Planning the perfect Paris itinerary can feel overwhelming. The city is filled with amazing food and fun activities, making it difficult to decide what to include. After a couple trips to Paris, I created this guide to help you narrow down things to do, day trips, restaurants, and more!
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Activities to Add to Your Paris Itinerary
1. Seine River Cruise (Dinner vs. Evening)
A cruise along the Seine River is one of the most lovely experiences in Paris.
- Dinner Cruise: Romantic, full meal, perfect for a special night
- Evening Cruise: More affordable, relaxed vibe, and you’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle as it lights up at night
If you’re short on time or on a budget, go for the evening cruise. If you want a full experience, dinner is unforgettable.
2. Visit the Louvre Museum
The Louvre is massive and home to thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa. It’s incredible and you need to be ready to spend a good amount of time here. You can read my guide on whether the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay is the better choice for your trip. Due to it’s size, you may want to consider a guided tour, like the ones listed below.
3. Explore the Musée d'Orsay
If you prefer Impressionist art, Musee d’Orsay may be the better choice for you. Expect works from Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas in a stunning former train station. This museum is smaller and more manageable than the Louvre.
4. Go Up the Eiffel Tower
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is touristy, but it’s worth adding to your Paris itinerary. People usually mention that the summit view is the same as the second floor view, so I just opted for the second floor. There’s a longer line to wait in to get to the summit. Even if you decide not to go up, at least go check it out. It really was more impressive than I expected.
5. Shopping in Le Marais
This charming neighborhood is filled with boutique stores, art, and food. Make a stop at Carré d’Artistes for original artwork by local artists.
6. Explore the Catacombs of Paris
The catacombs are a creepy, but fascinating activity to add to your Paris itinerary. The catacombs are lined with the bones of millions of people.
7. Walk to the Top of the Arc de Triomphe
Climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views of Paris, especially at sunset.
8. Take a Perfume-Making Class
Paris is the perfume capital of the world and creating your own signature scent is such a fun activity. Adding this to your Paris itinerary also provides a great souvenir to take home.
9. Visit Sainte-Chapelle
Known for its breathtaking stained glass, Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris and should be added to your Paris itinerary. You can also attend classical concerts here in the evening, which makes it even more special.
10. See Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame was still being restored during both my visits, so it’s definitely something I will add to my Paris itinerary next time.
11. Jazz Night at Le Caveau de la Huchette
Le Caveau de la Huchette feels like stepping back in time. Expect live music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere.
Best Parks for Your Paris Itinerary
One of my favorite things about Paris are the parks! There are so many beautifully landscaped parks to relax in and here’s some of my top picks.
- Tuileries Garden – Beautiful gardens with a fountain and plenty of seating
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – Less touristy, great views and dramatic landscape
- Luxembourg Gardens – Classic Parisian park with fountains and chairs
Best Day Trips from Paris
1. Palace of Versailles
A must-see for its extravagant interiors and beautiful gardens.
2. Mont Saint-Michel
A fairytale-like island with a medieval abbey. It’s farther away but absolutely stunning.
3. Giverny
Visit Monet’s home and gardens. It’s especially beautiful in spring and summer.
Which Cabaret Should You Add to Your Paris Itinerary?
I personally am not a fan of Moulin Rouge and you can read a more in-depth review here.
Instead I would choose one of the following:
- Paradis Latin – Classic cabaret with some comedy added in
- Crazy Horse – More artisitic and risque performances
Restaurants to Add to Your Paris Itinerary
These are the restaurants that I keep on my Paris itinerary and will return to.
- La Maison du Jardin – Highly recommend their lamb in a puff pastry
- Chez Fernand Christine -Excellent French food
- La Jacobine – Can get very busy so grab a reservation
- Le Bistro des Augustins – Known for their potatoes au gratin, I recommend the one with duck
Paris is also a great place for a food tour. Check out some of the options below.
Best Desserts
- A. Lacroix Pâtisserie – Beautiful pastries and desserts, I seriously stop here multiple times during a trip to enjoy tea, dessert, and the view of Notre Dame from the picture window
- La Maison du Chocolat – Perfect for luxurious chocolate gifts
Where to Stay
I personally love staying in the 5th/6th arrondissement.
- Les Rives De Notre Dame – Beautiful hotel right on the river
- Hotel Albe Saint Michel – Affordable option and some rooms even have small balconies
Final Thoughts on Your Paris Itinerary
The beauty of a Paris itinerary is balancing sightseeing with slower, local experiences, like relaxing in a park, shopping in Le Marais, or ending your night with jazz or a cabaret show.
Paris always has something new to discover and that’s what has me coming back time and time again.