Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Paris?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Paris?
Paris offers plenty of activities and attractions and remains a top choice for tourists. Three days 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 3 days 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 ($171)
- Area ,Opera, Jewellery,Fashion,Palais Royal walking tour ($71)
- Opera Garnier Mysteries Private Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entrance ($228)
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.
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:
- #1 Orsay Museum & Montmartre | Satisfaction Guarantee | 8ppl Max ($272)
- Versailles Bike Tour with Market, Gardens & Guided Palace Tour ($182)
- Private Guided Professional Photoshoot by the Eiffel Tower ($148)
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 ($85)
- French Wine, Champagne And Cheese Tasting Paris SECRET WINE DOOR ($90)
- Paris Cheesemaking Workshop including Wine and Cheese Tasting with an Expert ($80)
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.
Given that Paris is a large and popular city, give yourself a full day to uncover the diverse neighborhoods, captivating attractions, and engaging activities scattered throughout the area. Be sure to include visits to some of the city's premier landmarks and quintessential neighborhoods, too. It is one of the most popular tourist city's in the entire world. It's an iconic destination that is known for its beauty and beautiful architecture.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Palais Garnier. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for lavish and elegant architecture, the ballet, and the opera. It's €15 which includes an audio guide. Various professionally guided tours are available for additional costs.
Moulin Rouge is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its extravagant cabaret shows and historic significance, entry is €90.
It's worth around 3 hours for The Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Entry is free. It's known for high end shopping, beautiful cafes, and Parisian architecture.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for Montmartre. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its bohemian atmosphere, Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and artistic legacy. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Paris City Tour by E-Scooter with Fun Guide (Small groups) ($67)
- Paris Vintage Private City Tour on a Sidecar Motorcycle ($162)
- Paris Le Marais Hidden Gems Small Group Tour with Cruise Option ($41)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Paris New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry ($80)
- Private Tour of Parisian Nightlife (Sights, Food & Drinks) with a local ($93)
Is 4 days enough time in Paris?
Four days is usually not enough time to experience the energetic city of Paris, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, take in a show, and sample the delicious cuisine. You'll likely want more than four days, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.
The Louvre, Paris
How to spend 4 days in Paris
If you have more than 4 days in Paris, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in Paris is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private shopping tour at the Paris Antique Flea Market ($205)
- Paris Private Shopping Spree & Walking Tour with a Local Guide ($115)
- Giverny Monet's House and Gardens plus Shopping Session Day Trip ($29)
Paris is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Paris Walking Tour , Historical Sites . ($90)
- Latin Quarter Paris - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour ($59)
- Versailles Bike Tour with Market, Gardens & Guided Palace Tour ($182)
Is 5 days enough time in Paris?
Many visitors choose to spend around five days in Paris. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities and spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, take in a show, and sample the delicious cuisine. Since many visitors prefer to spend around three to seven days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the energetic city.
How to spend 5 days in Paris
Having 5 days in Paris will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of Paris, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Loire Valley Day Trip with 3 Castles with Chambord and Chenonceau ($214)
- Small Group Paris to Versailles Guided Day Trip & Garden Access ($124)
- Normandy D-Day Sites & Cemetery Day Trip from Paris with Lunch ($158)
Live music is very popular in Paris, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Classical Music Concert Saint Germain des Prés Church ($57)
- Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches ($148)
- Chanson and Musical Tour in Paris ($56)
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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