon’s tomb beneath its golden dome. The Rodin Museum, set in the mansion where the artist once lived, has sculptures both inside and scattered throughout its garden. For lunch, Le Comptoir serves classic bistro dishes in a space that looks much the same as it did decades ago.

In the evening, a Seine cruise is one of the best ways to see the city’s bridges lit up. The Pont Alexandre III, with its gold-leafed statues, stands out as the sky darkens. End the night in Montmartre, where Sacré-Cœur’s white stone always looks bright thanks to its self-cleaning properties. At La Buvette, you’ll find natural wines and small plates in a laid-back space that feels more like a friend’s living room than a bar.

3 days in Paris

With three days, you can balance sightseeing with a bit more breathing room. Alongside must-see spots, you'll have time to explore neighborhoods like Le Marais or Canal Saint-Martin—places that feel less touristy but still very much Parisian. If you want to skip the main tourist sights all together, see our sights to getting off the tourist trail in Paris.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3

Spend the morning wandering the Marais, where narrow medieval streets open up to quiet courtyards. Place des Vosges, Paris's oldest planned square, was once home to Victor Hugo while he wrote Les Misérables. His former apartment is now a small museum. The Picasso Museum, set in a grand 17th-century mansion, is also worth a stop.

Start your day with pastries from Du Pain et des Idées—if you're up for something different, the pistachio-chocolate escargot is a good choice. For lunch, head to Rue des Rosiers in the Jewish Quarter, where L'As du Fallafel serves one of the best falafels in the city.

In the afternoon, check out the Centre Pompidou. Its exposed pipes and color-coded utilities make it one of the most unusual buildings in Paris. The top floor has a great panoramic view.

As the sun sets, make your way to Canal Saint-Martin, where locals gather for apéro—pre-dinner drinks and snacks. Le Verre Volé is known for natural wines, while Le Chateaubriand serves a modern take on French cooking. If it's on the menu, the beef tartare with oyster cream is worth trying. There's a reason why Paris is sometimes argued to have some of the best food in the world.

4 days in Paris

Four days lets you settle in a little more. You'll still cover the main attractions, but there's time for a day trip to Versailles without feeling like you're missing out on the city itself. 

Suggested itinerary

Day 4

Start the morning with a trip to Versailles. Getting there before it opens gives you a quieter look at the Hall of Mirrors, where the early light reflects off hundreds of chandeliers. The gardens are full of hidden groves where Louis XIV once hosted extravagant parties, and some of the original 17th-century fountains still run. At Marie Antoinette's farm, vegetables are still grown using historical methods.

Back in Paris, take a walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery, which feels more like an open-air sculpture garden. Jim Morrison's grave tends to get the most visitors, but Oscar Wilde's lipstick-covered tomb and Édith Piaf's family plot each have their own stories.

End the day in the 11th arrondissement, a neighborhood known for its creative energy and food scene. In Oberkampf, Septime La Cave serves small plates and natural wines, Clamato focuses on seafood tapas, and Le Perchoir's rooftop bar has a final view of the city's rooftops as the sun goes down.  

Best areas to stay in Paris

Paris has plenty of great neighborhoods, but where you stay can shape your experience. If it's your first time, you might want a central spot with classic Parisian charm. If you're traveling with family, somewhere quieter but still close to major sights is a better fit. For a more in-depth look, be sure to check out our guide to the best areas to stay in Paris. 

Le Marais: Best for first-time visitors

Le Marais is the Paris you picture—narrow medieval streets, grand townhouses, lively cafés, and some of the city's best shopping. Place des Vosges, the city's oldest square, is at its heart, and big-name sights like Notre-Dame and the Louvre are within walking distance. It's a busy, stylish neighborhood, especially on weekends, with a mix of art galleries, vintage stores, and packed café terraces.

7th Arrondissement: Best for families

The 7th has the Eiffel Tower, wide open spaces like Champ de Mars, and a quieter, more residential feel than trendier areas. Families will appreciate the easy access to kid-friendly attractions like the Musée d'Orsay and the Seine's riverbanks. Rue Cler, a market street lined with bakeries and fresh produce stands, is perfect for picking up picnic supplies. Evenings here are relaxed, and public transport makes getting around simple.

