Paris
The city that invented the art of living well
Best Time
April–June or September–October
Duration
5–7 days
Budget
Moderate to Luxury
Paris rewards the curious. Yes, the Eiffel Tower is everything they say it is. Yes, the Louvre will overwhelm you in the best possible way. But the real magic of Paris is in the neighborhoods — the morning market on Rue Mouffetard, a perfect croque-monsieur at a zinc bar, the light on the Seine at 7pm. Give yourself time to wander, and this city will reveal itself to you.
Get your personalized Paris itinerary
Tell TripDraft your dates, budget, and travel style — get a custom day-by-day plan in minutes, free.
The Big Landmarks
The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame (now reopened after years of restoration), the Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur are all worth your time — but the key is timing. Visit the Eiffel Tower at dusk and stay for the light show at the top of the hour. Book Notre-Dame and the Louvre in advance online — the queues without a reservation are brutal. The Musée d'Orsay (Impressionist art) is often more manageable than the Louvre and arguably more enjoyable.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Le Marais is Paris's most charming district — medieval streets, fantastic food, independent shops, and the Place des Vosges, the city's oldest planned square. Montmartre has Sacré-Cœur at the top and a village-like atmosphere that feels nothing like central Paris. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the literary heart of the city. The Latin Quarter is perfect for an evening walk and dinner. Each arrondissement has its own personality — get off the tourist trail and you'll be rewarded.
Food — The Whole Point
Paris is one of the world's great food cities, but you don't need to spend a fortune. A boulangerie croissant for breakfast (get there early — they sell out), a jambon-beurre sandwich from a deli for lunch eaten on a park bench, and a proper dinner at a neighborhood bistro is an ideal Paris day. For dinner, look for places with handwritten menus and locals eating — those are usually the best. Book dinner reservations a few days in advance for anywhere popular.
Day Trips from Paris
Versailles is the obvious choice — the palace and gardens are genuinely spectacular, but arrive early and book skip-the-line tickets online. The Champagne region (Reims) is about 45 minutes by TGV and offers cellar tours at the great Champagne houses. Mont Saint-Michel is a 3-hour train journey but unforgettable — a medieval abbey rising from the sea. Loire Valley châteaux are perfect for a day of castle-hopping by rental car.
A Sample 6-Day Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, evening walk along the Seine, dinner in the Latin Quarter. Day 2: Louvre in the morning (book ahead), lunch in Le Marais, afternoon at Sainte-Chapelle, Eiffel Tower at dusk. Day 3: Versailles day trip. Day 4: Musée d'Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame. Day 5: Montmartre morning, afternoon free to wander your favorite neighborhood again, farewell dinner at a proper bistro. Day 6: Morning market, last croissant, depart.
💡 Practical Tips for Paris
- ✓The Paris Museum Pass covers 50+ museums and is worth it if you plan to visit more than 3-4 sites
- ✓The Métro is excellent — buy a carnet of 10 tickets for a discount, or use contactless card payment
- ✓Most museums are free the first Sunday of the month — expect crowds
- ✓Tipping is not expected in France — a small round-up is appreciated but never obligatory
- ✓Learn a few words of French — bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît — it goes a long way
- ✓Picnics in the parks and along the Seine are a quintessential Paris experience and cost almost nothing
Ready to plan your Paris trip?
TripDraft builds a personalized day-by-day itinerary based on your dates, travel style, and budget — in minutes, for free.
Plan My Paris Trip →