What to See in Paris in 6 Days: A Local Tour Guide’s Ultimate Itinerary

Are you wondering what to see in Paris in 6 days?

Planning a trip to the City of Light can be exciting—but also overwhelming. With so many iconic landmarks, world-class museums, charming neighborhoods, and hidden gems, it’s easy to feel unsure about how to make the most of your time.

In this article, I’ll walk you through “What to See in Paris in 6 Days: A Local Tour Guide’s Ultimate Itinerary.”
As a professional tour guide who hosts over 100 international guests each year, I’ve crafted this 6-day plan based on real-life feedback, smooth logistics, and unforgettable experiences.

Whether it's your first time in Paris or your fifth, this itinerary balances must-see highlights with local favorites—designed to help you explore deeply, without burning out.

Here’s a quick look at how your 6-day Paris adventure will unfold. Each day is thoughtfully planned to balance famous landmarks with local gems, ensuring you experience the real Paris—without feeling rushed.

6-Day Itinerary Overview (At a Glance)

• Day 1: Iconic Paris & River Views
  Start with the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and a peaceful walk along the Seine to ease into the city.
• Day 2: Art and Architecture
  Dive into world-class museums like the Louvre and explore the grandeur of Palais Royal and the Tuileries.
• Day 3: Montmartre Magic
  Discover bohemian Paris through winding streets, hilltop views, and the artistic soul of Montmartre.
• Day 4: A Royal Day or a Local Dive
  Choose between a day trip to Versailles or exploring the vibrant Marais district and hidden courtyards.
• Day 5: Markets, Books, and Left Bank Vibes
  Wander through Parisian markets, visit historic bookshops, and relax in the Latin Quarter.
• Day 6: Hidden Gems & Farewell Moments
  End your journey with secret spots like Canal Saint-Martin or covered passages—and savor a final Parisian meal.

This overview gives you flexibility and rhythm: a mix of sightseeing, strolling, and soaking in the city's charm. In the next section, we’ll dive into each day in detail.

Day 1: Iconic Paris & Orientation

Welcome to Paris! Your first day is all about finding your bearings while enjoying the city’s most iconic sights. We’ll keep the pace relaxed, with plenty of open-air walking and stunning views.

Morning

Eiffel Tower (Trocadéro Viewpoint)

Start your day with an unforgettable view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro Gardens. It’s the perfect photo spot and a calm place to take it all in before the crowds arrive.

Optional: Head up the tower if you're feeling adventurous. 

Champ de Mars Walk

After admiring the tower, take a peaceful stroll through the expansive Champ de Mars park. It’s ideal for photos, people-watching, and getting your first taste of local life.

Midday

Seine River Walk or Optional Lunch Cruise

Follow the Seine eastward toward Pont Alexandre III. Enjoy a riverside café lunch, or treat yourself to a one-hour lunch cruise that offers Paris from a new perspective.

It’s a relaxed way to appreciate the city’s architecture while resting your legs.

Afternoon

Arc de Triomphe

Visit this monumental symbol of France at Place Charles de Gaulle. You can climb to the top for 360° views, or admire its grandeur from below. The rooftop offers some of the best views of Paris’s avenues radiating out from the center.

Champs-Élysées Walk

Walk down the iconic Champs-Élysées. It’s a blend of luxury, local fashion, and bustling cafés. You don’t need to shop to enjoy the energy here—just walk and take in the ambiance.

Evening (Optional)

Sunset Cruise or Rooftop Apéritif

Cap off your day with a relaxed Seine River sunset cruise or enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar like Le Perchoir or Terrass’’ Hotel for sweeping views of the Paris skyline.

Day 2: Art & History

Today is all about immersing yourself in Paris’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. From the world’s most famous museum to serene royal gardens, this day combines culture with calm. Be mindful of museum fatigue—take breaks, enjoy nearby cafés, and don’t try to see everything in one go.

Morning

Louvre Museum

Begin your day at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and thousands of works spanning ancient to modern civilizations. It’s massive—so plan ahead or focus on one section that interests you most (e.g., Italian Renaissance or Egyptian Antiquities).

Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid long lines.

Need help navigating the highlights? Consider booking a local guide for a deeper, stress-free experience.

Palais Royal

Just across the street from the Louvre, escape the crowds and step into the elegant Palais Royal. The courtyard features modern art installations (like the black-and-white columns by Buren), while the surrounding gardens offer a tranquil moment in the heart of the city.

