Paris is one of those cities that lives up to every expectation. The art, the architecture, the food, the fashion — it's all as extraordinary as you've been told. This 7-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed, with time built in for the most Parisian of activities: sitting in a café watching the world go by.
Day 1: Arrival & the Eiffel Tower
Arrive in Paris and check in to your hotel. Take the afternoon to get your bearings — walk along the Seine, cross the Pont de l'Alma, and see the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro for the classic view. Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance (€29.40 for the summit) for a specific time slot — queues without a ticket can be 2–3 hours.
In the evening, take the lift to the second floor for sunset views, then have dinner in the 7th arrondissement — try Café Constant or Les Cocottes for excellent French food at reasonable prices.
Day 2: The Louvre & Tuileries
The Louvre (€17, free for under-18s) is the world's most visited museum and home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Book tickets in advance and arrive early. Spend the morning in the museum, then have lunch in the Tuileries Garden.
In the afternoon, walk up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe (€13 to climb to the top for panoramic views). The Champs-Élysées itself is overpriced and touristy — the real Paris is in the side streets.
Day 3: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Take the funicular up to Montmartre and explore this bohemian hilltop village. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry), wander through the Place du Tertre (ignore the overpriced portrait artists), and explore the winding streets that inspired Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh.
Have lunch at one of the neighbourhood bistros, then spend the afternoon in the Musée d'Orsay (€16) — the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art, housed in a stunning converted railway station.
Day 4: Versailles Day Trip
Take the RER C train to Versailles (45 minutes, €7.20 return). The Palace of Versailles (€21.50) is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world — the Hall of Mirrors alone is worth the trip. Allow a full day: the palace, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the gardens (free except on fountain show days) are all magnificent.
Return to Paris in the evening and have dinner in the Marais neighbourhood — one of Paris's most vibrant areas, with excellent restaurants, galleries, and the beautiful Place des Vosges.
Day 5: The Marais & Notre-Dame
Spend the morning exploring the Marais — visit the Musée Picasso (€14), browse the vintage shops on Rue de Bretagne, and have coffee at one of the neighbourhood's excellent cafés.
In the afternoon, cross to the Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cathedral reopened in December 2024 after the 2019 fire and is more magnificent than ever. Entry is free but timed tickets are required.
End the day with a sunset Seine river cruise (€15–20) — the city looks magical from the water.
Day 6: Père Lachaise & Canal Saint-Martin
Start the morning at Père Lachaise Cemetery — the world's most visited cemetery, final resting place of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin. It's a beautiful, peaceful place to spend a morning.
In the afternoon, head to the Canal Saint-Martin neighbourhood — one of Paris's hippest areas, with independent boutiques, excellent coffee shops, and the beautiful tree-lined canal. Have dinner here: Chez Prune and Le Verre Volé are both excellent.
Day 7: Saint-Germain & Departure
Spend your final morning in Saint-Germain-des-Prés — the intellectual heart of Paris. Have breakfast at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots (expensive but worth it once), browse the bouquinistes (second-hand booksellers) along the Seine, and visit the Luxembourg Gardens.
If time allows, visit the Musée de Cluny (€12) — a medieval museum built on Roman ruins, with the extraordinary Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Then head to the airport for your flight home.
Paris Budget Breakdown
A realistic budget for 7 days in Paris (per person, mid-range):
- •Flights (return from London): £60–150 (Eurostar from £50 each way)
- •Accommodation (7 nights): £560–1,050 (£80–150/night)
- •Attractions & museums: £100–130
- •Food & drink: £350–490 (£50–70/day)
- •Transport (Metro + day trips): £60–80
Total: £1,130–1,900 per person
