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Updated July 2026

For many, Paris conjures up feelings of excitement, amazement, and longing. The magical city has earned its reputation as the City of Love, as there’s nothing quite like gazing up at the Eiffel Tower with someone you love or walking hand in hand along the Seine River. But, whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with your significant other, you are sure to find magic in Paris.

My first visit, split into two parts with about a week in Italy in between, was filled with this Parisian magic. I purchased a Paris Pass that includes tickets to a lot of attractions that I wanted to see during my first visit, all in just one pass. There were a few additional attractions I visited that aren’t on the pass, but the pass was still very worth it.

I fell in love with the capital of France throughout the five days I spent there. Here’s my exact itinerary that can be adjusted to any active DIY traveler to Paris who wants to see it all.

Quick Tips for Paris First-Timers

Getting around Paris: Public transportation (bus or metro) is the best way to get around most areas in this itinerary. There are also taxis and Uber rides throughout the city. To get to and from the airport and other excursions outside of the city, use the regional trains.
International flights: Check Expedia for the best deals on international flights, including multi-city trips.
When to visit: This itinerary can be done at any time, but is probably best from April to June or September to October when the weather isn’t too cold or too hot and the streets aren’t as crowded with the summer tourists. Just be prepared for rain if you visit Paris in the spring or fall.
Where to stay: Staying in the city center can be pricey, but since the city is so large, you will save a lot of time if you stay closer to the main attractions. A happy medium is staying in the 5th Arrondissement, which is away from the heavy Eiffel Tower crowds, but still close to many major transportation hubs, making getting around easier. Hotel Madeleine De Senlis is a beautiful option, with breakfast included.
Currency: Euro (€). Card is accepted in many places, but cash is very handy to have as it is occasionally the only form of payment accepted. Examples may include street vendors, taxis, and bathrooms.
Language: French, but English is also widely understood.
Paris City Pass: The Paris Pass grants you entrance to many attractions and tours throughout the city, all in one ticket. I strongly recommend getting the All-Inclusive Pass Plus because it is the only one that comes with entrance to Louvre Museum, The Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chappelle, and Musee d’Orsay, all of which you will learn about in this itinerary. I booked the 2-day pass, but there are options for 4-day and 6-day passes if you want to slow down and take your time seeing all the major Paris highlights.

First Time in Paris Itinerary

Day 1

Start your first day in Paris out slowly, just enjoying your first glances of the city before you have scheduled activities and tours to make it to.

You will likely fly into the Charles De Gaulle Airport and I recommend taking the train to Paris’ city center, which takes about 30-35 minutes. Signs are in French, but I found that French people are much more helpful and kind than everyone told me they would be!

Check into your hotel in the center of the city and then walk outside for a bit. Strolling along the Seine River, is a beautiful experience and introduction to the city.

Along the banks, you can see Notre Dame Cathedral, which is a larger-than-life cathedral iconic to the city and worth touring (included in the Paris Pass). Nearby, you can visit the cozy Shakespeare and Company bookstore, filled to the brim with books and even a cat or two.

Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, perfect for a first visit

Day 2

For your next two days, utilize the Paris Pass and get ready to cram some of the best things to do in Paris into a short time.

Start the day with delicious French pastries at Poilane—I discovered this tiny alleyway bakery from Ina Garten on Food Network, who visits every time she’s in Paris. The pain au chocolat and the sourdough bread are amazing!

Next, walk to the Louvre and spend several hours exploring the art-filled halls. The Louvre (included in the Paris Pass) is massive and I wish I mapped out exactly where I wanted to go before visiting! There are so many rooms (I swear I went in circles several times) packed with incredible pieces, from early Greek and Roman statues like the Venus de Milo, to the Mona Lisa, to ancient Egyptian art and mummies.

The Louvre Museum, with a pyramid in the center of the courtyard, is a must visit for a first timer in Paris

Across the street is another famous museum, Musee d’Orsay (included in the Paris Pass), which was once a train station, complete with a giant clock that makes the building iconic. One of the star attractions in the museum is a version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

The next stop of the day is Sainte-Chapelle (included in the Paris Pass), known for its extravagant stained glass. I was at a loss for words the minute I stepped inside. Pinks and purples and gold glint from every direction with intricately designed Bible stories filling the walls. It is breathtaking and I could have spent the rest of the day admiring the beauty!

