The Perfect Paris Itinerary (5 days) For First Timers
Oh, Paris! I have been postponing the creation of this blog article for years now. The reason is pretty simple, I’m way too emotionally attached to this city and there is so much I want to say that it is hard to even know where to start. I’ve lived in the city of lights for about 5 years, but have been visiting since I was born (half of my family is from there). Over the years, I’ve had multiple friends visiting, and I was always on a mission to show them the best of the city!
Unfortunately, Paris isn’t exactly known for its welcoming approach and a lot of visitors end up not enjoying their time in this beautiful city. I’m here to help change that, and I’m proud to say that every single person who’s visited me during my time there has had an amazing time!
In this blog article, I share my 5-day Parisian itinerary for first-timers. Most days are packed with activities and sightseeing, so feel free to mix things around or spread those activities over a longer period if you can afford to do that! It’s also worth noting that Paris is a city that needs to be seen on foot – meaning there will be a lot of walking involved. Don’t worry, you can also rely on public transport to do the same itinerary, but in my opinion, the most beautiful things to see in Paris are its streets and its buildings.
Paris
The itinerary that’ll make you fall in love
with the City of Lights
Day 1: From Montmartre to the Opera
Highlights
‣ Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur
‣ Pigalle
‣ Moulin Rouge
‣ Galeries Lafayette
‣ Opéra Garnier
Start your day early, catching the sunrise in Montmartre before the crowds roll in. Hop off at Anvers station and take your time ascending the steps, passing by a charming carousel. Once Sacré-Coeur opens, make sure to explore this beautiful church, with a special recommendation for the dome climb – my personal favourite.
Wander through Montmartre's iconic spots like La Maison Rose, Le Consulat, and Le Moulin de la Galette. Grab a coffee or breakfast at The Hardware Société, a lovely Australian café. Head down to Abbesses via Rue Lepic, stopping to check out the Wall of Love.
Take a quick detour to Moulin Rouge; you can always revisit at night to see the neighbourhood lit up. For lunch, consider Bouillon Pigalle for traditional French fare or Pink Mamma for its iconic decor and delicious truffle pasta.
After lunch, explore Galeries Lafayette, admiring the dome and enjoying panoramic views from the rooftop. Even if shopping isn't your thing, the architecture and views are worth a visit. If you’re visiting during the Christmas period, make sure to check out their famous Lafayette Christmas Tree.
End your day at the Opera Garnier, known for its stunning facade and mesmerizing interiors. Plan ahead for a guided tour to learn about its history - the Opera Garnier has witnessed over a century of artistic performances and holds architectural significance as a masterpiece by Charles Garnier.
If you're feeling a bit peckish, a coffee break at Café de la Paix is a good idea. Then head back to your hotel, get changed for dinner, and find my dinner recommendations at the end of this article.
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Day 2: Parisian Icons
Highlights
‣ Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro & Champ-de-Mars
‣ Champs Elysées
‣ Arc-de-Triomphe
‣ Place de la Concorde
‣ Alexandre III Bridge
‣ Louvre Museum & Louvre Pyramid
Today is all about exploring Paris' most famous landmarks. If you're an early bird like me, head to the Eiffel Tower at sunrise. Get off at Trocadéro metro station for a serene experience at Place du Trocadéro before the crowds arrive. Slowly make your way down the stairs towards the Champ-de-Mars to get closer to the Eiffel Tower. There’s a really nice photo opportunity here for those of you who like photography.
You might get hungry very quickly if you visit early in the morning, and I urge you to follow this piece of advice: do not, I repeat do not head to the first few restaurants you see near Paris’ most famous monuments. The food will be average, the service horrible and the prices astronomical.
Instead, opt for French toast at Ladurée on Les Champs Élysées; make sure to grab a box of their famous macarons before you leave. Move on to the Arc-de-Triomphe; while most people stop here for a photo, know that there are 11 other less crowded avenues around the Place Charles-de-Gaulle. The tunnel to go underneath Place Charles-de-Gaulle and get to the Arc-de-Triomphe is located here. Once you’ve crossed to the middle of this place, you’ll be able to climb to the top of it!
Resist the shopping temptations on Les Champs Élysées (it’s full of scammers and pickpockets) and head to Place de la Concorde. Then, head right and cross the Alexandre III Bridge, a beautiful piece of architecture, adorned with exquisite sculptures and offering a splendid view of the Seine River. People love to gather around here during the warm summer months to enjoy a drink!
Explore the Tuileries garden and head to the Louvre Pyramid. Grab a coffee or drinks at Café Marly or simply snap some photos from Passage de Richelieu. Art enthusiasts can consider visiting both Le Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, though you might be museum-fatigued by this point. The Louvre, once a royal palace, now houses an extensive collection, including the Mona Lisa. Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station, boasts Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. No matter which one you choose to visit, make sure to make a booking ahead of time to avoid any disappointments.
If you have time, you should definitely check out the Palais Royal near Le Louvre; its intriguing cylinder installations provide a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Note for those who love museums: There are other nice museums in the area including Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which usually hosts fashion exhibitions, and the Musée de l’Orangerie which focuses on European 20th-century art. Other Parisian museums I really like are: the Musée d’Art Moderne, the Musée Rodin, the Musée Jacquemart-André, the Petit Palais, the Centre George Pompidou and the Musée du Quai Branly.
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Day 3: Latin Quarter & The East
Highlights
‣ Le Marais
‣ Hotel de Ville
‣ Place des Vosges
‣ Notre-Dame-de-Paris
‣ Quartier Latin / St-Germain-des-Prés
‣ Jardin du Luxembourg
Begin your day with the colourful Rue Crémieux in the 12th arrondissement. Keep it low-key and respectful of residents’ privacy during your early morning visit. Walk along Canal St-Martin to Place des Vosges, a beautiful square, especially during autumn, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
In Le Marais, enjoy breakfast at one of Rue Des Archives' charming cafes. Head to L’Hôtel de Ville and then L’Ile de la Cité to see Notre-Dame-de-Paris, even if it's still closed for renovations at the time of your visit. Explore the streets around the cathedral, you’ll surely stumble upon Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole, one of Paris’ oldest restaurants. Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, witnessed centuries of history, from royal events to Victor Hugo's literary masterpiece "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame."
Don't overlook Sainte-Chapelle; it's worth a visit for its breathtaking interiors, showcasing stunning stained glass windows.
Move on to St-Germain-des-Prés and take in the charm of the Latin Quarter. Consider lunch or a coffee at iconic cafes like Cafe de Flore or Cafe des Deux Magots, both frequented by famous writers and intellectuals.
Explore Église St-Germain, rue de Buci, and Église St-Sulpice. Rue de Renne offers a less crowded shopping experience, and Le Bon Marché is a tranquil department store nearby. Hôtel Lutetia is also located nearby and displays stunning Parisian architecture.
End your day with a leisurely stroll or a picnic at the peaceful Jardin du Luxembourg, a perfect way to wrap up your exploration. The garden, commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in the 17th century, reflects the elegance of French classical style.
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Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles
Highlights
‣ Palace of Versailles
‣ Grand Trianon
‣ Queen’s Hamlet
Take a day to explore the Palace of Versailles, a one-hour journey from Paris accessible by car or RER C. This UNESCO World Heritage site, commissioned by Louis XIV in the 17th century, reflects the grandeur of France's monarchy across 2,000 acres of stunning grounds.
Begin your tour in the Palace's Hall of Mirrors, a dazzling hall adorned with 357 mirrors, symbolising the wealth and power of the French monarchy and where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. Admire the opulent Royal Apartments, including the iconic Queen's Bedroom and King's Bedroom, showcasing the extravagant taste of the monarchs.
Explore the Petit Trianon, a retreat for Marie Antoinette, and its Queen's Hamlet, offering a glimpse into royal rustic life. The Grand Trianon, another royal retreat, boasts a pink marble facade and elegant gardens.
Visit the Orangery, housing citrus trees in winter, and the charming Temple of Love in the Estate of Trianon. Conclude your day with a stroll through the manicured gardens, adorned with fountains and statues. The musical gardens and fountain shows on selected days transport you to the era of Louis XIV.
This day trip provides a condensed yet immersive journey into the extravagant lifestyle and rich history of the French monarchy.
Important: always check opening hours ahead of time to avoid any surprise when you get there. The Palace is usually closed on Mondays. I’d also strongly recommend booking your tickets ahead of time.
When you’re back in Paris, go get changed at your hotel and head out to dinner. Once you’re done with dinner, make sure to go back to the Eiffel Tower to admire its beautiful lights at nighttime.
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Day 5: The West
Highlights
‣ Bois de Boulogne
‣ Jardin de Bagatelle
‣ Fondation Louis Vuitton
‣ Bateaux-Mouches
‣ Moulin Rouge at Night
On your fifth day in Paris, delve into the western part of the city for a diverse experience that combines nature, art, and the enchanting Seine River.
Begin your day at the Bois de Boulogne, a vast public park that once served as a hunting ground for French kings. Today, it offers a serene escape with lakes, gardens, and walking trails. The Parc de Bagatelle within Bois de Boulogne is particularly noteworthy for its charming rose garden and the Bagatelle Château.
Move on to the Fondation Louis Vuitton, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. This contemporary art museum hosts rotating exhibitions, showcasing works from various artists. The building itself is a work of art, characterized by its futuristic design and innovative use of glass.
For a peaceful lunch in nature, head to the Auberge du Bonheur. If you’re more of a city person, then head to Brasserie d’Auteuil instead.
