The Best Christmas in Europe Itinerary for 7 to 14 Days
This Christmas in Europe itinerary includes some of the best holiday markets in Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. From Christkindlmarkts in Nuremberg and Munich to Marche de Noel in the Alsace region of France, these are the most magical places to spend the holidays.
This Christmas in Europe itinerary features the best holiday markets in Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland.
Under twinkling lights on a frosty winter’s night, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread welcomes holiday travelers to old-timey Christmas markets all around Europe. Some of my favorite ones so far are in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria, so I’ve crafted a European Christmas itinerary to incorporate these festive stops.
While the four countries are neighbors and share some similarities, you’ll also notice differences in cuisine and culture as you move from town to town. For a unique blend of experiences, this winter in Europe itinerary includes a mix of larger cities with dozens of Christkindlmarkts and smaller villages brimming with holiday fairytale vibes.
There are many different ways to arrange a Christmas market trip to Europe, and I’ve included a few itinerary options below for a 7 to 14-day vacation. I’ve done the two-week version myself and highly recommend it if you have enough time.
You could also add Paris, Brussels, Cologne, or Frankfurt at the beginning of the trip or Cesky Krumlov and Prague in Czechia at the end.
Keep reading for my Christmas in Europe itinerary and a guide to the markets you can see in each city.
Europe Christmas Itinerary Options
One Week Christmas in Europe Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Frankfurt or Munich, Germany; train or bus to Strasbourg, France
Day 2: Strasbourg markets and sightseeing
Day 3: Day trip to Colmar, France
Day 4: Day trip to Basel, Switzerland
Day 5: Train or bus to Nuremberg, Germany
Day 6: Day trip to Regensburg, Germany
Day 7: Nuremberg and return to Frankfurt or Munich
10 Day Winter Europe Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Paris, France, or Frankfurt, Germany; bus or train to Strasbourg, France
Day 2: Strasbourg Christmas markets
Day 3: Day trip to Basel, Switzerland
Day 4: Day trip to Colmar, France
Day 5: Train or bus to Munich, Germany
Day 6: Munich Christmas markets
Day 7: Day trip to Regensburg, Germany
Day 8: Day trip to Nuremberg, Germany
Day 9: Day trip to Salzburg, Austria
Day 10: Return to Paris or Frankfurt or fly home from Munich
Two Week Winter Itinerary Europe
Day 1: Fly into Paris or Frankfurt, train or bus to Strasbourg, France
Day 2: Strasbourg, France
Day 3: Day trip to Colmar, France
Day 4: Day trip to Alsace villages (Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauville)
Day 5: Day trip to Basel, Switzerland
Day 6: Train or bus to Munich, Germany
Day 7: Munich Christmas markets
Day 8: Day trip to Regensburg, Germany
Day 9: Day trip to Nuremberg, Germany
Day 10: Munich to Salzburg, Austria
Day 11: Salzburg to Vienna, Austria
Day 12: Vienna Christmas markets
Day 13: Vienna sightseeing
Day 14: Travel home from Vienna
Best European Christmas towns
in Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland
These are a few of my favorite towns to include on a Christmas in Europe itinerary. There are so many other amazing ones, too, but these towns in France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are a great place to start for your first Christmas market trip to Europe.
Strasbourg, France
Little wooden market chalets topped with garland sit in the shadow of a towering Gothic cathedral in Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas.” The city is actually the capital of the Grand Est region of northeastern France near the German border, with a blend of the two cultures displayed in the architecture and food.
The Christkindelsmärik here is the oldest in France, dating to 1570. In modern days, more than 300 mini chalets stacked with holiday gifts, cookies, and large vats of mulled wine fill a dozen or so different squares and corners of the town.
Beyond the markets, the streets sparkle with lights and storefronts display elaborate scenes of teddy bears and oversized ornaments. It’s easy to stumble upon Christmas just wandering through the central Old Town, but make sure you visit the markets at Place de la Cathedrale, Place Kleber for a towering tree, and Place Broglie in front of the opera house.
Outside of the holiday activities, I also recommend visiting Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg to watch the astronomical clock show and climb the tower, the riverfront district of Quartier de La Petite France, and Jardin de la Place de la Republic to see the Palais du Rhin (and possibly some gorgeous yellow trees if they haven’t shed their leaves yet). You can also pop into museums dedicated to fine arts, decorative arts, and local history.
Strasbourg makes a great base on your first Christmas in Europe itinerary, especially for a short trip. It’s just a couple of hours from Paris or Frankfurt by train, and you can take day trips to German and Swiss towns nearby and several quaint villages in the Alsace cultural region of France.
Christmas Markets in Strasbourg
Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place de la Cathedrale and Place du Chateau
Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place Broglie
Place Kleber Christmas Market and the Great Christmas Tree
Christmas Market at Place du Temple Neuf
Christmas Market at Rue des Hallebardes
Alsatian Christmas Delicacies Market at Terrasse Rohan
Rue Gutenberg Christmas Market and Pere Noel mailbox (letters to Santa)
Christmas Market at Place du Marche-Aux-Poissons
Christmas Market at Place Saint-Thomas
Place Benjamin Zix Christmas Market in Strasbourg
Marche Off at Place Grimmeissen
Village d’Advent at Square Louise Weiss and Suzanne Lacore
Colmar, France
A fairytale village is the best way to picture Colmar, France. Colorful, half-timbered buildings line the cobblestone streets and the canal front Petite Venise district while the imposing, 14th-century churches peak above the skyline.
At Christmas, the town exudes charm, from the decked-out storefronts and festive market squares to the children’s choir that sings carols on boats in the canal in the evening (my favorite moment here, by the way). A Christmas Shuttle also operates from the Colmar rail station to the nearby villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Ribeauville.
Colmar is a 30-minute train ride south of Strasbourg, so it makes an easy day trip from the larger city during your Europe Christmas itinerary. This is also an ideal base for a Christmas in France trip to smaller Alsatian villages nearby.
Christmas Markets in Colmar
Artisan Arts Market at Place de Dominicains
Christmas Market at Place Jeanne d'Arc
Gourmet Market at Place de la Cathedrale
Christmas Market at Place de l’Ancienne Douane
Children’s Market in Petite Venise
Koifhus Indoor Craft Market
Basel, Switzerland
With some of the prettiest Christmas markets in Switzerland, Basel makes an easy add-on to a France and Germany holiday trip. Located on the Rhine River, it borders both countries and is just a 45-minute train ride from Colmar.
There are two main Christmas markets in Basel, a large one surrounding the Barfusserplatz square and a smaller one with a cute kiddie zone next to the Basel Minster church. You can also climb to the top of the Gothic cathedral for a view of the river and the square sparkling in lights below. (Be aware that they do not allow anyone to walk up the tower alone, for very strange reasons).
While in Basel, you also must stop by the 500-year-old Rathaus (city hall) to see the large Christmas tree in the fresco-adorned courtyard and add your holiday wishes to the Basel Wish Book. A lot of people skip over Switzerland on a winter Europe itinerary to the Christmas markets, but I think it’s a great addition, especially if you’re already going to Strasbourg or Colmar.
Christmas Markets in Basel
Christmas Market at Barfusserplatz
Christmas Market at Munsterplatz
Munich, Germany
Munich overflows with Christmas markets and special events in December. The capital of Germany’s Bavaria region is best known for its massive Oktoberfest in the fall and makes a logical base for a Christmas trip to Europe.
During the holiday season, the festival grounds, the center of Old Town, and neighborhoods scattered around the city transform into cozy Yuletide hubs filled with warm drinks, delicious bites, and a host of holiday collectibles, gifts, and decor. There are well over a dozen different Christmas markets in Munich.
