Your Perfect 5-Day Paris Guide: Itinerary, Eats & Essentials
Planning your first trip to Paris and not sure where to start? Make the most of your Paris trip with this detailed 5-day itinerary covering top attractions, local tips, and more. With day-by-day plans and practical tips, this guide takes the stress out of travel planning so you can fully enjoy your Paris adventure.
Paris highlights include:
Eiffel Tower
Sacré-Cœur basilica
Moulin Rouge
Musee d’Orsay
Champs-Élysées
Arc de Triomphe
Place de la Concorde
Sunset Seine River Cruise (Bateaux Parisiens or Vedettes du Pont Neuf)
Language: The national language in France is French.
Currency: The currency in France is the Euro. Physical cash is still a very popular form of payment in France so we recommend planning to take some Euros with you on your journey.
Electrical Plugs: The plug types used in France are C and E. We recommend this universal adapter to prepare you for any outlet type that you come across.
Getting To Paris
On our journey we took the train from London to Paris, which is a fun and unique experience if you're not familiar with locomotive transportation. And for those wondering, no you do not see the water when you go under the English Channel. 😆 The train is the fastest way to get from London to Paris, it takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes and we would recommend purchasing tickets directly from Eurostar. 👈 No affiliation, but this will get you the best and cheapest prices.
Passport Partners Tip: To make the most out of your time in this beautifully romantic city, try to arrive in the early morning. There is so much to do and see that you’ll have trouble doing it all in just one trip.
How To Get Around
Getting around Paris is actually very easy. The Paris Métro is user-friendly and is the fastest way to travel across the city. With 16 lines connecting major attractions and neighborhoods this is your best option. Buses and trams are available and convenient but in full transparency if we were above ground we were walking.
While bikes and electric scooters are available for rent, walking really is the way of life and a great way to soak up the charm of this romantic city. Make sure you pack your walking shoes! 🥿👞
True Story – we may have had to stop and purchase a pair of sneakers for Courtney because of poor footwear choices. 😆 Not the fashionable footwear she thought she’d be bringing home.
Taxis and ride-share apps like Uber are available but can be more expensive, especially during peak hours. But they are an option if needed!
The Eiffel Tower comes alive after dark — a dazzling sparkle that lights up the Parisian sky every hour on the hour. ✨🇫🇷
5 - Day Itinerary
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📍Day 1: City of Love
Welcome to the City of Love.
Today is all about falling in love – with the city, your partner, food, drink, and most importantly you.
Stroll along the Champ de Mars (Parc du Champ-de-Mars), a large greenspace famous for its view of the Eiffel Tower. Here you will see people from all over gathering to picnic, listen to music, and enjoy each other's company.
Option: Tour the Eiffel Tower during the day. We opted to do this at night so we could catch a glimpse at the city lights.
Next head to a cafe for a caffeine break and a pastry. If you haven’t seen enough of the Eiffel Tower yet, Café de l’Homme is known for its incredible views of the tower. There are so many cafés in Paris you can’t go wrong by just sitting yourself at a sidewalk table. The further away from the tower you walk, the cheaper and more of a local experience you’ll get.
In our travels we like to use the first day for learning the lay of the land and what a better way to do that than a Seine River walk. If walking isn’t your thing, check out renting a bike! Either way, we totally recommend heading towards Pont Alexandre III. 👈 Great photo op! You’ll know you have arrived once you’ve spotted the bridge with large ornate lamps and golden sculptures.
Bonus stops: From the Pont Alexandre III it would be really easy to detour to Napoleon’s tomb at & Les Invalides, Grand Palais, or Petit Palais. (These were on our original itinerary but instead of jam-packing everything all into one, we chose to leave these for our next trip to beautiful Paris.)
This evening take in dinner and a show at the infamous Moulin Rouge. A one-of-a-kind experience, prepare to be wowed by choreography, costumes, music, and performances. Truly an icon, this is a piece of traditional French artistry is well worth the money spent.
Even if you choose not to see a performance, still find time to walk past this cultural landmark. The famous sign and iconic windmills make it well worth your time. (Pink Mamma is a fantastic eatery nearby that we HIGHLY recommend.)
Disclaimer: The Moulin Rouge is a burlesque-style show that includes partial nudity. Please consider your personal comfort level before purchasing tickets and attending.
