As someone who loves visiting new destinations, I have compiled the ultimate travel guide for an unforgettable trip. If you plan to visit Paris for 5 days, then this itinerary has got you covered. It can also be extended to a longer 7-day journey if you choose. I’ll show you the best spots and other essential details. Before you get too deep into planning, check for any France Travel Advisory to ensure you’re fully prepared. Let’s get started!
Paris has an abundance of attractions, including iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and baked goods, and explore historical museums.
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Estimated Costs
You should plan to spend around €184 ($197) per day on your vacation in Paris. This amount is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €31 ($34) on meals for one day and €17 ($18) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Paris for a couple is €241 ($258). So, a trip to Paris for two people for one week costs on average €2,570 ($2,755).
Accommodation Costs
The average price for one person’s accommodation in Paris is €120. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price is €241.
5 Days in Paris
First Day: Arrive and Explore
- Arrive in Paris and settle into your hotel.
- Start your day by visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower, one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city.
- From there, head to the Champs-Élysées, a famous shopping street with high-end boutiques and cafes. Take a stroll and admire the
Arc de Triomphe at the end of the avenue. - In the evening, go to the Montmartre neighborhood. See the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Enjoy dinner at a charming French bistro.
Second Day: Museums and Art
- Start your day by visiting the Louvre, one of the world’s most famous museums. Explore the vast art collections, including the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
- After lunch, visit the Musée d’Orsay. This museum is known for its impressionist and post-impressionist art collection, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
- In the evening, explore the trendy Marais neighborhood, which is full of stylish boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Third Day: History and Culture
- Start your day by visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most famous cathedrals in the world.
- From there, visit the Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning 13th-century chapel with beautiful stained-glass windows.
- After lunch, visit the Palace of Versailles. It was the residence of the French kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Don’t miss the famous Hall of Mirrors.
- In the evening, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine River. View the city’s landmarks from a different perspective.
Fourth Day: Food and Wine
- Start your day by visiting the Marché Bastille. This large outdoor market offers a chance to sample local cheeses, meats, and other specialties.
- After lunch, visit one of Paris’s many wine bars to sample some of France’s famous wines.
- In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of Paris’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Fifth Day: Parks and Gardens
- Start your day by visiting the Luxembourg Gardens. This beautiful park has fountains, statues, and plenty of green space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- From there, head to the Tuileries Garden, located near the Louvre. The garden has stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
- In the afternoon, visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery. It is the final resting place of many famous figures. Some of them include Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf.
- In the evening, visit the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood and enjoy a drink at a trendy bar or cafe.
Note: This itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests and preferences. Please check for the latest travel restrictions and requirements before planning your trip.
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
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