Paris is undoubtedly one of the greatest cities in the world, brimming with history, culture, and charm. This guide offers all the essentials to make your trip unforgettable and ensures you won’t miss a thing. My first time in Paris was during mid-July when I was just 25. I spent those sunny days thinking about lightening my hair and darkening my skin, lost in the magic of its beautiful buildings and vibrant streets. They say Paris is dirty or the French are unfriendly—not in my experience! Those 5 days were life-changing, and I knew I’d want to move abroad someday.
For those planning a trip, I’ve curated an essential travel guide that goes beyond the surface. There’s even a map included at the end, highlighting not only key landmarks but also my favorite restaurants. Paris truly gives you a feeling like no other—a city that leaves you with chills, wrapped in its romantic allure. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday like I did with Michael and my Mom, braving the freezing cold of January, or embracing a rainy day in a mini dress, the city’s magical entanglements will leave you spellbound.
Paris is for every type of traveler—those who love to relax, explore, learn, or feast. In fact, in 2023, Paris welcomed over 30 million international visitors, cementing its place as a global favorite. The Eiffel Tower alone sees 7 million tourists annually! If you’re planning your adventure, this itinerary will show you how to make the most of 5 days in the City of Light, packed with culture, cuisine, and unforgettable memories.
How to Get There
Getting to Paris is both convenient and exciting, with options catering to travelers from around the world. If you’re flying, landing at Charles de Gaulle airport provides seamless access to the city via public transportation, with reliable connections like the RER B train or shuttle buses. For those closer to Paris, high-speed trains offer a fantastic alternative. Routes often end at major stations like Gare de l’Est, Gare du Nord, or Gare de Lyon, each situated strategically for easy transit into the city’s core.
Paris’s transportation network is one of the best in Europe, making it simple to explore even after arrival. Fun fact: over 1,300 trains serve the Gare du Nord daily, making it one of the busiest train stations in Europe. Public transportation costs are reasonable, too, with a single RER ticket from the airport priced at around €10.30. This level of accessibility ensures a stress-free journey for families, solo travelers, and couples alike.
Extra Tip: If you’re traveling with family, consider reserving seats on high-speed trains like the TGV, as they offer comfort and convenience for longer journeys. Recent reports indicate that TGV can travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h, cutting down travel time significantly. Luggage storage is conveniently available at many train stations, allowing you to begin exploring right away.
Getting Around Paris
Exploring Paris is made simple and convenient with its well-connected metro system. Known for being easier, less expensive, and less traffic-y compared to a cab, the metro is ideal for navigating this large city. While walking works well in some neighborhoods, it is often not feasible to cover all the sights if you want to see it all. With an extensive network of 16 lines, the system is incredibly easy to use once you get the hang of it. What’s more, a single ticket is good for both the metro and bus services, making it even more versatile for travelers.
Pro Tip: Opting for a pass that matches the number of days you’ll stay is a wise way to save both time and money. The metro stations in Paris feature well-organized maps and clear signs, helping you navigate the city’s iconic landmarks with ease. As of 2024, the metro serves millions daily and is considered one of Europe’s most reliable systems.
With over 300 stations spread across 133 miles of track, the metro operates extensively. Metro Line 4, being the busiest, serves an average of more than 700,000 riders daily, making it a lifeline for tourists heading to hotspots like Montmartre. With a single-day metro pass costing around €8.50, you’ll enjoy unlimited rides across Paris while staying budget-friendly. Adding a pass for the bus network expands your mobility, letting you explore quaint streets inaccessible to trains.
When to Go
Paris is a destination you can visit anytime, each season offering its own unique appeal. Winter brings a quiet charm, perfect for those looking to avoid crowds. Visiting attractions like Notre Dame is hassle-free in January, with no wait, unlike the long queues during peak months like July, where I once spent half an hour waiting to get in.
In spring and summer, the city comes alive with flowers blooming everywhere. Iconic spots such as Monet’s Gardens and Versailles turn into lush paradises, offering a mesmerizing display of color and life. These seasons showcase Paris’s natural beauty at its finest, making them ideal for outdoor exploration and unforgettable moments.
Recent visitor statistics reveal that Paris receives nearly 33 million travelers annually, with spring and summer being peak seasons. In 2023, the average wait time for major attractions during summer rose to 45 minutes, while winter saw minimal lines. Additionally, the blooming period in Versailles peaks in late May, drawing countless tourists to its gardens.
