How to Spend a Week in Paris: My 7-Day Itinerary, Favorite Restaurants & Travel Tips
Paris is one of those cities I never get tired of visiting. I've now been three times, and somehow there's always something new to discover. Between the beautiful architecture, incredible food, museums, and endless cafés, it's easy to see why so many people fall in love with this city.
For my most recent trip, I spent hours researching restaurants, cafés, and things to do. I wanted a good mix of iconic Paris experiences and places I hadn't explored on previous visits.
Of course, not everything went according to plan. We visited during a heat wave, which definitely changed our appetite and how much sightseeing we wanted to do each day. We ended up eating less traditional French food than expected, but still discovered some incredible restaurants along the way.
And while I love Paris, I'm also not going to pretend every restaurant or attraction is worth the hype.
Below, I'm sharing exactly how I spent my week in Paris, including my favorite experiences, honest restaurant reviews, and practical tips to help you plan your own trip.
For even more recommendations, including where to stay, eat, and explore, check out my complete Paris travel guide.
What's Inside This Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Pastries & Dinner
Day 2: The Louvre, Palais Garnier & Seine Cruise
Day 3: Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Day 4: Yoga, Eiffel Tower & Girafe
Day 5: Versailles & Giverny
Day 6: Montmartre & Le Marais
Day 7: Traveling Home
My Favorite Experiences
What I'd Skip or Change
Paris Travel Tips
Day 1: Arriving in Paris, Pastries & a Classic French Dinner
After arriving in Paris, we checked into our hotel and started exploring the city. Naturally, our first stops included pastries and a classic French dinner.
Hôtel Avalon Paris
For this trip, we stayed at Hôtel Avalon Paris, a budget-friendly hotel that offered a convenient base for exploring the city. While I appreciated the affordability and location, it wasn't a hotel I'd personally choose again. Paris has so many wonderful neighborhoods and accommodations, and I think it's worth spending a little more for a hotel you genuinely enjoy returning to after a long day of exploring.
My verdict: Fine for a budget-conscious stay, but I'd explore other options for my next trip.
Mamiche
One of the bakeries I was excited to try was Mamiche. Paris is full of amazing boulangeries, but this is one to add to your list if you love fresh pastries and baked goods. It's the perfect kind of stop to work into a morning walk or grab something to enjoy while exploring the neighborhood.
Le Relais de l'Entrecôte — Would Skip ❌
For dinner, we tried Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, famous for its steak frites and signature sauce. It's an incredibly popular restaurant and one you'll see recommended frequently on social media. Unfortunately, this one didn't live up to the hype for me. With so many wonderful places to eat in Paris, I wouldn't prioritize returning.
My verdict: Skip. There are better meals to be had in Paris.
Day 2: The Louvre, Palais Garnier & a Seine River Cruise
This was one of our more sightseeing-heavy days, with a mix of famous Paris landmarks, beautiful architecture, and a memorable evening on the Seine.
The Louvre — Loved 🤍
One of the world's most famous art museums, the Louvre is an experience worth making time for. Even if you've visited before, there's always something new to see. The museum is enormous, so I'd recommend identifying a few collections or works you really want to see rather than trying to cover everything. I loved seeing the Napolean apartments so be sure to look for these rooms!
My tip: Book tickets in advance, the first morning slot is best, and give yourself at least a few hours to explore.
Jardin des Tuileries
Located next to the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden is a lovely place to take a break between sightseeing stops. I love that Paris has so many beautiful public gardens where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere without needing a packed itinerary.
Emily in Paris Offices
If you've watched Emily in Paris, you might recognize the exterior of the building used for the offices of Agence Savoir. It's a fun, quick stop for fans of the show and easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing around Central Paris.
Pink Mamma
For lunch, we stopped at Pink Mamma, one of Paris's popular Italian restaurants, known for its beautiful interior. If you're planning to visit, it's worth making reservations ahead of time.
Galeries Lafayette — Would Skip ❌
We also visited Galeries Lafayette, the famous department store known for its impressive architecture and shopping. While it's certainly beautiful, it was extremely crowded, so I wouldn't prioritize it unless you're interested in shopping or seeing the building itself.
My verdict: Skip if you're short on time.
