Best Things to do in Paris - 5 Day Itinerary
It was daunting planning our trip to Paris. Even with 5 days, we felt that we could only scratch the surface, and that is true, we really could not see enough. To be fair, Paris is a place you can and should return to again and again, and we definitely plan to in the near future. As popularized as Paris is in film and really all forms of media, the city maintains that certain charm that it is so well known for, without being overly touristy. That isn't to say there aren’t tourist traps and far too many souvenier shops (how many places really need to sell miniature Eiffel Towers?), but if you escape the main parts of Paris, you really do get the idyllic French charm that many of us dream of experiencing at one point or another.
We hope this guide ignites a desire to see and experience Paris. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a good starter pack for anyone who is venturing to Paris for the first time. We know you will love the French capital and will only want you to see more of France on later trips.
Hotel
hotel charles v marais
We’ll talk about it more below, but our favorite neighborhood in Paris is Le Marais. We loved our stay at the perfect Parisian Hotel Charles V (Insert Link). The style is chic and elegant, they offer breakfast on site, and the concierge was incredibly kind. It’s the perfect blend between luxury and boutique. With all of the cafes, bars, and vintage stores nearby, you’ll get to experience a slightly less touristy side of the city while still being a walk or metro ride away from all of the major attractions.
Some quick tips…
Buy the Navigo transit card: Depending on how long you will be in Paris, you may be able to forgo the Navigo card, but if you are spending more than a few days and want to see more of the city, we highly recommend buying the card. For some reason Paris transit still uses the paper transit tickets, as opposed to the London Tube’s contactless tap and go system, so if you prefer a convenient card that you can refill with funds, the Navigo card is the way to go. If you are arriving via train, keep in mind that the line to buy the cards and tickets can get extremely long, so plan accordingly.
No, the stereotype that the French are rude is not true. In fact, during our last trip in Europe, we found the French to be among the most genuine and kind. That being said, if you travel to France and are loud and unkind, chances are you will be met with some hostility, or worse, indifference.
The Paris Essentials:
I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the notorious Parisian locations. Without repeating what just about any travel vlog or website will tell you, I will give you the cliff notes version:
The Eiffel Tower
It truly is a spectacle and if it is your first or fifth time seeing it, it will amaze you. It is without a doubt one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and as such is often overrun with tourists and tourist traps. That being said, there are some things you can do to ensure you enjoy the iconic tower to the fullest. I would personally avoid Trocadero Gardens. Currently it is under construction for the Olympics and when we went it was packed with tourist traps, which made the whole experience feel cheap and honestly annoying. Instead, either early in the morning or at night (we did both), go visit Jardin de la Tour (open in Google Maps), which is opposite Trocadero. We grabbed a bottle of wine and a blanket and had a wonderful night watching the tower twinkle. Be warned, the tourist traps are seemingly unavoidable. You will be bugged about every 5 minutes by someone trying to sell wine. Just ignore them and try to enjoy your night. Better yet, act like you don't understand English and maybe they won't bother you at all!
The Louvre
The Louvre (open in Google Maps) was daunting. So much history and art to see and experience, and never enough time to soak it all in. And yet a visit to Paris is not complete without a tour of one of the biggest museums in the world. Just note you need to buy a ticket in advance, and know the lines to get in can get crazy long, so be prepared. We spent about 3 hours there, though you could actually spend days and still not see all that the museum has to offer. Fun fact, it would actually take approximately 200 days to see everything, so do not feel bad if you get tired after a few hours. You can always come back on another day during your trip!
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Another famous landmark, the Arc de Triomphe (open in Google Maps) stands tall on the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Erected as a memorial for soldiers that died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars, the arc holds historical significance as a place for many victory marches and other events since the mid-1800s. There is also an eternal flame which marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The arc is a somber yet impressive spectacle and one worth visiting during your stay.
From the arc, you can look down the famous Champs-Élysées, with its many glamorous luxury storefronts and cafes. The main strip and the surrounding area is home to many luxury brands like Hermes, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and many others. While still expensive, if you or a loved one is in the market for designer brands, it is cheaper to purchase the merchandise directly from a store in France. Just remember to pack the item in your carry-on as you will need to show the physical item in order to receive the VAT refund. While a fun shopping destination, I would say the street, minus the Arc, is not a must see.
Notre-Dame
Entrance to the Notre-Dame (open in Google Maps) is unfortunately still not possible as the church is still under reconstruction after the infamous fire back in 2019. You can still get some gorgeous shots of the exterior from afar, but up close it is fenced off to the general public. Good news is the church is set to reopen sometime in 2024, so tourists will once again be able to walk inside the fabled church!
Le Marais
Le Marais (open in Google Maps) was our favorite neighborhood we visited during our stay in Paris. It is one of the oldest and most intact neighborhoods in the city, with boutiques, cafes, flower shops, and markets lining the narrow alleyways. Here you will find some of the best food and coffee, and also surprisingly some of the cheaper accommodations (depending on when you visit of course). Coupled with the proximity to the main parts of downtown Paris, Le Marais is seemingly the best option for both sightseeing and experiencing old Paris. We found ourselves wanting to stay in the area as long as possible. While we did of course venture out, we are extremely happy we made Le Marais our base. After a long day exploring and sightseeing, taking a quick nap at your hotel and being within a 5 minute walk to some high class bars, wine shops, bakeries, and everything else you could possibly imagine makes a stay in Le Marais a no brainer. It just is the perfect Parisian experience.
There are many hotels and Airbnbs in the Marais neighborhood that are top notch, but we decided to stay at Hotel Charles V (open in Google Maps). The rooms were bright and clean, and had that classic French design. The concierge was especially kind and gave us some great recommendations on what to see in the neighborhood. If you are traveling to Paris soon, we would highly recommend a stay here.
Montmartre
Our second favorite neighborhood was Montmartre. We woke up early one morning to see the gorgeous Sacré-Cœur (open in Google Maps) and the view from the steps of the church. As the area is located on a hill, get ready to work those quads as you may be climbing a few steep staircases during your excursion. The view from the Sacré-Cœur was beautiful and we were super happy we woke up as early as we did as the viewpoint can get extremely crowded during the late morning.
Compared to other neighborhoods in Paris, Montmartre was quieter and more laid back. We had so much fun meandering the street and narrow alleyways, picking up some espressos and buttery croissants along the way.
A popular spot to visit is Place du Tertre (open in Google Maps) a famous square where legendary artists would gather and display their works. Artists and painters continue this tradition to today, with easels and paint brushes lining the square. We enjoyed walking around the square and admiring the art pieces. Our favorite memory here was watching a man playing his accordion while his black cat laid on top, with views of the Paris skyline in the background. It was cutesy but we couldn’t help but watch.
Musée Marmottan Monet
Another famous museum worth visiting, especially if you are a fan of Impressionist art, is the Musee Marmottan Monet (open in Google Maps). The museum boasts the biggest collection of Claude Monet’s work among many other exhibits, my favorite being the collected landscape paintings of Jean-Joseph-Xavier Bidauld. The museum is relatively small and can be walked through in about 2 hours or less, depending on how much you want to see. We enjoyed taking a seat and admiring some legendary works of world class painters.
The Seine
One of my favorite parts of Paris is the Seine and the many bridges that criss-cross along the river. If you take a river cruise or simply have a picnic along the Seine, you will likely walk underneath the bridges, many of which are intricately designed. We enjoyed taking a stroll along the river many nights on our way back to Le Marais or sitting with a drink and people watching.The river is one of the liveliest parts of the city, with people dancing to live music, drinking with friends, picnicking, or just laying down reading a book. It's a gathering place for many people who live or are visiting Paris.
Some notable bridges we enjoyed were Ponte Alexandre III and Pont des Arts, though you will likely have amazing views of any of Paris’ 37 bridges.
FOOD
and now for some…
Paris is well known as a foodie city, and I cannot lie - the food here was insanely good. Whether you want to dine out at a fancy traditional restaurant, or want to try some Japanese fusion, Paris has just about every cuisine you could imagine and chances are it’s gonna be delicious no matter where you go. That being said, below is a list of some of our favorite places we ate at.
Terra bar à vins
Located on a small alley in Le Marais, Terra bar à vins (open in Google Maps) serves up incredibly delicious small plates and a great selection of wines. The restaurant, though small and narrow, makes for an unforgettable and intimate dining experience, with the chefs crafting their intricately designed dishes right in front of you. The back of the kitchen is brought out in plain sight, with the many ingredients and cooking techniques being put on display as you sip on some natural wine. Though the plates are small, we thought the price (roughly €14 per plate) was a bargain for what you get. Whether you are having dinner with friends or a romantic date, Terra bar makes for the perfect atmosphere.
La Banquette
Another Marais spot, La Banquette (open in Google Maps) is a cute street corner cafe with a fresh and tasty menu. We happened upon it while we were shopping around Le Marais and loved the atmosphere, service, and of course the drinks and food. Their menu also features some dishes and ingredients you wouldn't normally find at a traditional French cafe, like salmon tataki for example. Delicious and fresh: a perfect place after window shopping.
