A Week in Paris: Le Marais, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower · Champ de Mars · Musée d'Orsay · Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris · Marché des Enfants Rouges · Vedettes du Pont Neuf
7-day Paris itinerary. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Paris provides a density of art, culinary history, and neighborhood character that Rome lacks in its more scattered ruins and aggressive transit. Where Rome focuses on ancient sprawl, Paris centers on the evolution of urban life, from the 19th-century boulevards to the distinct village atmosphere of the 18th. It is built for long art-filled days and late cafe evenings over high-energy monument hopping.
Eiffel Tower
Day 1 · Iconic Landmarks
Musée d'Orsay
Day 2 · World-Class Museums
Marché des Enfants Rouges
Day 2 · A Gastronomic Market Hall Tasting Tour
Montmartre
Day 3 · Classic Parisian Neighborhood Strolls
Bateaux-Mouches
Day 6 · Riverside Cruises
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Paris transitions from crisp, damp winter days to warm, sunlit afternoons that stretch into the early evening during the height of summer. Expect variable conditions throughout the year and plan your outdoor walks for the late spring or early fall to avoid the extremes of heat and rain.
Best time to go: May, June, and September
The whole year
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47°F / 8°C (cold) | 38°F / 3°C (cold) | 11 | 8:39 AM – 5:21 PM |
| Feb | 50°F / 10°C | 38°F / 4°C (cold) | 10 | 7:59 AM – 6:10 PM |
| Mar | 56°F / 14°C | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 9 | 7:04 AM – 6:55 PM |
| Apr | 64°F / 18°C | 44°F / 7°C (cold) | 8 | 7:00 AM – 8:41 PM |
| May | 69°F / 21°C | 50°F / 10°C | 10 | 6:09 AM – 9:25 PM |
| Jun | 77°F / 25°C | 58°F / 14°C | 9 | 5:46 AM – 9:55 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 | 6:03 AM – 9:49 PM |
| Aug | 80°F / 27°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 | 6:43 AM – 9:05 PM |
| Sep | 73°F / 23°C | 55°F / 13°C | 7 | 7:27 AM – 8:03 PM |
| Oct | 64°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 9 | 8:11 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Nov | 54°F / 12°C | 44°F / 6°C (cold) | 9 | 7:59 AM – 5:10 PM |
| Dec | 49°F / 10°C | 40°F / 5°C (cold) | 10 | 8:37 AM – 4:53 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)· 2 hrs
USD 60 (~EUR 54)Arrive at terminal. Take RER B train to Gare du Nord (~35 min, $12), then metro to city center. Alternatively, taxi directly to central area (~60 min, $60).
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Quiche Lorraine in the 7th arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 10 (~EUR 9)Iconic dish
Donna Alvita (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy a warm slice of traditional egg and bacon custard tart at a local bakery near the Seine.
Typical USD 6-10 (~EUR 5-9)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Steak Frites in the 7th arrondissement· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Iconic dish
LuvsMG481 (CC BY-SA 4.0)Classic pan-seared beef with crispy shoestring fries at a lively neighborhood brasserie.
Typical USD 18-28 (~EUR 16-25)
Where to Stay Tonight
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
· This historic district is perfectly placed between the major museums and the river, offering a quintessentially Parisian atmosphere for your first nights.- Morning
- Afternoon
- 2C
4:00 PM - Marché des Enfants Rouges· 1 hr
FREEClosed on MondayDoubles back across the city — check the order - Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Pot-au-feu in Le Marais· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Iconic dish
Muesse (CC BY-SA 4.0)Savor a traditional slow-cooked beef stew in a historic bistro within the heart of the Marais district.
Typical USD 20-35 (~EUR 18-31)
Staying at Saint-Germain-des-Pres since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Sandwich in Montmartre· 1 hr
USD 8 (~EUR 7)Iconic dish
Evan-Amos (Public domain)Pick up a fresh jambon-beurre from a local boulangerie and enjoy it on a bench overlooking the city.
