One magical week in Paris—this is how to spend it

From crepes to catacombs—this is how to do Paris in a week.

paris

With seven days in Paris, you can do so much more than tick off the big names. There’s time to wander neighbourhoods, visit world-class museums, stop for pastries that turn into long conversations, and explore both grand monuments and quiet gardens. This itinerary blends the best of both worlds—landmarks and locals-only spots, rooftop drinks and river cruises, famous art and secret courtyards. It’s designed for a slow, rewarding week where you’ll leave knowing Paris—not just having seen it. 

🗓️ Day 1: Bonjour Paris—Views, Boats and First Bites 

Start with the Eiffel Tower 

Ease into your trip with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Walk through Champ de Mars for those classic views, and admire the tower from below or book a visit to the second floor. But don't worry—we’ve got other great skyline spots coming. 

🛣️ Métro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim or RER C to Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel. 

Seine River Cruise 

Next, board a Seine cruise from Port de la Bourdonnais. Sit back and relax as you float past some of Paris’s most iconic buildings, with live commentary and plenty of photo ops. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Bateaux Parisiens Seine Cruise. 

Lunch at Café de l’Homme 

Head to Trocadéro for lunch with a view. The terrace at Café de l’Homme offers prime Eiffel Tower sightlines and fresh seasonal dishes. 

Explore the Arc de Triomphe 

Hop on Métro Line 6 to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile and climb the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views of the city and the Champs-Élysées. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Arc de Triomphe. 

Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés 

bistro

Settle into Paris with dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais. It’s cosy, popular, and full of bistro charm. The confit duck or steak au poivre are great picks. 

Day 2: Louvre, Gardens and Left Bank Wanders 

Morning at the Louvre 

Arrive early and use the main pyramid entrance. Stick to the highlights (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, etc.) or follow a themed trail if you’ve been before. 

🛣️ Métro Line 1 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Louvre Museum entry. 

Stroll through Tuileries Garden 

After the museum, unwind in the Tuileries. Find a green chair by the fountains or visit the Orangerie for Monet’s water lilies. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Musée de l'Orangerie. 

Lunch at Angelina 

Nearby, Angelina is famous for its hot chocolate and refined lunch menu. Try the truffle ravioli or club sandwich, and leave room for dessert. 

Explore the Left Bank 

Cross the Seine and walk into Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Wander Rue Bonaparte, browse bookshops, and sip espresso at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots

Dinner at Semilla 

semilla

This Left Bank favourite serves inventive French cuisine with a modern twist. Go for the tasting menu if you want a full experience. 

Day 3: Montmartre and Cabaret Vibes 

Morning at Sacré-Cœur 

Climb the hill or take the funicular for one of the best free views in Paris. Step inside the basilica, then linger outside for a moment to enjoy the street musicians. 

🛣️ Métro Line 2 to Anvers. 

Explore Montmartre 

Wander the cobbled streets, visit Place du Tertre, and walk along Rue de l’Abreuvoir. Stop by the Musée de Montmartre or the Espace Dalí for an art fix. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Espace Dalí. 

Lunch at Le Relais Gascon 

Big salads with potatoes and goat cheese? This beloved Montmartre bistro hits the spot. Pair with a chilled glass of rosé. 

Afternoon pastry crawl 

Grab a pistachio pastry from Le Grenier à Pain and a scoop of gelato from Amorino. Take your time exploring the vintage stores and boutiques. 

Cabaret at La Nouvelle Eve 

Book ahead for this glittery, high-energy show. It’s fun, nostalgic, and far less touristy than Moulin Rouge. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: La Nouvelle Eve cabaret. 

Day 4: Gothic Gems and Medieval Magic 

Morning at Sainte-Chapelle 

Get there as it opens to see the stained glass windows come alive with light. The upper chapel is small but unforgettable. 

🛣️ Métro Line 4 to Cité. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Sainte-Chapelle.

Dinner in Le Marais 

steaj

Dine at Robert et Louise for steak cooked over an open flame or Chez Janou for Provençal favourites. Both are crowd-pleasers. 

 

Day 5: Contemporary Culture and Rooftop Views 

Centre Pompidou 

Kick off the day with Paris’s biggest modern art museum. The inside-out architecture is just as striking as the collection. 

🛣️ Métro Line 11 to Rambuteau. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Centre Pompidou. 

Coffee at Café Beaubourg 

Chic interiors, street-facing terrace, and solid people-watching. Great place to recharge. 

Explore Le Marais 

Pop into boutiques, art galleries and hidden courtyards. Don’t miss Place des Vosges and Rue des Rosiers. 

Lunch at Breizh Café 

Delicious buckwheat galettes, tangy cider and a relaxed vibe. Try the Complet (ham, egg, cheese) or a goat cheese and fig combo. 

Afternoon at Atelier des Lumières 

Head east to the immersive digital art space where you’re surrounded by animated works projected on every surface. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Atelier des Lumières

Day 6: Markets, Museums and Hidden Gardens 

Morning at Marché d’Aligre 

Get up early and visit this vibrant market in the 12th arrondissement. Pick up fruit, cheese and fresh bread for a picnic later. 

🛣️ Métro Line 8 to Ledru-Rollin. 

Visit the Viaduc des Arts 

Viaduc des Arts 

Walk along the elevated Promenade Plantée (Paris’s version of the High Line) and browse artisan studios below the arches. 

Picnic in Parc de Bercy or Jardin des Plantes 

Settle in for a relaxed lunch surrounded by greenery. Parc de Bercy is calm and full of locals, while Jardin des Plantes is grand and botanical. 

Afternoon at Musée Rodin 

Enjoy sculpture in the garden and indoors. The Thinker, The Kiss, and serene surroundings make it a quiet highlight. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Musée Rodin. 

Dinner at L’Avant Comptoir 

Standing-room only, great wine, and the best French small plates in town. Get the duck confit croquettes and anything with foie gras. 

🗓️ Day 7: Final Views, Farewells and Your Last Baguette 

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 

Ease into your last day with a walk around one of Paris’s most beautiful parks. Waterfalls, bridges, cliffs and views—it’s got it all. 

🛣️ Métro Line 7bis to Buttes-Chaumont. 

Late breakfast at Holybelly 

Head to this Aussie-style café near Canal Saint-Martin for proper coffee and a satisfying brunch. Pancakes, eggs, and toast done right. 

Final shopping or visit to Galeries Lafayette 

 Galeries Lafayette 

Swing by Galeries Lafayette for last-minute gifts and views from the rooftop terrace. 

Afternoon at Musée d’Orsay or Picasso Museum 

If there’s a museum you missed or want to return to, this is your moment. Musée d'Orsay’s Impressionists are always worth a second visit. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Both options. 

Farewell dinner at Juveniles 

This intimate wine bar is the perfect place for a relaxed final meal. Try the slow-cooked pork or seasonal risotto, and raise a glass to the City of Light. 

A full week in Paris gives you the rare luxury of slowing down. You’ve climbed towers, cruised rivers, wandered historic streets and tasted your way through neighbourhoods. But the real magic of a 7-day trip is this: you leave not just having seen Paris, but having felt it. The rhythm of café mornings, the stillness of museum courtyards, the sparkle of evening lights—these moments linger long after the flight home. And if Paris has taught us anything, it’s that there’s always a reason to return.

Enjoyed this? Then you might also like our comparison of Saintee-Chapelle and the Sacré-Coeur. Going to Meudon? Check out our guide to all the great (free!) things you can do nearby.

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