Are you planning a trip to Paris next year? Or headed there sometime soon this year? I have been to Paris twice and I want to tell you everything you need to see, do and eat with a 5 day Paris Itinerary.
I love Paris. I’m sure you’ve heard people say this before. But I am genuinely a different person when I am there. There is nothing I can think of that bothers me about Paris. I love the culture, architecture and landscape; the city is absolutely gorgeous. The food is great. The shopping is a world of its own. What’s not to love?
This post is all about a 5 day Paris Itinerary – what to see, do and eat. Let me tell you everything about my favorite city.
1. Are the French mean?
I know a lot of people (especially Americans) say that the French are mean or rude. I think there is a cultural component to this impression. The French are in general very honest people with different standards for communication and politeness. They are quite formal especially when it is the first time they are meeting you. And if you did something that bothered them or is culturally inappropriate, they will tell you or give you a look, whereas Americans are less likely to create friction. In business interactions, they do not feel obligated to provide you with an overtly friendly customer service like Americans do. A lot of attention is paid to work/ life balance and enjoying life in general, which impacts their relationship with work. While you might think that the economy in France is great, because of all the fashion houses and the number of tourists that fly in, it is not. French people also do not like ‘rich’ people; embedded in their moto: ‘Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité’, which stems from the French Revolution. That, together with a bit of projected arrogance can create a difficult dynamic when interacting with the French.
A little effort to speak French, even if it’s just a greeting ‘bonjour’ or ‘bonsoir’ and a little modesty can go a long way in France.
2. When to visit Paris?
If you do not like the heat in the summer months, avoid visiting June through August. Europe is not heavily air conditioned, You might be surprised to find out that some businesses like restaurants, cafés and boutiques may not be. Flying during shoulder season is less expensive and you will find less tourists.
3. How many days to stay in Paris?
With a well-planned itinerary, you will need at least 4 but ideally 5 days to truly see and enjoy Paris, if this is your first visit. Anything less than 4 days, is not going to be enjoyable.
4. Where to stay in Paris?
While public transport is great in Paris, I still prefer to stay in more central locations. I usually stay in Neighborhoods I know I am going to be spending a lot of time in. I reserve public transport if I am in a rush and need to cross town, otherwise the city is very walkable. This is a very personal choice though, as it depends on your budget and preference.
1er Arrondissement, Paris, France.
5. Pickpocketing in Paris
Unfortunately, there are many pickpocketers in Paris. You need to be very vigilant of your things. Walk around in the city preferably with a cross body bag, where you can see your bag at all times compared to a hand held or shoulder bag.
When approached by people with a piece of paper asking you to sign something, avoid any conversation. Be very careful in crowded places and in subways, especially if you are carrying shopping bags and luxury items that are screaming the designer’s name. They are unfortunately very skilled, I’ve heard many horror stories of people buying things and losing them in the subway moments after leaving the store.
6. Best neighborhoods in Paris
This section will break down the best neighborhoods and guide you on your hunt to the hotels to stay in. If you don’t frequently travel to Europe, do not think that every hotel is equipped with air conditioners and elevators. If these are important to you, make sure to plug those in the filters as you look for hotels. Also, rooms are generally small in hotels so be mindful of that
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: There is something about this neighborhood; once home to famous writers and artists, it is a more upscale compared to surrounding areas. Classic Parisian feel, lovely cafés (the well-known Café Le Fiore and Les Deux Magots) with a more relaxed vibe. It is also very proximal to places you’re going to want to see in Paris, especially on your first visit (like Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Seine, etc.). Very accessible via subway, as most have a stop in that area so less connections to make. You will probably have to splurge a bit to stay here. Caters to a more adult crowd, not so great for nightlife.
Le Marais: Le Marais is a hip and trendy Parisian neighborhood, with beautiful and clean streets, some in cobblestone. It is a central location for shopping, especially for boutiques, French brands (A.P.C., Sézane, etc.) and thrift stores. It also offers some really good food with diverse cuisines, and an LGBTQ scene like no other in Paris. It is still quite close to tourist attractions. Reminds me a bit of SoHo but more residential. While not cheap, hotels are more affordable. It has a good balance of cafés, restaurants and nightlife. By staying here, you are moving a bit further east, so further away from the tour Eiffel and arc de triomphe, but still within walkable distance, and many subway stations.
8th Arrondissement of Paris/ Champs Elysees: Most glamorous neighborhood, home to Iconic Parisian landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs Élysées, many museums and high-end luxury shopping stores. It lies north of the River Seine. You will be surrounded by $$$$ restaurants and bars. Probably the most glamorous part of Paris.
Quartier Latin: The old & charming Paris, as I like to think of it. The world renown Sorbonne University and many of its students call this neighborhood home. Hotels and restaurants are more affordable. Home to many bookstores and the famous Shakespeare & Co, which shut down during the Nazi invasion and re-opened its doors. It generally caters to a younger crowd. The vibe is quite touristy.
7. 5 day Paris Itinerary
Day 1:
So you’ve arrived! Dropped your bags, want to take a quick nap or you’re ready to go. Let’s discover Paris!
- Grab yourself a little breakfast then visit Cathédrale Notre Dame (said to re-open December 2024 after the fire) and Sainte Chapelle (purchase your timed tickets in advance). You can see both places in under 2 hours.
Here are my two cents about breakfast options in Paris, skip your hotel’s breakfast, do not chase the more famous spots, and instead discover your neighborhood’s bakery and pastry shops. Sometimes those are the meals you will remember the most. - Walk down towards Le Bon Marché (department store), La Grande Épicerie (fine food lover’s paradise), there is also a nearby Sézane store if that’s your thing. (3 hours)
- For lunch or a snack, grab something and head to Luxembourg Gardens for a little break. There are chairs and benches in the gardens.
- Then go to Citypharma – this is the largest and cheapest pharmacy in Paris. Almost everything in this branch has a discount. I am not recommending this in case you forgot your medications! We all love to stock up on French beauty products. If you don’t know what to buy, stay tuned I am working on a post.
- Dinner options in the area – at Les Deux Margots, Café de Flore, and Le Petit Lutetia.
Left: Sculpture Courtyards in Musée du Louvre. Right: Clock in Musée D’Orsay.
Day 2:
- Quick breakfast and head to the Musée du Louvre (3 hours). If you want to eat near the Museum, then I’d recommend Boulangerie BO&MIE, despite being a chain, everything I had there was amazing. Getting into Musée du Louvre is so much easier if you purchase your timed ticket online. Highly recommend visiting in the morning as it is less crowded. You will need around 3 hours to walk around and enjoy the Musée due Louvre. Must see pieces: Mona Lisa, it is behind a plexiglass, Liberty Leading the People (and that entire wing), Napoleon’s coronation, and the glass-covered Sculpture Courtyards.
- Walk around the Tuileries Garden (40 minutes), no tickets are necessary.
- Shopping at Rue Saint Honoré (3-4 hours). Leave the Tuileries Garden through the rue 29 Juillet street with many coffee shops to pick from. Here, you will come across any brand name store you can think of. It’s outdoors, it’s fun, if the weather cooperates. Chanel’s flagship is here.
- Walk around in Jardin des Champs Elysées (1 hour).
- Arc de Triomphe (1-2 hours). Buy your timed ticket in advance, take the stairs up to see one of the best views of the city and the Tour Eiffel. It is 284 steps to get there. The landmark is in the middle of a roundabout, the only way you can get to it, is by going through the tunnel. I’ve seen people try and walk to the center – terrible idea – please don’t.
- End the night with a dinner nearby at Le Cinq, Renoma Café Gallery, Bambini Paris.
Day 3:
- Grab your breakfast then head to Musée D’Orsay (2 hours). It is free on the 1st Sunday of the month, but you still need timed tickets. Regular days, purchase your timed tickets online for easier entry, otherwise you can buy them on site too.
- Let’s go and discover Le Marais. Shopping is really good. Reminds me of SoHo. Doesn’t necessarily have luxury brands but rather good quality French contemporary brands like A.P.C., Ba&Sh, Sézane, etc.
You can mark on your Google maps app with all the stores you want to visit, so you don’t miss anything (3-4 hours). - For Lunch: Marché des Enfants rouges (oldest market in Paris since 1615), L’As du Falafel, or Caractère de Cochon. Must-try: Glace Bachir (yummy Lebanese ice cream).
- Walk towards Tour Eiffel or take the Metro. Take some photos at the Trocadéro Square (1-2 hours).
- Dinner options: La Fontaine de Mars, La Rotisserie d’Argent, Café de Mars.
- You can walk by the Seine and Pont Alexandre III (1 hour).
- Rooftop for drinks at Le Tout-Paris – Cheval Blanc Paris
Left: Arc de Triomphe. Right: View of Paris from the top of Arc de Triomphe.
Day 4:
- Grab a breakfast and head to the Basilique due Sacré Coeur. It is free to get in, make sure to snap photos from Square de la Turlure (1 hour).
- Walk around in Montmartre, or take a walking tour. It is a lovely historical neighborhood, where many artists have called home (1-2 hours).
- Walk or take the metro to Galerie Lafayette (3-4 hours). Even if you have no intention of shopping, it’s a beautiful department store. Make sure to visit the marketplace, grocery store and eat at the restaurants.
- Palais Garnier, which is Paris’ opera house. You can see a live performance and see the opera house, or buy your ticket to see the opera house.
- Dinner Options: Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie, chez Claude, La Poule au Pot.
Day 5:
- Chateau Versailles (5-8 hours), a magical place.
– If you are returning back home on this day, hopefully later in the afternoon or evening. I think it’s perfect timing to on this trip. Leave your luggage at your hotel. Take the Line RER C from anywhere in Paris, they will drop you off at Versaille Chateau Rive Gauche. (2 hrs for a two-way commute).
– Purchase tickets in advance. The Passport ticket is the all-inclusive option to the whole estate of Versailles.
– Plenty of food options: You can have a sit-down meal or grab something to go, which can be wine and paninis.
– Spend 1-2 hours in the chateau itself. 2-3 hours in the garden. You can discover the garden by taking a small train, renting a golf cart, renting a bike, or on foot. You can row on the Grand Canal.
– Depending on what time of the year you’re visiting, if in the summer – bring a hat, spf, and a water bottle.
– If you’re not in a rush to leave, you can spend time in the area outside of the Chateau de Versailles.
Paris is always a good idea.
This is my suggested 5 day Paris Itinerary that I think every visitor can use to explore Paris and all that it offers!
As always, Merci for stopping by and reading.
See you next week,
Girl on the Upper East Side
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