Typical USD 4-8 (~EUR 4-7)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Tarte Tatin in the 11th arrondissement· 1 hr 30 min
USD 30 (~EUR 27)Iconic dish
Djenghisz (CC BY-SA 3.0)Savor a traditional bistro dinner in the lively 11th, ending with a warm, caramelized apple tart.
Typical USD 7-12 (~EUR 6-11)
Staying at Saint-Germain-des-Pres since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Coq au Vin in the 1st arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Try the dish
Beck from East Midlands, United Kingdon (CC BY 2.0)Coq au VinBraised chicken in red wine served in a cozy setting in the heart of the capital.
Staying at Saint-Germain-des-Pres since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:15 PM - Lunch: Falafel in Le Marais· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EUR 13)Try the dish
Burkhard Mücke (CC BY-SA 4.0)FalafelEnjoy a fresh, hot falafel pita from a famous local counter.
- 5C
3:30 PM - Stroll through Square du Vert-Galant· 1 hr 30 min
FREE
Rafael Garcia-Suarez (CC BY-SA 2.0)A peaceful park located at the western tip of the Ile de la Cite, offering beautiful views of the Seine.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: French Onion Soup in Le Marais· 1 hr 30 min
USD 35 (~EUR 31)Try the dish
jeffreyw (CC BY 2.0)French Onion SoupSavory bowl of classic onion soup with melted gruyere in a cozy neighborhood bistro.
Staying at Saint-Germain-des-Pres since Day 1
- Morning6A
10:00 AM - Musee Rodin· 3 hrs
USD 15 (~EUR 13)
Douglas O'Brien from Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)Explore the beautiful sculpture garden and mansion housing the masterpieces of Auguste Rodin in his former residence.
- Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Quiche Lorraine in Saint-Germain-des-Pres· 1 hr
USD 18 (~EUR 16)Iconic dishDonna Alvita (CC BY-SA 4.0)Enjoy a classic savory tart in one of the historic cafes of the Left Bank.
Typical USD 6-10 (~EUR 5-9)
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Beef Bourguignon in the Latin Quarter· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Beef BourguignonWarm up with a hearty, slow-cooked beef stew in a traditional bistro setting.
Staying at Saint-Germain-des-Pres since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Trippa alla Romana in the 11th arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 22 (~EUR 20)Try the dish
Albarubescens (CC BY-SA 4.0)Trippa alla RomanaSample a classic slow-cooked stew at a vibrant bistro tucked into a quiet corner of the 11th.
3:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to the hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Pres to gather bags before the final departure.
4:30 PM - Depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)· 5 hrs
USD 50 (~EUR 45)Direct transfer and airport check-in process for the evening flight home.
Staying at Saint-Germain-des-Pres since Day 1
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Top 6 dishes to try
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Sandwich
Day 3 · lunch
Quiche Lorraine
Days 1 and 6
Tarte Tatin
Day 3 · dinner
Steak Frites
Day 1 · dinner
Pot-au-feu
Day 2 · dinner
Salad Nicoise
Day 2 · lunch
Where to eat · Canal Saint-Martin, Ile de la Cite, Le Marais
- Canal Saint-Martin · Paris — Bustling, casual bistro culture where younger crowds congregate for relaxed afternoon meals.
- Ile de la Cite · Paris — Classic central French cafes overlooking the Seine, ideal for a quick midday stop.
- Le Marais · Paris — Traditional bakeries and quick lunch spots including the famous falafel stands on rue des Rosiers.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Lunch happens between 12:30 and 2:00 PM. Dinner service typically starts at 8:00 PM. Many local kitchens close between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving one or two euros for good service is a polite gesture.
- Water
- Tap water is safe, clean, and free. Ask for une carafe d'eau to receive a pitcher of tap water instead of bottled.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarians should look for menus listing salades composées or vegetable-based quiches. Vegan options are becoming common in the city center.
- Payment
- Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but small amounts at bakeries often require cash.
- Etiquette
- Greet staff with Bonjour upon entering. Keep your voice volume moderate and always signal for the check when you are ready to pay.