If you’re only in the city for a couple of days, I recommend sticking to the Altstadt (Old Town) area for traditional markets surrounding the neo-Gothic town hall.
Münchner Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz (the central square) is a must for Bavarian food and crafts. The market at the Kaiserhof of the Residenz is my favorite for the setting in a palace courtyard. And the Medieval Christmas Market in Wittelsbacher Platz is fun for something a little old-timey and different.
The Oktoberfest grounds also transform into the Tollwood Winter Festival, a buzzing holiday event with live music, a food plaza, a curling rink, and more.
Christmas Markets in Munich
Münchner Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz
Winter magic at Viktualienmarkt (food market)
Eiszauber skating rink at the Karlsplatz-Stachus
Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor Platz
Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz (city palace)
Munich Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz
Tollwood Winter Festival at the Oktoberfest fairgrounds
Pink Christmas at Stephansplatz
Haidhausen Christmas Market at Weissenburger Platz
Bogenhausen Christmas Magic Forest at Cosimabad
Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower at Englischer Garten
Schwabing Christmas markets at Münchner Freiheit
Märchen Bazar (fairytale bazaar) at Olympiapark
Neuhauser Christmas Market at Rotkreuzplatz
Blutenburg Christmas at Blutenburg Castle
Star Fleet on Alte Utting
Magical Christmas Market at the Werksviertel at Knödelplatz
The Moonlight Express Christmas Market at Bahnwärter Thiel
Nuremberg, Germany
Home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, Nuremberg twinkles with thousands of lights that transform the city’s main square into a fairytale setting for the holidays. The centerpiece of the festivities is the angelic Christkind figure, who symbolizes the spirit of the season in Nuremberg and opens the Christkindlesmarkt every year.
The large Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg fills the square in front of a 13th-century church. Dozens of wooden booths topped with red and white striped canopies and lined with garland sell intricately carved ornaments, spekulatius cookies, candied nuts, and rostbratwurst.
Nearby, a children’s market has a colorful carousel, a Ferris wheel, and activities for kiddos. There’s also the Sister Cities’ Market, where you can shop for international handmade crafts from Nuremberg’s partner communities around the world, including Antalya, Turkey; Cordoba, Spain; San Carlos, Nicaragua; and Kavala, Greece.
Nuremberg is one of the best German Christmas markets to add to your Europe in winter itinerary.
Christmas Markets in Nuremberg
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in the Hauptmarkt (main market)
Children’s Christmas Market on Hans-Sachs-Platz
Sister Cities Market at the Rathausplatz (town hall square)
Regensburg, Germany
Home to a 13th-century cathedral and a 12th-century bridge across the Danube River, Regensburg’s medieval center is the ideal setting for classic Christmas markets. The main Regensburg Christkindlmarkt fills the square surrounding Neupfarrkirche (new parish church) with twinkling lights, live music, cute carousels, and the aroma of glühwein.
Elsewhere around town, you can stop by the Christmas tree at Altes Rathaus Regensburg (the old town hall), tour inside the St. Peter Cathedral, and wander around to holiday markets at the palace, Kohlenmark, Haidplatz, and across the river by St. Katharinenspital. I also recommend heading to the cafe on the top floor of the Galeria department store on Neupfarrplatz for a view of the main market from above.
Regensburg is about an hour and a half from Munich and an hour from Nuremberg by train. You can get here with the Bayern Ticket, a regional day ticket for unlimited rides in Bavaria for up to five people. Regensburg was one of my favorite stops on my first Europe Christmas itinerary and I highly recommend checking it out. It’s large enough to have a few fun markets, but not too big or overwhelming.
Christmas Markets in Regensburg
Regensburg Christmas Market on Neupfarrplatz
Advent Market at Katharinenspital
Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss St. Emmeram, Thurn, and Taxis
Lucrezia Market at Haidplatz and Kohlenmark
Salzburg, Austria
The jingling of bells in Salzburg can mean two different things — holiday cheer or the arrival of Krampus, the somewhat terrifying horned creature said to scare away the dark winter spirits. Throughout the season, dozens of costumed Krampuses pop up for parades and appearances at markets around the city.
On a sweeter note, the city is the birthplace of Mozart and the Christmas carol “Silent Night” was composed nearby, so music plays a big part in the seasonal festivities. Daily a capella choral concerts take place in front of the Salzburg Cathedral in late November and December, while brass bands, string quartets, and special Advent performances fill the rest of the calendar.
Some half dozen Christmas markets are scattered around the Altstadt (old town) and Neustadt (new town) on either side of the Salzach River. The main Christkindlmarkt fills the squares around the Salzburg Cathedral with an ice skating rink, towering Christmas tree, string lights, and stands full of holiday trimmings.
My favorite holiday spot is in the 11th-century Hohensalzberg Fortress on a hill above the city. Set up in the medieval castle courtyard, the Christmas market here feels cozy and homegrown. To get into the castle for free, mention at the ticket office that you’re there for the Advent market. There’s also a stunning view over the whole city from a terrace near the courtyard.
Christmas Markets in Salzburg
Christkindlmarkt at the Dom and Residenzplatz
Christmas market on Mirabellplatz
Advent at Salzburg Fortress
Stern Advent and Winter Market in Sternarkaden
Charitable Advent Market at Alter Markt
Hellbrunner Adventzauber at the Palace of Hellbrunn
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a magical city to visit any time of the year, full of palaces, museums, and music. During the holiday season, tons of Christmas markets pop up in landmark squares around the city.
One of the largest holiday markets in Europe is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall, with an ice-skating track, carousel, Ferris wheel, and dozens of food and shopping stands. From there, you can stop by palace markets like the Christmas Village at Belvedere, the Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn, and the lesser-known Advent Market at the Palais Liechtenstein.
The Vienna Christmas markets have incredible food — be sure to try the suppen im brotteig (soup bread bowl), kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), raclette (warm cheese served with bread), and waffles with all sorts of sweet toppings.
Since most of the markets here are next to attractions like art museums, historic churches, and palaces, it’s easy to mix sightseeing and tours with Christmas activities. My favorite things to do in Vienna include climbing to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a view of the city, listening to live music at Peterskirche, and exploring the extensive gardens at Schönbrunn Palace.
Here’s my favorite Vienna itinerary for a day in the city!
Christmas Markets in Vienna
Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square)
Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz
Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
Art Advent on Karlsplatz
Christmas Market on Spittelberggasse
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz
Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung
Christmas Market at Am Hof
Winter Market at the Riesenradplatz
Advent at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace
Christmas Village at the University of Vienna campus
Alm Advent Festival at the Messeplatz
This is How to Plan the Best 2 Days in Paris Itinerary
For a short trip to Paris, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you see all the highlights. This Paris in 2 days itinerary packs in Eiffel Tower views, a visit to the Louvre, shopping the Champs-Elysees, cafe-hopping and so much more. Find out which art museums, historic landmarks and photogenic neighborhoods must be on your 2 days in Paris itinerary and snag our other important know-before-you-go tips.
This 2 days in Paris itinerary highlights the best museums, cathedrals, palaces and monuments to squeeze into a short visit.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower, wandering the Louvre, shopping the Champs-Elysees, cafe-hopping in Saint-Germain-des-Pres — yes, you can fit it all into a Paris in 2 days itinerary. While there are enough art museums, gourmet restaurants, historic landmarks and couture boutiques to fill weeks in the city, a short visit is enough to see the highlights if that’s all you can manage.
It is best to plan ahead to maximize your time and make sure you don’t miss anything on your Paris bucket list, which is where this weekend in Paris itinerary comes in. We’ve included must-see places to visit in Paris in 2 days, like the top art museums, shopping streets, and historic neighborhoods.
If you move fast, you can fit most of it in. Or, cross off anything that doesn’t appeal to you to spend more time exploring.
