Paris for couples: A 4-day itinerary full of romance

The city’s reputation as a romantic destination for lovebirds and honeymooners is longstanding. Like cheese and wine, Paris and romance go hand in hand. To discover Paris at a leisurely pace, plan a trip of at least four days. This 4-day itinerary in Paris offers plenty of romantic activities, including cruises along the Seine and picnics with views of the Eiffel Tower. We recommend visiting Paris on weekdays to avoid the weekend family crowds but note that some museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.

If you’re short on time, you can strike one or two days off and follow this 2-day Paris itinerary or 3-day itinerary for food lovers instead.

Montmartre in the northern suburbs of Paris is hands-down the city’s most romantic district and it’s home to small boutique hotels like Hotel Monsieur Aristide. To its south is Pigalle, Paris’ famous red-light district that’s getting trendier by the day. This is the area where you’ll find Maison Souquet, Secret de Paris, and other hotels that put couples in a naughty mood. Alternatively, book your accommodation in the 7th arrondissement to be close to the Eiffel Tower. Hotel Muguet and Hotel Duquesne Eiffel offer rooms overlooking this symbol of love.

Dress up for your first day to match the style and glamor of the geographical heart of Paris. The star of the 1st arrondissement, the Louvre Museum is home to the Mona Lisa and it’s a must-visit for couples who appreciate art and history. Purchase an entry ticket online or book a skip-the-line tour of the world-famous Louvre.

Apart from the Louvre, this district houses lesser-known museums such as Musée de l'Orangerie and Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Paris’ 1st arrondissement is also ideal for shopping in luxury boutiques and strolls through manicured gardens. Roam into the 2nd arrondissement to explore Rue Montorgueil where cafes, bakeries, cheese stores, and florists stand side by side. Or perhaps wander into elegant shopping arcades such as Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas to stop for a coffee break in intimate settings.

For the second part of your day, make your way to Montmartre which sprawls on a hill in the 18th arrondissement. This district feels like a romantic village with its cobbled streets teeming with art galleries. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica lies at the summit of Montmartre, offering panoramic vistas of Paris. Get a caricature of the both of you sketched by an artist at Place du Tertre or amble to Le Mur des Je t'aime, an artwork featuring the phrase “I love you” in 250 languages. Consider ending the day by catching a late-night cabaret spectacle while sipping champagne at the Moulin Rouge.

Travel tip: Up for a fun game with your partner? Uncover Montmartre’s romantic spots with the "Lost Lovers in Montmartre" Exploration Game.

Steeped in romance, the Seine meanders through Paris and splits it into two halves: the Left Bank (or Rive Gauche) and the Right Bank (or Rive Droite). Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, however, lie in the middle of the Seine, offering dreamy views from multiple angles.   

The main attraction on Île de la Cité is Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel with impressive stained glass windows. Tourists often overlook Île Saint-Louis as it doesn’t boast any big-ticket attractions, but this charming neighborhood is worth your visit for its traditional restaurants tucked in quiet alleys and its famous ice cream shop, Berthillon.

Switch your perspective by cruising along the Seine while soaking up the beauty of Paris. Bateaux Parisiens, Vedettes de Paris, and other operators offer such trips with options for lunch or dinner to accompany the ride. On the sightseeing cruise, you will spot iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Musée d’Orsay. A more affordable alternative is Batobus, a river boat that offers you the freedom to hop on and off its nine stops along the Seine. At night, walk along the river bank and traverse beautiful bridges such as Pont des Arts while watching the city lights dance in the water.

After catching glimpses of the Eiffel Tower from afar, it’s time to see it up close. This landmark has witnessed countless first kisses and marriage proposals in its lifetime—and you can add your special moment to its list. Once again, a skip-the-line ticket or guided tour of the Eiffel Tower will save you precious time. Marvel at the Parisian skyline that becomes more dramatic the closer you get to the summit. Once you’re back down on the ground, enjoy a romantic picnic with Eiffel Tower views from the grassy lawns of Le Trocadéro or Parc du Champ de Mars. Then indulge in desserts from a patisserie along Rue Cler, pamper yourself with a couple’s massage at Sensation Spa, or visit the many museums in the vicinity.

On the left bank of the Seine, the districts of Saint Germain and Latin Quarter have a little something for couples that love art, literature, food, nature, and nightlife. Start with Saint Germain, the focal point for literary and artistic life in Paris. Grab a drink at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, both known as the favorite haunts of celebrated authors such as Hemingway. To its east is the Latin Quarter, buzzing day and night with students from Sorbonne University. Seek out its top attractions or get lost in the streets to stumble upon quaint bookstores and hole-in-the-wall spots far from the tourist crowds.

The Latin Quarter has a vibrant multicultural food scene, so scour through the stalls in Mouffetard Market or join a food tour to sample a variety of treats in the district. Need a break from all the walking? There are pockets of greenery hidden amid the urban sprawl, so seek a bench in Luxembourg Gardens, Jardin des Plantes, or Square René Viviani. After sundown, walk back to Tour d'Argent for French food in a fancy setting, or step into a club along Rue de la Huchette to party the night away with your lover.