Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Paris?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Paris?
Many visitors spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Paris during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, take in a show, and sample the delicious cuisine.
Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.
Do you have one or two days to visit Paris? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Paris?
Paris offers plenty of activities and attractions and remains a top choice for tourists. One day is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Paris such as the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, the theatre, and the food. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully experience the energetic city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.
How to spend a day in Paris
When visiting Paris, you can't miss the Eiffel Tower as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Paris is known for its wide range of shows. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Art Nouveau and Art Deco tour near Opera ($180)
- Area ,Opera, Jewellery,Fashion,Palais Royal walking tour ($74)
- Opera Garnier Mysteries Private Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entrance ($240)
Paris is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Paris?
Since it's a large city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Paris. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun big city activities, visitors can enjoy the food, nightlife, and beautiful scenery by staying for a weekend.
The Louvre, Paris
How to spend 2 days in Paris
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Paris, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Paris is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
The Louvre is worth visiting for around 6 hours, which is great for couples. Known for the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, huge collections of antiquities and artwork, amazing architecture, and more, entry is €22.
Make sure to set aside around 4 hours for Musée d'Orsay, which is €16. It's great for couples and is known for famous artwork from renowned artists such as Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
It's worth around 3 hours for The Musée de l’Orangerie. Entry is €12.50 with discounts for students and seniors. It's known for its Water Lilies series by Claude Monet and Impressionist masterpieces.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for Centre Pompidou. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its innovative architecture and collection of modern art. It's around €15 to €17, depending on the selected ticket option. Some tickets provide access to a variety of collections, while others are for specific events.
Musée Picasso is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its extensive collection of Pablo Picasso's artworks, entry is €12.
Make sure to set aside around 3 hours for Musée National Rodin, which is €14. It's great for couples and is known for its collection of Auguste Rodin's sculptures, including The Thinker.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for The Eiffel Tower. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for epic views, romantic charm, and interesting architecture. It's around €18 to €50 depending on the selected ticket and tour option. Tickets to the lower level start at €12 (kids half price) for the stairs or €18 with the lift. Tickets to the top cost €22 with the stairs or €29 with the lift. It's also possible to buy a glass of champagne or book a guided tour for additional costs.
Make sure to set aside around 1 hour for The Arc de Triomphe, which is €13. It's great for couples and is known for its imposing stance over the Champs-Elysees, great views, and as a symbol of French victory.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for The Pantheon, which is €11.50. It's great for families and couples and is known for the tombs of famous people in French history and its epic views over the city skyline.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for The Catacombs of Paris. It's a nice activity for backpackers and are known for the eerie display of bones in maze-like underground tunnels. It's €29, children €10, or more if you book one of the many guided tour options available.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its historical Gothic architecture and its place in French history, entry is free.
It's worth around 2 hours for The Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Entry is free. It's known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views over the city skyline.
Sainte-Chapelle is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its rows of stained glass windows and famous religious relics, entry is €11.50.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Photoshoot in Paris - Eiffel Tower ($80)
- Photo Session in Paris - Photographer at the Eiffel Tower ($72)
- Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit Small-Group Guided Tour Max 6 People ($155)
The delicious food of Paris is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Wine Tasting In Paris ($90)
- French Wine, Champagne And Cheese Tasting Paris SECRET WINE DOOR ($95)
- Paris Cheesemaking Workshop including Wine and Cheese Tasting with an Expert ($84)
Public transit in Paris is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Paris, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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