Keep reading for what to do in Paris for 2 days and scroll to the bottom for my top tips for spending a weekend in Paris, including what to pack and where to stay.
Paris Sightseeing Pass
There are also cool experiences like walking tours and food tastings around the city. You can either select a certain number of attractions to include on the pass or book an all-inclusive option to squeeze in as much as possible.
See what’s included on the Paris Go City Pass here.
The Ultimate Paris in 2 Days Itinerary
This weekend in Paris itinerary includes all the attractions pinned on the map below. You can move quickly to squeeze most of them into two days in Paris or pick just a few to focus on if you want to spend more time wandering through museums or savoring long lunches.
Day 1 — History and Landmarks
Otherwise, you may have to narrow those down to one or two. Make sure to leave enough time in the afternoon for the Eiffel Tower. We recommend a couple of hours before sunset (or longer if you didn’t reserve a ticket).
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Built in the 13th century, Notre Dame is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and a must-see during your 2 days in Paris. It’s located on a little island in the Seine River and with charming historic neighborhoods on either side.
Though parts are still closed since a 2019 fire caused mass destruction, you still should pop by to admire it from afar. When it was open, you could visit the interior for free or pay a fee to climb into the bell towers for up-close views of the gargoyles and stunning vistas of the city with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Sainte-Chapelle
With 15 soaring stained-glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle dazzles with light when the sun streams into the church. The 13th-century building has more than 1,000 colorful panes with scenes from the Bible lining the sanctuary. There’s an entry fee to visit this one, and it’s near Notre Dame on the same island in the Seine.
Le Marais
Just north of Notre Dame in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Le Marais neighborhood packs in fashionable boutiques, small art galleries, and 17th-century mansions once home to aristocrats. Highlights here include the Picasso Museum, Victor Hugo’s apartment and museum, and Place de Vosges square. It’s the perfect spot to wander around soaking up the Parisian culture and discovering photogenic corners.
Latin Quarter
With bustling cafes, cozy bookshops and landmarks from the middle ages, the Latin Quarter on the left bank is an intriguing zone to explore. It’s mostly located in the 5th arrondissement and is home to the 18th century Pantheon, the 13th century Sorbonne university, the National Museum of Natural History, and Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens on the river.
You’ll also want to make time during your 2 days in Paris for the famous Shakespeare and Company, a small independent bookstore tucked into a 17th-century monastery and crammed full of literature.
Luxembourg Garden
Occupying some 55 acres in the 6th, Luxembourg Garden offers a green and serene escape from the buzzing streets that surround it. Between crisscrossing, tree-lined paths, you’ll find flower gardens, sports fields, a museum, fountains and historic statues.
If you just have a few minutes here, pop by the Marie De Medicis Fountain from the 1600s and take a break at the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace (a rental kiosk has little boats for kids to float).
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Neighboring the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Pres is the famed former haunt of literary and artistic greats like Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and James Joyce. A pair of cafes from the 19th century frequented by many of them remain open and popular to this day — Les Deux Magot and Cafe de Flore. Wander here to shop for souvenirs (or chocolates) and stop at one of the sidewalk eateries for an afternoon latte.
Eiffel Tower
The Iron Lady tops many Paris bucket lists, and a visit to the landmark is an absolute must for your first time in the city. The Eiffel Tower has adorned the Paris skyline since the 1880s, standing some 1,063-feet tall.
With a ticket, you can visit three different observation levels via lifts; the first two also have stair access. Since thousands flock here each day, you’ll want to reserve a time slot ahead so you don’t have to wait in outrageously long lines.
I recommend arriving at least a couple of hours before sunset to admire the scene from the gardens below before going up the tower for city views during daylight and twilight. After sunset, head back down to watch the twinkling golden show that lights up the tower at the start of each hour for a few hours after dark. This one is a can’t miss during your 2 days in Paris!
Seine Boat Ride
Though you might want to take a sightseeing boat ride on the Seine while it’s still light out, a night excursion is a great way to squeeze the activity into a shorter itinerary. The cruises depart from near the Eiffel Tower and glide down the Seine toward Notre Dame. At night, the City of Lights sparkles romantically from the riverfront.
Day 2 — Museums and Culture
Day two in Paris packs in museums, shopping and more intriguing neighborhoods to explore. I recommend picking just one museum to visit in the morning, or two if you want to skip the touristy Champs-Elysees, as each will require a minimum of two hours. The Montmartre neighborhood is a bit out of the way, but definitely worth a visit.
Louvre Museum
The world’s largest and most-visited art museum, the Louvre is best known as the home of the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. Most tourists come here with a goal to take a glimpse at (or a selfie with) the famous painting, so expect big crowds around the work.
For a two days in Paris itinerary, you’ll have to keep your museum sessions brief, so glance at a map of the Louvre ahead of time to plan out what you want to see. There are artworks here from huge names like Rembrandt and Michaelangelo as well as a collection in the thousands of antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia and beyond.
You won’t have time to stand in line on a short visit, so reserve a skip-the-line ticket ahead to get in faster. There’s also typically a shorter wait if you enter from one of the side entrances instead of through the photogenic glass pyramid in the central courtyard.
Musee d’Orsay
Another of the top art museums in Paris, Musee d’Orsay houses a collection of Impressionist works from Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and other French painters. You can also admire Vincent van Gogh’s famous “Portrait of the Artist” here.
The museum building itself is also a bit of a masterpiece. It’s located in a Beaux-Arts rail station that was constructed for the 1900 Paris Exposition. D’Orsay is just across the Seine from the Louvre, so you can squeeze both museums into your 2 days in Paris if you keep your visits short.
Musee de l’Orangerie
For an art museum that’s quite a bit less busy than the Louvre, you might consider Musee de l’Orangerie on a Paris two day itinerary. The collection here includes impressionist and post-impressionist pieces. Make sure you pause at Monet’s “Water Lilies.” The series portrays the French painter’s gardens in Giverny, a village about an hour outside Paris in Normandy.
Pont Alexandre III
About a block from the Champs-Elysees, you’ll want to pause along the Seine to take in the views from the Pont Alexandre III. The arched bridge has massive posts on either end with gilded statues as well as Art Nouveau lamps along the span. You can also see the Eiffel Tower from here.
Champs-Elysees
One of those things to do in Paris you just have to mark off the list, Champs-Elysees is a long, tree-lined avenue packed with retail and dining. It stretches for about a mile between Place de la Concorde (Marie Antoinette was executed here) and the early 1800s Arc de Triomphe.
If you’ve dreamed of shopping in Paris, this is one of the most famous places to do so, with everything from luxury flagships to fast-fashion retailers. The surrounding blocks have even more on offer — meander a couple of blocks south for haute couture in the Triangle d’Or along Avenue Montaigne.
There’s also lots of sightseeing just off the Champs-Elysees, like the Petit Palais and Grand Palais down Avenue Winston Churchill, both were built for the 1900 world’s fair here and now house museums.
Read Next: This London Bucket List Has the Best Views and Shopping Districts
Arc de Triomphe
Built during the Napoleon era, the Arc de Triomphe is a war memorial and home to the WWI Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame. It’s about 165-feet tall and located in the middle of a busy traffic circle at one end of the Champs-Elysees. From a viewing terrace at the top, you can take in panoramic vistas that include the Eiffel Tower.
To reach the Arc, use the underground pedestrian walkway on the right side of the Champs-Elysees facing the monument.
Montmartre
Hilltop Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement is the perfect spot to end a Paris in two days itinerary. The neighborhood has the feel of a small village, and packs in cozy cafes, vintage shops and little squares where street artists paint caricatures and entertain passersby. If you have time, you can stop into the Dali Paris museum or Musee de Montmartre, but the best way to sightsee is just by wandering.