Rue des Martyrs (9th Arrondissement): Best for food lovers

If food is your priority, Rue des Martyrs in South Pigalle is where you want to be. This street is packed with nearly 200 specialty shops—patisseries that have been around for a century, cheese shops with aging cellars, and butchers selling prime cuts. It's also a hotspot for young chefs blending classic French techniques with global flavors. Mornings are all about fresh bread and market runs, while evenings bring lively wine bars and packed restaurants serving some of the city's most exciting food.

Things to know before going to Paris

Paris is best with a little planning. While it's fun to wander, booking museum tickets and restaurant reservations ahead of time saves you from wasting hours in line. The city runs on a later schedule than you might expect—dinner spots don't usually open until 7:30 PM, and locals won't sit down until 8:30 PM or later.

The city is split into 20 arrondissements (districts) that spiral out from the center, each with its own personality. Weather can change fast, so pack layers and a light rain jacket. If you can, skip Paris in August—many local businesses shut down for vacation, and it's packed with tourists. And for tips, see our France travel advice.

Daily budget

Paris isn't the cheapest city, but you can make it work at different price points. Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense, with hotel rooms in central neighborhoods starting around €150 per night. If you're looking for some ideas to save money, see our guide to how to see Paris on a budget. 

• Budget (€70-100 / $75-110 per day): This gets you a dorm bed in a hostel or a budget hotel in outer arrondissements, self-catered meals or street food, and a Métro pass. Staying in residential areas like the 11th or 13th can help stretch your budget. Look out for free museum days to save even more, and be sure to see what  else you can do in Paris for free.
• Mid-range (€150-250 / $165-275 per day): This covers a comfortable hotel in a central neighborhood, meals at classic bistros and brasseries, museum passes, and a few guided tours. This is the budget for a typical visitor who wants to enjoy Paris without going overboard.
• Luxury (€400+ / $440+ per day): With this budget, expect high-end hotels in areas like Place Vendôme or Avenue Montaigne, Michelin-starred dining, private guides, and exclusive shopping experiences. If you want VIP access to attractions and refined Parisian experiences, this is the way to go.

How to get around

Paris has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. The Métro is the fastest way to get around, running from 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM (2:15 AM on weekends). A carnet of 10 tickets or a Navigo Easy pass is the best deal. The RER trains connect central Paris with the suburbs and day-trip spots like Versailles.

Buses are scenic but slow in traffic. For short distances, Vélib' bike-sharing is a great option, with both regular and electric bikes. Walking is often the best way to explore—many famous sights are closer together than they look on a map. Taxis aren't ideal during rush hour (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) when traffic is brutal. If you're going beyond Paris, here's how to get around France. 

How to get to Paris

Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to the northeast and Orly (ORY) to the south (and this is for many how to get to France in general). CDG is the main international hub, with RER B trains getting you to central Paris in about 45 minutes (€11.40). There's also the Roissybus (€15) to Opéra Garnier. From Orly, the Orlyval shuttle connects to the RER B, or you can take the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau.

If you're coming from within Europe, high-speed trains make it easy. Gare du Nord handles Eurostar trains from London and routes from Belgium and the Netherlands. Booking train tickets a few months ahead usually gets you the best prices, especially on popular routes.

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

Planning your trip to France? You're in the right place. If you're making plans now, take a look at our sample France itineraries—they're a great starting point. Our Rough Guide to France is also packed with expert tips and solid recommendations.  

• 10 days in France itinerary: Ten days lets you hit France's highlights if you keep a steady pace. You can split your time between Paris, the south of France, and a third destination—maybe the châteaux of the Loire, the beaches of Normandy, or the wine regions of Burgundy.
• 7 days in France itinerary: A week in France means making some tough choices, but you can still see a lot. Focus on either Paris and the north or Paris and the south. If you want a fast-paced trip, you can fit in Paris, Provence, and the Riviera. Be ready for a packed itinerary!

Or if planning a trip is overwhelming, let us do the work for you. Our tailor made trips are created by local travel experts who know the ins and outs of the area. The trips are customized to what you want to do, and you'll have 24/7 support during your trip.