Paris, France 5 days travel itinerary - day by day guide with budget and tips
France5 days$1500-2500

5 Days Paris Luxury Itinerary

This 5-day luxury itinerary in Paris balances iconic landmarks with unique experiences, ensuring a memorable trip. Indulge in fine dining, explore hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the city's rich culture and history.

Duration

5 days

Budget

$1500-2500

Best Time

April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit Paris

Activities

34

Daily Avg

$400/day

Pace

Fast

Perfect for:CouplesFood loversHistory buffsPhotographers
Low RiskParis is generally a safe city for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Paris is a timeless city of romance, art, and history, offering world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and exquisite cuisine. It's a perfect destination for luxury travelers seeking a sophisticated and unforgettable experience.

Your itinerary covers 12 of 14 must-have experiences

Cathedral

Day 2: Sacré-Cœur Basilica Visit

👑

Palace

Day 3: Palace of Versailles Visit

🖼️

Museum

Day 1: Louvre Museum Visit

Cafe

Day 4: Lunch at Breizh Cafe

🍰

Patisserie

e.g., Ladurée, Pierre Hermé

🍇

Wine Region

Day 4: Aperitif at a Wine Bar

🍎

Market

Day 4: Marché des Enfants Rouges

🚢

River Cruise

Day 1: Seine River Cruise

🗼

Eiffel Tower

Day 1: Eiffel Tower Summit Access

🌷

Garden

Day 1: Stroll through Tuileries Garden

🍽️

Bistro

e.g., Le Bouillon Chartier, Bistrot Paul Bert

🎨

Montmartre experience

Day 2: Sacré-Cœur Basilica Visit

📚

Literary Landmark

Day 5: Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

🥐

Local Cuisine

Day 2: Aperitif at a local bar

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

Croissant$1-3

A buttery, flaky pastry that is a quintessential Parisian breakfast. Enjoy it plain or with a café au lait.

📍 Any boulangerie (bakery)

Steak Frites$20-40

A simple yet satisfying dish of grilled steak served with crispy french fries. Often accompanied by béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.

📍 Bistros and brasseries

Crème brûlée$8-15

A rich custard base topped with a brittle caramelized sugar crust. A classic French dessert.

📍 Restaurants and pâtisseries

Macarons$3-5 per macaron

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

Le Marais

Known for falafel, trendy restaurants, and Jewish delis

Latin Quarter

Known for traditional bistros and creperies

Belleville

Known for diverse international cuisine, especially Asian and North African

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Known for upscale cafes and traditional bistros

Dietary Tips

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'.

Food Etiquette

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 Nationale
July

French National Day with military parade on Champs-Elysees and Eiffel Tower fireworks.

Elevated cost (1.5x)High crowdsMilitary paradeEiffel Tower fireworksFiremen's balls

Note: Book hotel near Champs-Elysees early

Cannes Film Festival
Festival de Cannes
May

World's most prestigious film festival attracting celebrities and cinema lovers.

Extreme cost (3x)High crowdsRed carpet eventsCelebrity sightingsBeach screenings

Note: Book 4+ months ahead

Highlight of the Day
Visiting the Eiffel Tower
☀️22°/13°C$400

🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips

  1. 🚶From your hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, take the Metro Line 12 to Assemblée Nationale station, then walk to the Eiffel Tower.

    9:00 AM - Eiffel Tower Summit Access

    $35

    Skip the line and ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.

    Book on Klook
  2. 🚶Walk from the Eiffel Tower to Champ de Mars.

    11:00 AM - Champ de Mars Picnic

    $30

    Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch on the Champ de Mars lawn with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Grab some pastries and cheese from a local boulangerie.

    Book on Klook
  3. 🚶Walk from Champ de Mars to the Seine River for the cruise departure point.

    1:00 PM - Seine River Cruise

    $25

    Take a relaxing Seine River cruise to admire the city's landmarks from a unique perspective. Many cruises offer commentary on the history and architecture of the buildings along the river.

    Book on Klook
  4. 🚶Take the Metro Line 1 from Tuileries station to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station.

    3:00 PM - Louvre Museum Visit

    $20

    Explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Focus on key exhibits to avoid feeling overwhelmed; purchase tickets online.

    Book on Klook
  5. 🚶Walk from the Louvre Museum to the Tuileries Garden.

    6:00 PM - Stroll through Tuileries Garden

    FREE

    Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Tuileries Garden, connecting the Louvre Museum to Place de la Concorde. Admire the sculptures and fountains.

    Book on Klook
  6. 🚶Take the Metro Line 9 from Alma-Marceau station to Iena station, then walk to Le Jules Verne.