Palais Garnier — Loved 🤍
One of my favorite experiences of the trip was visiting Palais Garnier, Paris's magnificent opera house. The architecture is absolutely stunning. I loved everything from the grand staircase to the ornate interiors, but my favorite was the grand foyer. I’ve never seen a room that beautiful! Even if you're not planning to attend a performance, I highly recommend visiting the building.
My verdict: Loved. One of my favorite architectural experiences in Paris.
La Focacceria
After a full day of sightseeing, we grabbed a quick bite at La Focacceria before heading to our Seine River cruise. This is a perfect casual meal for lunch or a light dinner.
Private Seine River Cruise with Green River Cruises — Loved 🤍
One of the highlights of my entire trip was taking a private boat cruise along the Seine with Green River Cruises. Seeing Paris from the water offers a completely different perspective. You get beautiful views of the bridges, historic buildings, and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower without navigating the busy streets. I especially loved that this was a private experience, which made it feel more relaxed and personal.
My verdict: Loved. This is one experience I'd happily recommend and do again.
Day 3: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées & a Memorable Dinner
Our third day was another mix of sightseeing, walking around the city, and discovering more places to eat.
Noir Coffee Shop
We started with a coffee stop at Noir Coffee Shop. I always love finding good specialty coffee shops when traveling, and Paris has plenty to explore beyond its traditional cafés.
Arc de Triomphe
Next, we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris's most recognizable landmarks. Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, it's an impressive monument and a great stop to incorporate into a day exploring this part of the city. If you have time, you can also purchase tickets to climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of Paris.
Champs-Élysées — Would Skip ❌
We also walked along the Champs-Élysées, one of Paris's most famous avenues. While I think it's worth seeing at least once, particularly if it's your first time in Paris, I don't think you need to dedicate much time to it on subsequent visits. The area is busy, touristy, and filled with many of the same stores you'll find in other major cities.
My verdict: Worth seeing once, but I'd skip it on a return trip.
Café Le Monte Carlo
For lunch, we stopped at Café Le Monte Carlo during our day of exploring. We were craving burgers and they served delicious ones with french fries. It's also a convenient place to incorporate into a day visiting the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées.
Racines — Loved 🤍
Dinner at Racines was one of my favorite meals of the trip. This is a lovely Italian bistro tucked inside the Passage des Panoramas. It’s known for its seasonal menu and exceptional handmade pasta. We ordered the tagliatelle and ravioli and both were delish! Make a res in advance. This is the kind of restaurant I'd happily return to on another visit.
My verdict: Loved. Add it to your Paris restaurant list.
Day 4: Yoga, the Eiffel Tower & Dinner with a View
This was one of my favorite days of the trip, combining a little wellness with one of Paris's most iconic experiences.
Baba Yoga — Loved 🤍
One thing I love doing when traveling is finding local yoga studios. It's a wonderful way to slow down, move my body, and experience a different side of a destination. I started the day with a class at Baba Yoga, which ended up being one of my favorite experiences. I love incorporating wellness activities into my travels, especially in cities where it's easy to spend the entire day walking and sightseeing.
My verdict: Loved. A great addition to a Paris itinerary if you enjoy yoga.
Léonie — Loved 🤍
After yoga, we visited Léonie for coffee and pastries. One of my favorite things about visiting Paris is how easy it is to build an entire morning around a good bakery, a coffee, and a neighborhood walk.
My verdict: Loved. Worth adding to your bakery list.
Café Le Dôme — Would Skip ❌
For lunch, we stopped at Café Le Dôme since it was right across from the Champ de Mars park where the Eiffel Tower is located. The meal wasn’t terrible by any means, but I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to eat here. It’s more convenient, if anything.
My verdict: Skip.
The Eiffel Tower — Loved 🤍
Despite having visited Paris twice before, I'd never actually gone up the Eiffel Tower until this trip. And I'm so glad I finally did! While the Eiffel Tower is obviously one of Paris's most famous attractions, seeing the city from the top was an entirely different experience. The views were incredible, and I loved getting to experience something new in a city I'd already visited multiple times.
There's also a champagne bar at the summit, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while taking in the views of Paris. It's definitely a touristy experience, but sometimes those experiences are popular for a reason.
My verdict: Loved. I think it's worth doing at least once!
Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower:
Book tickets in advance. Tickets for popular dates and summit access can sell out online. We learned this firsthand when we were planning our visit.
Choose the correct ticket. Not all tickets include access to the summit, so double-check what you're purchasing.