Make a point to visit the 1914 Sacre-Coeur basilica — you can’t miss it at the top of the neighborhood with its white domes. You can pop inside the church for free, or pay a small fee to climb 300 steps up to the dome. The courtyard and hill in front have spectacular views looking out over the city, perfect for a final sunset in Paris.
Evening Show
Seeing an evening show in Paris is a great way to sneak in a little more sightseeing after dark at one of the city’s gorgeous venues. The 1875 Palais Garnier opera house is a top choice, with its grand marble staircase and colorful auditorium ceiling and chandelier. During the day, you can tour the theater and see the box reserved for the “Phantom of the Opera,” while at night the venue hosts ballets and concerts.
For something a little more lively, many tourists enjoy the shows at the Moulin Rouge, a cabaret venue established in the late 1800s. It’s famed for its giant red windmill and rousing performances.
Tips for Seeing Paris in 2 Days
Use this Paris travel guide to plan out the details of your trip. I’ve included tips for where to stay, what to pack, and how to get around.
Best Place to Stay in Paris
For a weekend in Paris, I like the Latin Quarter or Le Marais on opposite banks of the Seine for their cultural scene, great restaurants, and historic hotel buildings. If you want an Eiffel Tower view, you’ll want to look around the 7th, 8th and 16th arrondissements.
If you’re on a budget, a couple of places I’ve tried and recommend are the cozy Hotel Victoria Chatelet in the 1st and Hotel Marignan in the 5th. Both had quirky features like no AC or elevators, but they were in prime locales and full of traditional charm.
Search for deals on hotels in Paris on Booking.com
Traveling to Paris
If you’re flying to Paris, you’ll likely arrive at either Charles de Gaulle Airport, 20 miles from central Paris, or Orly Airport, 10 miles away. Shuttles, taxis, rideshares, trains and buses from each will take you downtown. The RER-B train is a quick and cheap option, with a few stops in the central city. You can purchase your ticket from the machines at the airport.
Gare du Nord is the primary station for the Eurostar train from the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and France. Several metro, bus and RER lines connect near the station in the 10th arrondissement.
Getting Around Paris
On this Paris in 2 days itinerary, most of the landmarks and museums are within walking distance of each other and best accessible by foot. Plus, you’ll see much more of the city by walking around.
You will likely want to take the metro up to the 18th arrondissement if you choose to explore Montmartre, as it is a couple of miles from the riverfront. The Anvers metro station is at the bottom of the hill that leads up to Sacre-Coeur basilica.
Taxis, city buses and hop-on hop-off buses are other common ways to get around.
Best Time to Visit Paris
Summer and the holiday season tend to be the most crowded in the city, though Paris is popular throughout the year. If you need to visit during school break, August is less busy as many locals leave the city for their summer vacation and hotels often have better deals since business travel is down.
The shoulder seasons around late spring and early fall are my favorite time to travel, and the weather in Paris will often be in the pleasant 60s. Plus, these months bring blooming gardens or changing leaves, accordingly. January and February often have the best prices and lowest crowds, but you’ll have to deal with freezing temperatures.
How Long to Spend in Paris
For a Paris itinerary, 2 days is pretty short as there is so much to do in the city. But, it can be done by planning ahead. You’ll have to prioritize what to see in Paris in 2 days based on which activities are most important to you, whether that’s shopping, museum hopping, wandering pretty streets, trying out lots of restaurants, and so on.
If you start early and move fast, you can squeeze in all of these things to do in Paris in 2 days, but you might want to pick just one of the museums and a couple of the neighborhoods to allow more time to experience them fully.
If you have extra time, check out our 4 days in Paris itinerary for more activities.
What to Pack for Paris
You’ll want to be comfy and stylish for your trip to Paris, as it’s a very fashionable city. Neutral and dark colors tend to blend in here. Make sure to wear good walking shoes and bring along something to cover your shoulders on cool nights in the shoulder season.
This is the Best 4 Days in Paris Itinerary for Your First Time
This 4 days in Paris itinerary is packed with the city’s highlights — art-filled museums, Gothic churches, historic neighborhoods, fresh croissants, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. Keep reading for our action-packed Paris 4 day itinerary and scroll to the bottom for tips like where to stay, what to pack, how to get around, and how to save money in Paris.
This 4 days in Paris itinerary packs in the best monuments, museums, cathedrals and cafes the French city is famous for.
Visiting Paris for the first time is like stepping into a story. You’ve seen the streets and cafes in movies, been charmed by the romance in books, and dreamed about the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower. So when the time comes to finally experience the city in person, you want to get it right.
That’s where this 4 days in Paris itinerary comes in. I’ve visited the city a few times now, even guiding family around for their first trip, too.
There’s so much to see and do in the French capital that it’s hard to know where to start. Figuring out how to divvy up your time depends a lot on what you enjoy — museum hopping, shopping, historic sights, eating, photography. I’ve packed this 4 day Paris itinerary pretty full, giving you space to cross a few things off and focus on your favorites.
The top things to do in Paris below are grouped by neighborhood so that you won’t waste as much time traveling from place to place. Paris is divided into 20 numbered sections called arrondissements that start from the center and spiral outward. So when you see the 3rd, 9th, and so on mentioned, I’m talking about the arrondissements.
The attractions from this guide are all pinned on the Paris map below so you can see what’s close by. Keep reading for a dreamy and action-packed Paris 4 day itinerary and scroll to the bottom for tips like where to stay, what to pack, how to get around, and when to visit Paris.
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The Ultimate 4 Days in Paris Itinerary and Map
This Paris 4 day itinerary is colored-coded on the map below so you can see which destinations are close to each other. Click on the Paris map to save the attractions to your own Paris bucket list.
Day 1 — Eiffel Tower and Sightseeing in the 6th and 7th
Most of us can’t wait to see the Eiffel Tower when we arrive in the city, so I’m starting this 4 days Paris itinerary with the Iron Lady. Since this will be a day time visit, I’ve also included a spot at the end of the trip to see it again at night as a final send-off.
I actually prefer going up the tower in the late afternoon for sunset, so today can just be a daytime photo stop if you want to do that as well.
After leaving the Eiffel Tower, walk through the 7th arrondissement for highlights like Musee d’Orsay, the sculpture garden at Musee Rodin, and the Les Invalides army museums where Napoleon is buried. You’ll only have time to tour one, and I’ve recommended Musee d’Orsay below.
Continuing on into the 6th, you’ll discover some fun places to stop for an afternoon coffee in Saint-Germain-des-Pres or a rest in Luxembourg Garden before capping off the day with twilight city views from Montparnasse Tower.
Eiffel Tower
Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was never intended to be a permanent fixture and was almost destroyed in World War II. Today, it’s one of the most famous structures in the world and draws millions of tourists yearly.
At 1,063 feet, the tower has three levels of observation decks open to the public, accessed by lifts and by steps as far as the 2nd floor (674 of them). Lines can get outrageously long, so reserve a timed ticket ahead of your visit.
Highlights on the first level include a glass floor to walk over and open-air terraces. The second floor features a macaroon bar and a Michelin star restaurant as well as incredible views overlooking the city. At 905 feet, the top public space has open-air and covered levels with geographic markers showing the distance and direction of other cities around the world.
Trocadero and Champ de Mars
For the best views of the Eiffel Tower, visit Jardins du Trocadero or Champ de Mars parks on either side. The first is on the opposite side of the Seine from the Eiffel, surrounded by a museum complex and with fountains running down the center. From this approach, you can get the famous view of the tower by a carousel.
The Champ de Mars park is in the 7th and full of tree-shaded walking paths and green lawns perfect for picnics with an Eiffel Tower view.
