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Paris, the city of romance, art, and endless elegance. After taking a 6-hour business-class train from Milan, I spent five unforgettable days exploring its culture, food, and charm. This 5 Days in Paris Itinerary will guide you through where to stay, eat, and what to see, plus the best times to visit and how to book every experience easily.
Best time to visit Paris:
Spring (April–June) or Fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Winter offers magical Christmas markets and lower hotel rates.
Book your experiences early on trusted platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator to skip the long lines.
Getting to Paris
I arrived via a 6-hour train from Milan, a scenic and comfortable ride. You can book similar routes via Omio.
Alternative ways to reach Paris include:
Flights: Compare and book with Expedia Flights or Booking.com
Upgrade with priority boarding options for smoother travel.Car or bus: Great for European road trips, don’t forget Travel Insurance before you go.
Where to Stay in Paris
I stayed in a friend’s penthouse, but if you’re planning your own 5 Days in Paris Itinerary, here are four fantastic alternatives:
Luxury Hotels
Hôtel Plaza Athénée: Home to the famous Dior Spa.
Le Bristol Paris: Refined Parisian luxury near Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Lutetia: An elegant Art Deco hotel with a modern brasserie.
Hotel Le Six: Chic and cozy stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
(Tip: Compare prices between Booking.com and Expedia to get the best deal.)
5 Days in Paris Itinerary
Day 1 – Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise
Start your Paris adventure with the city’s most iconic landmark:
Visit the Eiffel Tower: book a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
Take an evening Seine River Cruise to see Paris illuminated.
Day 2 – Museums & Monuments
A full day for art and history lovers:
Stop by Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under restoration but beautiful from the outside).
Day 3 – Spa & Fine Dining
Treat yourself to a luxury facial at the Dior Spa in Hôtel Plaza Athénée.
Dine at Brasserie Vaudeville (seafood & crepes) or La Closerie des Lilas (oysters & sole).
Day 4 – Hidden Gems & Photos
Explore Musée Rodin and the National Library (one of the most stunning in Europe).
Capture breathtaking photos at Trocadéro Gardens, the best free viewpoint for the Eiffel Tower.
Day 5 – Opera & Farewell to Paris
Try to catch a show at Opéra Garnier (book early, it often sells out).
Visit Pierre Hermé for exquisite macarons before your trip home.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Paris
I skipped the overly touristy spots and focused on local favorites:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Brasserie Vaudeville | Seafood & crepes | Classic Parisian brasserie |
| La Closerie des Lilas | Oysters & sole | Historic, elegant |
| Brasserie Vagenende | Scallops | Chic Belle Époque |
| La Pagode | Salmon | Hidden gem |
| Brasserie Lutetia | Lobster pasta | Art Deco luxury |
| Pierre Hermé | Macarons | Must-try sweet stop |
Note: Café de Flore is iconic but overrated for breakfast — it’s better for photos than food.
Top Museums in Paris
If you love art and culture, you’ll adore these museums:
🎟️ Insider tip: On the first Sunday of every month, many museums are free, but you must book tickets in advanceonline.
Must-See Attractions in Paris
Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame
Louvre Museum
Seine River Cruise
Opera Garnier
Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots (Free)
Trocadéro Gardens: where I took my photos.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim: perfect symmetry for photos.
Rue de l’Universita: classic Parisian backdrop.
Champ de Mars: great for picnics and evening shots.
- Avenue de Camoëns: Great views while having a drink or a bite.
Things to Know Before Visiting Paris
Learn basic French greetings (“Bonjour,” “Merci”).
Book attractions early to avoid queues.
Paris museums: free on the first Sunday each month.
Watch out for pickpockets near tourist zones.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Service charge is included; tipping is optional.
Conclusion
Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, this 5 Days in Paris Itinerary gives you the perfect balance of sightseeing, fine dining, and Parisian luxury.
Five days are ideal to enjoy the highlights without rushing, but Paris always leaves you longing to return.
If you found this guide helpful, explore my other France travel posts:
- Want help planning? Get my travel itinerary template here.
NB: Save these pins for later when you dream of visiting Paris.
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