📍Day 2 Art and History
Today, enjoy being a tourist and cross off some of your bucket list items. ✅
Book an early ticket to see the Louvre.
While you can purchase tickets to enter the museum on location, the lines are long. If you want to skip the line with a timed ticket check out Viator or Get Your Guide and purchase a ticket online.
Here you will see some of the world's most famous pieces like Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Great Sphinx of Tanis. Plan for a little extra time here as the Louvre is very busy and there is a lot to see. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line to see some of the more popular works of art like the Mona Lisa.
Once you’ve finished at the Louvre, head directly across to the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden), one of the oldest parks in Paris. Lined with trees and statues this garden is the definition of Parisian style of intricate landscaping. It is a great place to stop and rest after having walked around the museum for a long time.
Option: If time and energy allows, the Musée d'Orsay is right across the river from Tuileries Garden. A former train station, well known for its large clock, the museum is home to an incredible collection of 19th-century French art.
This evening make a reservation to tour the Eiffel Tower. We chose this option so we could not only see its beautiful shimmering lights up close, but we wanted to catch a glimpse at the city line by the night sky.
📍Day 3 Palace of Versailles
Today head to the historic Palace of Versailles. Located outside of the city limits, there are several different ways you can get to Versaille:
Train
Rent a car
Ride share like Uber or Tax
If you’re not arriving by coach with a tour make sure you purchase your tickets in advance. We learned this the hard way – so learn from our mistakes! Depending on how you get your tickets, you’ll want to make sure you purchase the option to explore the gardens along with the palace.
Visiting the gardens of Versailles is straight out of a storybook. You could spend hours wandering through the many mazes of greenery and fountains. It is one of the most majestic gardens we’ve ever had the opportunity to see and we know you won’t be disappointed.
As you walk along the gilded walls of what was once home to King Louis XIV and Queen Marie Antoinette notice how art and architecture really blend together. You’ll be dazzled by the Hall of Mirrors and soon come to realize their lavish tastes are timeless.
Passport Partners Pro Photo Tip: The Hall of Mirrors and even some areas of the garden can be very busy. If you’re looking for that perfect photo keepsake, try using the slow motion video function on your phone. You’ll be able to pause and screen-grab images you like from your saved video and get an added bonus of being able to speed up the video if you’d like. It’s like a 2 for 1 special!
Option Tonight: Wine Tasting 🍷
France is home to some of the best wines in the world. There are plenty of wine bars and tasting rooms all over the city. Tastings like these are good for wine drinkers of all levels, so don’t be shy if you aren’t quite a wine connoisseur. If you’re into red wines be sure to try a Côtes du Rhône or Bordeaux. If you’re a white wine lover you should try a Chardonnay, Blanc de Blanc, or any champagne really. 🍾
📍Day 4 Day Trip
Option 1: Day trip to the region of Champagne.
If champagne, or alcohol in general is not your vibe don’t worry! There are plenty of other day trips available like Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, the beaches in Normandy, or the impressive châteaux in the Loire Valley.
We choose to visit Champagne and Épernay – visiting Moët and Chandon, Reims Cathedral, and Hautvillers Abbey. Want to take the same tour as Passport Partners?
👉 Book: Small-Group Champagne Day Trip with Six Tastings
Option 2: Stay in Paris! Enjoy getting lost in the City of Love. Try a local food tour or just pop into a fromagerie to taste some delicious cheeses. 🧀
📍Day 5 Local Charm
It’s your final day! Savor these moments with breakfast and an espresso at a cafe near the iconic Champs-Élysées. Here is where you’ll have luxurious views of boutiques, and grand architecture like the Arc de Triomphe. A symbol of French pride, pedestrians walk through a tunnel – yes, underneath those 12 circles of traffic – to get an up close look at this beautiful monument.
Option: Climb to the top of the Arc for breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, La Défense, and the city streets.
Continue your day with some light shopping at the Galeries Lafayette. This stunning department store is most known for its Art Nouveau dome. Don’t miss stopping by the rooftop terrace for free views of the city skyline above the shopping craze.
As the day winds down take the Métro to Montmartre to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. Here is where you can leave your mark on Paris (Passport Partners Tip: Anvers is the closest Métro station). When visiting the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur it is tradition to leave a lock engraved with you and your partner's name attached to a railing or a fence around the church. The lock is a symbol of eternal love. 🔒
Don’t have a lock on you? Don’t worry - neither did we! For a few euros you can purchase a lock on sight from a vendor and share your story with the many visitors that have come before you.