Tuileries Garden

From the Palais Royal, stroll through the Tuileries Garden, a formal French garden stretching from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Perfect for a break, a coffee, or simply watching the rhythm of Parisian life.

Afternoon

Optional: Musée de l'Orangerie

If you still have energy, walk to the nearby Musée de l'Orangerie, home to Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies panels and a compact yet rich collection of Impressionist works. It’s a small museum, ideal for a light cultural stop after a heavy morning.

Alternative Option: Musée d'Orsay

Prefer 19th–20th century art? The Musée d'Orsay—set in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station—offers masterpieces from Van Gogh, Degas, and more. It’s larger than the Orangerie but still manageable in 1.5–2 hours with focus.

Café & Recharge Tips

Museum fatigue is real. Before (or after) your afternoon visit, recharge at nearby cafés:

• Café Kitsuné (Palais Royal): Chic and quiet with specialty coffee
• Angelina (Rue de Rivoli): Famous for hot chocolate and a perfect break spot
• Le Nemours: Classic terrace café near the Louvre, ideal for people-watching

Need a Local to Curate Your Art Experience? Don’t want to plan it all yourself? Let a local expert guide you through the highlights, share stories behind the masterpieces, and help you skip the lines.

Day 3: Charming Neighborhoods

Today, step away from central Paris and discover one of its most enchanting and artistic districts: Montmartre. This hilltop neighborhood is full of history, street art, and bohemian charm. The key to enjoying Montmartre is not rushing—wander the winding streets, look up, get a little lost.

Morning

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Start your day early at the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, perched atop Montmartre with sweeping views of Paris. The earlier you go, the quieter it is—perfect for reflection or photography. The interior is free to enter, and you can climb the dome for a small fee if you want a panoramic view.
Place du Tertre

Just a few minutes from the basilica, you'll reach Place du Tertre, a charming square where local artists display and create portraits live. While it can get touristy, coming early offers a peaceful glimpse of Montmartre’s creative spirit.

Hidden Streets Walk (Rue de l’Abreuvoir & Villa Léandre)

From the square, take a detour to Rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of the most photographed streets in Paris, and nearby Villa Léandre, a quiet lane that feels more like a countryside village than a capital city. These spots are perfect for capturing the “secret” side of Paris without crowds.

Midday

Lunch at a Local Bistro

Skip the tourist traps and enjoy a relaxed meal at a neighborhood favorite. Options include:

• Le Consulat: A historic spot with vintage charm
• La Maison Rose: Instagram-famous, but still lovely for a coffee or light lunch
• Le Coq Rico: For modern French cuisine with a local vibe

Make a reservation if you plan to visit during peak lunch hours.

Afternoon

Montmartre Cemetery or Musée de Montmartre (Optional)

Depending on your mood, visit the peaceful Montmartre Cemetery, where many famous Parisians are buried, or explore the Musée de Montmartre, which offers a quiet retreat and a look into the area's artistic past.

Sunset Viewpoint

Terrace Behind Sacré-Cœur or Secret Spots

Return to Sacré-Cœur for a sunset view—but skip the main steps. Instead, walk around to the quiet terrace behind the basilica for a less crowded perspective. Alternatively, climb to Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet, a small park with panoramic views and fewer tourists.

Want to Discover Montmartre Like a Local? Montmartre is full of hidden stories and corners that even many Parisians miss. A private local guide can take you into ateliers, courtyards, and cafés with deep roots in Parisian culture.

Day 4: Day Trip or Cultural Deep Dive

By Day 4, many travelers face a choice: take a break from the city with a grand day trip, or stay local and explore one of Paris’s most vibrant cultural districts. Today’s itinerary offers two options—pick what suits your energy and interests best.

Option A: Versailles Palace

Château de Versailles

A timeless classic, the Palace of Versailles is just under an hour from central Paris by train. Marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, and the vast Versailles Gardens. The scale is grand, and the site takes several hours to explore—wear comfortable shoes.

• Pro Tip: Book tickets and time slots in advance, especially in peak seasons. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
• How to Get There: Take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. The palace is a 10-minute walk from the station.
• Optional Add-on: Rent a bike or golf cart to explore the full estate, including the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.

Want to understand the stories behind the palace? Ask a local guide who can explain the history, architecture, and royal drama in a way no audio guide can.

Option B: Le Marais Cultural Walk

Le Marais Neighborhood Walk

Prefer to stay in Paris? Spend your day wandering through Le Marais, a neighborhood rich in culture, history, and style. It’s a favorite of locals for good reason.

