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How many days in Paris do you need?
No matter how many days in Paris you decide to spend, there are plenty of good ways to experience the city and what it has to offer.
Paris is easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, packed with iconic landmarks, museums, and culture. Just looking at everything the city has to offer, it’s easy to think you could easily spend weeks here without seeing it all. But how many days do you actually need in Paris to explore the city of love? Follow along to find out.
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One-day itinerary
Only have one day to spend in Paris? You won’t get to truly experience Paris, but it will give you a taste of the city, both literally and figuratively. If you’re making a quick visit, it’s important to plan carefully to make the most of your time. Let’s take a look at what you can do during a day trip to Paris.
- Breakfast at a bakery: France is famous for its pastries, with baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat being synonymous with French cuisine. Visit one of the many bakeries for an authentic breakfast experience. Preferably one with outdoor seating, to soak in the lively Parisian atmosphere.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower: Can you even say you’ve been to Paris if you don’t have a picture of the Eiffel Tower in the background? Since you don’t have much time on your busy day, get your entrance tickets online in advance. It’ll help you avoid spending hours on your trip to Paris in the queue.
- Take a stroll along the Seine: The Seine river runs through central Paris. Some of the most iconic landmarks stand tall alongside it. You can either take a guided walking tour or spend the day exploring on your own. Make sure to visit Ile de la Cité, a natural island on the Seine that’s home to the Notre Dame Cathedral as well as a number of other notable landmarks. Explore the right bank for elegant boulevards and museums, and the left bank for a bohemian atmosphere. Use Google Maps to find the best walking routes and hidden gems along the way.
- Enjoy a French dinner: Cuisine is an essential part of French culture. So, it’s only right to start and end your day in Paris with a traditional meal. Sample the French onion soup, coq au vin, ratatouille, or any other local favorites, which, of course, are always better in the company of a glass of local wine.
| If you are using public transportation, buying Metro tickets in bulk can save time and money during a shorter trip. |
Three-day itinerary
Three days is one of the most popular durations for visiting the French capital. You’ll have just about enough time to visit the main draws of the city, though you should expect your Paris itinerary to be pretty packed.
Everything we’ve mentioned above should still be on your list of things to do in Paris. But with more time on your hands, you’ll want to also consider the following suggested itineraries:
- The Louvre: The Louvre is one of the most iconic museums in the world and the favorite museum of many. It’s best known for featuring the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. However, it’s also home to more than 35,000 other works by famous artists. You’d need more than a month to see everything in the museum for at least 30 seconds, but since you only have a couple of days, consider spending at least half a day here.
- The Palais-Royal: After visiting the Louvre, take a short walk to the oldest square in Paris, the Palais-Royal, or Royal Palace. It’s best known for beautiful gardens that extend over 20,000 square meters (more than 215,000 square feet). If you’re feeling hungry after exploring the Louvre, you can enjoy a meal right on the edge of the gardens. The Palais Royal Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience, though it does come with a hefty price tag.
- Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe is another thing you won’t want to miss when you visit paris. Built to honor the soldiers who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars, it’s the largest triumphal arch in the world and a symbol of the French national identity.
- Luxembourg gardens: Jardin du Luxembourg is widely considered to be Paris’ most beautiful park. The gardens are split into two parts: a French garden and an English garden, with a large pond inbetween. As with many popular locations in Paris, it’s easy to spend the whole day admiring its beauty. But make sure to leave some time for other activities as well.
Five-day itinerary
Spending five days in Paris gives you a bit more freedom and more time to relax instead of running around from one place to another trying to see as much as you can. Ideally, you should plan for at least four days if you want to cover the major attractions without feeling rushed.
Once again, everything mentioned above should be included in your personal Paris travel guide. However, you’d also have time for some of the following:
- Book walking tours: Instead of taking a stroll by the Seine, like suggested in the one-day itinerary, consider booking a separate guided tour for exploring the right and left bank of the river. The guides will give you detailed information about what you see along the way, allowing you to appreciate the history as much as the architecture.
- Go on a food tour: As you already know, food is an important part of the local culture. With more time on your hands, it’s a great idea to go on a gastronomy tour. Sample the most iconic food and drinks that the country has to offer.
- Explore the museums: With so many options, it’s worth dedicating your fourth day to visiting lesser-known but incredible institutions. A few museums are already on this list, but Paris is a big city and home to 150+ museums, so you definitely won’t see them all on a single day trip. They’re spread out across the entire city, and there are options for anyone, no matter if you enjoy medieval art, modern art, science, or basically anything else that can be put into a museum.
Seven-day itinerary
Got a full week to spend in Paris? It will likely look similar to the five-day itinerary, only with more time on your hands. This means more tours you can book, more museums and gardens you can visit, and more food you can try. Here are some more ideas for a true Paris experience:
- Go people watching at Café de Flore: The Café de Flore is one of the most iconic coffee shops in Paris and a great people-watching spot. It’s been operating since way back in the 1880s and is known not only for great pastries and coffee, but also as a top spot for people watching. Sit down, relax, and drink in the Parisian spirit. If you’re lucky enough, you may even see a celebrity or two, as they’re known to frequent the cafe.
- Visit the Latin quarter: The Latin quarter is one of the oldest districts in Paris, known for its charming cobblestone streets, book shops, and a vast selection of restaurants and cafes.
- Visit Moulin Rouge: The shows in Moulin Rouge have been livening up Paris’ nightlife since the late 19th century and are still running strong. Experience music, dance, and acrobatics like never before, but consider buying a ticket in advance, as the shows can get packed.
After spending seven days in Paris, it is almost certain that you will try and stay for two weeks on your next trip.
All in all, there’s no wrong answer to what you should do when you visit. All of the above are mere suggestions. The city is packed with amazing experiences, no matter if you travel to Paris alone or with company.
Stay connected in Paris with Holafly
No matter if you’re in Paris for one to seven days or if you’re planning to spend months here, having a reliable mobile internet is key. Whether it’s for buying tickets to avoid long lines, using map apps to find your way around, using ride-sharing apps, or staying in touch with friends and family back home.
Holafly offers some of the best eSIM plans for Paris. All Holafly plans include unlimited data, hotspot sharing, and 24/7 customer support. Simply get your eSIM for Paris, activate it within minutes, and enjoy having a non-stop connection.
If you plan on traveling the world for a while, Holafly Connect may be an even better option for you. It’s a monthly eSIM subscription service that provides coverage in 170+ destinations worldwide, including France.
Plans range from 10 GB to unlimited data every month, with prices from $39.90 to $64.90/month. Get one that suits yours needs, stay connected, and cancel any time without any hidden fees.
Count memories, not data
Never lose connection with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
