One Week in Paris – The Only Paris Itinerary 7 Days for First-Timers

What to Do in Paris for 7 Days?

This article describes the ultimate 7-day Paris itinerary for first-time visitors. If you’re in a hurry, jump to the itinerary overview here.

Looking to spend one week in Paris? I can help! Check out this Paris itinerary 7 days for the best recommendations and tips on how to see the best of Paris in a week. This Paris 7-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors as it covers the key tourist attractions in Paris, plus a day trip.

Paris can be really daunting because there is literally so much to see and do. Sometimes this can be overwhelming, so it is good to have a plan. These are my recommendations on what to do with 7 days in Paris.

7-Day Paris Itinerary – My Proposal for 1 Week in Paris

What to do in Paris in one week? Here’s the ultimate 7 days in Paris itinerary which will be detailed in the next chapters:

• Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and Le Marais
• Day 2 – Louvre Museum and the Historical Axis of Paris
• Day 3 – The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés
• Day 4 – Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5 – Canal Saint-Martin /Bassin de la Villette and Montmartre
• Day 6 – Palais Royal, Opera, Grands Boulevards
• Day 7 – Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Seine River boat tour

This Paris 7-day itinerary comes with six different maps, one for each day spent in Paris, and the suggested points of interest.

This itinerary is completed with suggestions on where to stay in Paris for a week and insider tips on how to get around at the end of the article.

My Budget Tip for One Week in Paris

The Paris Museum Pass is one of the best deals you can find out there! If you want to visit Paris’ main attractions and save money, look no further. Once purchased, the pass allows you to explore Paris freely without worrying about the costs of individual attractions! You can buy this pass for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days – Click here to buy your Paris Museum Pass

The Paris & Versailles bundle and the Paris City Card are two good (and cheaper) alternatives without a time limit.

Paris 7-Day Itinerary, Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and Le Marais

On day 1 of this Paris 7-day Itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Sainte Chapelle
• Conciergerie
• Marché aux Fleurs
• Place Dauphine – Square du Vert Galant
• Place des Vosges
• Musée Carnavalet

Click here to view this map on Google My Maps

Day 1 – Morning

You have arrived in Paris, and you are ready to explore! Where to begin? Start your trip exploring Ile de la Cité, the biggest island on the Seine River, and Paris’ beating heart.

In Medieval times, Ile de la Cité was the center of Paris, home to the royal palace and the main religious and institutional buildings. As such, you will find interesting medieval sites like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, or the Sainte Chapelle. It is simply not enough to see those landmarks from the outside – you need to be inside!

Follow the map and visit all the suggested sites or only the ones that interest you most. On the island’s western tip, the Square du Vert Galant is a good place for a quick picnic while watching the riverboats sail by.

TIP: This combo ticket Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie saves you time and money! Check out how to score your tickets to visit Notre Dame inside.

Day 1 – Afternoon and Evening

After the so much-needed lunch, cross the Seine River to the right bank through Pont Neuf, which is the oldest bridge in Paris. Then, you can take the metro line 1 from Châtelet to Saint-Paul (2 stations) or walk along the quay to the east to Le Marais.

Le Marais is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris, well known for its elegant mansions, gorgeous hotels, art galleries, and quaint little cafés. Start your visit from Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful royal squares in Paris and also the oldest! Then, be sure to visit the Village Saint-Paul and the Carnavalet Museum if you want to learn more about the history of Paris.

If you need some extra guidance, follow this walking tour in Le Marais (self-guided).

Behind the museum, the tranquil Square George Caïn is the perfect place for a rest before dinner – Check out my dinner recommendations in Le Marais

7 Days in Paris Itinerary, Day 2 – Louvre Museum and the Historical Axis of Paris

On day 2 of this 7 days in Paris itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Louvre Museum
• Tuileries Garden
• Place de la Concorde
• Pont Alexandre iii – Grand Palais and Petit Palais (from outside)
• Champs Elysées
• Arc de Triomphe

Click here to view this map on Google My Maps

Day 2 – Morning

Start the day exploring the Louvre, the world’s best museum! Because there is so much to see, I recommend checking out this Louvre Museum guide to prepare for the visit.

If you are not a fan of museums but still don’t want to miss the world’s best museum and one of Paris’ most iconic attractions, I tell you how to visit the Louvre in 2 hours or less. Alternatively, this Louvre small-group tour (2,5 hours) provides personal attention from your guide and reserved entry for the most convenient way to explore the museum.

Day 2 – Afternoon and Evening

After visiting the Louvre, head outdoors for a stroll through the Tuileries Garden. While you can just walk down the main lane, perhaps with a quick stop at one of the cafés, I recommend this fun treasure hunt (self-guided) to learn the history of the oldest garden in Paris.

On the other side of the Tuileries Garden, there’s Place de la Concorde, the witness of some of the most terrible chapters of the French Revolution, like the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette. Don’t miss the Luxor obelisk – the oldest monument in Paris – brought directly from Egypt! 