Musee d’Orsay
Musee d’Orsay is one of the top recommended art museums in the city, perfect for the start of this Paris 4 day itinerary. The collection here includes a wealth of Impressionist paintings from famous French artists like Monet, Renoir and Pissarro. Van Gogh’s “Portrait of the Artist” and “Starry Night Over the Rhone” are also displayed at d’Orsay.
The museum is housed in a Beaux-Arts style train station that was built for the 1900 world's fair. It’s located on the left bank of the river across from the Louvre in the 7th arrondissement, less than 2 miles from the Eiffel Tower.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Saint-Germain-des-Pres in the 6th arrondissement is a cultural hub made famous by the great writers and artists who hung out here at the turn of the 19th to 20th century. The district surrounds the wide Saint-Germain Boulevard, where you’ll find historic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, both famed for their early regulars like Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir.
Wander the neighborhood to shop for vintage souvenirs, or pause at a sidewalk table for coffee, pastries and people-watching.
Luxembourg Garden
Jardin du Luxembourg sits on about 55 acres in the 6th and packs in a palace, flower gardens, athletic fields, a museum and tons of historic statues. It’s the perfect spot to sit and sip a coffee by the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace, or to stroll along crisscrossing walking paths admiring monuments like the Marie De Medicis Fountain. Kids will love floating little boats on the pond and you can rent them from a stand right by it.
Montparnasse Tower
If you just can’t wait to get another look at the Eiffel Tower, head over to Montparnasse Tower and the city’s highest rooftop terrace. The observation deck is more than 650-feet high and has spectacular Paris skyline views. Arrive just before sunset for a spectacular sky behind the Iron Lady and stay to watch the twinkling light show on the Eiffel Tower when it gets dark.
Day 2 — Gothic Churches and Historic Neighborhoods in the 4th and 5th
Carve out time in the morning for one or both of the churches below before hopping from right to left bank to explore two intriguing historic neighborhoods. You can take as much time wandering around Le Marais and the Latin Quarter as you like, and both have great places to stop for lunch.
If you didn’t have time for everything in the 6th arrondissement yesterday, it’s also very close to the Latin Quarter.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame is one of the most famous and stunning landmarks of Paris. The 13th-century cathedral is located on a small island in the middle of the Seine and center of the city.
Before a devastating fire closed it to the public, visitors could walk inside the nave to admire the organ, stained glass and works of art. For a small fee, you could also climb up to the two towers and see the decorative gargoyles and huge church bells up close.
For now, you’ll have to admire the Notre-Dame from the outside. One of my favorite views is from the little park at Square Rene Viviani just across the Seine in the Latin Quarter to the south of the building.
Sainte-Chapelle
You haven’t seen stained glass until you’ve stood in the sanctuary at Sainte-Chapelle watching the sun stream in through 1,113 colorful panes. The Gothic church was built in the 13th century and features 15 windows some 50-feet tall displaying hundreds of Bible scenes.
It’s located on the same island on the Seine as Notre-Dame, and you’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter.
Le Marais
For a taste of traditional Paris, head to Le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement. The cobbled streets of this historic district are lined with 17th-century mansions where French aristocrats and authors like Victor Hugo and Colette once lived. I
t’s the perfect zone to wander around indulging in your interests, whether that’s gallery hopping (the Picasso Museum is here), shopping at trendy boutiques, or snacking on crepes and people-watching in neighborhood squares .
Shakespeare and Company
Back on the south side of the Seine in the 5th just across from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is a not-so-hidden gem of a bookstore and the perfect spot to duck away from the midday sun. Founded in 1951 in a former 17th-century monastery, the tiny, independent shop is run by the original owner’s daughter and has a cozy and authentic feel.
Upstairs, in small rooms stacked with mounds of books, you can tickle the ivories on an old piano and write notes to be stuffed in books shipped around the world. The shop carries on an early tradition of welcoming writers and artists, called Tumbleweeds, to bunk inside on bench beds in exchange for helping out at the store.
New and vintage books from here make the perfect souvenir, and they’ll stamp purchases with the shop’s logo.
Latin Quarter
The 5th arrondissement borders the Seine and Notre Dame on the left bank of the river, and is known as the Latin Quarter. Home to the famous Sorbonne, a university dating to 1253, the neighborhood is packed with cafes and bookshops, some tucked into narrow lanes and alleys and many along the bustling Boulevard Saint-Michel.
With a rich culinary scene, it’s also a great spot to come for dinner. If you have extra time, the 18th century Pantheon mausoleum, the National Museum of Natural History, and Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens are all here.
Day 3 — Culture and Shopping in the 9th and 18th
Day 3 of this 4-day itinerary in Paris takes us to the 9th arrondissement for a famous theater and shopping and the hilly 18th for epic views and a fun artsy neighborhood. You can end the day with a show at one of the venues mentioned below.
If you’re wanting to do a day trip from Paris, I would swap out this day. But, if you can squeeze Montmartre in to another afternoon, it really is a gem.
Galeries Lafayette and Boulevard Haussmann
If you’ve come to Paris for fashion and shopping, you’ll want to stroll along tree-lined Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. The section near Palais Garnier is packed with elegant rows of upmarket department stores. Big names like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussman have flagship locations here in stunning buildings.
Palais Garnier
“Phantom of the Opera” fans may want to carve out some time to tour Palais Garnier, the setting of the famous book and movie. Built in 1875, the real-life opera house features a colorfully painted ceiling and elaborate chandelier in the auditorium and an eye-catching grand staircase of white Italian marble.
Reserve Palais Garnier tickets on GetYourGuide.
Montmartre
The Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement is known as an arts and culture hub and has stellar city views from its hilltop position. Wandering aimlessly you might stumble upon vintage shops, pocket theaters, and little public squares like Place du Tertre with its touristy portrait artists, buskers and sidewalk cafes.
Other gems here include La Maison Rose(that pink and green cafe you see all over Instagram), the Dali Paris museum, Place des Abbesses with its Art Nouveau-style metro entrance and colorful carousel, and the famous white Sacre-Coeur basilica. To learn more about the history of the neighborhood, check out Musée de Montmartre, housed in a 1600s building with gardens dedicated to former resident Renoir.
Sacre-Coeur
One of the most popular sites in the city, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is also the centerpiece of Montmartre. It opened in 1914 and is located on a hill overlooking the city.
It is free to visit the interior of the white church, but a fee applies to climb 300 steps up into the dome. A courtyard in front opens to a wide clearing with views of the Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
The Anvers metro station is at the foot of the hill, where you can climb the steps or ride a funicular railway to the top.
Moulin Rouge
Paris’ famous cabaret venue is located just outside Montmartre in the 18th. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the Moulin Rouge made the can-can famous and still puts on colorful music and dance performances for tourists. Even if you don’t pop in for a show, you can walk by to see the familiar windmill that adorns the exterior.
Day 4 — Museums and Sightseeing in the 1st and 8th
There are tons of the museums in the neighborhoods you’ll explore on this final of 4 days in Paris. You will definitely have to pick just one or two and keep the visits short. Most people opt for the Louvre, which is incredible but also huge and busy.
The 1st and 8th arrondissements are pretty touristy, especially around Champs-Elysees, so many of these sights can just be a quick walk by as you head back toward the Eiffel Tower for a final sunset.
Louvre Museum
Everyone knows the Louvre Museum as the home of the “Mona Lisa,” and the gallery is where she is housed gets very crowded. If you want to visit the Louvre just to see the famous da Vinci portrait, I don’t recommend it. It’s challenging to even get close enough to take a good look at the small painting with how many people flood the room with selfie sticks.
