A Week in Paris: Perefct Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Are you planning to spend a week in Paris, France, for the first time but are unsure how to plan your itinerary? This guide is a great start.
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. Famous for its iconic landmarks, picturesque cafes, and rich art and culture, it creates an enchanting atmosphere that has captivated visitors for centuries, including us!
My husband and I spent a week in Paris while I was pregnant. Planning the trip was overwhelming because there was so much to see in just seven days. However, with comprehensive research and planning, I was able to put together a perfect week-long itinerary.
Now, I want to help you plan your beautiful Trip with this one-week Paris Itinerary and some practical tips for visiting Paris for the first time.
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Check out some of the best experiences to book in Paris, France.
A Week in Paris Itinerary Overview
The table below shows you in bullet points what to expect from each day of the week in Paris. If you are particularly interested in a specific topic, click the link. But I recommend starting from the top and reading through each section. This way, you will not miss any essential and helpful tips and recommendations for your one week in Paris.
Day 1: Champs De Mars, Trocadero Carousel, Point Alexandre III
Regardless of when you arrive in Paris, do not try to overplan your first day. Most likely, you will be Jet Laged and tired.
We hung out at the Champs de Mars, visited the cutest Trocadero Carousel, and walked along the Pont Alexandre III Bridge. These were perfect spots to get a feel of Paris before we returned to the hotel for an early night’s sleep.
Champs De Mars
The Champ de Mars is a large public greenspace in Paris, France, between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire in the seventh arrondissement. It offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and is also an excellent place for picnics.
Trocadéro Carousel
Just steps from the Eiffel Tower in the Trocadero Gardens, you will find the cutest carousel, the Trocadéro Carousel. The carousel adds an extra touch of magic to the already enchanting surroundings. This spot is considered one of the most picturesque places in Paris.
Pont Alexandre III Bridge
The Pointe Alexander III bridge in Paris is a beautiful bridge that spans the Seine River, connecting the Champs-Élysées area with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower.
The bridge is known for its elegant design, with sculptures and lampposts, making it a popular spot for visitors to enjoy scenic views of the river and the surrounding landmarks.
Day 2: The Louvre Museum and Cafe Angelina
On the second day of your week in Paris, head to the second most famous sight, the Louvre Museum. Afterward, treat yourself to the most delicious lunch at Cafe Angelina. Be sure to order their favorite creamy hot chocolate!
The Louvre Museum
Of course, spending a week in Paris would not be complete without visiting the Louvre Museum. The Louvre is the world’s largest, most famous, and most diverse museum.
Did you know it would take 100 days to view all the artwork in the museum?! WOW, indeed! We did not have that much time, so we planned our visit and allowed ourselves to spend a few hours here.
Louvre Museum Visiting Recommendations
- Get there early in the morning. The museum opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM every day except Tuesday.
- Avoid using the Pyramid entrance unless you visit during the winter when there is less of a crowd.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There are many stairs inside the museum to climb.
- The museum is closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
- General Admission price €17 PP; 18 years old and under can visit the museum for free.
- Purchase tickets online instead of on-site tickets to ensure your entry. Also, consider getting a Skip the line ticket to avoid waiting in line.
- Consider a Guided private tour to get the most out of your visit.
A few of the most notable works of art that you can see at the Louvre include the following:
- Mona Lisa (Denon Wing, Room 711, 1st floor). Be prepared; It is tiny!
- Winged Victory of Samothrace is located on top of the Daru staircase in the Denon wing.
- Venus De Milo ( Sully Wing, Room 346, ground floor)
- Les Noces de Cana (Denon Wing, Room 711, 1st floor)
- The Coronation of Napoleon (Denon Wing in the Grande Galerie, Room 75)
- The Rebellious enslaved person (Denon Wing, Room 403, ground floor)
Angelina Paris
Angelina Paris is one of the best and most famous cafes in Paris. It is just a short walk from the Louvre Museum, so it should be your lunch spot when you visit the Louvre. This place has a sophisticated ambiance, the prettiest tea room, and a great food selection.
The food is fantastic here, but their signature hot chocolate was the most exciting part of our lunch. It was so creamy and rich—must try!
Address: 226 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris France
Open daily 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Day 3: Champs-Elysées, Arch de Triomphe, and Romantic Dinner
On day 3 of your week in Paris, head to the most popular and beautiful avenue in Paris: the Champs-Elysées, followed by Arch de Triomphe. If you are up for a romantic, unique Parisian experience, you can choose between the Seine River Dinner Cruise or Dining atop the Eiffel Tower.
Avenue Champs-Elysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It connects the Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe. Lined with theaters, cafés, luxury shops, and historic buildings, it is known for its vibrant atmosphere and serves as a popular tourist destination.