Now, walk along the Champs Elysées, the most famous avenue in Paris, and enjoy its atmosphere and window shops, perhaps with a short detour to admire the architecture of Grand Palais and Petit Palais (from outside) and the iconic Alexandre III Bridge.

To end day two perfectly, why not climb up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for one of the best Eiffel Tower views? Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon I to honor the Grande Armée, this triumphal arch 55m high is inspired by the arches of Roman times – Click here to buy skip-the-line tickets to the Arc de Triomphe

There are some great restaurants in this part of Paris (8th Arrondissement), but they are a little bit expensive. Check out my favorite restaurants in Paris 8, or find something else near your hotel.

Paris Itinerary 7 Days, Day 3 – The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain-des-Prés

On day 3 of this 7 day Paris itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Saint-Germain-des-Près Abbey
• Saint Sulpice Church
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Panthéon
• Arènes de Lutèce
• Jardin des Plantes

Click here to view this map on Google My Maps

Day 3 – Morning

Day 3 of this Paris itinerary 7 days will see you exploring the Seine’s Left Bank. Start with a coffee at Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris 6), one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris. Before the 12th century, it was a rural village outside Paris built around the former Saint-Germain Abbey.

Stroll around Saint Germain-des-Prés, visiting the suggested points of interest. On the way, you will see many fancy cafés, art galleries, luxury shops, and boutique hotels.

When you are done exploring Saint-Germain, you will be within walking distance of the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.

The Luxembourg Gardens were commissioned by Queen Marie de Médicis (the widow of King Henri IV) in 1612. Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, where the Queen was born, the gardens surround the Luxembourg Palace, today home to the French Senate.

Enjoy 23 hectares of pure bliss! If the weather is good, consider a picnic in the park or this fun treasure hunt.

Day 3 – Afternoon and Evening

The Latin Quarter (Paris 5) is set east of Luxembourg Gardens. While it is known as the center of university life in Paris, it’s also where the Roman Paris-Lutetia was born in IC AD. You can view the Roman Baths (from outside) at Boulevard Saint Michel and visit the Arènes de Lutèce – the Roman amphitheater.

The rest of the day is dedicated to visiting the Latin Quarter, with an interesting combination of historical sites, lively streets and squares, small bookstores, and independent cinemas proposing auteur films. If you need some guidance, feel free to steal this self-guided Latin Quarter walking tour.

Whilst strolling around the Latin Quarter, don’t miss the street food Rue Mouffetard, the lively Place de la Contrescarpe, the Jardin des Plantes, and the visit to the Panthéon, with the tombs of the most notable citizens of France.

By now, you must be hungry, so check out my dinner recommendations in Paris 5

Paris 7 Days Itinerary, Day 4 – Day trip to Versailles

On day 4 of this Paris one-week itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Palace of Versailles
• The Trianons and the Queen’s Hamlet
• The Gardens of Versailles

When you have a week in Paris, you don’t have an excuse not to visit the famous Château de Versailles! Just be sure that day 4 does not fall on Monday when the Palace and the Trianons are closed.

The Château de Versailles is one of the royal castles near Paris and one of the most beautiful castles in France. Built in baroque style, Versailles was home to three French Kings and their families (King Louis XIV, King Louis XV, and King Louis XVI) until the French Revolution.

If you are truly interested in learning about Versailles’ history, take this guided tour with an expert guide that includes transportation to/from Paris. If you prefer a self-guided visit instead, check out this quick Versailles Guide with a suggested itinerary and my best tips.

From April to the end of October, the Gardens of Versailles host beautiful shows with music, costumes, and the fountains of Versailles running. There’s an entrance fee to visit these shows, but it is totally worth it!

TIP: Versailles is included in the Paris Museum Pass and in this Paris & Versailles bundle. Alternatively, this combo ticket Château de Versailles + Gardens + Trianons saves you money!

7 Day Itinerary Paris, Day 5 – Northern Paris

On day 5 of this Paris 7 days itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Canal Saint-Martin
• Bassin de la Villette
• Montmartre – Sacré Cœur
• Moulin Rouge

Click here to view this map on Google My Maps

Day 5 – Morning

One week in Paris truly gives you time to explore the lesser-known neighborhoods! This beautiful and trendy part of town is the place to be for a much more local feeling. It may lack museums and monuments but don’t worry; there’s just as much to do and see.

Canal Saint-Martin is a cultural hub and one of the most popular places in Paris, with cute cafés and vintage shops along its quays. Bassin de La Villette – Canal de l’Ourcq sees more locals than tourists, with more things to do along the canal banks.

A fun thing to do at Bassin de la Villette is to sail an electric boat along the canal (no boating license required), perhaps with a bottle of rosé wine onboard.