    8:00 PM - Dinner at Le Jules Verne

    $250

    Indulge in a fine dining experience at Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy exquisite French cuisine with stunning city views.

    🍽️

    Add restaurants for Dinner

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🏨
Where to Stay Tonight

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This area is centrally located, close to many attractions, and offers a charming Parisian atmosphere with upscale shops and cafes.

Check-in: 3:00 PMCheck-out: 11:00 AM$200-400/nightSearch Hotels on Klook

📅 Best Time to Visit

April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit Paris.

Paris in April/May experiences mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. Expect sunny days with comfortable evenings, perfect for outdoor activities.

🗓️
shoulder season

Shoulder season in Paris offers a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. This makes it an ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying the city's attractions.

📅

Check for public holidays, such as May Day (May 1st) or Victory in Europe Day (May 8th), as some businesses may be closed or have reduced hours.

Getting Around

TGV high-speed rail; Paris Métro is extensive

Common Modes
MétroRERTGVBusTram
Ride-Hailing Apps
UberBoltFREE NOW
Transit Card

Navigo Card (Paris)

Pro Tip

Get a Navigo card for unlimited Paris transport. Book TGV tickets early for best prices.

✈️

Travel

$800-1200 (Flights)
🏨

Accommodation

$750-1250 (Luxury Hotel)
🍽️

Food

$500-750
🎯

Activities

$250-500
💸
Saving

Opt for 'formule' (set menu) lunches, which are often a fantastic value compared to dinner prices, offering 2-3 courses at a fixed price.

💸
Saving

Utilize Paris's excellent public transport (Métro, bus) and walk extensively. Many iconic sights are within reasonable walking distance of each other.

Splurge

Indulge in a classic Parisian gastronomic experience with a multi-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a traditional French bistro.

Splurge

Treat yourself to a Seine River cruise, especially at night, for breathtaking views of illuminated monuments and a different perspective of the city.

💡
Local Wisdom

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.

💡
Local Wisdom

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.

  • Purchase a Paris Pass or Museum Pass for access to multiple attractions and skip-the-line entry.
  • Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
  • Utilize the efficient Paris Metro system to get around the city quickly and easily.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
  • Book accommodations, tours, and popular restaurants in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking, as you'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot.
  • Take advantage of the city's free Wi-Fi hotspots to stay connected.
  • Enjoy the Parisian cafe culture by lingering over coffee or a glass of wine and people-watching.
  • 1
    Comfortable walking shoes
  • 2
    Stylish clothing for evenings out
  • 3
    Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
  • 4
    Small backpack or crossbody bag for carrying essentials
  • 5
    Universal adapter for electronic devices
  • 6
    Portable charger for your phone
  • 7
    Reusable water bottle
  • 8
    Phrasebook or translation app
  • 9
    Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • 10
    Travel-sized toiletries

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$18 for 10 days
eSIM10GB

📍 Airalo app or website

Orange Holiday Zen$40 for 14 days
Physical SIM15GB

📍 Orange stores at the airport or in the city, Relay stores

My Webspot$70 for 7 days
Pocket WiFiUnlimited

📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or pickup at a designated location

WiFi Availability

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

Citymapper - Public transportation navigationGoogle Maps - General navigation and finding points of interestTheFork (La Fourchette) - Restaurant reservations and dealsRATP - Official Paris public transport appG7 Taxi - Book a taxi in Paris
Pro Tip

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

Type C

Two round pins (Europlug)

Type E

Two round pins + round ground hole

Voltage

230V

Frequency

50Hz

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants

Service included (service compris); round up for good service

Taxis

Round up to nearest €1–2

Hotels

€1–2 per bag

Service is legally included in all restaurant bills. Rounding up is a nice gesture.

Safety & Travel Advisories

Low Risk

Paris is generally a safe city for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.

Emergency Numbers

👮
Police

17

🚑
Ambulance

15

🚒
Fire

18

112 for European emergency number

Payments

Cash Culture

Cash useful at markets and small cafés

Credit Cards

Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard)

Contactless

Very common

Pro Tip

Chip and PIN is standard. American Express less widely accepted.

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Trip Summary

DestinationParis, France
Duration5 days
Budget$1500-2500

How was this itinerary?

The best times to visit Paris are April-May and September-October. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months. You'll enjoy comfortable temperatures for exploring the city's attractions.

Generated by MonkeyEatingMango 🥭

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  • Budget tracking
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Trip Summary

DestinationParis, France
Duration5 days
Budget$1500-2500
100% FREE • No Credit Card • No Sign-up

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