The Perfect Paris itinerary: How many days do you really need?

For those wondering how many days to spend in Paris, I could probably respond with “how long is a piece of string”? The city of Lights, with all its nooks and crannies, is simply the place where you discover something new (or old) around every corner.

Yes Paris is quite small in terms of surface area at only 41 square miles (105.4 km²). But this doesn’t take into account transportation times, crowds and the sheer logistics of Paris.

Where to stay

€€€ – Hotel Le Notre Dame Saint Michel (near Notre Dame Cathedral in the Latin Quarter)
€€€€ – Hotel Le Littré (in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Latin Quarter)
€€€€€ – Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris (near the Champs Elysées)

If it is your first time: 4 to 5 days

This is the sweet spot. Long enough to see the classics, short enough to avoid museum fatigue and existential croissant guilt. Here is what you can realistically do:

Day 1: Attractions along the Seine river

From the airport head into Paris, and check into your hotel.
Lunch near Notre Dame Cathedral (4th Arrondissement): Start in the heart of the city on the Île de la Cité. The area is packed with charming bistros overlooking the Seine.
Boat Trip on the Seine: Catch a cruise (like Bateaux-Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf) right near the islands to see the city from the water.
Climb the Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement): Walk past the Champ de Mars to head up the “Iron Lady”, where you can climb to the top.
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe (8th Arrondissement): Cross the river to the north bank to walk the world’s most famous shopping avenue, ending at the massive triumphal arch.

Day 2: Art History & Hilltop Views

Louvre Museum (1st Arrondissement): Spend your morning in the world’s largest art museum.
Tuileries Garden (1st Arrondissement): Walk directly out of the Louvre into these formal royal gardens.
Place de la Concorde (1st/8th Arrondissement): At the end of the gardens, you’ll find this historic square where the Egyptian obelisk stands.
Musée de l’Orangerie (1st Arrondissement): Located in the corner of the Tuileries, this is where you’ll find Monet’s massive Water Lilies.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Montmartre (18th Arrondissement): In the evening, head north to the hilltop “village” of Paris for sunset views from the white basilica.

Day 3: History and gardens

Conciergerie (1st Arrondissement): Located on the Île de la Cité, this medieval palace was once the prison of Marie Antoinette.
Musée d’Orsay (7th Arrondissement): Cross to the Left Bank to see the Impressionist masterpieces in a converted train station.
Luxembourg Gardens (6th Arrondissement): A short walk south brings you to the Senate’s beautiful gardens.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés & Latin Quarter (5th/6th Arrondissement): Wander through these intellectual and historic neighborhoods for coffee and atmosphere.
The Catacombs (14th arrondissement): End your day at Place Denfert-Rochereau to explore the underground ossuary housing millions of skeletons.

Day 4: Versailles royalty & the Marais

Palace of Versailles (Suburbs/Versailles): Take a tour or the RER C train (approx. 40-50 mins) to spend the day at the Sun King’s grand estate.
The Marais (3rd/4th Arrondissement): Back in the city, explore this historic district known for its medieval architecture and trendy boutiques.
Bastille (11th Arrondissement): Walk to the nearby Place de la Bastille, the site of the start of the French Revolution, now a hub for dining and nightlife.

Day 5: Disney magic and au revoir

Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée): Take the RER A train (approx. 45 mins) or private car to the eastern suburbs of Paris for a full day of theme park magic.
Cosy Restaurant near your Hotel: Return to your local neighborhood for a relaxed final French dinner to wind down before your flight the next day.

If you like food and vibes: 3 nights minimum

Paris rewards slow grazing. One rushed day here and you’ll barely scratch the baguette’s crust. If you can only manage 3 nights in Paris, you will likely be able to cover

Plan for: