Paris, the City of Lights, is a dream destination for many, and for good reason. Its iconic landmarks, charming streets, world-class museums, and delectable cuisine create an atmosphere that’s both romantic and exhilarating. Planning a trip to Paris can feel overwhelming with so much to see and do. This essential Paris travel guide breaks down the must-see attractions into a manageable 5-day itinerary, ensuring you experience the best of this incredible city.
My own first encounter with Paris was nothing short of magical. Lost in the beauty of the architecture and the vibrant city life, I was instantly captivated. Despite warnings of Parisian dirtiness or unfriendly locals, I found only charm and allure. This guide is born from that love affair with Paris, designed to help you navigate its wonders and fall in love with it yourself.
Eiffel Tower and Parisian cityscape
This itinerary is designed to provide a balanced experience, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or gastronomic delights. Paris truly offers something for every traveler. Let’s dive into a day-by-day plan to make the most of your Travel To Paris.
Getting to and Around Paris
Your travel to Paris begins with arrival. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the main international airport, with excellent public transportation links to the city center. Alternatively, if you’re traveling from within Europe, high-speed trains are a convenient option, arriving at major Paris stations like Gare de l’Est, Gare du Nord, and Gare de Lyon.
Once you’re in Paris, the Metro is your best friend. It’s efficient, affordable, and far less stressful than taxis or driving in the city’s busy streets. Paris is sprawling, making walking between all attractions impractical. The Metro system, with its 16 lines, might seem daunting initially, but it’s surprisingly easy to navigate once you get accustomed to it. A multi-day travel pass covering both Metro and buses is highly recommended for cost-effectiveness and ease of travel.
Paris Metro Entrance
Best Time to Travel to Paris
There’s no truly bad time to travel to Paris, each season offers a unique charm. Winter in Paris is particularly appealing for avoiding tourist crowds. Imagine exploring iconic sites like Notre Dame without long queues – a stark contrast to peak season waits. However, remember that winter means colder weather.
Spring and Summer bring Paris to life with blooming flowers and lush greenery, especially in gardens like Monet’s Giverny and the Palace of Versailles gardens. These seasons are undeniably beautiful but expect larger crowds and higher prices. Consider your priorities – fewer crowds in winter or blooming beauty in spring/summer – when deciding the best time for your travel to Paris.
Budgeting Your Paris Trip
The cost of travel to Paris varies greatly depending on your travel style. Accommodation and dining choices are the biggest factors influencing your budget. For budget-conscious travelers, like my own first trip involving grocery store meals and resourceful hydration, Paris can be surprisingly affordable. Enjoying a simple yet delightful meal of baguette, cheese, and wine by the Eiffel Tower is a quintessential Parisian experience that doesn’t break the bank.
Museums and attractions will be a significant part of your expenses, as will dining out. However, with smart planning, you can experience the magic of Paris without overspending.
Where to Stay in Paris: Accommodation Options
Paris offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference.
Luxury Stays
For an unforgettable splurge, The Peninsula Hotel is unparalleled in its luxury and elegance. Its stunning architecture and impeccable service promise a truly special experience. Hotel Icone offers exquisite detail and a fantastic location, perfect for exploring central Paris on foot, close to the Opera, Louvre, and Notre Dame.
Mid-Range Options
For a comfortable and stylish stay, consider an Airbnb in areas like Île-de-France. These offer more space and amenities, often including kitchens, ideal for families or longer stays.
Budget-Friendly Choices
Hostels are the go-to option for budget travelers. Paris hostels are generally safe and social, offering a great way to meet fellow travelers. Look for hostels with positive reviews for a comfortable and secure stay.
5-Day Paris Itinerary: Must-See Attractions
This 5-day itinerary is designed to flow logically, minimizing travel time between attractions and maximizing your Parisian experience. Consider purchasing a Paris Pass if you plan to visit many museums and attractions, especially if you are short on time. It can provide cost savings and skip-the-line access at popular sites.
Remember to embrace the tourist experience fully! Take photos, learn about the history and culture, and create lasting memories of your travel to Paris.
Day 1: Iconic Paris Landmarks
Start your travel to Paris with the most iconic symbol: The Eiffel Tower. Mornings are ideal for visiting the Eiffel Tower to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Paris. Don’t just see it once; plan to return at night to witness its dazzling light show.
Eiffel Tower daytime view
Trocadéro, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, offers the quintessential photo opportunity with the tower as a backdrop. Enjoy a pastry or a bottle of wine purchased nearby while soaking in the view.
Walk or take the Metro to the Arc de Triomphe, another iconic Parisian monument. Climb to the top (284 steps) for arguably the best panoramic city views, including a stunning perspective down the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous avenues.
View from Arc de Triomphe
Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, taking in the luxury shops and vibrant atmosphere. For lunch, numerous cafes and restaurants cater to every taste and budget.
Continue to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, architectural masterpieces often overlooked by tourists. These buildings are testaments to French artistry, housing museums and exhibition spaces.
Petit Palais architecture
End your day with a walk across the Pont Alexandre III, considered Paris’s most ornate bridge, offering picturesque views of the Seine.
For museum enthusiasts, the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Musée Rodin are nearby. The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, is highly recommended for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
If time permits, visit Les Invalides, a complex of museums and monuments related to French military history, including Napoleon’s tomb. Conclude your day at Place de la Concorde, Paris’s largest square, to admire the fountains and the Ferris wheel, beautifully illuminated at night.