Top 6 souvenirs
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Savon de Marseille
French pharmacy skincare
DeliPapier notebook
Mariage Freres tea
Beret
Vintage French poster
Original lithographs from the early 20th century define a specific Parisian aesthetic.
Where to shop · Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Pres
- Le Marais · Paris — Independent designer fashion, vintage clothing, and specialty tea.
- Saint-Germain-des-Pres · Paris — High-end stationery, luxury lifestyle goods, and curated apothecary products.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Non-EU travelers can generally import personal effects duty-free. Check current limits for food products like soft cheeses.
- Tax refund
- Non-EU residents can reclaim VAT on purchases over 100 Euros. Ask for a tax-free form at the point of sale.
- Payment
- Card is standard everywhere, even for small coffee orders. Keep coins for public restrooms or market vendors.
- Bargaining
- Bargaining is not practiced in boutiques or department stores. It is only appropriate at antique markets if you buy several items.
The big events across the year
Tap any photo for more photos and the story.
Fete de la Musique
Jun 21
Tour de France
Jul 4 – 26
Bastille Day
Jul 14
Nuit Blanche
Oct 3
Christmas
Dec 25 – 26
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days
USD 2,829Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 0
AccommodationUSD 1,080
- Paris · 6 nights1 roomUSD 1,080
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
ActivitiesUSD 447
- Day 1 · Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)USD 120
- Day 1 · Eiffel TowerUSD 60
- Day 2 · Musée d'OrsayUSD 52
- Day 2 · Marché des Enfants RougesUSD 10
- Day 2 · Vedettes du Pont NeufUSD 30
- Day 3 · Atelier des LumièresUSD 34
- Day 4 · Musée Jacquemart-AndréUSD 34
- Day 4 · Arc de TriompheUSD 36
- Day 6 · Musee RodinUSD 32
- Day 6 · Bateaux-MouchesUSD 39
FoodUSD 1,050
- Paris · 7 daysUSD 1,050
Local transportUSD 252
- Paris · 7 daysUSD 252
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Moderate -- expect 100 USD per night for hotels and 50 USD per person daily for food. Tap water is safe; just ask for une carafe d eau at restaurants to skip paying for bottled water.
Skip single metro tickets and buy a Navigo Easy card for 2 EUR; load it with a carnets of 10 rides to save about 30 percent over individual fares.
Look for a prix fixe lunch menu in the 11th arrondissement for 20 to 25 EUR; it offers the same quality as dinner for half the price.
Book an evening river cruise on the Seine for 15 to 20 EUR; it is the best way to see the city lights without the crowds of a rooftop bar.
Avoid the Eiffel Tower summit queue by walking to the Trocadero gardens at sunrise; the view of the structure is better and entirely free.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Hotel in Paris
Nights 1–6 · Saint-Germain-des-Pres · about USD 1,080 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Eiffel Tower summit tickets
Day 1 · Book 2 months ahead · Tickets release 60 days in advance at midnight CET on the official website; these sell out within minutes for prime time slots.
Musee d'Orsay timed entry tickets
Day 2 · Book 4 weeks ahead · While not strictly mandatory, booking ahead via the official museum website avoids 2-hour queues at the main entrance.
Bateaux-Mouches dinner cruise reservation
Day 6 · Book 3 weeks ahead · Popular evening cruises for dinner sell out quickly, especially during weekends and high tourist season.
Atelier des Lumieres entry tickets
Day 3 · Book 2 weeks ahead · This popular immersive art space requires advance timed-entry booking online to guarantee access, as capacity is strictly limited.
Paris Museum Pass
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · Purchase online and collect at a central office or airport; covers entry to the Musee d'Orsay, Carnavalet, and Arc de Triomphe.
Travel tips
Load the Ile-de-France Mobilites app to manage your Navigo Easy pass and track Metro lines in real time.
Avoid staying in northern suburbs like Saint-Denis or Bobigny to minimize safety risks and long commute times into the city center.
Enter a cafe with a polite 'Bonjour' — failing to greet staff is considered rude and often leads to slower service.