Allow extra time. Even with timed tickets, you may still need to wait for security and elevators.
Prepare for the weather. Whether you're visiting during a summer heat wave or a chilly winter day, remember that you may be waiting outdoors for a while. Dress accordingly and bring what you need to stay comfortable.
Don't skip the summit if it's important to you. The views are incredible, and the champagne bar makes for a fun experience.
You can purchase tickets through the official Eiffel Tower website.
Açaí & You
After visiting the Eiffel Tower, we stopped at Açaí & You for an açaí bowl. It was a refreshing break, especially while visiting during a summer heat wave.
Girafe — Loved 🤍
For dinner, we visited Girafe, a restaurant known for its views of the Eiffel Tower—and it lived up to the hype! It's a beautiful setting for a special dinner in Paris, particularly if you're looking for a memorable dining experience with an iconic backdrop.
My verdict: Loved. A great option for a special evening in Paris.
Eiffel Tower at Night — Loved 🤍
We ended the evening by seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night. If you've only seen the Eiffel Tower during the day, I'd highly recommend returning after sunset. The tower sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of each hour after dusk, making it one of those quintessential Paris experiences that's worth seeing at least once.
My verdict: Loved. A beautiful way to end the evening.
Day 5: A Day Trip to Versailles & Giverny
After several busy days exploring Paris, we spent our fifth day venturing outside the city on a guided tour to Versailles and Giverny booked through Viator.
Both destinations were beautiful and absolutely worth visiting, although I'd approach the experience differently next time.
Palace of Versailles — Loved 🤍
Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, and for good reason. The palace is known for its elaborate interiors, impressive Hall of Mirrors, and expansive gardens. It's a fascinating place to learn more about French history and see the extraordinary scale of the former royal residence. I'd recommend purchasing tickets in advance and allowing plenty of time to explore the palace and grounds.
Giverny — Loved 🤍
Our second destination was Giverny, the charming village best known as the home of Claude Monet. Monet's house and gardens are particularly beautiful, especially during the warmer months when the gardens are in bloom. If you're familiar with his water lily paintings, it's wonderful to see the gardens that inspired so much of his work.
Would I Recommend Visiting Both in One Day?
While I loved both destinations, I'd recommend visiting them separately if you have the time. Combining Versailles and Giverny into a single day makes for a long itinerary, and both places deserve more time than you may get on a combined tour.
If you're short on time and want to see both, a guided tour can be a convenient option. However, if you have flexibility in your schedule, I'd dedicate a full day to each destination.
My verdict: Loved both, but would visit separately next time.
Day 6: Yoga, Montmartre & a Food Tour in Le Marais
For our final full day in Paris, we combined another yoga class with two of the city's most charming neighborhoods: Montmartre and Le Marais.
Yay Yoga
I started the morning with a class at Yay Yoga. This studio was small and there ended up only being 3 people in the class. This was a bit of a slower class for my personal liking, so I preferred Baba Yoga, but it would be a great option for beginners.
Tip: There are multiple locations for this studio, so make sure you go to the right one!
Sylon de Montmartre
After yoga, we headed to Sylon de Montmartre, a small, independently owned café centrally located in Montmartre. They offer brunch, fresh pastries, and coffee in a cozy, welcoming space. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who was working during our visit, which made the experience feel even more special. While the food was good, it wasn't necessarily a standout meal of the trip, but I really appreciated the warm hospitality and charm of this little neighborhood spot. It's a nice place to stop for breakfast or brunch before exploring Montmartre.
Exploring Montmartre — Loved 🤍
Montmartre is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore in Paris. With its cobblestone streets, independent shops, neighborhood cafés, and beautiful views, it has a completely different atmosphere from the grand boulevards of central Paris. One of its most famous landmarks is Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched at the top of the hill.
It's worth visiting for the architecture and panoramic views of Paris, but I'd also recommend spending some time wandering through the smaller streets.
My verdict: Loved. Definitely worth including in your Paris itinerary.
Le Marais Food Tour — Loved 🤍
In the afternoon, we joined a food tour in Le Marais, one of Paris's most interesting neighborhoods for food, shopping, and history. Food tours are one of my favorite ways to experience a destination. Beyond trying different foods, you get to hear the stories behind local specialties, businesses, and neighborhoods. They're also a great way to discover places you might not have found on your own.