Picasso Museum

Located in a 17th-century mansion, the Musée Picasso holds one of the most important collections of the artist’s work. It’s a compact, elegant museum worth visiting.

Jewish Quarter & Rue des Rosiers

Explore the heart of the Jewish Quarter on Rue des Rosiers. Grab a famous falafel, browse bakeries, or stop by a historic synagogue.

Indie Shops & Galleries

Le Marais is a paradise for boutique shopping, vintage fashion, and quirky galleries. Perfect for picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Place des Vosges Apéritif or Coffee Break

Wrap up your afternoon at Place des Vosges, one of Paris’s oldest and most beautiful squares. Sit under the arcades and enjoy a drink as locals pass by.

Curious about the hidden courtyards and secret history of Le Marais? Ask a local guide to uncover the layers of culture, architecture, and stories in this historic district.

Day 5: Local Living & Foodie Fun

Today you’ll explore the soul of Paris—its markets, intellectual neighborhoods, and quiet gardens. From vibrant street life to historic bookshops, this day blends local flavor with timeless charm. It’s less about checking off landmarks and more about soaking in Paris as the locals do.

Morning

Marché d’Aligre (or Local Market)

Start your day at one of Paris’s liveliest markets, such as Marché d’Aligre. It’s a mix of open-air produce stands, cheese shops, and covered food halls—perfect for grabbing breakfast on the go or a picnic lunch.

Latin Quarter Walk

From the market, head to the Latin Quarter, home to centuries of intellectual life. Wander its cobbled streets, lined with independent bookshops, old churches, and hidden cafés. The atmosphere is lively, with students from the Sorbonne mixing with artists and locals.

Midday

Panthéon

Visit the Panthéon, where many of France’s greatest minds—including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie—are buried. The architecture is grand, and the view from the dome is one of Paris’s best-kept secrets.

Shakespeare & Company Bookstore

Across the river near Notre-Dame, stop by Shakespeare & Company, the world-famous English-language bookstore. It’s small and often busy, but magical for lovers of literature and Paris history.

Luxembourg Gardens

Wind down your afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens, one of Paris’s most beloved green spaces. Grab a chair, enjoy the sculptures and fountains, or simply relax under the chestnut trees.

Evening

Where Locals Eat: Hidden Gem Dinners

End your day with dinner at a neighborhood bistro far from the tourist trail. Look for restaurants in areas like Rue Mouffetard or Butte-aux-Cailles. Many of these spots offer fixed-price menus with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Some great local favorites:

• Le Temps des Cerises (11th arr.)
• L’Assiette (14th arr.)
• Chez Janou (Marais, but off the main streets)

Want help finding the most authentic local spots? Ask a local guide who knows where Parisians really eat, shop, and unwind. Avoid tourist traps and discover your own favorite corner of the city.

Day 6: Relax, Reflect & Hidden Gems

On your final day in Paris, slow things down. Skip the crowds and enjoy the lesser-known beauty of the city: peaceful canals, secret arcades, and quiet parks. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your trip, pick up last-minute gifts, and prepare for your journey home.

Morning

Canal Saint-Martin

Start your day with a walk along Canal Saint-Martin, a local favorite in the 10th arrondissement. Watch the canal locks in action, browse indie boutiques, or enjoy coffee at a canal-side café. It’s calm, creative, and feels like the real Paris.

Alternative: Covered Passages (Les Passages Couverts)

If the weather isn’t ideal—or you prefer something more architectural—head to the covered passages near Grands Boulevards. These 19th-century arcades are full of antique shops, cafés, and vintage bookstores.

Recommended: Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne, Passage Jouffroy.

Midday

Street Art Stroll or Park Break

Take a relaxed walk through neighborhoods like Belleville or Buttes-Chaumont to discover street art, community gardens, and sweeping views.
Alternatively, revisit a favorite park like Parc Monceau or Square du Temple for a peaceful moment of reflection.

Last-Minute Shopping

Looking for something meaningful to bring home? Check out local bookstores, gourmet food shops (foie gras, mustard, chocolate), or beauty boutiques like Officine Universelle Buly for elegant souvenirs.

Afternoon

Packing Tips & Airport Transfer Advice
Before heading to the airport, double-check your essentials: passport, chargers, souvenirs, and metro card refunds (if applicable).

Plan enough time for your transfer:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG): RER B (~45–60 min) or taxi (~60–75 min)
• Orly (ORY): OrlyBus from Denfert-Rochereau or taxi (~30–45 min)

Pro Tip: Ask your hotel or host to arrange a taxi in advance, especially during early or late departures.