After the basilica, follow the cobbled streets downhill and explore Place du Tertre. If you’ve not picked up any trinkets to take home this is your chance. Pop by one of the quaint artist stalls and select a unique piece to remember your journey.
Most artists close up shop around sunset but the cafés and restaurants around here will stay open late. This is a lovely spot to have a quiet, romantic farewell meal.
Navigating French Eateries
If you’re looking to get your croissant fix and aren’t sure whether you should go to a boulangerie, a pâtisserie, or a café – we’ve got your back. As you wander the city streets, these are all titles you will come to recognize on business windows and awnings. Each spot has its own purpose and understanding what you’ll be served can have a positive impact on your experience. Here is what you need to know:
🥖 Boulangerie
Definition: A bakery specialized in fresh bread.
Sells: Baguettes, pain de campagne, croissants, brioche, etc.
Some boulangeries may offer some pastries, but in France by law to use the name “boulangerie” they must make their bread on-site.
🍰 Pâtisserie
Definition: A bakery specialized in pastries and sweets. (We visited far too many of these.)
Sells: Tarts, éclairs, macarons, cakes, etc.
☕Café
Definition: A place to sit and eat and/or drink.
Sells: Coffee, drinks, light meals, pastries, etc.
If you want to eat like a local you’re going to want to screenshot this cheatsheet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The BIGGEST mistake we made – seriously don’t do it, learn from us – was dining near major tourist attractions. While there are plenty of hot spots near places like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre the food was mediocre at best and 100% overpriced. If you walk a few blocks away you’ll find more authentic food at much better prices.
Don’t skip using basic French phrases. While in our experience many Parisians spoke English, not greeting with a polite “Bonjour” or thanking someone with “Merci” can come off as slightly rude. Remember a little effort and kindness can go a long way.
You can’t see everything in one trip. Paris is a large city and you’ll enjoy your stay so much more when it’s at a relaxed pace. Build in time for spontaneity and café people-watching. Don’t try to overpack your itinerary and exhaust yourself. That's why we’ve created one for you!
Café & Restaurant Etiquette
Here are a few rules you should know about visiting a café or restaurant in Paris:
Silverware is meant to be used – that means even if you order a sandwich. Also, don’t sit at a sidewalk table with cutlery unless you plan to eat.
No rushed service – Parisians are not known for quick service. Take your time, relax, and be in the moment.
Meal time is an experience – enjoying a meal is more like a social event in France. It’s meant to slow down, appreciate your company, take in the atmosphere, and be served.
It’s okay to seat yourself at an empty table at a café. However if you are at a restaurant, wait for a member of staff to greet you and seat you at a table.
Paying your check – you’ll need to request your bill be brought to your table, it is not automatically assumed when you’ve finished eating. If you’d like to request it in French you might say, “l'addition, s'il vous plaît.”
🍃 Best Time of Year to Visit
April - May and September - October are the best times to visit Paris. The weather is mild and it’s not quite tourist season so crowds should be more manageable. We would avoid trying to go in the summer months like July and August when it’s really hot. Many places won’t have air conditioning and if you’re having to haul luggage up multiple sets of stairs in an Airbnb or hotel you’ll definitely be getting a workout in.
🏨 Where to Stay in Paris: Finding the Perfect Base
Choosing the best place to stay can have a big impact on your travel experience. Paris is great because it has a lot to offer in terms of budgeting for accommodations.
If this is your first time in Paris we recommend staying within walking distance of some of the more iconic sites like the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, or the Eiffel Tower — which is what we did. While it might have cost us a little more, you can’t beat convenience. If you’d search by location on a map these areas would be the 1st or 7th arrondissement.
If you want a more local experience there are plenty of stylish Airbnbs, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly options in areas like Montmartre (18th arrondissement), Latin Quarter, (5th arrondissement), or Canal Saint-Martin (10th arrondissement).
Passport Partners Tip: When booking accommodations the very first thing we do is to look and see how far it is to the nearest Métro station. This will save you time in the long run! Also, try to book early for the best rates.
Need help booking? Here’s where we look for accommodations.
Planning Your Trip
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