As one of the largest art museums in the world, the Louvre is packed with other really interesting and famous works, too. Carve out at least a couple of hours for the Egyptian Antiquities and sculptures and paintings from European icons like Michaelangelo, Rembrandt and Delacroix.
The museum is in the 1st arrondissement on the banks of the Seine — you can’t miss the glass pyramid in the courtyard at the main entrance. To avoid the longest lines, try entering from the Portes de Lions gate on the south side of the attraction.
Musée de l’Orangerie
If you have a keen interest in art or want to try a museum that isn’t quite as busy as the Louvre, Musée de l’Orangerie features impressionist and post-impressionist works. The most recognizable paintings here are probably Monet’s “Water Lilies,” a series based on the French artist’s garden in Giverny, which you can visit on a day trip from Paris (it’s about an hour outside the city).
L’Orangerie is in the 1st on the river a short walk from the Louvre.
Pont Alexandre III
A must-see photo stop, the arched Pont Alexandre III bridge over the Seine connects the Champs-Elysees and 7th arrondissements and has bucket-list-worthy views of the Eiffel Tower. Built at the end of the 19th century, the bridge features huge gilded statues guarding both ends, tons of elaborate details and carvings, and Art Nouveau lamp posts.
Grand Palais and Petit Palais
This pair of 1900 palaces face each other on Avenue Winston Churchill, both built for the world’s fair held in Paris that year. The Grand Palais was used as a military hospital during World War I and currently is a museum complex and exhibition hall with a showpiece glass roof.
Petit Palais holds a fine arts museum focused on works from the Renaissance through the 1900s. The building surrounds an open garden courtyard.
Even if you don’t have time to tour the pair of elaborate structures, walk by to admire the architecture and snap some pictures while exploring the area around the 1st and 8th.
Grand Palais tickets and hours and Petit Palais tickets and hours
Champs-Elysees
Avenue des Champs-Elysees spans a little over a mile in the 8th arrondissement, connecting the Place de la Concorde near Musée de l’Orangerie with Place Charles de Gaulle. The first plaza features an Egyptian obelisk in the center and the latter the Arc de Triomphe, an early 1800s war monument.
In between, the well-manicured and tree-lined street is a hub of modern-day commerce. Tourists flock here for the retail, dining and entertainment scene, which covers everything from luxury goods to fast food.
Arc de Triomphe
One of the most recognizable icons of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was built in the early 1800s during the Napoleon era and serves as a monument to the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Underneath the arched structure is an eternal flame and WWI Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
You can walk around the exterior for free to admire the sculptures or purchase a ticket to climb up steps to a terrace. The Arc is nearly 165-feet tall and has views of the Eiffel Tower.
Keep in mind that the traffic circle surrounding the plaza is extremely busy with no crosswalk, so use the underground pedestrian tunnel to reach the Arc in the middle (it’s on the right side of Champs-Elysees when you’re facing the monument).
Seine Boat Ride
A boat ride down the Seine is another perfect send-off to the city, and many of these depart from right by the Eiffel Tower. You can either go when it’s light out to see all the riverside churches and ornate buildings you’ve been touring from a different angle, go around sunset for a romantic feel, or take a ride after dark to watch the City of Lights sparkle at night.
Eiffel Tower at Night
If you’re going up in the tower to finish the trip, I recommend arriving in the late afternoon to take in daylight views from each level before watching the sunset over the city from the 2nd or 3rd floor. When it gets dark, you can watch the Eiffel Tower’s dancing light show from the gardens down below.
Tips for Visiting Paris in 4 Days
If you’re wondering, how do I plan for 4 days in Paris, the Paris travel guide below will help you decide when to come, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around with ease.
Getting to Paris
Most international flights to Paris will land at either Charles de Gaulle Airport (aka Roissy), about 20 miles northeast of the central city, or Paris Orly Airport, 10 miles south. From either you can get downtown by taxi, rideshare, shuttle, bus or train.
One of the quickest, easiest and cheapest options is to take the RER-B train, which has a few stops downtown where you can transfer to the metro if needed to reach your hotel. There are ticket machines at the airport.
If you’re traveling by rail from the UK, Belgium, Germany or other parts of France, you might arrive at the Gare du Nord station. The Eurostar train through the chunnel stops here. The station is in the 10th along several metro, RER and bus lines.
How to Get Around Paris
For a 4 days Paris trip, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the central part of this city, which means many sites will be most easily accessible on foot. If you’re physically able to, I highly recommend walking as much as possible, as you’ll see more of the city this way.
If you need a ride, the underground metro and public buses will be the most affordable ways to get around. Taxis and hop-on hop-off buses are available as well. You might also need to use the RER train if you are staying in the suburbs. This resource will help you sort out all the public transit options.
Where to Stay in Paris
On a Paris 4 day itinerary, I highly recommend staying as close to the historic core of the city as possible so that you can access the top attractions quickly and easily. In the central city, 20 arrondissements form a sort of circle around the Seine, spiraling outward from the riverfront.
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th are all really close as well, and the 7th will put you more in the neighborhood of the Eiffel Tower. Moving outward means some cheaper prices, but I’ve also found great deals so far in Le Marais and the Latin Quarter (just go in expecting historic buildings with no elevators, small rooms and often no AC). Montmartre in the 18th would probably be a fun place to stay, as it feels like a little village on its own.
If you plan to use the metro to get around, picking a hotel near a station will be very useful.
I've also tried Hotel Marignan in the Latin Quarter, about half a mile from the Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral. This one had basic but very affordable accommodations with shared and private bathroom options and large rooms ideal for families. There was a free continental breakfast with yummy croissants.
Search for the best hotel deals in Paris on Booking.com.
What to Pack for Paris
Paris is such a fashionable city and I’m always intimidated when packing because I want to be comfortable but also not stand out like a tourist. Packing for Paris of course depends on what season you visit.
I tend to go neutral and black over super colorful and make sure I have comfortable walking shoes. I’ve put some outfit inspiration and things to remember to pack for a Paris itinerary 4 days below.
When to Visit Paris
While Paris is popular year-round, summer and Christmas bring the heaviest crowds and should be avoided if possible. If your schedule only allows for summer, August can mean some better hotel deals as this is when most locals leave town for vacation and business travel decreases.
I always recommend the shoulder seasons, spring and fall, when temperatures will often be in the pleasant 50s and 60s and the already pretty city will be accentuated by blooms or changing leaves. Winter after the holiday season will likely have the lowest prices and crowds, but it can get below freezing quite often.
How Many Days to Spend in Paris
You may be wondering, is 4 days in Paris enough time for your first visit. There are so many hidden gems and things to do in Paris that you could spend endless amounts of time eating croissants and wandering historic neighborhoods, but between 3 to 5 days in Paris is enough time to see the famous highlights and pop into a museum or two (and get fat on macarons).
If you only have a couple of days, you’ll definitely have to be picky and move quickly, maybe selecting only one museum from this 4 day Paris itinerary and avoiding lengthy meal breaks. If you have longer, I would recommend adding in a day trip to the Loire Valley or the popular Palace of Versailles.
This Paris in 4 days plan is a bit fast-moving, so if you like to devote half a day-plus to each museum and attraction, have kids that need naps, or want to have some lazy lunches or shopping sprees, you’ll probably need to eliminate a couple of things on days 1 and 2 or stretch this out to a Paris itinerary for 5 days.
Is it Worth Going to Paris for 4 Days
There is so much to do in Paris that you could easily spend a week or more there. But, from my experience, 4 days in Paris is enough time to see the highlights on your first visit and even take a day trip to visit nearby palaces.
How to Stay Safe in Paris
Like any big metro area, there’s always a chance of petty crime and pickpocketing in touristy parts of Paris, but I have never felt uncomfortable wandering around the central city. I like to read the travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State to stay aware of larger issues and be as prepared as possible before traveling internationally.