Still have a few hours and want to make them count? Ask a local guide to show you one last hidden gem, suggest a quiet lunch spot, or help navigate your departure smoothly.

How to Choose the Right Hotel

Picking the right place to stay can make a huge difference in your Paris experience. Do you want riverside views? A quiet neighborhood café? A bustling nightlife scene? In this section, we’ll break it down by budget, location, and travel style—so you can sleep well and explore with ease.

Luxury: Near the Seine or Champs-Élysées

Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, first-time visitors looking for postcard views and elegance.
Neighborhoods: 1st arrondissement (Louvre area), 7th (Eiffel Tower), or along the Seine near Pont Neuf.

• Pros: Central, scenic, walking distance to major sights
• Cons: Expensive and tourist-heavy
• Vibe: Polished, romantic, historic
• Safety: Very safe, heavily patrolled
• Transport: Excellent metro and walking access

Recommended for travelers who want Paris at its most iconic—and are willing to pay for convenience and charm.

Mid-Range: Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Perfect for: Solo travelers, culture lovers, and those who want charm without splurging.

Neighborhoods: 5th and 6th arrondissements (Left Bank)

• Pros: Lively but relaxed, full of bookshops and cafés
• Cons: Hotels can be smaller or older buildings
• Vibe: Intellectual, bohemian, student-friendly
• Safety: Generally safe, especially near the Sorbonne
• Transport: Great metro access (Lines 4 and 10), easy walk to Notre-Dame or Luxembourg GardensThis is a great choice for anyone who wants to feel the local rhythm of the city while still being central.

Budget-Friendly: République, Montparnasse, or Belleville

Perfect for: Budget travelers, digital nomads, or those staying 5+ nights.
Neighborhoods: 10th, 11th, 14th, or 20th arrondissements

• Pros: Affordable stays, authentic food, fewer tourists
• Cons: Slightly farther from top sights, some areas lively (or noisy) at night
• Vibe: Local, youthful, diverse
• Safety: Mixed—stick to main streets at night, avoid dark alleyways in Belleville
• Transport: Well connected by metro (Lines 2, 11, 13)

If you're comfortable navigating the metro, these areas give you more room to breathe—and more euros to spend on food and experiences.

Quick Summary: Which Area is Best for You?

For First Time Visitors or Newly Married Couples:

• Recommended Area: Near the Seine/ Eiffel
• Why? Iconic view & for convenience

For Solo Visitors & Culture Seekers:

• Recommended Area: Latin Quarter/ St-Germain
• Why? Cozy, bookish, walkable

For Budget Conscious Explorers:

• Recommended Area: République/ Montparnasse
• Why? Affordable & authentic vibes

For Nightlife Lovers:

• Recommended Area: Oberkampf / Canal St-Martin
• Why? Lively, youthful atmosphere

Long-stay traveler:

• Recommended Area: Belleville / 14th
• Why? More space, fewer tourists

Still not sure where to stay? Ask a local guide for personalized neighborhood advice based on your interests and budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the perfect itinerary, small missteps can turn an amazing trip into a tiring one. Here are the most common mistakes travelers make in Paris—and how you can easily avoid them.

Overpacking Each Day with Too Many Sights

It’s tempting to see everything—but trying to visit 5 museums and 3 landmarks in one day will only lead to exhaustion. Paris is meant to be savored.

Tip: Stick to 2–3 major activities per day, and leave room for spontaneous moments.

Ignoring Walking Time Between Places

Google Maps might say “10 minutes,” but add time for stairs, photo stops, and crowds. Paris is a walking city—and you'll walk a lot more than you expect.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and budget time between activities.

Skipping Advance Bookings for Major Attractions

Sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles often sell out—or have long waits.

Tip: Book tickets online at least a few days in advance to secure your preferred time slot and skip the queue.

Choosing a Poorly Located Hotel

A cheaper hotel far from the center may save money, but it can cost you hours in transit.

Tip: Stay within Zones 1–2 if possible, near a metro line. Refer to Section 4 for neighborhood guidance.

Underestimating Museum Fatigue

Paris has some of the best museums in the world—but they can be mentally and physically draining.

Tip: Limit yourself to one major museum per day, and mix in outdoor or low-effort activities (like gardens or cafés) afterward.

