Paris 7-Day Itinerary 2026 — What to Do, Where to Stay, Budget

Paris 7-Day Itinerary 2026 — What to Do, Where to Stay, Budget

This seven-day plan is for first-timers who want classic Paris—Louvre sunrises, Eiffel sparkles, cobblestone Marais alleys, and Montmartre sunsets—without the overwhelm. Skip the “must-see” lists and dive into a rhythm that balances world-famous icons with local rhythms, all within a realistic budget. You’ll walk more than you ride, eat where Parisians eat, and leave with a feel for the city’s layers.

The day-by-day plan

Day 1 — Arrival & Right Bank Classic

Land in the morning, drop bags at your hotel, and head straight to the Louvre before the crowds. Spend the afternoon strolling the Tuileries, crossing Place de la Concorde, and riding the Seine Batobus to Musée d’Orsay for late-day Impressionists. Finish with dinner in the 1st-arrondissement triangle of Rue Montorgueil—bakeries, cheese shops, and bistros that stay open late.

• Morning: Louvre (book timed entry online)
• Afternoon: Tuileries Garden → Place de la Concorde → Seine Batobus to Musée d’Orsay
• Evening: Dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais (Saint-Germain) or Le Petit Cler (Rue Cler)

Day 2 — Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter

Wake up early for Notre-Dame’s exterior and the flower market along Quai de la Corse. Cross to the Left Bank via Pont de l’Archevêché, then wander the Latin Quarter—Shakespeare & Company, Panthéon, and Luxembourg Gardens. End with a crêpe from a street cart and a nightcap at a Left Bank wine bar.

• Morning: Notre-Dame exterior, Marché aux Fleurs
• Afternoon: Shakespeare & Company, Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens
• Evening: Crêpe at Crêperie Beaubourg or wine at Le Baron Rouge

Day 3 — Marais & Modern Art

Start at Place des Vosges, then zigzag through the Marais—boutiques, falafel at L’As du Fallafel, and contemporary art at Centre Pompidou. After a late lunch, head to the Picasso Museum or the new Musée de la Romanité if you prefer antiquity. Finish with a cocktail in a hidden bar like Little Red Door or Dirty Dick.

• Morning: Place des Vosges, Musée Carnavalet (free)
• Afternoon: Centre Pompidou, Musée Picasso or Musée de la Romanité
• Evening: Cocktail at Little Red Door or Dirty Dick

Day 4 — Montmartre & Sunset Views

Take Metro line 2 to Anvers, then climb to Sacré-Cœur for sunrise. Wander Rue de l’Abreuvoir, peek into Musée de Montmartre, and eat lunch at Le Consulat. Afternoon is for vineyards (Clos Montmartre), Place du Tertre portrait artists, and the Espace Dalí. End with dinner at Le Moulin de la Galette or a rooftop at Terrass" Hotel.

• Morning: Sacré-Cœur sunrise, Musée de Montmartre
• Afternoon: Rue de l’Abreuvoir, Clos Montmartre, Espace Dalí
• Evening: Dinner at Le Moulin de la Galette or Terrass" Hotel rooftop

Day 5 — Day Trip to Versailles

Take RER C from Saint-Michel at 8 a.m., arrive by 8:30. Buy timed tickets to the Palace + Gardens; if it’s a Tuesday–Sunday, add the Musical Fountain Show (April–October). Pack a picnic or eat at La Flottille by the Grand Canal. Return to Paris by 6 p.m. for a relaxed evening.

• Morning: RER C to Versailles, Palace timed entry
• Afternoon: Gardens + Musical Fountain Show (seasonal), picnic or La Flottille
• Evening: Back in Paris, casual dinner near Gare d’Austerlitz

Day 6 — Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars

Pre-book the Eiffel Tower summit for 8:30 a.m. to beat lines. Walk down to Champ de Mars, rent a Vélib’ bike, and loop along the Seine to Trocadéro for photos. Afternoon is for Rodin Museum or Musée de l’Homme. End with a Seine dinner cruise (Bateaux Parisiens) or a rooftop at Terrass" Hotel.

• Morning: Eiffel Tower summit, Champ de Mars
• Afternoon: Rodin Museum or Musée de l’Homme
• Evening: Seine dinner cruise or Terrass" Hotel rooftop

Day 7 — Belleville & Canal St-Martin

Start in Belleville—Parc de Belleville for skyline views, then street art along Rue Dénoyez. Cross to Canal St-Martin for lunch at Chez Prune or Holybelly. Afternoon is for Père Lachaise Cemetery (Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison) and a final pastry at Du Pain et des Idées. End with a nightcap in Oberkampf.

• Morning: Parc de Belleville, street art in Belleville
• Afternoon:
Canal St-Martin lunch, Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Evening: Pastry at Du Pain et des Idées, drinks in Oberkampf

Where to stay

Pick a base that puts you within 10 minutes of a Metro line; the city is walkable but the Metro saves time.

• Le Marais (3rd/4th) – Budget: $80–120/night (hostels like The People Paris Marais). Mid-range: $180–250 (Hôtel du Petit Moulin). Premium: $350–500 (Hôtel de Vendôme).
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) – Budget: $90–130 (Caesar’s Hotel). Mid-range: $220–300 (Hôtel Bel Ami). Premium: $400–600 (Hôtel Montalembert).
• Latin Quarter (5th) – Budget: $75–110 (Les Piaules). Mid-range: $160–240 (Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon). Premium: $320–480 (Hôtel Les Jardins du Luxembourg).

Budget

Category	Budget (USD)	Mid-range (USD)	Premium (USD)
Accommodation (6 nights)	$480–720	$1,080–1,800	$2,100–3,600
Food (per day)	$40–60	$80–120	$150–250
Transit (Navigo Week Pass)	$30	$30	$30
Attractions (average per day)	$15–25	$25–40	$40–80
Total (7 days)	$900–1,300	$1,600–2,500	$3,000–4,500

Practical tips

• Buy a Navigo Semaine (€30) at any Metro/RER station; it covers all zones and runs Monday–Sunday, perfect for this itinerary.
• Carry a contactless card (Visa/Mastercard); most cafés, museums, and even small shops accept tap-to-pay. Keep €50 in cash for markets and bakeries.
• Book timed entries for Louvre, Versailles, and Eiffel Tower at least a week ahead; use the official sites or reputable platforms like Trip.com.
• Visit in late April–early June or September–early October to avoid peak crowds and summer heat.
• Skip the Arc de Triomphe climb—the view is overrated and the stairs are narrow; use the top of Galeries Lafayette instead for a free panorama.

This itinerary delivers the Paris you came for—iconic landmarks, hidden courtyards, and meals that linger—without the tourist-trap fatigue. You’ll leave with photos, a Metro pass memorized, and a shortlist of places to revisit. Paris rewards those who walk its streets; this plan is the map.

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