How to Visit Paris on a Budget
Attractions, hotels and meals in Paris can be pricey, but you can also stick to a budget with some good planning. For food, avoid touristy looking restaurants and try more local spots or food stands. Hotels will be cheaper farther away from the riverfront and touristy areas as well.
For sightseeing, you can soak up so much Paris atmosphere just by walking around exploring different neighborhoods for free. Look for free entry at churches like Notre Dame (when it reopens) and Sacre Coeur and parks like Luxembourg Gardens. You can also view landmarks like the Eiffel Tower without entering ticketed areas.
Paris Bucket List: 50 of the Best Things to Do, See and Eat in Paris
From the dancing lights of the Eiffel Tower to famous art museums and Gothic churches, this Paris bucket list packs in 50 of the best landmarks, experience and views. Whether you’re looking for free things to do in Paris or the top luxury shopping districts, it’s all right here.
This Paris bucket list is packed with museums, cathedrals, historic sites and parks in the French City of Lights.
From the dancing lights of the Eiffel Tower to famous art museums and Gothic churches, this Paris bucket list packs in all the best Paris landmarks and experiences. Whether you’re after the best free things to do in Paris or the top luxury shopping districts, it’s all right here!
With 50 of the top things to see, do and eat in Paris, this list will help you design the perfect Paris itinerary for your first visit. We’ve broken it all down into categories, so you can scroll to the Paris activities that interest you the most, whether that’s famous monuments, impressionist art, shops and markets, or epic views.
There’s also a cheaper Paris Museum Pass with admission to dozens of museums and monuments around the city.
Keep reading for the top Paris bucket list landmarks to figure out what should soar to the top of your Paris itinerary!
Read Next: Add These 75 Landmarks and Experiences to Your London Bucket List
Paris Go City Pass
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The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
This Paris bucket list is broken down into categories so you can quickly find the best things to do in Paris to fit your interests.
Paris Landmarks and Experiences
Seine Boat Tours
Sightseeing boat rides and twilight cruises on the Seine are a great way to soak up all the Paris views along the riverfront. Sailings after dark really paint a romantic picture of the City of Lights. A boat ride on the Seine is one of the best things to add to your Paris bucket list!
Eiffel Tower
Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris and around the world. It’s 1,063 feet tall with three levels of observation decks you can access via elevators. Stairs also go to the 2nd floor. The city panoramas from the top are spectacular, but you’ll also want to spend some time in the gardens on either side of the tower enjoying the views of the Iron Lady.
Louvre
Paris’ most famous museum holds one of the most famous paintings in the world — the “Mona Lisa.” Most tourists come here just to see Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, crowding into the room where the small portrait is housed. The rest of the massive art museum holds a wealth of paintings from other European icons, as well as Greek and Egyptian antiquities.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris has been a symbol of Paris since the 13th century. You can admire the Gothic exterior from the courtyard or Square Rene Viviani, on the left bank of the Seine in the Latin Quarter or venture inside to tour the crypt.
Sainte-Chapelle
Near the famous Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle also dates to Gothic days but has a much different appearance inside with 15 windows full of stained glass. More than 1,000 panes display colorful bible scenes that dazzle when the sun shines through.
Arc de Triomphe
One of the most famous monuments in Paris, Arc de Triomphe was built during the early 1800s Napoleon era. The arched structure in the middle of a traffic circle is nearly 165 feet tall and has breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower from a terrace at the top. This one is definitely Paris bucket list worthy.
Sacre-Coeur
The white domes that pop up from the Paris skyline belong to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, which sits high on a hill overlooking the city. Because of its elevation, the courtyard here is a popular place to soak up city views, as you can see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and other landmarks. You can also pop into the church for a look around and climb up into one of the domes for a fee.
Read Next: These London Day Trips Include Castles and Cliffs
Pont Alexandre III
The lavish Pont Alexander III bridge over the Seine draws tourists for both its ornate details and spectacular views toward the Eiffel Tower. It was built at the end of the 19th century and has Art Nouveau lamps, golden statues on carved posts, and an arched structure.
Arts and Culture
Musée Rodin
Fans of French sculptor Auguste Rodin will appreciate the pieces at this museum dedicated to his works. You can walk around a sculpture garden just outside.
Palais Garnier
Dating to 1875, the Palais Garnier opera house hosts music and dance performances in an auditorium adorned with a colorful ceiling and elaborate chandelier. It’s perhaps most famous as the setting for the story of the “Phantom of the Opera,” and on tours of the interior, you can pop by the box reserved for the phantom.
Musée d’Orsay
One of Paris’ top art museums, Musée d’Orsay is known for its impressionist collection from French and other European artists like Renoir, Van Gogh and Monet. It’s located in a former Beaux-Arts train station that was built for the 1900 world’s fair in Paris.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Located near the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement, Musée de l’Orangerie is best known as the home of Monet’s famous “Water Lilies” paintings. The collection here includes impressionist and post-impressionist works.
Petit Palais
One of a pair of palaces built for the 1900 world’s fair in Paris, Petit Palais is stunning from the outside and has a garden courtyard within the walls. It’s also home to a fine arts museum with a collection from the Renaissance through the 1900s.
Dali Paris
As the name implies, Dali Paris holds a permanent collection of about 300 Salvador Dali works, including sculptures and engravings by the Spanish surrealist.
Moulin Rouge
Established in the late 19th century, Moulin Rouge is known for its cabaret performances and the giant windmill that adorns the exterior. Just outside the Montmartre neighborhood, it still puts on lively and colorful music and dance shows for tourists.
Picasso Museum
The art museum dedicated to Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso is located in a 17th-century building in Le Marais. The gallery includes some 5,000 works as well as the artist’s own collection.
Historic Sites
Place de la Concorde
Marking the east end of Champs-Elysees on the border of the 1st and 8th arrondissements, Place de la Concorde is a historic public square dating to the 18th century. Decorated with fountains and a tall Egyptian obelisk, the large square was used as the execution site of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI during the French revolution. It’s now a busy traffic circle and tourist zone.
Conciergerie
Dating to the middle ages, the Conciergerie building has been a palace and prison, but now mostly holds judicial offices and courtrooms. Parts of it are open to the public as a national monument.
Les Invalides
This complex in the 7th arrondissement has museums dedicated to the Army of France, to 20th-century history, and to military models and maps. The Dôme des Invalides, the tallest church in Paris at some 350 feet, is also here and holds the tomb of Napoleon and other notable French military members.
Catacombs
An underground labyrinth of tunnels, the Catacombs of Paris hold the remains of millions of residents in former quarries. This may not be an attraction that appeals to all, but it certainly holds a wealth of Parisian history.
Pantheon
Built in the 18th century, the picturesque Pantheon has Corinthian columns and a huge domed roof. Originally intended as a church, it quickly transitioned into a mausoleum for famous French citizens like Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Even if you don’t have the time or interest in touring the interior, it’s worth pausing at for photos as you wander the 5th Arrondissement.
Musée de Montmartre
This niche museum in the Montmartre neighborhood is housed in a 17th-century building where Renoir and other artists once lived. The collection is full of artworks that preserve the legacy and culture of Montmartre.
Grand Palais
Facing Petit Palais on Avenue Winston Churchill, the Grand Palais was also built for the 1900 world’s fair and later served as a military hospital. Now, it holds exhibition halls and museums and has a jaw-dropping glass roof.
French National Museum of Natural History
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle is the natural history museum of France, located in a complex that includes botanical gardens and a zoological park. Come here for things like rare plants and dino skeletons.
