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Table of Contents
Day 1: Begin at the Eiffel Tower
No matter what your budget is, you cannot visit the City of Lights without paying a visit to the illustrious lady of iron, La Tour d’Eiffel, or the Eiffel Tower. If your trip starts in the evening, you can wait in front of the tower to witness the magical moment of twinkling lights illuminating the background for your pictures.
Pre-book your tickets from the official website of La Tour Eiffel for EUR 14.20 (USD 16) to save time. Start your ascent of the first 674 steps for the most postcard-perfect view of the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur, and the Grand Palais.
Depending on how much energy you have left for the day, we recommend a stroll through Parc du Champ-de-Mars (a public park) next. You can even take a picnic blanket or small shawl to sit in the garden and read a book, and let the Iron Lady—La Dame de Fer—watch over you like an old friend. The entry is free here.
Day 2: Experience the Paris essentials
Start the day at the home of some of the most significant pieces of Western art—the Louvre or the Musée du Louvre. The tickets for the Louvre can be purchased from the official website for EUR 22 (USD 24). Slightly over budget, but worth every penny to see the world-renowned portrait of Mona Lisa by Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci up close.
In between, if you feel like you need to escape all the greats for a moment with yourself, the Louvre Palace also houses the Tuileries Garden or Jardin des Tuileries—let the greens, the vivid hues and myriad perfume of the garden enchant you for the afternoon. Before twilight, take the Line 1 or Line 12 métro or the Line 85 bus for a starting cost of EUR 2.5 (~USD 3) from the Louvre Palace to the Sacré-Cœur.
You can also get a one-week pass for Paris RATP or Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens from the Navigo app starting from EUR 32 (USD 36) to avail the metro from any zone and commute through the city effortlessly. We recommend staying at a hotel in the Montmartre area for ease of convenience the next day.
Witness how the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre seems to defy gravity, perched elegantly atop Paris’s highest hill. At 83 meters above the city, it rewards every step of the climb with a sweeping panorama, one so stirring, it carves out a quiet room in your memory, to be revisited long after the journey ends.
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre holds deep spiritual, historical, and cultural significance in France. Catch your breath on its broad steps as the golden hour casts a rose-golden glow over the surrounding vistas. Entry to the Basilica is free, but you must pay for tickets to access the crypt and dome. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office for EUR 8 (USD 9) for adults.
Day 3: Explore artistic Montmartre
Picturesque Montmartre is more than just a muse for artists—it’s a neighbourhood steeped in creative heritage and charm. Famous for its artistic legacy, Montmartre has a distinctive village atmosphere, with steep, winding, cobbled streets that set it apart from the rest of Paris.
If you’re a fan of surrealism and modern art, a visit to Dalí Paris is a must. The museum features over 300 works by Salvador Dalí, including his surreal interpretations of Alice in Wonderland and Don Quixote. Tickets are available on the official website for EUR 16 (USD 17.78).
For a main-character moment and a charming ride through Montmartre’s prettiest corners, hop aboard the Promotrain—Le Petit Train de Montmartre. This mini white-and-blue train offers a 40-minute guided tour of the village’s winding streets and iconic sights. Departing from Place Blanche, the service begins daily at 10:00 a.m. Tickets cost around EUR 12 (~USD 13.5) and can be purchased on the official website.
Day 4: Live like a local
On the penultimate day of your trip, head over to the 12th arrondissement—a multifaceted district known for its green spaces, artisan workshops, cultural sites, and charming attractions. Board the Ligne R train from the Gare de Lyon to Moret-sur-Loing, the charming medieval town in Île-de-France. Feel the magic in the air as you promenade through the scenes of Alfred Sisley’s paintings.
The train takes you to the city center, which gives you the perfect opportunity to walk the cobblestone streets and take in the ambiance, surrounded by picturesque medieval buildings and the blue sky.
As you keep walking, you are bound to run into a few boulangeries (bakeries) and fromageries (cheese shops) where you can buy coffee and cheese for your picnic or to take back home as edible souvenirs. Coffee prices cost around EUR 3 to 10 (USD 4 to USD 11), and cheese prices start around EUR 12 (USD 13)—the prices you pay for Morel-sur-Loing fromage will be worth the impression it leaves behind.
Lay down your mat and enjoy a tranquil picnic by the gentle banks of the Loing River, where the reflections of trees and stone blend like brushstrokes in a living painting. It’s easy to feel the spirit of Impressionism here—Moret-sur-Loing was, after all, Alfred Sisley’s chosen muse.
Let the symphony of rustling leaves and birdsong lead you across the arched stone bridge, where the scene opens into a striking, near-three-dimensional tableau that mirrors Sisley’s famed Bords du Loing près de Moret.
Before leaving Moret-sur-Loing, don’t miss a stop at Mille et une Glaces or 1001 Glaces, a famous ice cream parlor offering original, seasonal flavours starting at EUR 11 (~USD 13)
Day 5: Bid Paris a gentle farewell
On your final day in Paris, sail through the city of love any way you choose—but we recommend starting at the iconic Champs-Élysées, where fashion meets flair and the aroma of fresh coffee dares you to resist its charm. This legendary boulevard isn’t just for window-shopping; it’s a cultural experience that encapsulates Parisian elegance, from world-renowned boutiques and bustling cafés to historic cinemas and grand architecture.
Next, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe, a monument that honors the spirit of French resilience and offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop. It’s one of the best spots to reflect on your journey and admire Paris from above. The entry ticket costs around EUR 16 (USD 18).
Continue onward to Notre-Dame de Paris, an awe-inspiring symbol of Gothic beauty and endurance. The cathedral and its surrounding Île de la Cité still echo with centuries of history, music, and devotion. The entry is free here.
Before the week officially ends, make a detour to the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookshop at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie. Pick up a beloved classic and have it stamped with the store’s iconic seal, a sentimental souvenir to revisit on rainy days when you long for Paris.
Let the Parisian spirit surround you, its sophistication, romance, and creative energy whispering a quiet promise that you’ll return again. These final moments in Paris remind you why it has captivated hearts for centuries: it’s a city that refuses to be forgotten.
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned in this article are approximate and based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Please note that actual costs may vary depending on various factors. We recommend checking official websites for the most up-to-date pricing.