End the night by getting your first view of the Eiffel Tower! I visited the Montparnasse Tower, the tallest building in Paris, but it is currently closed for renovations for the next few years. Instead, trek to the top of the Pantheon (included in the Paris Pass) for 360-degree views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower. During the nighttime, the magnificent tower gets lit up and stands out in city.

Saint-Chappelle in Paris is filled with stained glass windows.

Day 3

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting the opulent Palace of Versailles, make that you first stop for day three in Paris. Be aware that even with the Paris Pass, you may need to wait in a long line outside in the elements—including the pouring rain. Avoid being soaked while walking from room to grandiose room in the palace—like I unfortunately was—and pack an umbrella or raincoat if visiting during spring or fall.

The highlight of the palace visit is undoubtedly the opulent hall of mirrors, which blew me away! You will reach it after meandering through dozens of gorgeous rooms, covered in gold, art, and markings of the Sun King. Oh, and don’t skip the rose and other flavored macarons from Laduree.

The hall of mirrors in Versailles will blow away any first time visitor to Paris

Continue the day of opulence with a visit to the Palais Garnier, which inspired the Phantom of the Opera. It is beautiful and has its own mini version of a hall of mirrors. I went on a special day where they were offering guests the chance to try on costumes, so of course I did! Take advantage of any experiences that occur when you visit.

After your visit, take the Hop On-Hop Off bus for convenience and because it is included in the Paris Pass. It can be a pretty gimmicky experience, but it gets you off your feet and lets you learn about the city while traveling to your next destination: Champs-Elysees.

This street is famed for its high-end shopping that leads to the larger-than-life Arc de Triomphe, a monument commissioned by Napoleon. Climbing to the top of the arc is included in the Paris Pass and leads to great views of the street below and the Eiffel Tower.

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a must visit for first timers

Now for the moment you have been anticipating: seeing the Eiffel Tower up close. I was actually surprised at the excitement I had when I first laid eyes on it! It was impressive and unique and stood out from everything around it. Many people claim that it’s overrated, but I loved it. I even spent time on a cute carousel beside it and took in the views until sunset.

If you have a final adventure in you for the day, go all the way across town to see the Moulin Rouge. I am a big fan of the musical, so it was cool to see the windmill and red tower in person. Catch dinner and a show for a fun time!

Day 4

If you’re a Disney fan, then no trip to Paris would be complete without visiting Disneyland Paris! It’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Paris (or near Paris, as it’s located in Chessy, France). I was worried it would be too similar to Disneyland in Anaheim, and not provide a true Parisian experience, but I was wrong! For one, most things were in French with the occasional English translation. There were also unique foods, such as crepes, and the atmosphere was a bit more refined than the super kid-friendly parks in the USA.

My favorite experiences of the day that I wouldn’t be able to find at USA Disney parks included the features of Sleeping Beauty’s castle with a dragon in the dungeon, the Alice in Wonderland maze, the miniature Agrabah with scenes from Aladdin, and the longer, more adventurous Big Thunder Mountain.

I also enjoyed Disney World Adventure, especially Crush’s Coaster and the Tower of Terror. The night ended perfectly with enchanting fireworks. I could hear the girls in front of me singing along to “Part of Your World” in French and thought how cool it was to be a part of something that connects the world. When leaving the park, be aware that the train back to Paris will likely be packed!

Day 5

For your last day in Paris, enjoy a few final attractions before catching your flight home. If you love macabre experiences, visit the Catacombs first thing in the morning.

You’ll descend deep underground and be greeted by long tunnels filled with dozens of skulls and bones. It is an eerie, intriguing, and unforgettable experience. An audio guide is included in your ticket and will teach you about the Catacombs with one spooky story after another. I loved it!

If you have more time before your flight, take it easy and enjoy strolling along the charming streets of the 18th Arrondissement, including Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

There are so many other top things to do in Paris, and by the end of your trip, you’ll already be planning your next. If you follow this itinerary, you are sure to have an amazing trip, whether you are traveling as a couple in love or are just someone with a thirst for discovering rich history, iconic locations, and beauty!

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