Quick answer: Three to four days is ideal for a first visit to Paris. Two days covers the icons; four to five lets you add Versailles, Montmartre and a slower pace. Paris rewards lingering, so err on the longer side.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Paris is dense with world-class sights, but its real pleasure is in the wandering: a cafe on a corner, a bookshop by the Seine, an unhurried museum morning. Three days is the classic first-timer length, four is better.
2 days in Paris
Day one: the Louvre (or the smaller Musee d Orsay), the Sainte-Chapelle and a Seine cruise. Day two: the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe rooftop.
3 days (the sweet spot)
Add a village day in Montmartre, a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and a food tour of Le Marais.
4 to 5 days: Versailles and beyond
With more time, take a day trip to Versailles or further to Giverny or Champagne, and dig into a neighbourhood like Canal Saint-Martin.
Getting around
The metro is fast and cheap, and central Paris is very walkable. You will not need a car; save it for day trips only.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Paris?
Yes. Three days is enough to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and Montmartre at a comfortable pace, with time for cafes and a river cruise.
How many days do you need for Paris and Versailles?
Add a full day for Versailles on top of your Paris time. So three days in the city plus one for Versailles, four in total, works well.
Is Paris walkable?
Central Paris is compact and a joy to walk, and the metro covers longer distances quickly. You do not need a car.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and lighter crowds than the July to August peak.
See where to eat, stay and wander in the full Paris guide.
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