Want help avoiding first-time pitfalls? Ask a local guide for honest advice based on real traveler experiences—so you can skip the stress and focus on the fun.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Trip

To make the most of your time in Paris, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are practical, traveler-tested tips to help you navigate the city with confidence—especially if it's your first time visiting.

How to Use Public Transport (Metro Basics)

• Paris has an extensive and reliable metro system with 16 lines and over 300 stations.
• Buy a carnet (pack of 10 tickets) for savings or get a Navigo Easy card for easy reloads.
• Metro stations are marked with a big "M" and trains run every 2–5 minutes from ~5:30am to 12:30am.
• Be aware: Some lines (like 1 and 14) are fully automated and don’t have drivers.

Bonus Tip: Always hold onto your ticket until you exit—random checks happen.

Safety Tips (Especially Around Pickpockets)

• Watch your belongings in tourist-heavy areas like the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and inside metro cars.
• Avoid keeping valuables in backpacks or open handbags.
• Be cautious of distraction tactics (e.g., someone asking you to sign a petition).
• Paris is generally safe, but like all major cities, petty theft can happen quickly.

Essential Apps to Download

• Google Maps or Citymapper: For metro, bus, and walking directions
• Bonjour RATP: Official Paris transport app (real-time updates)
• Google Translate or DeepL: For language assistance
• TheFork or Yelp: For restaurant reservations and reviews
• G7 Taxi: Reliable taxi booking app in English

Basic French Phrases to Help You Connect

Even a little effort with French can go a long way in Paris. Try these basics:

• Bonjour (Hello/ Good day)
• Merci (Thank you!)
• Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
• Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)
• Je voudrais ceci, s’il vous plaît (I’d like this, please)

Tip: Always start with “Bonjour” when entering a shop or speaking to someone. It’s considered polite and shows respect.

Weather and Packing Suggestions for March

• Average temperature: 7–13°C (45–55°F), often cloudy or rainy
• Bring a compact umbrella, layered clothing, and waterproof shoes
• A light scarf and a medium jacket are ideal for day-to-night temperature shifts
• Paris in March can be unpredictable, so flexibility in your plans is key

Want tailored advice for your arrival month or neighborhood? Ask a local guide who knows current weather patterns, neighborhood vibes, and how to get around like a Parisian.

Optional Add-ons & Bonus Ideas

Have some extra time, or looking for ways to make your trip more personal and memorable? These flexible ideas are perfect for a rainy afternoon, a relaxed evening, or if you're simply in the mood for something different.

Rainy Day Alternatives

• Explore Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop café and watch the rain fall over the Opera Garnier.
• Visit indoor museums like Musée Rodin, Atelier des Lumières (immersive digital art), or Musée Carnavalet (Paris history).
• Spend time in elegant covered passages like Galerie Vivienne for window shopping, pastries, and books.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots

• Rue Crémieux: Colorful houses and cobblestones in the 12th arrondissement
• Bir-Hakeim Bridge: Iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop
• Printemps Rooftop Terrace: Panoramic views with fewer crowds
• Palais Royal Columns: Artistic and symmetrical for photos

Foodie Trails

• Join a cheese and wine tasting near Saint-Germain
• Try a pastry tour through the Marais (macarons, éclairs, mille-feuille)
• Explore local boulangeries and patisseries—ask locals for their go-to croissant spot
• Visit a neighborhood food market like Marché des Enfants Rouges

Family-Friendly Options

• Rent toy sailboats at Luxembourg Gardens
• Visit Cité des Sciences (science museum) or Jardin d’Acclimatation (theme park)
• Ride the Montmartre funicular instead of climbing the stairs

Evening Add-ons

• Enjoy a jazz night at Le Caveau de la Huchette
• Book a sunset Seine River cruise with wine
• Visit a hidden wine bar in the Latin Quarter or Oberkampf
• Catch a show at the Opéra Garnier or Théâtre de la Ville

Want custom suggestions based on your personality and preferences? Ask a local guide for bonus ideas that fit your mood, interests, or the weather forecast.

Conclusion

Paris is a city best experienced with both a plan and a sense of curiosity. Over six days, you’ve seen iconic landmarks, wandered through charming neighborhoods, tasted local flavors, and discovered hidden corners. But the beauty of Paris is that no two trips are ever the same—there’s always more waiting around the next corner.

Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or use it as a flexible guide, the key is to slow down, look up, and let the city reveal itself to you.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by choices or want to go deeper in a particular area, remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Contact a local guide for personal insights, hidden spots, and the kind of stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Let a local help you turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.