The Ultimate 5-Day Paris Itinerary: A Curated Adventure

Travel
Written By Cristina Viseu

I’ve been to Paris quite a bit and I’ve finally decided to release my guide for my most recent trip. A bit about me - I’m a cookbook author and I love fun and elevated design and experiences so this trip will reflect that.

Paris is a city of endless charm, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Here's my curated 5-day itinerary, ensuring you experience the true essence of Paris. Of course if there is a specific site you want to visit - feel free to substitute any of my recommendations.

Table of Contents:

Where to Stay

Paris is a city made up of twenty arrondissements, each with its own distinct personality. Choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming, especially for a first-time visit, but the good news is that you can't go too wrong. Each neighborhood offers a different lens into the city’s magic, depending on the kind of experience you want: historic, romantic, lively, or quietly luxurious.

For first-timers, here are a few arrondissement recommendations that I personally would recommend.

  • 6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés): If you dream of sipping coffee at iconic cafés, browsing bookstores, and strolling along the Seine, this chic and literary neighborhood is a timeless favorite. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods both for shopping and for its beautiful laid back vibe. Personally my favorite neighborhood!

  • 4th Arrondissement (Le Marais & Île Saint-Louis): Historic, vibrant, and endlessly walkable, the Marais blends medieval streets with a lively, modern spirit. Plus, you’ll be near landmarks like Place des Vosges and Notre-Dame. This area is a bit louder so if you want a more quieter experience - it may not be for you. I would say this area is for someone who wants to be in the heart of the action.

  • 1st Arrondissement (Louvre/Tuileries): Perfect for museum lovers and anyone wanting to be in the historic heart of Paris, steps from the Louvre, Palais Royal, and elegant gardens. My second favorite neighborhood. It’s a bit quite than Le Marais and also in the heart of Paris.

  • 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower/Invalides): For classic romance, stay in the 7th — a quieter, upscale district known for postcard-worthy views of the Eiffel Tower and wide, elegant streets. If you want a quieter neighborhood - this one is for you but it is a little bit further from the action than the 6th, 4th, and 1st. I’d only recommend this if you want that iconic Eiffel Tower view!

Each of these areas offers easy access to Paris’s most beautiful sights, cozy cafés, and scenic walks — helping you experience the city the way it’s meant to be savored: slowly, thoughtfully, and a little bit dreamily.

6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – Chic and Classic

Hôtel Lutetia

Hôtel Lutetia

Hôtel d'Aubusson

Hôtel d'Aubusson

  • Budget: Hotel Clément – Unpretentious and central, ideal for walking everywhere. They have fun themed rooms - so if you want a particular one please note it in your reservation

Hotel Clément

Hotel Clément

4th Arrondissement (Lower Marais & Île Saint-Louis) – Historic and Romantic

  • High-end: Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte (JoBo) – A romantic, boho hotel named after Napoleon’s first wife.

Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte

Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte

  • Boutique: Hôtel du Jeu de Paume – Sleek and modern in a 17th-century building on dreamy Île Saint-Louis.

Hôtel du Jeu de Paume

Hôtel du Jeu de Paume

Hotel de Lutece

Hotel de Lutece

1st Arrondissement – Central, Historic, and Luxurious

Le Meurice

Le Meurice

  • Boutique: Hôtel Molière – Refined and discreet, steps from Palais Royal with classic literary charm.

Hôtel Molière

Hôtel Molière

Hotel Londres Saint-Honoré

Hotel Londres Saint-Honoré

7th Arrondissement – Elegant

Shangri-La Paris

Shangri-La Paris

Hotel Wallace

Hotel Wallace

  • Budget: First Hotel  – Cozy, modest rooms close to the Eiffel tower.

First Hotel

First Hotel

Getting Around Paris

Paris is one of the easiest cities to navigate thanks to its efficient Metro system.


Download the Bonjour RATP app (available on iOS and Android) before your trip — it’s the official Paris transport app. You can plan your routes, check real-time train updates, and even load mobile tickets directly onto your phone with a tap. Tickets can also be bought at machines in any Metro station (look for the purple "Ticket t+" machines). If you're staying a few days, consider a Navigo Easy pass — a reloadable card that's cheaper and more convenient than buying single rides.

Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel

  • From Charles de Gaulle (CDG): The quickest and most affordable option is the RER B train, which connects directly to central Paris (around €11.45). Depending on your hotel location, you can transfer to the Metro at Gare du Nord or Châtelet–Les Halles. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber is available) are also an option; a flat taxi rate from CDG to the Right Bank is around €53 and €58 to the Left Bank.

  • From Orly (ORY): Take the Orlyval light train to connect to the RER B line, or grab the OrlyBus to Denfert-Rochereau Metro station. Taxi flat rates are about €32-€37 depending on your destination.

Other Things to Know

  • Paris is beautiful — but, like any major city, it’s important to stay alert to your surroundings. A few friends have let me know that their trip went sour due to theft and that’s definitely not want we want for your trip! Pickpocketing can happen, especially around tourist hubs like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre, and on the Metro. Keep your bag zipped and avoid setting phones or wallets on café tables near busy streets.

  • Bring your passport to take advantage of the tax-free shopping! If you forget - many places allow you to return same day to claim the deduction.

  • Many bakeries close on Sunday and Mondays. If getting croissants are a must for you - try to prioritize around openings.

  • Grocery stores close early as well.

  • It is very very important to say bonjour when you enter any establishment. If there is one thing you must do - say bonjour when greeting anyone whether it’s a shop staff or waiter!

  • Reservation culture exists very strongly in France. Walk ins are still available in some restaurants but don’t be alarmed if the most popular restaurant asks you to politely leave due to lack of seating without a reservation.

Day 1: Arrival & Charming Strolls

Morning:

Cafe de Flore

  • Start your Parisian morning at Cafe de Flore, a beautiful iconic cafe. Philosophers, artists, and style icons have lingered over coffee since the 1880s. A timeless symbol of Saint-Germain-des-Prés chic, it’s where ideas and fashion still collide.

Afternoon:

  • Explore La Grande Épicerie de Paris (38 Rue de Sèvres), an elegant high-end food market filled with gourmet delights. I love sampling artisanal cheeses and pastries here. Great for souvenirs to bring home. I personally recommend getting some french butter and mustards. Grab some food here while you are at it for a casual lunch in the park.

  • Relax at the Jardin du Luxembourg, particularly by the tranquil Medici Fountain, perfect for enjoying a quiet moment.

  • Discover charming Parisian homewares at Marin Montagut (48 Rue Madame), filled with whimsical and beautifully illustrated decor pieces.

Evening:

  • Stroll by the Eiffel Tower, spectacularly illuminated at night, ideal for capturing memorable photos.

  • For dinner I recommend Relais de l’Entrecôte for steak frites. There are many in Paris and it’s a great experience. Make sure to get there right as they open as the line forms and you don’t want to wait for hours! No reservations taken.

Cute trinkets at Marin Montagut

Day 2: Relaxation & Paris Architecture

A croissant at Laurent Duchene

Morning:

  • Get a croissant from some of these delicious bakeries depending on where you are staying!

    • La Maison d'Isabelle 47ter Bd Saint-Germain

    • Mamiche

    • Laurent Duchêne

    • Boulangerie Moderne

    • Laurent Duchêne (2 Rue Wurtz)

    • Boulangerie Moderne (16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques)

  • Visit the impressive Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) | Richelieu, known for its striking architecture and peaceful reading spaces. A literary must for those who love beautiful architecture.

Afternoon:

Both these activities can be full day activities so I would recommend choosing one or doing the Louvre first then shopping after.

Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards

  • Enjoy luxury shopping and the glittering night lights of Galeries Lafayette, perfect for luxury shopping and breathtaking city views from its rooftop. Don’t forget your passport!

  • Go to the Louvre and see all the beautiful artwork! You can spend a whole day in here so plan accordingly.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards (59 Bd du Montparnasse), savoring traditional French dishes in an iconic, bustling atmosphere that feels authentically Parisian. Think of it like the Paris equivalent of a fast food diner! Fun, affordable, and historical.

Day 3: Culinary & Cultural Delights

Breizh Cafe

Morning:

  • Delight in authentic French crêpes at Breizh Cafe (14 Rue des Petits Carreaux), my go-to spot for savory and sweet crêpes.

