One Week in Paris Itinerary For First Time Visitors

One Week in Paris Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Paris, France is a city that doesn’t just live up to expectations—it exceeds them. Every corner tells a story. The air smells of espresso and flaky pastry. The river sparkles beneath centuries-old bridges. With so much to take in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why having a clear, balanced plan is key. This one week in Paris itinerary is your guide to exploring the city in depth without burning out. It combines the essentials with secret spots locals love. Whether you’re here for the first time or falling in love with Paris all over again, this journey gives each day its own theme, pace, and flavor.

From buttery croissants at sunrise to sparkling river views at night, every day here can feel like a dream. But with so much to see and do, a thoughtful plan helps you make the most of your time—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This carefully designed 1 week in Paris itinerary breaks down each day. It guides you through charming neighborhoods, iconic monuments, and delicious spots to eat, while leaving just enough room to wander and fall in love with the city at your own pace.

Day 1

Start your Paris adventure gently, soaking up the elegance of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This Left Bank neighborhood is famous for its literary cafés and refined streets. Embark on a chocolate and pastry tasting tour and make sure to stop at Café de Flore. Once the haunt of Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, this cafe is a great place for a croissant and coffee while people-watching.

Wander through the narrow streets lined with art galleries, antique bookstores, and fashion boutiques. Visit Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in Paris. Pause at Le Bon Marché, Paris’ oldest department store, for some curated shopping or a snack from La Grande Épicerie.

Dine at Le Relais Odéon or enjoy a terrace dinner under string lights at Les Editeurs. Then, walk along the Seine at twilight. You’ll pass bouquinistes (green bookstalls), street musicians, and golden-lit bridges that offer a perfect Parisian welcome.

Day 2

Begin at Palais Garnier, the opulent opera house that inspired The Phantom of the Opera. Marvel at its grand staircase and the painted ceiling by Marc Chagall. Then take a short walk to the Archives Nationales in the Marais. This peaceful, lesser-known spot houses documents dating back to the French Revolution and is set in a lovely garden courtyard.

Cross the Seine to Île de la Cité, the literal heart of Paris. Although it’s still under renovation, no visit to Paris would be complete without seeing Notre-Dame Cathedral. The, take a short walk to tour the Conciergerie, a royal palace turned revolutionary prison. Afterwards, head next doors and be dazzled by the kaleidoscopic stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle. For lunch, settle into Le Vieux Paris d’Arcole, a romantic, ivy-covered spot just behind the cathedral.

Stroll across the Pont des Arts, the famous pedestrian bridge lined with lovers’ padlocks and views of the Seine. Continue along the river or enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Latin Quarter.

Day 3

Descend into the Catacombs of Paris, a haunting underground network housing the bones of over six million people. It’s an unforgettable and humbling experience. After resurfacing, walk or metro to the Luxembourg Gardens, where locals relax, kids sail toy boats, and statues of queens stand among flowerbeds.

Visit the Pantheon, burial place of Voltaire, Marie Curie, and Victor Hugo. Nearby, explore the Arènes de Lutèce, a preserved Roman amphitheater hidden in a quiet neighborhood park. For a sweet treat, make sure to stop at Ladurée for macarons and hot chocolate in a chic Parisian setting.

Tonight, elevate your Paris experience—literally. Dine at Le Jules Verne, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor. Arrive early to catch the view at sunset. Book ahead and dress elegantly. It’s a splurge, but a must-do on a one week in Paris itinerary.

Day 4

Devote the morning to the Louvre Museum. Focus on a few sections: the Denon Wing for the Mona Lisa and The Winged Victory of Samothrace, then explore the Richelieu Wing for French sculpture and Napoleon’s Apartments.

Walk through the Palais Royal gardens and admire Les Deux Plateaux (Buren’s Columns). Stop for a stylish lunch at Café Marly, with tables overlooking the Louvre pyramid. After lunch, visit the stunning Hôtel de la Marine, recently restored to show off 18th-century interiors. Then step into the Bibliothèque Nationale, an architectural wonder for book lovers.

Explore the historic covered shopping arcades like Passage des Panoramas, filled with vintage boutiques and quaint eateries. End the evening on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop, sipping a cocktail while admiring panoramic views of Paris’ rooftops and the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance.

Day 5

Catch an early RER train to Versailles. Tour the grand Hall of Mirrors, the King’s chambers, and then spend time in the expansive gardens. Rent a bike or golf cart to explore Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet and the Grand Trianon.

Return to Paris and stop at Hôtel des Invalides, where Napoleon rests beneath a golden dome. Tour the military museum or relax on the grassy esplanade nearby.

Cap off the day with a Seine dinner cruise. Companies like Bateaux Mouches and Ducasse sur Seine offer gourmet meals as you glide past illuminated landmarks. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the water is one of the most magical moments in any one week in Paris itinerary.

Day 6

Start with breakfast at Carette near Place de la Bastille—one of the city’s most elegant pâtisseries. Then take the metro to Montmartre. Explore artist stalls and climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for sweeping views of Paris.

Head back toward the Marais and visit the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris. Then move on to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station and home to iconic Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Lunch at Café 1902, located inside the museum, is a convenient and stylish choice. Afterward, visit the Petit Palais, a hidden gem with free entry and impressive art.

Dinner tonight is a true finale: La Tour d’Argent, overlooking the Seine. Famous for its duck and fine wine cellar, it’s one of the most storied restaurants in Paris. Reservations are a must—and so is savoring every bite.

Day 7

Use your final day to check off anything you missed. Perhaps the Musée Rodin with its beautiful sculpture gardens, or a walk around Place des Vosges. Enjoy brunch at Holybelly, Claus, or any café you passed earlier and swore you’d come back to.

Do some last-minute shopping at Le Bon Marché or Merci. If you’re in the mood for peace and beauty, take a boat ride on the Canal Saint-Martin or unwind at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Wrap up your one week in Paris itinerary with a relaxed dinner. Choose somewhere that feels like a fitting end to your personal Paris story. Maybe it’s a tiny bistro tucked into an alley, or maybe it’s back where you began, beneath the golden light of Saint-Germain.

This expanded one week in Paris itinerary gives you time to experience the magic of the city without rushing through it. It balances iconic landmarks with hidden corners, elegant meals with street food delights, and big museums with quiet moments. You’ll leave with a full heart, a full camera roll, and every reason to return.

Looking for more Paris inspiration? Make sure to read about 40+ Must see Sights and Activities in Paris!

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