My verdict: Loved. A wonderful experience for anyone interested in Paris's food scene.
Shopping in Le Marais — Loved 🤍
After our food tour, we spent some time shopping and exploring Le Marais. This neighborhood is filled with independent boutiques, galleries, cafés, and beautiful historic streets. It's one of those areas where you can easily spend hours wandering without a specific destination in mind.
My verdict: Loved. One of my favorite neighborhoods for shopping and exploring.
Fragola Marais
We ended our final full day in Paris with dinner at Fragola Marais. This place looked and is probably a bit touristy, but the food was amazing! We all ordered pizzas and a salad to share, and everything tasted delicious. I would definitely come back here again.
Day 7: Traveling Home
After six full days of exploring, eating, walking, and discovering new places, it was time to head home.
Even after three visits, Paris continues to be a city I want to return to. There are still so many restaurants I want to try, neighborhoods I want to explore, and experiences I haven't had yet.
My Favorite Experiences in Paris
If I had to narrow down my favorite experiences from this trip, these would be at the top of my list:
Visiting the Louvre: An incredible museum that deserves a spot on your Paris itinerary.
Exploring Palais Garnier: Some of the most beautiful architecture I saw during the trip.
Taking a private Seine River cruise: A memorable and relaxing way to experience Paris.
Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower: Absolutely worth doing at least once.
Dinner at Girafe: A memorable evening with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Visiting Versailles and Giverny: Two beautiful destinations worth exploring, preferably on separate days.
Exploring Montmartre and Le Marais: Two neighborhoods I'd happily return to.
Incorporating yoga into my itinerary: A great way to slow down during a busy city trip.
What I'd Skip or Change Next Time
Not every popular attraction or restaurant needs to make your itinerary.
Based on my experience, these are a few places I'd skip or approach differently on a future visit.
Le Relais de l'Entrecôte: Didn't live up to the hype for me.
Galeries Lafayette: Beautiful, but not a must-see unless you're interested in shopping or architecture.
Champs-Élysées: Worth walking down once, but not somewhere I'd spend much time on a return visit.
Café Le Dôme: One of the restaurants I'd skip next time.
Versailles and Giverny in one day: Loved both destinations, but I'd give each one its own day if possible.
Hôtel Avalon Paris: An affordable option, but I'd choose a different hotel next time.
Of course, travel is subjective. Something that wasn't a highlight for me might be one of your favorite experiences!
Tips for Planning a Week in Paris
1. Book popular attractions in advance.
The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and other major attractions can be extremely popular. Make reservations ahead of time whenever possible, particularly during peak travel seasons.
2. Make restaurant reservations, but leave room for spontaneity.
Paris has an incredible dining scene, and many popular restaurants book up in advance. I recommend reserving the places you're most excited about while leaving some meals open for spontaneous discoveries.
3. Organize your itinerary by neighborhood.
Paris is a large city, and you can spend a surprising amount of time traveling between attractions. Grouping nearby sights and restaurants together will make your days much more enjoyable.
4. Don't underestimate how much walking you'll do.
Paris is a wonderful city to explore on foot, but you'll likely walk much more than expected. Comfortable shoes are essential.
5. Don't feel obligated to visit every famous attraction.
Some of my favorite experiences were the less structured moments: visiting a bakery, wandering through beautiful neighborhoods, or enjoying a slower morning.
6. Check the weather before finalizing your plans.
We visited during a heat wave, and it definitely changed how we approached our itinerary. Be flexible and adjust your plans when necessary.
7. Make time to slow down.
It's tempting to pack your schedule with every museum, restaurant, and landmark on your list, but Paris is also a wonderful city to simply enjoy.
Find a café, spend some time in a garden, or take a leisurely walk through a neighborhood. You don't have to be constantly sightseeing to make the most of your trip.
Final Thoughts: Is One Week Enough in Paris?
A week in Paris is a wonderful amount of time to experience the city's major attractions while still having opportunities to slow down and explore.
Even after three visits, I still have a long list of restaurants, neighborhoods, and experiences I want to try.
My biggest recommendation is to plan the experiences that matter most to you, but don't feel pressured to see everything.
Some of the best moments in Paris happen when you have nowhere in particular to be.
For even more recommendations, including restaurants, bakeries, hotels, and things to do, check out my complete Paris travel guide.
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