Begin your adventure in the heart of the city by exploring the historic Marais district. This charming neighborhood is full of cobblestone streets, boutiques, and cute cafes. Take a leisurely stroll through the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, and visit the Musée Carnavalet to learn about the history of this fascinating area.
Head over to the vibrant Latin Quarter, the student district filled with intellectual vigor and Parisian charm. Start your day with a visit to the world-renowned Pantheon. Then, explore the maze of narrow streets in the surrounding area, full of bookstores, cafes, and ancient buildings. Don't forget to stop by the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore before heading to the charming Jardin des Plantes - one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Venture north to the hilly Montmartre district, the old artist area, and a great place to wander and people-watch. Start your day with a visit to the splendid Basilique du Sacré Coeur – the iconic white-domed Catholic Church. Follow the cobblestone streets up to Place du Tertre, where you will find street artists and sellers offering their works of art. Finally, end the day with a visit to the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret and feasting on authentic French cuisine in one of the many bistros.
Explore the iconic fashion district, full of high-end boutiques and designers. Start the day with a visit to the elegant Louvre Museum, home to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa. Afterward, head south to the historic Place Vendome, where you will find high-end watchmakers and jewelers. Finally, end your day in haute couture heaven at the Galeries Lafayette, a large department store and home to a wide range of luxury brands. Take in the iconic glass dome before heading out to enjoy the rest of the evening in the city.
Paris is a city that is best explored by foot or public transportation. Getting around is easy using the metro system, which runs frequently throughout the city, and a one-way ticket costs €1.90. For those who don't mind walking, many attractions are within walking distance from each other, and a stroll throughout the city streets is a great way to see the sights. Taxis are also available but can be expensive, so it's best to use them for shorter distances only.
If you have more time, consider visiting some of Paris's other attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame. For those with less time, consider eliminating one of the suggested districts from the itinerary to make more time for other places. Also, be sure to check attraction hours in advance, as some places close earlier on certain days of the week.
Paris is serviced by three airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais-Tille (BVA). Charles de Gaulle is the largest airport and sits about 14 miles northeast of Paris city center. Orly is slightly closer, at about 9 miles south of the city center, while Beauvais-Tille is about 53 miles away from the city. CDG and Orly are the most convenient airports to use, as they offer various transportation options, including trains, taxis, and buses, to make your way into central Paris.