L'As du Fallafel
The Marais neighborhood used to be the Jewish quarter and as such you can find some delicious Israeli and Middle Eastern food here. One of the most popular is L'As du Fallafel (open in Google Maps), which often has a long line. Come here for lunch or a late night treat. One of my best friends recommended this spot and said it was the best falafel he has ever had. I would never tell him this, but he does have good taste, so I humored him and waited in line after some late night drinks. He wasn't wrong; the shawarma wrap piled high with sauce and toppings was insane. Coupled with some Mediterranean frites and you have got yourself one happy tummy. I think about it often and honestly cannot wait to come back and scarf my face full of the meaty goodness. You likely will not be able to get a seat, but that’s all a part of the fun. Stand in the narrow alleyways, people watch, and enjoy some spit roasted meat late at night before having the best sleep of your life.
Little Red Door
The only cocktail bar on this list is appropriately held for Little Red Door (open in Google Maps), which is acclaimed as one of the top 50 best bars in the world. You will likely need to wait in a fairly long line given its popularity, but once you are ushered in through the little red door (duh) you will forget all about the time spent waiting. The concept for the bar is all about relationships with local farmers and making sure that a local ingredient, whether that’s chamomile or citrus, is the star of the cocktail. This “Farm to Glass” concept, as they call it, makes for an enjoyable and educational experience, as you drink your way through the fresh and uniquely French ingredients.
Sola
If you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket, consider Sola (open in Google Maps) your solution! This Michelin-starred restaurant is perhaps the most exciting and unique restaurant we have ever been to. Sola is a French-Japanese fusion restaurant, with each floor being designated for a particular style of food. The top floor will look uniquely French with some added Japanese minimalism, as will the food; you will eat French courses with a dabble of Japanese flair added to it. The bottom floor, which is the floor we chose, is located in a stone cellar, with low to the ground tables and seats, what I can only describe as a Japanese tea ceremonial set up. We would highly recommend choosing the ground floor simply for the uniqueness alone.
You are instructed to take off your shoes in exchange for slippers. As you descend the narrow staircase, you enter the stone cellar and find your seat. You are first served the introductory course, which has some unique ingredients and flavors that will be featured during the rest of the meal. As each additional course is brought out, you are purposefully not told what the course is, that is up to you to decipher. Overall, we loved the experience and would highly recommend anyone to try it out. The flavors were complex and exciting, and the courses were each a work of art of their own.
Maison Revka
Another pricey one, Maison Revka (open in Google Maps), formerly called Maison Russe, smacks you in the face with War & Peace-esque grandeur. The cuisine is Franco-Russian and features its own caviar menu. We came here for a late lunch and were surprised by the prices. I got a little upset seeing the price of a Caesar salad being €32, but it was one of the cheaper things on the menu. I begrudgingly ordered the salad and some tap water (again the salad was €32, I didn’t want to pay for water). It was the best freakin’ salad I’ve ever had. I do not know how they made a salad that tasted that good (it was €32) but I would probably order it again if I could. To top it off, we ordered a chocolate pavlova (a much more comfortable €16) that knocked my socks off. Come here if you want some insanely high brow food or want to celebrate a special occasion.
Ducasse Sur Seine
An extremely popular activity in Paris is to take a river cruise down the Seine. There are many options available, but we landed on booking a dinner cruise at Ducasse Sur Seine (open in Google Maps). The all electric ship is moored right in front of the Eiffel Tower, and as you board you know you are in for a treat. As the ship gently streaks along the Seine, you are given a delectable full-course meal. We really enjoyed the food and thought the staff here were some of the kindest on our trip. World class, Michelin-star worthy food paired with amazing views of Paris as you go. It simply was like something out of a dream.
We hope this guide helps simplify some of your Paris trip planning. We know this list simply does not do Paris justice as there are far too many things to see and do. But, in many ways, that is the great thing about Paris; in terms of activities, food, and drink, it has so much to offer that you could easily find yourself coming back time and time again.
Paris 5 Day Itinerary
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Eiffel Tower (Jardin de la Tour)
The Louvre
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées (mo money mo problems)
Le Marais (would recommend staying here)
Montmartre
Sacré-Cœur
Place du Tertre
Notre-Dame (reopens 2024)
Musée Marmottan Monet
The Seine
Ponte Alexandre III
Pont des Arts
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Terra bar à vins
La Banquette
L'As du Fallafel
Little Red Door (for drinks)
Sola
Maison Russe
Ducasse Sur Seine
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Go check out our Paris Coffee Guide!