Whether you prefer the peacefulness of a winter visit or the vibrancy of spring and summer, Paris offers a timeless allure that adapts to every season.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Traveling to Paris can fit a variety of budgets, depending on where you choose to eat and stay. On my first trip, I traveled with my husband and his best friend—Michael and Josh—a duo so thrifty, they made saving money an art form. We embraced simplicity, dining on meals from the grocery store, savoring onion soup, and refilling water in a camel-back straight from the bathroom taps. While we did splurge one night on a fancy dinner, my favorite memory was enjoying a baguette, wine, and cheese picnic near the Eiffel Tower, watching it magically light up in the night.
If you’re strategic, Paris can be done cheaply without losing its charm. Your biggest costs will likely be museums and attractions, but careful planning makes all the difference. For instance, entry to major sights like the Louvre is free on the first Sunday of the month, and affordable street food options like crepes and croissants are always nearby.
Did you know that in 2024, the average dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant in Paris costs about €60, while a baguette from a local boulangerie costs under €2? Similarly, museum passes such as the Paris Museum Pass can save you up to 50% on entry fees, with prices starting at just €55 for two days. With options like these, exploring Paris on a budget can be as fulfilling as any luxury trip.
By balancing frugal choices with occasional indulgences, you can make your trip memorable while sticking to a budget. Whether you’re sitting beneath the glow of the Eiffel Tower or wandering through the charming streets of Montmartre, Paris offers magical moments that don’t always come with a hefty price tag.
DAY ONE in Paris:
Start your day with the iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris that never fails to amaze. The morning is perfect for soaking in great views without the overwhelming crowds, and visiting at night lets you watch it light up spectacularly. For the best experience, head to Trocadéro for a picture-perfect vantage point of the Iron Lady. While there, enjoy a pastry or a glass of wine from nearby vendors offering reasonable pricing. Whether you walk or take the subway, the journey is part of the adventure. Entry prices are €11 for the 1st and 2nd levels by elevator, €17 to reach the top, or €7 if you choose the stairs. To skip long queues, make sure to book your tickets beforehand.
Next, head over to the Arc de Triomphe, an impressive monument offering stunning views of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Access it via the underground passage and ascend its 284 steps to reach the top. Afterward, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, a favorite spot for dining and shopping. Next, head to the Grand Palais, a gem of French architecture, often hosting events in its museum and exhibition hall. Just across the way is the Petit Palais, an art museum celebrated for its elegance and charm.
Take a break by the river Seine and admire the stunning Pont Alexandre III, a popular place for people watching and a landmark featured in the movie “Midnight in Paris.” Nearby, the Musée d’Orsay awaits with its Impressionist art by Renoir, Degas, and Monet, set in a beautiful old train station. This museum focuses on works from 1848-1940, offering a distinct contrast to the Louvre. A guided tour here for just 5 EUR is highly recommended.
In the 7th arrondissement, stop by Les Invalides, where you’ll find Napoleon’s Tomb and a military museum with fascinating war exhibits. Wrap up your evening at Place de la Concorde, Paris’s largest square, where the Ferris wheel and the glowing fountains, Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves, create a stunning nighttime scene. For a sweet treat, grab a hot chocolate at Angelina’s before calling it a day.
DAY 2 in PARIS:
On the second day of your journey, visit Notre Dame, a truly iconic and world-renowned church. The twin steeples rise above the grand buildings, offering a spectacular sight. Around the area, you’ll find charming coffee shops, quaint restaurants, and lovely trees that add to the ambiance. If there’s a line, don’t fret—it moves quickly. Pro tip: arrive early, around 8 am, and you might find no line at all. Nearby, the delightful Au Vieux Paris awaits—the cutest spot draped in springtime wisteria, perfect for a photo stop.
Next, embrace the art of church hop with a visit to Sainte-Chapelle. Though the exterior might seem modest, step inside to marvel at its awe-inspiring stained glass masterpieces. This part of the city, the Ile de la Cité, feels like an island oasis, separated by the surrounding water. Cross the Pont Saint-Michel to reach the Latin Quarter, a hub of student life and stunning architecture. Wander its cafe-lined streets until you arrive at the Panthéon, a magnificent site where France’s heroes, such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, are honoured.
