How many days do you need in Paris? There's no wrong answer, but to see the main sights without rushing, we recommend at least four days. Not everyone has that long, and some travelers want much more, so below you will find sample plans for one, four, and seven days in Paris, plus tips on deciding how long to stay.
The Short Answer
- 1 day: A whirlwind of highlights. Good for a layover or a day trip from London.
- 2 to 3 days: The main landmarks and a museum or two. See our 3-day Paris itinerary.
- 4 days: The sweet spot for a first visit, with time to explore a neighborhood properly.
- 7 days: Enough to slow down, live like a local, and take day trips.
One Day in Paris
With just one day, plan carefully and wear comfortable shoes.
- Morning: The Eiffel Tower. Book tickets in advance to skip the ticket line.
- Late morning: Walk along the Seine. Stroll to the Pont Alexandre III, the city's most ornate bridge, for a classic view back to the tower.
- Afternoon: One great museum. Choose between the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, and the Musée d'Orsay, with its Impressionist masterpieces. Don't try to do both.
- Evening: The Latin Quarter. Have dinner in a bistro, then watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour after dark.
Four Days in Paris
Four days won't feel rushed. It is enough time to see the sights and get a real taste of Parisian life.
- Day 1: Follow the one-day plan above.
- Day 2: Join a walking tour or create your own route along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, then through the Tuileries to Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.
- Day 3: Explore the Marais. See the Place des Vosges, the city's oldest planned square, visit the Musée Picasso, browse boutiques and vintage shops, and eat lunch at the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris.
- Day 4: Catch up on anything you missed, such as the museum you skipped on day one, then spend the evening in Montmartre.
Seven Days in Paris
A week in Paris is a gift. Follow the four-day plan, then choose one of these options for days five to seven.
Option 1: Explore more neighborhoods
- Montorgueil and Sentier: A lively pedestrian market street with cafés and food shops, perfect for people-watching.
- Oberkampf and Belleville: Vintage shops, bookstores, bars, street art, and views from the Parc de Belleville.
- Canal Saint-Martin: Iron footbridges, waterside cafés, and independent boutiques.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Classic cafés, galleries, and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Option 2: Take day trips
- Versailles: About 40 minutes by RER C, for the palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and the vast gardens.
- Giverny: About 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Paris, Monet's house and water lily garden are open in spring, summer, and early fall.
- Normandy: See Mont-Saint-Michel or the D-Day beaches. See our Paris to Normandy day trip guide.
Find more ideas in our guide to the best day trips from Paris by train.
How to Decide How Long to Stay
- Your interests: Art lovers could spend days in the museums alone.
- Your budget: Paris hotels are expensive, so a shorter, well-planned trip might suit you better.
- The season: Long summer days let you see more. See the best time to visit Paris.
- The rest of your trip: If you are touring France, balance your time using our France travel guide.
Stay Connected in Paris
However long you stay, you will use your phone constantly for maps, tickets, and the Metro. An egoViet France eSIM connects as soon as you land, with no roaming fees. Continuing around Europe? The Europe eSIM covers 33 countries.
FAQs: How Many Days in Paris
Is 2 days in Paris enough?
Two days is enough to see the headline sights at a quick pace. Four days gives you a much more relaxed trip.
Is 5 days in Paris too long?
Not at all. Five days lets you see the main sights, explore neighborhoods, and take a day trip to Versailles or Giverny.
Where is the Eiffel Tower?
On the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement. The nearest Metro stations include Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, and École Militaire.
How far is Giverny from Paris?
About 75 kilometers (47 miles), or a little over an hour by car. You can also take the train to Vernon and a shuttle bus.