Use the Metro between 6am and 12:30am, but keep bags in front of you on line 1 or line 4 to avoid pickpockets.
Book Louvre tickets online at the official museum website exactly 60 days in advance to skip the main queue.
Walk the Canal Saint-Martin at 7pm on a Friday for a local atmosphere far from the tourist-heavy Eiffel Tower area.
Carry a physical coin purse, as small bakeries often prefer cash for purchases under 10 EUR.
Visit bookstores in the Latin Quarter on a rainy Tuesday; they remain open and offer a quiet escape from crowded museums.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get EUR cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for France
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Transit card: Navigo Easy · Paris
Pen for arrival forms
Museum Pass
The seven days follow a deliberate geographic arc, beginning in the formal 7th and 8th to establish the classic scale before pushing north into the hilltop streets of the 18th. Mid-week focuses on the historic heart to anchor the trip in the oldest parts of the city. We save the 10th and 19th for the end to trade monument density for the quieter, water-focused rhythm of the Canal Saint-Martin, which acts as a gentle wind-down before your departure.
This itinerary prioritizes high-density cultural hubs and the evolution of urban arrondissements over peripheral excursions. You will miss the sprawling palace grounds of Versailles and the deep forest paths of the Bois de Boulogne, which demand half-days that would break the rhythm of your neighborhood explorations. This structure is for the traveler who wants to know the city texture intimately; it is the wrong choice if your goal is checking off major national monuments outside the city limits.
Extend your stay by two days to include a dedicated trip to Giverny. You can walk through Monet's gardens when the wisteria hits the peak of its season, offering a sensory contrast to the stone-heavy heart of Paris.
Interest coverage
2 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | US, UK, Australian, and Canadian citizens can visit the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days. Indian nationals require a Schengen visa, which must be obtained through the French consulate. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise increased cautionUpdated May 27, 2025 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18112 for European emergency number |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | Service included (service compris); round up for good service |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Round up to nearest €1–2 |
| Tipping: hotels | €1–2 per bag |
| Cards | Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard) |
| Contactless | Very common |
| Cash | Cash useful at markets and small cafés |
| Payment tip | Chip and PIN is standard. American Express less widely accepted. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type C, E230V · 50Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Holiday Europe | 40 EUR for 14 days | Charles de Gaulle Airport or any Orange boutique in Paris |
| Airalo eSIM | 10 EUR for 5GB/10 days | Airalo app online |
Local French SIM cards allow roaming across the EU, but ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked before arrival.
About USD 2,829 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Most Western tourists do not need a visa for stays under 90 days within the Schengen zone. Others must check their specific consulate requirements well in advance. Always confirm entry rules based on your own nationality.
Paris is safe for solo travelers, provided you stay aware of your bags in transit hubs. Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid the northern suburbs. Treat it with the same caution you would any major world capital.
The Metro is the most efficient way to travel across Paris. Buy a Navigo Easy card and top it up at any station machine. Avoid driving, as parking is scarce and traffic is intense.
Tipping is not mandatory because service is included in your bill. If you feel the service was truly excellent, you can leave a small amount of change, but it is never expected.
Most museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday. Always check the official website before heading out to avoid a wasted trip.
Tap water is perfectly safe and delicious in Paris. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it at the public Wallace fountains found throughout the city.
Most retail shops close by 7pm or 8pm and are typically closed on Sundays. Bakeries and cafes usually stay open later, but check local hours for specific neighborhoods.
You do not need to be fluent, but learning a few basic greetings like Bonjour and Merci will make your interactions much smoother. Most people in tourist zones speak English.
These 4 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
An Independent Art-House Cinema Experience
e.g., Le Champo, Studio 28
A Traditional French Culinary Workshop
e.g., La Cuisine Paris, Le Cordon Bleu
A Rooftop Cocktail Bar with Skyline Views
e.g., Hotel Dame des Arts Rooftop, Too TacTac Skybar
A Historic Jazz Club Performance
e.g., Le Caveau de la Huchette, Duc des Lombards
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