  • Visit Sabre (17 Rue Vignon) for their exquisite cutlery; you can even have a customized set created at their charming flagship store. There are multiple locations and the customization can only be done in their main location.

Afternoon:

  • If you are hungry - Have lunch at Clamato - a delicious seafood restaurant. If not as hungry and you can get by with a snack I would recommend a pastry at the Ritz.

  • Savor the famously decadent long croissants and tarts at Ritz Paris Le Comptoir (38 Rue Cambon), housed within the iconic Ritz hotel. If there is a line - you can grab it to go and walk 10 minutes to the gardens to enjoy.

  • Take a guided tour of the opulent Palais Garnier opera house, admiring its majestic interiors and rich history. I would recommend the evening tour as it’s completely empty!

Evening:

  • Sip fine wines and have dinner at the cozy Frenchie Bar à Vins (6 Rue du Nil), known for its excellent selection and charming ambiance. If you can get a reservation at their main restaurant that’s even better!

  • Marvel at the illuminated Arc de Triomphe, beautifully lit after sunset.

Day 4: Shopping

Morning:

  • Start with refined pastries and brunch at Maxime Frédéric chez Louis Vuitton (2 Rue du Pont Neuf), housed in the glamorous Louis Vuitton flagship store. Reservations are required.

  • Visit the legendary cookware store E. Dehillerin (18-20 Rue Coquillière), beloved by professional chefs worldwide. You can spend forever in here (at least I can).

Kitchen paradise at E. Dehillerin

Galerie Vivienne

Afternoon:

  • Wander through the charming historic arcade Galerie Vivienne, lined with unique boutiques and cafes.

  • Grab coffee and a snack at trendy Cafe Kitsune, nestled in the beautiful Jardin du Palais Royal—one of my favorite spots for relaxing.

  • Day 4 is usually when I’m missing a little bit of asian food so I highly recommend checking out my favorite udon shop in Paris - Sanukiya (9 Rue d'Argenteuil)

  • Explore the fascinating Victor Hugo Museum (6 Pl. des Vosges), dedicated to the legendary French author.

  • Get a customized comb or sample fragrance at one of my favorite stores Grand Cafe Tortoni - Officine Universelle Buly 1803 (45 Rue de Saintonge). There are many locations but this one is the cafe. It’s only open on very select hours so double check before going.

  • Shop stylish home decor at Maisons du Monde (32 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine), offering contemporary and charming furniture.

Evening:

  • Experience the classic Shakespeare and Company bookstore (37 Rue de la Bûcherie), soaking in literary history in a cozy atmosphere. There is often a line to enter so keep that in mind. No photographs inside either.

  • Dine casually at Pizzeria Popolare (111 Rue Réaumur), known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine.

  • If you want a bit of a more upscale vibe - make a reservation at Le Procope - Paris’s oldest café, where Enlightenment legends like Voltaire and Rousseau once dined and debated.

Day 5: Boutique Shopping & Market Treasures

Morning:

  • Visit the expansive Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves (21 Av. Georges Lafenestre), perfect for finding vintage and antique home treasures. This market is only open on the weekends so make sure it’s open when you go!

  • Enjoy artisanal coffee at White Coffee (56 Rue de Turenne), a minimalist cafe known for quality brews.

Kitchen Trinkets at Merci

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Brasserie des Prés - a stylish, three-level brasserie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offering classic French cuisine with a modern twist, vibrant interiors, and a hidden 70s-inspired cocktail bar upstairs.​ Make sure to make reservations!

  • Browse chic clothing at Rouje (16 Rue de Turenne) and discover elegant vintage slips at Kanelle Vintage (48 Rue de Turenne).

  • Discover unique homewares at the popular concept store Merci (111 Bd Beaumarchais), famous for stylish yet quirky goods.

  • Visit the prestigious Azzedine Alaïa Foundation (18 Rue de la Verrerie), showcasing exquisite fashion pieces in an intimate setting.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at the delightful BigLove (30 Rue Debelleyme) or Pink Mama, known for excellent Italian dishes and cozy ambiance.

I hope you enjoyed this thoughtful crafted itinerary for a relaxing stay in Paris! And click below to watch my vlog to see most spots mentioned here!



With all my Love,

Cristina

Cristina Viseu
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