Make your way to the serene Luxembourg Garden. Its lush green space offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate amidst Paris’s hustle. The regal residence of Marie de’ Medici, widow of King Henry IV, stands facing the fountain, adding a touch of historical grandeur. Continue north to visit Église Saint-Sulpice, the second largest church in Paris, recognizable from The Da Vinci Code. Feeling tired? Pause at Pont Des Arts, a pretty bridge overlooking the Seine.
Wrap up your day with a visit to the Louvre, renowned as one of the finest museums globally. To avoid the crowds, either purchase tickets beforehand or plan your visit during the early hours or closer to closing time. Keep in mind that the Louvre remains closed on Tuesdays!
DAY 3 in PARIS:
Montmarte is a fascinating neighborhood, brimming with charm that sets it apart from main-street Paris. A free walking tour, such as the Discovery Walks Tour, offers an interactive and engaging way to uncover the gems of this historic area. During the couple of hours on the tour, you’ll discover why this spot attracted artists in the late 1800s and early 1900s for its affordability to live and work. From iconic landmarks like the Moulin Rouge to Le Mur Des Je t’aime, where “I love you” is written in 300 languages, you’ll gain a deeper feeling for the city and its people.
Make your way past famous cafes, including the one featured in the movie “Amélie,” before arriving at the elegant restaurant Le Moulin de la galette, where Renoir painted one of his masterpieces. La Maison Rose, the iconic pink building, alongside the gem of Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur, provides unmatched opportunities for stunning photography. Climb the white domes of the basilica, the highest point in Paris, for a spectacular view of the city’s dense streets and rooftops.
Fun Fact: The Sacré-Cœur sees almost 12 million visitors each year, ranking it among the most frequented landmarks in Paris. Its terrace offers a view stretching up to 30 kilometers when the skies are clear.
Continue your journey down Rue de Martyrs to enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the funky shops or coffee spots before heading to Galeries Lafayette, renowned for its high-end shopping and terrace views. At night, the area is even more stunning with its lit-up displays. Finally, visit Père Lachaise Cemetery, a serene escape filled with famous graves, including those of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. Don’t miss the tradition of kissing Wilde’s glass-encased tomb.
DAY 4 in Versailles:
Versailles is truly a must-visit destination, offering an opulent and incredible experience just a short day trip from Paris. Recognized as one of the world’s top 25 castles, this destination is a stunning blend of history and charm. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit early, keeping in mind that the main palace is closed on Mondays and tends to be extremely busy on weekends. Exploring this magical estate, including the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s Estate, can quickly fill your whole day, so plan wisely and consider packing a lunch for your visit.
The Hall of Mirrors is a centerpiece of awe, a stunning space where dreams of palaces come alive. Walking into this room feels like stepping into a storybook, with the architecturally beautiful interiors and furnished rooms displaying every color imaginable. The gardens, with their trimmed and cropped precision, exude perfection, and the fountains that light up in the evening add an ethereal charm to the experience. Make time to visit Marie Antoinette’s pink marble retreat, a highlight that perfectly encapsulates her extravagant taste.
For a stark contrast, return back to Paris and descend into the Catacombs, an eerily fascinating maze of underground tombs that hold the remains of over 6 million people. It’s a good option if your day in Versailles leaves you wanting a dramatic shift in atmosphere.
Fun Fact: With over 10 million visitors each year, the Palace of Versailles stands among the most visited monuments in the world. The gardens alone cover approximately 800 hectares, and the Hall of Mirrors features 357 individual mirrors, reflecting the grandeur of the Sun King’s era.
DAY 5 in PARIS:
Start your day with a serene morning at the Tuileries Garden, grabbing a bite from a nearby food stand or picking up a vibrant bunch of fresh flowers from a shop. The garden’s peaceful ambiance is the perfect way to ease into the day. Stroll down the iconic Rue de Rivoli, where the bustling atmosphere is alive with shopping, shops, restaurants, and charming cafes. It’s a delightful blend of Parisian life and indulgence.
Step into the splendor of the Opera Garnier, an architectural marvel that captivates with its magnificence both inside and out. Though the fee for admission to explore its interior might be somewhat steep, the experience is undeniably worth it. The stunning design and intricate craftsmanship will undoubtedly leave you mesmerized. Take some time to simply walk and soak in the romantic charm of Paris. The city feels alive, weaving a story with every corner you explore.
As night falls, head to the renowned Eiffel Tower and see it illuminate the dark sky. This enchanting view perfectly captures the essence of Parisian charm and holds a cherished spot in my heart—it’s where I first fell deeply in love with Europe.
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