5 Days Paris Family Itinerary
This 5-day family-friendly itinerary balances iconic Parisian landmarks with kid-approved activities and plenty of downtime. It focuses on stroller-accessible routes, family-friendly dining, and age-appropriate experiences to create a memorable and enjoyable trip for everyone.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$800-1200
Best Time
The best times to visit Paris are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October)
Activities
27
Daily Avg
$200/day
Pace
Fast
Paris is a fantastic family destination offering world-renowned museums, beautiful parks, and delicious food that appeals to all ages. The city is also relatively easy to navigate with public transportation, making it ideal for families with young children.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 10 must-have experiences
Iconic Landmark & Viewpoint
Day 1: Eiffel Tower Visit
World-Class Museum & Art Gallery
Day 2: Louvre Museum Visit (Focus on Highlights)
Palatial Grandeur & Royal History
Day 2: Île de la Cité: Notre Dame Cathedral (Exterior) & Sainte-Chapelle
Charming Parisian Neighborhood Stroll
Day 2: Île de la Cité: Notre Dame Cathedral (Exterior) & Sainte-Chapelle
Gourmet Food Market & Street Eats
e.g., Marché des Enfants Rouges, Rue Montorgueil
Classic Parisian Café & Patisserie
Day 2: Lunch at a Café near the Louvre
Elegant Rooftop Bar Experience
e.g., Perruche (Printemps Haussmann), Le Bar Sur Le Toit (Terrass Hotel)
Romantic Seine River Cruise
Day 5: Seine River Cruise
Lush Parisian Garden Oasis
Day 5: Jardin du Luxembourg Visit
Cabaret & Live Performance
e.g., Moulin Rouge, Lido 2 Paris
Parisian cuisine is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering everything from classic bistro fare to Michelin-starred gastronomy. Be prepared for rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and a focus on quality. Don't hesitate to explore local markets and smaller restaurants for the most authentic experiences.
Must-Try Dishes
A buttery, flaky pastry that is a quintessential Parisian breakfast. Enjoy it plain or with a café au lait.
📍 Any boulangerie (bakery)
A simple yet satisfying dish of grilled steak served with crispy french fries. Often accompanied by béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.
📍 Bistros and brasseries
A rich custard base topped with a brittle caramelized sugar crust. A classic French dessert.
📍 Restaurants and pâtisseries
Delicate meringue-based cookies with a creamy filling. Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are famous for their macarons.
📍 Pâtisseries, especially Ladurée and Pierre Hermé
Food Neighborhoods
Known for falafel, trendy restaurants, and Jewish delis
Known for traditional bistros and creperies
Known for diverse international cuisine, especially Asian and North African
Known for upscale cafes and traditional bistros
Vegetarian options are becoming more common, but may still be limited in traditional bistros. Look for 'végétarien' or 'vegan' on menus. Gluten-free options are less prevalent, so it's best to inquire specifically. Halal restaurants can be found in areas with large Muslim populations. If you have allergies, it's crucial to communicate them clearly, using the French word 'allergie'.
Wait to be seated at restaurants. It's customary to say 'bonjour' to the staff upon entering and 'au revoir' when leaving. Bread is usually placed directly on the table (no plate). Tipping is not mandatory, as service is typically included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) for exceptional service is appreciated.
Bastille Day
Fete NationaleFrench National Day with military parade on Champs-Elysees and Eiffel Tower fireworks.
Note: Book hotel near Champs-Elysees early
Cannes Film Festival
Festival de CannesWorld's most prestigious film festival attracting celebrities and cinema lovers.
Note: Book 4+ months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take the Metro to École Militaire station (Line 8) for the Eiffel Tower.$100 (family of 4)
9:00 AM - Eiffel Tower Visit
Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking views of Paris. Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Consider the second floor if the top is too crowded or expensive. Check height restrictions for small children.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Eiffel Tower to Champ de Mars.$30
11:30 AM - Picnic Lunch at Champ de Mars
Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch on the Champ de Mars with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Pick up sandwiches, pastries, and drinks from a local boulangerie or supermarket. Plenty of space for kids to run around.
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- 🚶Take the Metro from École Militaire (Line 8) to Concorde (Line 1) for the Champs-Élysées.$20 (macarons)
2:00 PM - Stroll along the Champs-Élysées
Walk down the famous Champs-Élysées, window shopping and soaking in the atmosphere. Stop at Ladurée for macarons (a classic Parisian treat). The avenue is mostly stroller-friendly.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Champs-Élysées to Jardin des Tuileries.$5 (boat rental)
4:00 PM - Playtime at Jardin des Tuileries
Relax and play at the Jardin des Tuileries, a beautiful park with playgrounds, fountains, and sculptures. Rent small sailboats to float on the central pond. Stroller-friendly paths throughout.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take the Metro from Concorde (Line 1) to Franklin D. Roosevelt (Line 9) for Le Relais de l'Entrecôte.$80
6:30 PM - Dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte
Enjoy a simple but delicious steak frites meal at this popular restaurant. They only serve one dish, so it's a good option for picky eaters. Can be crowded, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
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Le Marais
Central location, historic charm, close to many attractions, and good transport links.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Paris are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, ideal for strolling, and the city is vibrant with fewer crowds than in summer. Summer (July-August) can be hot and very crowded, though it offers longer daylight hours and many outdoor events. Winter (November-March) is colder with shorter days, but ideal for museum visits and enjoying Christmas markets, with fewer tourists overall.