Day 5 – Afternoon and Evening

After visiting this area, take the metro at Stalingrad to the Anvers station (line 2) to explore the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre (Paris 18).

For your visit to Montmartre, I suggest following this self-guided Montmartre Walking Tour, starting from the Sacré Coeur Basilica, which explores the main sights of Montmartre while learning the history of this picturesque neighborhood.

If you want to go beyond the main sights, check out this Secret Map of Montmartre with my favorite spots off the beaten path.

For dinner, check out my recommendations in Montmartre or book the full experience cabaret show + dinner at the Moulin Rouge.

To end day 5 perfectly, enjoy a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, one of the most famous cabarets in Paris. Expect an entertaining show of music and dance and the famous French can-can.

7 Days Paris Itinerary, Day 6 – Palais Royal, Opéra, Grands Boulevards

On day 6 of this 7 days Paris itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Gardens of Palais Royal
• Galerie Vivienne – Galerie Colbert
• Place Vendôme
• Opéra Garnier
• Galeries Lafayette

Click here to view this map on Google My Maps

Day 6 – Morning

By day 6 of this Paris itinerary 7 days, you are probably thinking: how much more is there to do in Paris? Well, you still have amazing things ahead of you!

Start the day at the Gardens of Palais Royal. Commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, the Palais Royal housed royal families until the Palace of Versailles was built. Prestigious and peaceful, the gardens are surrounded by beautiful magnolia trees and classic sculptures. You can see the famous 260 black and white striped Buren Columns in the courtyard near the garden.

North of Palais Royal, you will find two of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris: Galerie Vivienne and Galerie Colbert. Built in the 19th century, these passages crowned with glass roofs, are a typical architectural feature in Paris, and they all house vintage shops, tea rooms, and restaurants.

Walk west to Place Vendôme, one of the most elegant squares in Paris. Dominated by the Vendôme Column, which is crowned by a statue of Napoleon I, Place Vendôme is home to the Hotel Ritz Paris and luxury shops.

Day 6 – Afternoon and Evening

In the afternoon, visit the Opéra Garnier (self-guided tour). Designed by Charles Garnier, this building is a masterpiece of 19th-century theatrical architecture – Click here to buy your tickets to Opéra Garnier

Later, stroll through the Grands Boulevards for some shopping. This area of Paris is part of the major renovation works commissioned by Emperor Napoléon III and carried out by Baron Haussmann. The works included the demolition of medieval neighborhoods considered overcrowded and unhealthy.

The perfect way to end this day is by visiting Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop bar, from where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Paris. For dinner, here are my suggestions for restaurants in Paris 9.

Paris Itinerary 7 Days, Day 7 – Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Seine Cruise

On the last day of this 7-day trip to Paris, you will be visiting:

• Orsay Museum
• Eiffel Tower
• Seine River Cruise

Click here to view this map on Google My Maps

Day 7 – Morning

Day 7 of this itinerary for Paris in 7 days may be the last, but it is definitely not the least exciting!

Another favorite to visit in Paris is the Orsay Museum. Set in a former train station, the Orsay Museum holds mainly French art from the period 1848 to 1914 and includes artworks of Van Gogh, Gauguin, and the Impressionists. Even if you’re not into art galleries, a visit here is well worth it, just to see the stunning train station, a jewel of Art Déco architecture! Plan on being there for about 2 hours – Click here to buy your tickets to Musée d’Orsay

After visiting the Orsay Museum, head to Champ de Mars to visit Paris’ most iconic monument: the Eiffel Tower! If you haven’t had lunch yet, Champ de Mars is also one of the best spots for a picnic in Paris.

Day 7 – Afternoon and Evening

Climb up to the top of the Eiffel Tower to learn more about its history and for amazing views of Paris. Depending on the time, you may want to consider one of these activities near the Eiffel Tower before heading to the pier for your Seine River Cruise.

After your Eiffel Tower experience, what better way to finish off these seven days in Paris than taking a sunset /night cruise down the River Seine? Enjoy a different perspective of Paris from the water.

A great boat tour with dinner I recommend is the one with Bateaux Parisiens. Enjoy a delicious bistro menu while admiring the most famous Paris landmarks, magically illuminated.

TIP: Sunset times in Paris vary greatly. Check out the Paris sunset time during your holidays in the city.

Where to Stay for One Week in Paris

When it comes to where to stay in Paris, there is no one right answer; it very much depends on the sort of trip you are planning. Check out my suggestions on the best districts to stay in Paris, or browse the map here below.

How to Get Around Paris

Best Ways to Get to/from the Airports of Paris

Once you are in Paris, the easiest way to get around is via the metro. Check out this Metro of Paris guide, with all the information, different types of metro tickets and passes, and my best tips.

And there you have it, the best itinerary for 7 days in Paris. If you decide to shorten your stay in Paris, have a look at my other Paris itineraries:

• 1 day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 4 days in Paris Itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 6 days in Paris Itinerary

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