How to Plan 6 Days in Paris Without Wearing Yourself Out

Planning six days in Paris can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to see, and advice is all over the place. Some say do less, others say pack it all in. The truth sits somewhere in between. With the right strategy, you can see the best of Paris without burning out.

Here’s a quick guide built from real traveler experience, practical advice and small details that make a big difference.

Focus Each Day on Two Big Things

The most efficient way to plan is to target one major activity in the morning and one in the afternoon. Keep them in the same arrondissement when possible. This cuts down on travel and lets you actually enjoy where you are instead of rushing across town.

Having backup options near your main sights is smart. If the Louvre line is longer than expected or a museum visit ends early, you can fill the time with something nearby, like walking through Palais-Royal, exploring a historic passage, or browsing a shop.

Walk More, Metro Less

Paris reveals itself best on foot. Plan to use the metro mainly to get from and to your hotel. Otherwise, walk or take the bus. Buses save you from climbing metro stairs and let you see the streets as you ride.

Some still prefer the metro for speed, but factor in wait times – it’s not always faster than walking. Taxis and Uber are fine for short hops when your feet are tired.

If you’ll use public transport often, look into a Navigo Week Pass or the Navigo Découverte card. Both require a small passport photo, but they can save money.

Eat Away From Tourist Strips

Eating on the Champs-Élysées almost always leads to overpriced and bland meals. Walk a few blocks north or south and you’ll find better options. Rue St. Honoré is a smarter bet, with places like Le Soufflé offering quality menus.

Picnicking is a highlight for many. Rue Cler near the Eiffel Tower is a classic stop for bread, cheese, and wine before settling into the park. For budget-conscious travelers, stocking up at supermarkets for water and sandwiches saves both time and money.

For a splurge, tea at the Ritz on Place Vendôme is a memorable afternoon break.

The Louvre: Half a Day or All Day

Opinions vary on how long to spend at the Louvre. Some people breeze through highlights in two to three hours with an audio guide. Others dedicate the whole day, taking a long lunch at the museum café and exploring from open to close.

If the Louvre is a priority, plan ahead. Skip-the-line tickets or the Paris Museum Pass can save hours. Be ready for crowds and sun while queuing – carrying food and water with you is wise.

Don’t Overload the Museum Days

Musée d’Orsay is best enjoyed in two hours if you’re focusing on highlights. Pairing it with the Louvre on the same day is possible but heavy. Many recommend separating them so your eyes don’t glaze over.

Palais Garnier, on the other hand, rarely takes more than 90 minutes. Sainte-Chapelle is tiny and dazzling but often has long queues. Timing matters here, especially if you’re grouping it with Notre Dame.

Montmartre Deserves an Afternoon

Montmartre is more than Sacré-Cœur. Walking up Rue des Abbesses, visiting Place du Tertre, spotting the Wall of Love, and wandering side streets can fill hours.

Climbing the dome of Sacré-Cœur is tiring but gives one of the best views in Paris. There’s also a funicular if you want to save your legs.

Evenings here are lively. A wine and cheese tasting followed by a late dinner fits perfectly before heading to the Trocadéro for the Eiffel Tower light show.

Versailles Is a Big Commitment

Versailles divides opinions. Some say it’s absolutely worth the trip; others skip it to avoid the crowds and commute. If you go, set aside most of the day. The palace and gardens take hours, and travel adds more on top.

Neighborhood Walks Reveal the City

Paris is not just monuments, neighborhood walks let you see the texture of the city. In the Quartier Latin, you can visit Saint-Sulpice, Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, the Roman-era Arènes de Lutèce, the Grande Mosquée de Paris, and finish on Rue Mouffetard for lunch.

The Marais has historic mansions, Place des Vosges, Victor Hugo’s house, Village Saint-Paul, and Hôtel de Ville. Belleville and Canal Saint-Martin show a grittier but authentic side of Paris.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its hills and views, is one of the most recommended green spaces.

Balance Big Sights With Small Moments

People often remember not the monuments but the small pauses. Sitting at a sidewalk café. Wandering into a bookstore like Shakespeare and Company. Finding a hidden garden. Shopping at E. Dehillerin, the cookware store near Les Halles.

Evenings can include a river cruise on the Seine, jazz at Caveau de la Huchette, or simply watching the sunset from the Arc de Triomphe. These touches keep the trip from feeling like a checklist.

Use Passes Wisely

Paris offers different types of passes. The Paris Museum Pass covers entry to most museums and monuments and often includes skip-the-line access. The Paris Pass is more expensive but adds extras like tours and a river cruise.

One isn’t automatically better than the other, choose based on what you actually want to do.

Consider Timing and Jet Lag

If you’re flying in from far away, jet lag is real. For travelers from Los Angeles, the advice is to push through until 8 p.m. on arrival day, then sleep and wake on local time.

Some use apps like Timeshifter to help adjust. Others take it easy on day one with light activities.

Special Dates and Experiences

If your trip overlaps with European Heritage Days in mid-September, take advantage. Many government buildings and private mansions open to the public for just that weekend. It’s a rare chance to see places usually closed.

Cooking classes at schools like Cuisine Paris add hands-on memories. Paris Walks guided tours are another way to get stories you’d never pick up just by walking.

Avoid Overplanning

It’s tempting to squeeze in everything, but days fill up quickly. Two or three set activities are plenty. Leave room for discoveries, whether that’s people-watching in Luxembourg Gardens or following a side street in the Marais.