Arrive, drop luggage and orient yourself with the nearest Métro line and a map of arrondissements; gives time to recover from travel. Confirm hotel check-in time and any booking vouchers.
Go to the Montparnasse Tower observation deck for a quick panoramic introduction to Paris (views include the Eiffel Tower and Seine). Open daily; great on arrival day to plan photo spots.
Historic brasserie famous for seafood and classic French dishes — ideal for a hearty first meal in Paris. Open daily for lunch; reservations recommended on weekends.
A gentle riverside walk to take in bridges, bookstalls and the exterior of Notre-Dame; good orientation for the central islands. Public space, always open; check specific monuments for opening times if you plan to enter.
Head to Trocadéro for classic Eiffel Tower photos at golden hour and watch the tower’s first light show after dusk. Public square — free and open at all hours.
One-hour early evening sightseeing cruise to see illuminated landmarks from the water — an easy first-night activity. Regular cruises run daily; consider booking a dinner cruise if you prefer a meal onboard.
Classic Parisian steak-frites experience with a fixed menu and lively atmosphere; great for first-night dining. Popular place — expect a wait without reservation.
Visit the world’s largest art museum to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and historic galleries; prioritize wings to avoid rushing. Louvre hours: typically 9:00am–6:00pm; closed Tuesdays — this itinerary is scheduled on Sunday when it is open.
Elegant lunch spot with views of the Louvre’s courtyard and pyramid — convenient after a morning inside the museum. Open daily; reservations recommended.
Stroll the Tuileries and optionally visit the Orangerie to see Monet’s Water Lilies; Orangerie hours vary, so check opening hours the day you go. Great for a calm art interlude after the Louvre.
Admire the chapel’s famed stained-glass windows on Île de la Cité; a compact but breathtaking visit. Typical hours around 9:00am–5:00pm — verify seasonal closing times.
See the exterior of Notre-Dame (restoration access may be limited) and browse the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookshop nearby. Cathedral reopening phases may affect interior visits — check current access rules.
Explore winding streets, artists’ square (Place du Tertre) and the Sacré-Cœur basilica with its sweeping city views; the basilica is open daily though some upper areas may have restricted access. Wear comfortable shoes — many steps.
Quintessential Montmartre café with charming façade and classic bistro dishes — perfect for a leisurely lunch in the neighborhood. Open midday; best to arrive early on busy days.
Self-guided or booked walking tour to learn the history of painters, cabarets and famous Montmartre addresses; many small museums or studios have limited hours on Mondays so check ahead if you want internal visits.
Visit the department store for shopping and head to the rooftop terrace for another skyline view of Paris; open daily but check holiday hours. Good spot for souvenirs and a short break.
See the ornate façade of the Opéra and, time permitting, a guided interior tour — interior tours have specific hours (often end mid-afternoon) so verify availability if you want inside access.
Historic and affordable Parisian brasserie with classic dishes and lively service — a local favorite for traditional food. Open evenings; expect a bustling scene and possible queue.
Dedicated to 19th–early 20th-century art and Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh and others; ideal for art lovers. Orsay is closed Mondays but open on Tuesdays — this itinerary places it on Tuesday when it is open.
Enjoy lunch either inside Musée d'Orsay’s atmospheric café or at a nearby Left Bank bistro for a relaxed midday meal. Museum cafés typically close mid-afternoon; check current hours.
See Rodin’s sculptures including The Thinker in both the intimate museum rooms and the garden setting; gardens are especially pleasant in clear weather. Rodin is usually open Tuesday–Sunday, so this Tuesday slot is valid.
Stroll the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and consider climbing to the top for spectacular views across Paris; Arc is typically open daily but verify seasonal schedule for terrace access.
Classic brasserie with terrace views on the avenue — a good spot for people-watching and a refined plate of French classics. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Take the RER C to Versailles Château — aim for early arrival to avoid crowds; trains run frequently but check schedules for weekend/weekday variations. Allow ~1h travel from central Paris.
Tour the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments; Palace hours typically from 9:00am with closing around 5:30–6:30pm — it’s closed on Mondays so this Wednesday visit is suitable. Buy timed tickets if possible.
Explore the expansive gardens, fountains and the Grand Trianon palace; gardens are open daily though certain fountain shows have schedules — check the Versailles site for fountain/music events.
Historic café ideal for relaxed dinner and people-watching in Saint-Germain; a classic Parisian experience near many Left Bank hotels. Open evenings, but expect higher prices for the location and history.
Explore modern and contemporary art inside this striking modern-architecture building and enjoy panoramic views from the top levels; Centre Pompidou is closed on Tuesdays but open on Thursdays, so this Thursday visit is valid. Check late-night opening on specific days.
Famous and casual falafel spot on Rue des Rosiers — fast, delicious and a staple for a quick lunch while exploring Le Marais. Expect a line at peak times.
Wander the elegant Place des Vosges, discover independent shops, galleries and cafés in this atmospheric neighborhood; mostly outdoor/retail so hours vary by shop.
Visit the museum dedicated to Picasso’s work housed in a beautiful hôtel particulier; Picasso Museum is typically closed Mondays but open other weekdays — please check current schedules. Great for a focused art stop in the afternoon.
Trendy spot for contemporary small plates and natural wines — excellent for a relaxed but lively final full-night dinner in Paris. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Grab a fresh croissant and coffee at a neighborhood boulangerie for a true Parisian start — bakeries are usually open early but hours vary (some closed Mondays).
If time allows, pick up final souvenirs, macarons or local treats; market stalls and small shops open morning to early afternoon — check merchant hours.
Check out and take arranged transfer, taxi or RER/BUS to your departure airport; RER B to CDG or RER to Orly + OrlyVal are usual options — allow appropriate commute and security time. If using a taxi, expect higher cost than public transport.