Place de la Concorde at night
Day 2: Parisian Islands and Historical Churches
Day two of your travel to Paris begins at Notre Dame Cathedral. While still undergoing restoration after the fire, the exterior remains majestic and a powerful symbol of Paris. Explore the surrounding Île de la Cité, the historical heart of Paris, and enjoy the charming cafes and shops.
Notre Dame Cathedral exterior
Visit Sainte-Chapelle, located on Île de la Cité. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you; the interior is breathtaking, renowned for its stunning 13th-century stained glass windows.
Sainte-Chapelle stained glass
Cross the Pont Saint-Michel to reach the Latin Quarter, known for its student vibe and historic architecture. Wander through the cafe-lined streets and soak in the intellectual atmosphere.
Visit the Panthéon, a neoclassical monument housing the tombs of notable French figures like Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.
Luxembourg Gardens fountain
Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful green space perfect for a leisurely break. Admire the Luxembourg Palace, a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture.
Continue to Église Saint-Sulpice, the second-largest church in Paris, known for its impressive organ and featured in “The Da Vinci Code.”
Take a stroll across the Pont des Arts, also known as the “love lock bridge,” offering beautiful views of the Seine and the Louvre.
Conclude your day at the Louvre Museum. Pre-booking tickets is essential to avoid long queues. Evenings or early mornings are the least crowded times to visit. Be prepared to spend several hours exploring this vast museum.
Louvre Museum entrance
Day 3: Montmartre and Parisian Culture
Dedicate day three of your travel to Paris to exploring Montmartre, a charming hilltop neighborhood with a distinct artistic history. Consider joining a free walking tour to fully appreciate the area’s unique character and hidden gems.
Montmartre street scene
Start at the Moulin Rouge, the iconic cabaret, and then explore Le Mur des Je t’aime (The Wall of Love), featuring “I love you” in hundreds of languages. Discover the cafes made famous by artists and movies, like the café from “Amélie.”
Visit Le Moulin de la Galette, a historic windmill and restaurant, once frequented by Renoir. Walk past La Maison Rose, the picturesque pink house.
Ascend to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre’s crowning glory. While opinions on its architectural style vary among Parisians, the views from the basilica are undeniably spectacular, offering a panoramic perspective of Paris.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica view
Explore the charming streets of Montmartre, filled with artists and unique shops. Descend via Rue des Martyrs, known for its trendy boutiques and cafes, perfect for lunch.
In the afternoon, experience the grandeur of Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store. Even if high-end shopping isn’t your focus, visit the rooftop terrace for more stunning city views.
For a unique experience, visit Père Lachaise Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Paris and the final resting place of many famous figures, including Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.
Père Lachaise Cemetery gravestone
Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles
A day trip to the Palace of Versailles is an essential part of travel to Paris. This opulent palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most magnificent in the world. Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends. Note that the main palace is closed on Mondays.
Palace of Versailles exterior
Explore the Palace, including the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, and the Royal Chapel. Allocate ample time to wander through the extensive Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of French landscape design. Consider visiting Marie Antoinette’s Estate, including the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, for a glimpse into royal life beyond the palace.
Hall of Mirrors, Versailles
For a contrasting experience upon your return to Paris, consider visiting the Catacombs of Paris, an underground ossuary holding the remains of millions.
Day 5: Gardens, Shopping, and Farewell Paris
Begin your final day of travel to Paris at the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful park connecting the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and perhaps a pastry from a nearby vendor.
Tuileries Garden in bloom
Explore Rue de Rivoli, a grand shopping street lined with boutiques, department stores, and cafes.
Visit the Opéra Garnier, a stunning opera house known for its opulent architecture and ornate interior. Consider taking a tour to fully appreciate its grandeur.
Opéra Garnier exterior
Spend your remaining time simply walking around Paris, soaking in the atmosphere and revisiting your favorite spots.
Conclude your travel to Paris with a final, unforgettable experience: watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. Find a perfect vantage point and savor the magical moment.
Eiffel Tower night light show
If you have extra time, consider a half-day trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny or explore more of Paris’s world-class museums like the Musée Picasso or Musée de l’Orangerie.
Where to Eat in Paris: Culinary Delights
No travel to Paris is complete without indulging in its world-renowned cuisine. From charming cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris offers a culinary adventure for every palate.
Start your day with a quintessential Parisian breakfast: a Café au Lait and a croissant from a local bakery. Exploring Parisian streets and discovering hidden culinary gems is part of the joy.
Pastries at La Stube cafe
Recommended Eateries:
- Angelina’s: Famous for its rich, decadent hot chocolate.
- Ladurée: Iconic for macarons, a must-try for sweet treat lovers.
- Cafe Kitsuné: Instagrammable cafe with delicious coffee and stylish ambiance.
- Comptoir de La Gastronomie: Exceptional French cuisine, try the Foie Gras Ravioli.
- La Stube: Perfect for lunch, offering savory tarts and delicious cakes.
- Le Grenier à Pain: Award-winning bakery, try their traditional baguette (“tradi”).
- Grand Amour Hotel: Chic brunch spot in a stylish hotel setting.
- Aux Lyonnais: Traditional Lyonnaise cuisine for hearty, flavorful dishes.
- Le Consulat: Classic cafe for people-watching and enjoying French onion soup.
- Le Refuge des Fondus: Fun and quirky, known for serving wine in baby bottles and delicious fondue.
- Café de Flore: Historic St Germain cafe, ideal for brunch, breakfast, or lunch.
Le Refuge des Fondus wine in baby bottle
Paris truly is a city that captivates and delights. This 5-day itinerary is a starting point for your travel to Paris, adaptable to your interests and pace. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, your trip to Paris will undoubtedly be unforgettable. Enjoy the magic of the City of Lights!