For a quick, delicious macaroon snack, stop by Ladurée. This upscale bakery is located on Champs Elysées Street and specializes in different flavors of French macaroons.
While you will probably try macaroons somewhere else during your week in Paris, this place should not be missed.
Arc De Triomphe
You will end the Champ Elysee Avenue by arriving at the Arc De Triomphe—one of the most famous Paris monuments and a historical symbol. You may visit this place day or night to catch a stunning panorama of the city from the terrace.
Seine River Dinner Cruise
The Seine River dinner cruise in Paris offers a unique and romantic way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks while enjoying a meal on a cruise. You can expect a pleasant ambiance with lovely music, exceptional service, and unbeatable views.
Eiffel Tower Dinner
We chose to dine at the Eiffel Tower in Madamme Brasserie restaurant for our special date night. Here, you can expect a three-course meal of Exquisite French food and red or white wine of your choice in an elegant ambiance.
We ended our evening watching the sparkling Eiffel Tower, which was the perfect way to end day 3 of our week in Paris.
Tip: The Eiffel Tower starts to sparkle from sunset to 1:00 AM every hour for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Plaza Athénée, Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, Paris Opera
Day 4 was the busiest! We started with an epic breakfast at Plaza Athenee, visited Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame, and finished the day with a beautiful opera and a performance.
Breakfast at Hotel Plaza Athénée
Located on the famous Avenue Montaigne, the Hotel Plaza Athene will take your breath away. With its remarkable seasonal decor and outstanding atmosphere, it has become one of Paris’s top places.
Hotel Plaza Athenee offers an unforgettable Parisian breakfast experience, one of the most exquisite and enjoyable experiences.
Enjoy freshly baked bread, exquisite pastry combos, freshly brewed coffee, and an assortment of jams inside the room surrounded by 10,000 Swarovski Crystals!
After your fabulous breakfast, head out to the courtyard, decorated seasonally! Since we visited in December, it has been decorated with lights and looks dreamy!
Sainte-Chapelle
After the 5-star breakfast experience, we explored the colorful Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its elegant, large stained glass windows.
The place is magical. Unlike other significant sights like the Louvre or Palace Versailles, exploring Sainte-Chapelle does not take long. It is also conveniently located near Notre Dame Cathedral so you can visit both on one trip.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
You will reach Notre Dame Cathedral on foot, just six minutes from Sainte Chapelle.
The Cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of Paris and is 100% worth checking out. The Cathedral is famous for its enormous bells. You can also travel up the stairs and see a breathtaking view of Paris.
Visiting Hours:
- Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM
- Saturday & Sundays: 8:00 – 7:45 PM
Tip: If you want to avoid the crowd, visit on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when there is the least crowd. Avoid religious days or Sundays when there is a mass service.
Paris Opera
We ended the day with a pre-planned trip to the Paris Opera, also known as Palais Garnier (Named after the architect). I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance.
A vast and gorgeous staircase welcomes you as you walk inside. It felt like we were in a castle. It is simply a stunning work of art and architecture.
Arrive at least 30-40 minutes before the show starts. It is less crowded, and you will have a few minutes to walk around, take pictures, and absorb the place.
The opera house offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore its decor, learn about its extraordinary history, and gain insights into the opera world.
Day 5: The Moulin Rouge
On day 5 in Paris, we decided to slow down a little after exploring numerous sights and instead enjoy a long breakfast and lunch without rushing anywhere.
We ended day 5 of a week in Paris by attending the famous Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show!
Honestly, it was more than I expected. It was a well-organized dining experience with a spectacular performance, beautiful decor, music, and costumes.
If you decide to attend the show, book your tickets in advance and dress appropriately per their dress code.
Book Moulin Rouge tickets here
Day 6: Day Trip From Paris to The Versailles
The Versailles Palace
We dedicated one full day of our trip to visiting the Versailles Palace. We woke early and walked about 20 minutes to the nearest Metro Station.
You can take the “RER C” line. We rode for about 40 minutes in a comfortable and partially empty train car and arrived in Versailles without any delays.
Visiting Versailles in winter will help you avoid most of the crowds. However, the famous “Gardens of Versailles” may not be as impressive as in summertime. The dancing fountains are turned off, and the place feels slightly less green.
The Versailles Palace is enormous and stunning. Once we made our way into the Palace, we were handed tour headphones and started to walk around from one room to another, from one bathroom to another. I stopped counting the rooms soon after our tour began.
After we had exhausted ourselves, we decided to have lunch. The Palace has a few meal options, including Cafe Angelina.
