Morning: Île de la Cité & Notre‑Dame

Start your Paris adventure with Rick Steves’ Historic Paris Walk, which takes you through the cobbled lanes of Île de la Cité. Wander past the majestic facades of Notre‑Dame and Sainte‑Chapelle and explore the atmospheric Latin Quarter【459082290073252†L75-L83】. This stroll lays the foundation for understanding Paris’ medieval core.

Afternoon: Louvre Museum

Cross the Seine to the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum. Arrive early to minimise queues and spend the afternoon admiring masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. With its vast collection, pick a few departments of interest and take breaks in the Tuileries Garden nearby【459082290073252†L80-L83】.

Evening: Trocadéro & Eiffel Tower

As dusk falls, head to Place du Trocadéro for the quintessential Eiffel Tower view. As the lights come on, ascend the tower for panoramic city vistas【459082290073252†L82-L83】. Pre‑book tickets to save time and opt for a twilight slot for the most magical experience.

Morning: Champs‑Élysées Walk & Arc de Triomphe

Begin day two by following the self‑guided Champs‑Élysées Walk from the Arc de Triomphe down the grand Avenue des Champs‑Élysées to the Tuileries Garden【459082290073252†L86-L90】. Pause for coffee or shopping along the way and soak up the Belle Époque architecture.

Midday: Musée d’Orsay

Cross the pedestrian bridge from the Tuileries to the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, it showcases Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist masterpieces. Plan for a few hours to admire works by Monet, Van Gogh and Degas【459082290073252†L90-L93】.

Afternoon: Rodin Museum or Army Museum

After lunch, choose between touring the Rodin Museum, set in tranquil gardens dotted with sculptures, or delving into French military history at the Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb【459082290073252†L93-L96】. Either option offers insight into France’s cultural and historical heritage.

Evening: Night Tour

Cap off the day with a nighttime tour—whether by open‑top bus, taxi/Uber or a retro Deux Chevaux car—for illuminated views of monuments like the Louvre Pyramid and the Arc de Triomphe【459082290073252†L95-L97】.

Morning: Versailles Day Trip

Catch the RER‑C train by 8 a.m. to arrive early at Versailles. Touring the château’s opulent halls and wandering through the manicured gardens can take a full morning or longer【459082290073252†L101-L104】. Purchase timed tickets and rent an audio guide to enrich your visit.

Afternoon: More Sights or Return to Paris

If you return to Paris mid‑afternoon, visit sights near RER‑C stations such as the Army Museum, Napoleon’s Tomb or the Musée d’Orsay. Alternatively, linger in Versailles for the Trianon palaces and Marie‑Antoinette’s estate【459082290073252†L104-L108】.

Evening: Seine Cruise & Notre‑Dame Stroll

Back in Paris, enjoy a serene cruise along the Seine River or dine on Ile Saint‑Louis. Afterwards, take a floodlit walk past Notre‑Dame and the Latin Quarter for a romantic finale【459082290073252†L109-L112】.

• Pre‑book key attractions: Purchase timed tickets for the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Versailles to avoid long queues.
• Use public transport: Grab a Paris Visite or Navigo pass for unlimited Metro and RER travel. Many attractions are within walking distance but the Metro is quick for longer hops.
• Stay central: Base yourself in the 1st–7th arrondissements for easy access to major sights. Look for accommodations near Metro lines 1 or 4.
• Mix paid & free experiences: Balance ticketed attractions with strolls through parks and markets such as the Luxembourg Gardens or Rue Mouffetard.

Planning your journey from London? Read our London to Paris route guide for transport tips, airport transfers and accommodation ideas. To discover other European cities, explore our Routes page or check out our blog for more itineraries and travel hacks.