The weather is generally mild and sunny with occasional showers. Temperatures are comfortable for walking and exploring the city. Expect some variability, so pack layers.
Shoulder seasons (April-June & September-October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Bastille Day (July 14th) and Christmas can affect opening hours and crowd levels.
Getting Around
TGV high-speed rail; Paris Métro is extensive
Navigo Card (Paris)
Get a Navigo card for unlimited Paris transport. Book TGV tickets early for best prices.
Travel
$400-600 (flights for family of 4)Accommodation
$500-700 (family room/suite for 5 nights)Food
$300-500Activities
$200-300Opt for 'formule' (set menu) lunches, which are often a fantastic value compared to dinner prices, offering 2-3 courses at a fixed price.
Utilize Paris's excellent public transport (Métro, bus) and walk extensively. Many iconic sights are within reasonable walking distance of each other.
Indulge in a classic Parisian gastronomic experience with a multi-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a traditional French bistro.
Treat yourself to a Seine River cruise, especially at night, for breathtaking views of illuminated monuments and a different perspective of the city.
Picnic by the Seine or in a park (like Jardin du Luxembourg or Champ de Mars) with fresh bread, cheese, and wine from a local market or supermarket. It's affordable and quintessentially Parisian.
Explore the less touristy arrondissements (districts) like the 10th, 11th, or 19th for more authentic and affordable dining and shopping experiences away from the main tourist hubs.
- Always greet shopkeepers, waiters, and strangers with 'Bonjour' (during the day) or 'Bonsoir' (in the evening) before speaking English; it's a sign of respect.
- Master the Métro: Paris's subway system is extensive and efficient. Purchase a Carnet (book of 10 tickets) or a Navigo Découverte pass for weekly travel if staying longer.
- Be vigilant for pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and on the Métro. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for excellent service. Service charge is typically included ('service compris'). Round up to the nearest euro or leave 5-10% for exceptional service.
- Café culture is about lingering. Don't feel rushed to leave a cafe after finishing your drink. Ordering coffee 'au comptoir' (at the bar) is cheaper than 'en terrasse' (at a table).
- Many popular attractions, like the Louvre, Orsay Museum, and Eiffel Tower, require timed-entry tickets booked well in advance to avoid long queues.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Paris is best explored on foot, and you'll likely cover many kilometers each day.
- Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle. Paris has numerous public drinking fountains ('fontaines Wallace') dispensing potable water.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
- 2Layers of clothing: Paris weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers allows for flexibility.
- 3A stylish scarf: A versatile accessory for warmth, sun protection, and a touch of Parisian chic.
- 4Universal travel adapter (Type E/F): Essential for charging electronics.
- 5Small crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack: To keep your valuables secure and close to your body.
- 6Portable power bank: For charging your phone on the go, especially with heavy map usage.
- 7Compact umbrella: Sudden rain showers are common in Paris, regardless of the season.
- 8Reusable water bottle: Easily refillable at public fountains and reduces plastic waste.
- 9Dressy-casual outfit: Some restaurants, theaters, or upscale venues might require a slightly more formal dress code.
- 10Basic first-aid kit and essential medications: Pharmacies are available but having common remedies on hand is convenient.
Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance for the best prices, especially during peak seasons.
Accommodation
Reserve 3-6 months out, particularly if traveling during spring, summer, or major events, as good options fill up quickly.
Louvre Museum Tickets
Book online at least 1-2 months ahead for timed entry, especially if you want to see the Mona Lisa without excessive queues.
Eiffel Tower Tickets
Purchase online 2-3 months in advance for specific time slots, as they sell out very quickly, especially for sunset views.
Versailles Palace Tickets (including train if guided)
Book timed-entry tickets online 1-2 months ahead. Consider a guided tour for skip-the-line access and insights.
Restaurant Reservations
For popular or highly-rated restaurants, book several weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
Travel Insurance
Arrange before departure to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Orange stores at the airport or in the city, Relay stores
📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or pickup at a designated location
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, often requiring a password. Many public areas, like parks and libraries, also offer free WiFi, but the connection might be less reliable.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a travel adapter for European plugs. Downloading offline maps can be helpful, especially when WiFi is unavailable. Be mindful of data usage, especially if you're not using a local SIM. Check the terms and conditions of your chosen SIM provider carefully.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + round ground hole
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Service included (service compris); round up for good service
Round up to nearest €1–2
€1–2 per bag
Service is legally included in all restaurant bills. Rounding up is a nice gesture.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Paris is generally safe for tourists, but be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
17
15
18
112 for European emergency number
Payments
Cash useful at markets and small cafés
Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard)
Very common
Chip and PIN is standard. American Express less widely accepted.
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The best times to visit are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is colder but offers a different charm.
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