In the afternoon, slowly make your way back into the city. Bir Hakeim Bridge is a really great spot for a photo op and some more amazing views of the Eiffel Tower.
Then, take a leisurely cruise along the Seine River with the Bateaux-Mouches. These boat tours provide a unique perspective of Paris, allowing you to glide past iconic landmarks while enjoying informative commentary. Witness the city's beauty from a different angle as you relax on the boat.
As night falls, revisit the vibrant neighbourhood of Pigalle to experience the Moulin Rouge in all its illuminated glory. If you’re lucky enough to secure tickets for the show, I’ve heard it’s a really good one! Otherwise, head to dinner in one of the many good restaurants in the area.
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Bonus Day: Disneyland Paris
Embark on a magical day trip to Disneyland Paris for an extra touch of enchantment. Easily accessible by RER A train, the journey takes 40 minutes from central Paris, delivering you to a realm of fairytales. Immerse yourself in the magic of iconic attractions, meet beloved Disney characters, and indulge in spectacular parades and shows. Disneyland Paris offers a unique and memorable experience, creating timeless memories for visitors of all ages.
Favourite Places to Go out
Here’s a list of my top favourites places I used to go out to when I used to live in Paris. I believe they’re all still open, but you might want to double-check that this information is accurate at the time you’re reading this.
Highlights
‣ Favourite Restaurants (incl. with Eiffel Tower view)
‣ Favourite Cafés
‣ Favourite Bars & Nightclubs
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- Le Bon George
- Derrière
- Daroco Bourse
- Hôtel Costes
- Hôtel Amour
- Maxim’s
- Bouillon Pigalle
- Buvette Paris
- Hanoi Ca Phe
- Pink Mamma
- Le Chalet Savoyard
- Pizzeria Popolare
- Bouillon Julien
- Brasserie d’Auteuil
- Auberge du Bonheur
- Le Petit Marcel
- Buvette Paris
- Le Vrai Paris
-
- Terrass’ Hôtel
- Café de l’Homme
- Girafe
- Oiseau Blanc
- Perruche
- Le Perchoir (BHV Marais)
- Les Ombres
- Brach
-
- Café Marlette
- The Hardware Société
- Kitsumé Café
- Café de Flore
- Café des Deux Magots
- Café Marly
- Café de la Paix
- Ladurée (Champs Elysées)
- Café Méricourt
-
- Bar à Bulles
- Le Perchoir de l’Est
- Rosa Bonheur
- Buddha Bar
- Hôtel de Crillon
- ROOF Paris
- Dirty Dick
- PNY Pigalle
- The Hoxton
- Le Tournesol
-
- Raspoutine
- L’ARC
- Matignon
- Silencio
- Rex Club
- Machine du Moulin Rouge
- Badaboum
*Please note that my music tastes lean more towards chic or underground electronic music (e.g. deep house, tech house & techno).
Frequently asked questions (fAQs)
Here are some of the questions that most of my friends have asked me in the past. I thought I’d summarise them here to help clarify how Paris is like.
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This depends on the type of vibe you’re looking for. Some of my favourite neighbourhoods I would recommend staying in are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th & 18th arrondissements. I’d suggest pinning all the locations you want to visit on a map and choosing a nice hotel or Airbnb that’s closest to all the main attractions you want to visit.
Avoid staying in all of the northern areas and the outskirts of the city. These areas can be dodgy, especially at night. I’d also recommend staying away from Les Champs Elysées at night.
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By foot, metro and Uber. If you’re brave enough (I’m not), you might also want to try the electric scooters. The Parisian metro, despite being very old and smelly at times, is super convenient and takes you to places in no time. I’d suggest buying tickets by groups of 10 - if this option is still available at the ticket machines. Visit the RAPT website for the latest fares and routes.
Important: take care of your belongings when using public transportation. Do not hold your phones near the doors, and make sure your pockets are empty and bags are closed. There are pickpockets everywhere.
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The answer to this question depends. I find Paris relatively safe, but it is worth noting that there are a lot of scammers and pickpockets. It’s also not particularly fun as a solo woman traveller because there is still a lot of catcalling happening; don’t walk alone at night in creepy alleys. Try to be street-smart and not attract attention too much. Avoid wearing expensive things and don’t believe random strangers who might come and talk to you on the street; chances are another person is robbing you from the back.
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Yes! I have found this to be one of the most frustrating things in France. Always check the opening hours of the places you want to visit, especially landmarks, castles, churches and museums. This also applies to restaurants. A lot of places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so it’s worth doing your research beforehand.
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When in Paris, you’ll have multiple options of French food to choose from. Some classics include beef tartare, steak frites, charcuterie & cheese boards, onion soup, duck confit, croque-monsieur/madame, cassoulet, boeuf bourguignon and foie gras. If you’re into trying less common dishes, you might wanna try escargots (snails), cuisses de grenouille (frog legs) or andouillette (pork’s intestines sausage).
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