Paris Neighborhoods
Latin Quarter
Located mostly in the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter of Paris is home to the historic Sorbonne university and packs in sidewalk cafes, tiny bookshops and Gothic churches. Boulevard Saint-Michel and Boulevard Saint-Germain contain a busy chunk of the action, but there are also tons of narrow streets and winding alleys to get lost on. Walking around this district is one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This neighborhood along Boulevard Saint-Germain is full of antique shops, vintage bookstores and popular cafes. Sipping coffee and people-watching is a pastime here, especially at spots like Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, both known by tourist crowds thanks to their famous former regulars like Hemingway and Picasso.
Canal Saint-Martin
Centered around a canal that connects down to the Seine, the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood in the 10th arrondissement is the perfect spot for a walk or bike ride away from the main tourist hub. Streets on either side of the canal are lined with boutiques and eateries, while the tree-shaded waterfront is perfect for picnicking and people-watching.
Le Marais
Full of 17th-century mansions once occupied by the likes of Victor Hugo and other French authors and aristocrats, Le Marais is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement on the right bank. Here you’ll find green neighborhood squares with fountains and sculptures and trendy boutiques and handicraft shops.
Montmartre
The whole neighborhood of Montmartre belongs on your Paris bucket list! A favorite for its hilltop views and boho vibes, Montmartre in the 18th packs in antique and vintage shops, small theater venues, and street artists performing in cozy squares. The most famous destination here is the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, but you can also visit the Dali Paris museum and Musée de Montmartre.
Paris Food
Macarons from Laduree
The macarons from Laduree are in just about every Paris guidebook, and they are indeed the perfect sampling of the favorite French treat. Laduree has locations all over the city in just about every tourist zone, including on Rue Cler near the Eiffel Tower, along the Champs-Elysees, on Boulevard Haussmann near Galeries Lafayette, and a block from Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
Michelin-Starred Restaurant
With its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris is the perfect place for an evening of fine dining, if you want to pay the hefty price tag. The city has over 100 restaurants with one, two and three-star ratings.
Les Deux Magots
This popular Paris bucket list cafe in Saint-Germain-des-Pres opened in 1885 and is known as the former hangout of arts and literary giants like Picasso and Hemingway. Today, tourists hoping to recapture some of that atmosphere crowd into the sidewalk tables for espresso.
Cafe de Flore
Like its neighbor Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore is one of the oldest in the city, dating to the 1880s. And also like its neighbor, it has long attracted big names in art, literature and philosophy. It still draws crowds today for chats over croissants and coffee.
Crepes, Croissants and Baguettes
Can you visit Paris and not carbo-load? You won’t have trouble spotting a bakery on every corner to grab a flaky pastry each morning and baguettes for picnics. And you can find sweet and savory crepes cooked fresh by street vendors and counter-service cafes all over the city. They make the perfect grab-and-go meal during a busy sightseeing day.
Paris Shopping
Champs-Elysees
The most famous shopping street in Paris, Champs-Elysees draws hoards of tourists curious to wander by the luxury stores along the tree-lined avenue. In addition to pricey outposts for high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier, you’ll also find more attainable retailers including Zara and H&M.
Triangle d'Or
If shopping (or window shopping) for luxury goods is on your bucket list for Paris, you’ll want to stroll the streets in the Triangle d’Or. The haute couture hub near the Champs-Elysees in the 8th centers around Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue Francois 1er. Here you’ll find flagships for names like Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Hermes and so many more.
Boulevard Saint-Germain
The wide Boulevard Saint-Germain runs through the 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissements. The Saint-Germain-des-Pres zone in the 6th is particularly known for antiques, galleries and bookshops.
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Galeries Lafayette and Boulevard Haussman
The upmarket Galeries Lafayette department store has its flagship on Boulevard Haussman in the 9th. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, stop in to see the Art Nouveau building with its central glass and steel dome. You’ll find other lux shops and department stores nearby along Boulevard Haussman.
Rue Cler
A few blocks from the Eiffel Tower in the 7th, Rue Cler has a pedestrian street market where locals and tourists come for fresh produce, flowers and sweets. There are a few cafes tucked along the stone lane, too.
Shakespeare and Company
In the Latin Quarter just across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is housed in a tiny shop that used to be part of a 17th-century monastery. The bookstore is well-known and popular, but that doesn’t take away from its charm. The inside is crammed with stacks of new and used books, and you can wander upstairs to cozy reading nooks.
Parks and Squares
Luxembourg Garden
With a palace, gardens, athletic fields, a museum and historic monuments, Jardin du Luxembourg is packed with activity but also makes a peaceful respite from the city buzz. Spread over about 55 acres in the 6th, it’s perfect for an afternoon stroll on shady paths or a picnic on chairs surrounding a feature pond in front of the Luxembourg Palace.
Place des Vosges
This pretty square in Le Marais is one of the oldest in Paris, dating to the 1600s. Under the shady trees, benches invite parkgoers to sit and enjoy the views of fountains and the surrounding red brick buildings. Victor Hugo lived in an adjacent apartment, which is now a museum dedicated to the author.
Champ de Mars
Tree-lined walking paths and long green lawns mark the Champ de Mars, a public park leading to the Eiffel Tower. This is where you come for a Parisian baguette and cheese picnic in the shadow of the Iron Lady.
Jardin des Plantes
Paris’ riverfront botanical gardens in the 5th have walking paths lush with greenery and trees. The large park includes a bushy labyrinth, flower gardens, 19th-century greenhouses and museums for geology and natural history.
Tuileries Garden
Next to the Louvre along the Seine, Jardin des Tuileries dates to the 17th century. It fills the space between the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel monument and Place de la Concorde square with green lawns, historic statues and reflective ponds.
Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont
This elevated pedestrian path traces an old railway line in the 12th and is akin to the High Line in New York, with lots of leafy greenery along the way. It runs from the Opera Bastille to Bois de Vincennes, a huge suburban park next to a 14th-century castle.
Best Paris Views
Eiffel Tower Decks
Sunsets from the 906-foot-high 3rd-floor deck of the Eiffel Tower paint the city skyline in golden hues, a magical Paris bucket list experience. If you arrive in the late afternoon, you’ll get to admire the panoramic vistas from each level in daylight, too. When it gets dark, head back down to the Champ de Mars lawns to see the Eiffel Tower’s dancing light show from below.
Jardins du Trocadéro
Located on the opposite bank of the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, Jardins du Trocadero is a popular photography spot, thanks to the views of the Iron Lady with greenery, fountains and a carousel in the foreground. The park is surrounded by a complex of museums and has fountains running down the center.
Montparnasse Tower
The city’s highest rooftop viewing terrace, Montparnasse Tower is a great spot to snap photos of the skyline with the Eiffel Tower. The observation deck is 650-feet up. Visit just before sunset to enjoy daylight and twilight vistas.
Seine Riverfront
Walking along the riverfront of the Seine, you’ll find many pretty views of the city and the Eiffel Tower, especially in the 1st and 8th. My favorite spot is by the Pont Alexandre III bridge, where you can photograph the elaborate arched structure with boats gliding by and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Sacre Coeur Courtyard
Thanks to its elevated position a few miles north of the Seine, the courtyard of the Sacre Coeur Basilica features picture-perfect views of the Paris skyline. Since a series of steps lead uphill to the church, you can try different spots along the way to look for the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and other recognizable landmarks.
Top of Notre Dame
Though closed for the next few years, the roof of Notre Dame was once one of the best spots to look out over Paris. With a ticket, guests could climb steps up toward the bell towers and see the gargoyles that adorn the church up close. The sweeping views take in the old rooftops of the Latin Quarter, the Seine riverfront and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Arc de Triomphe Terrace
At the top of the Arc de Triomphe, a viewing deck has panoramic views of the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. You have to climb steps to reach the lookout.