Day 7: Sacre Coeur and Farewell Dinner
Sacre Coeur
We could not miss out on visiting the Sacré-Cœur, located on the hill of Montmartre in Paris; packed and ready for our departure, we took a taxi and reached this magnificent basilica with a rich history and breathtaking architecture. This site offers beautiful views of Paris.
Farewell Dinner
Before returning to the hotel to leave, we had our Farewell lunch/dinner at the Carete Cafe. It is a small and beautiful place to indulge in Parisian pastries and elegant ambiance.
If You Have More Than a Week in Paris
Paris Gardens
We’ve covered how to spend a week in Paris, but you may have more time. Check out some of these other sights to explore Paris further.
Tuileries Gardens: Situated between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the Tuileries is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the Parisian Atmosphere. It is a place of natural beauty and a cultural hub, often hosting outdoor art exhibitions and events.
Location: 75001 Paris, France
Hours: Open daily 7 AM – 9 PM
If you want to explore more Parisian gardens near the Louvre, you can also check out The Luxembourg Gardens or Jardin du Luxembourg, located at 75006 Paris, France, close to the Latin Quarter. It is one of Paris’s most beloved parks, known for its beautiful lawns and tree-lined promenades. The iconic Luxembourg Palace today houses the French Senate.
Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris, France
Open daily 8:00 AM-9:00 PM.
Where to Stay in Paris: Paris Arrondissements
Now it is time to decide which arrondissement is right for you to spend a week in Paris. Paris is divided into 20 Arrondissements. These are the neighborhoods with different historical areas. Each one is individual with a unique style.
We stayed at the elegant Juliana Hotel in the 7th arrondissement, the Eiffel Tower District.
This is one of Paris’s most popular and romantic areas for tourists. In addition, this is the closest arrondissement to some of the main attractions, such as Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and the gardens of Musée Rodin: many hotel options, photo opportunities, and food options.
You can find out about the rest of the 19 arrondissements in this Paris arrondissements guide by World in Paris to decide which area will be the best for you.
Is One Week Enough In Paris?
Spending a week in Paris is a good start for first-time visitors, but it will be busy. I loved exploring as much as the city offered to get the most out of it. But I wish we had more time hanging out in the cafes and enjoying the relaxing Parisian ambiance. We are certainly coming back for that specifically!
Paris Basic Tips For the First-Time Visitors
Language: Locals speak English, but French is Paris’s most widely spoken language. If you want something to help you with basics and carry with you, check out Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary.
Currency: The Euro is the currency of France and many other European countries.
Climate: July and August are the hottest months. (75-80F). Expect somewhat chilly weather throughout other months.
Best Time To Visit Paris: The best time to visit Paris is anytime! However, if you are more likely to enjoy the warm weather, visit between June and August. Another great alternative is September and October when there are fewer tourists.
Paris Public Transportation: It is easy to get around Paris. The most cost-efficient way is to rent a bicycle. But if you are not up for it, you can use the metro or bus or grab a taxi.
Popular Sights in Paris: Paris is most famous for its Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame, and the Moulin Rouge.
Credit Cards & Banks: Credit cards are widely accepted in touristy areas, cafes, and stores in Paris. However, small establishments may opt for cash, so keeping some with you is a good idea.
Tip: The closer you are to the most popular tourist attractions, the more you spend in stores or cafes. Try to go a few blocks farther.
Paris Electricity: If traveling from the United States or another country with a voltage different from Paris’s, you must bring your adapter.
Paris Safety: Paris is safe, but pickpocketing may occur in highly crowded tourist areas. Stay aware of your belongings.
What to Pack for a Week in Paris
- Slightly more upscale than super casual clothes with solid colors
- Boots/Booties
- Hats/handbags / other accessories
- Travel Umbrella
- Power Adapter
- Translator/Dictionary
How Much Does Paris Cost For a Week?
The cost of a one-week trip to Paris can vary widely. According to Trip.com, estimates range from $1,233 to $2,880 for a seven-day journey, excluding additional expenses.
Paris is one of the best cities in the world. I do not blame you if you want to get the most out of it, but to be more budget-friendly, look for affordable hotels or apartments, save on luxury restaurants, and use the metro instead of a Taxi. The cheapest time to visit Paris is during the off-season, early December, January, and February.
Spending A Week in Paris Summary
There you have it—my comprehensive itinerary for a week in Paris as a first-time visitor.
With so many attractions to visit and so many cafes and restaurants to try, you will get exhausted in a good way!
Remember, know your limits. Do not overwhelm yourself trying to cross off everything on the list. Leave yourself enough time to unwind and slow down, enjoying the authentic Parisian atmosphere around you.
Are you excited to spend a week in Paris? You may also be interested in reading the top Practical tips for visiting Paris for the first time.
