Paris had always been that dream pinned to everyone’s travel board, and I had the chance to visit Paris for the first time at the early age of 8. These memories stuck with me my whole life and I’ve visited Paris more then 10 times in the past 15 years (not every year mostly due to corona and being pregnant).
I assure you, Paris is everything you hope for – and more. Five days isn’t enough to “do it all,” but it’s the perfect taste of the city’s charm: mornings filled with flaky croissants, afternoons in art-filled museums, and evenings that sparkle under the lights of the Eiffel Tower. Here’s how I would spend my time as a first-timer, or rather, how I love spending my moments there every time.
My favourite district of Paris is the 9th. We always stay there. It has the perfect distance to shopping, Montmartre and the Seine, it’s not fancy – but truly Parisian. If you’re staying here or in another district, you will be using metro a lot – it’s easy, accessible and cheap. But if you’re into walking and want to get ‘lost‘ in this wonderful capital, you can do most of these on foot from the 9th arrondissement.
✨ Day 1 – Montmartre Strolls & Amélie’s Café
Start off where Paris feels like a painting: Montmartre. Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered staircases, little shops with flowers spilling onto the sidewalk – it’s the classic Paris you see in movies. Be prepared to walk some steep flights of stairs (you can take the funicular to Sacre Coeur), but somehow this feels so much more rewarding when you reach the top.
On the way, duck into Café des Deux Moulins (yes, Amélie’s café from the film, maybe you don’t know it, but it’s kind of a cult film now). It’s nothing that special, really, but if you remember the film, sitting there with a café crème feels like stepping onto a movie set.
For me Montmartre is the most magical part of Paris and I want you to experience it while your legs are not tired yet – as you will see, Paris is a very walkable city. Enjoy the views of the city from underneath the Sacre Coeur and savour the day on the steps where everyone comes to hang out. Make new friends. Watch the street artists perform. Take a ride on the merry-go-round. Feel Paris.
When you’ve had enough of the views, head for a healthy lunch to La Marmite – just bellow Montmartre, near Pigalle – it’s very reasonably priced and they offer typical French dishes. We always get a salad – but their salads are really big! Yum!
As I said before – I’ve been to Paris numerous times, but only once in Moulin Rouge. If you can splurge a little, I would suggest you go see a show in the evening (reservations are mandatory beforehand). Again, it’s like stepping into a world that is not this one, a jump in the past, a real experience. Both me and my husband were astonished by the dancers and acrobats. Maybe you’ll say it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s undeniably Parisian and a must-see at least once in your life.
🎨 Day 2 – Art & the Seine
In the morning take a stroll to the Musée d’Orsay (be careful – it’s closed on Mondays). It’s my favourite museum, the building itself is worth the visit. Even if you just want to write your diary or sketch something or people watch – you can! Surrounded by wonderful and iconic art I much prefer this to the Louvre (yes, I know, you need to see the Mona Lisa once in you life, but I would choose d’Orsay time and time again).
Extra tip: The museum’s grand clock windows also give one of the best views over the Seine.
You can grab a quick lunch in a typical Parisian cafe (like a crocque madame or crocque monsieur or just any kind of croissant/pastry) on the right bank of the Seine and wander along the riverbank, stopping at bouquinistes’ green stalls filled with vintage books and art prints. There are Pet shops there, with cats and dogs, and I remember I always wanted to come here as a child (only pets that were sold in these shops in my country were hamsters and fish).
In the Summer there is an actual sandy beach by the water, and in all cases Paris is made for strolling – the bridges, the way the light reflects off the water – it feels timeless.
In the evening head to the Marais district, and if you want to try snails – escargot for the first time, I suggest you visit Robert and Louise. Garlic, butter, parsley… I was converted when I tried them! Not only that, they offer amazing meat/steaks, made right there on an open fire (so don’t wear your best outfit, you might end up smelling a bit of smoke;)).
🛍️ Day 3 – Shopping & Cafés
Day three is reserved for indulgence. Browse the gleaming halls of Galeries Lafayette, even just to marvel at the stained-glass dome, and I’m sure you’ll find something to buy. Paris makes it impossible not to. Sometime I find better deals and items at Printemps, so make sure you check out both.
You can extend your shopping spree further to Rue Royale, where all the ‘big boys’ are – Fashion icons such as Lanvin, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Hermes, you name it.
Afterward, linger at a classic Parisian café terrace with espresso cups and people-watch – one of my favourite Parisian pastimes. There’s something about the tiny tables, the clinking of cups, and the hum of conversation that makes you feel part of the city’s rhythm. You can also sip a cup of coffee from the rooftop of Lafayette; it has a beautiful view (especially at sunset).
In the evening chill out with cocktails at Buddha-Bar, where the mix of music, ambience, and eclectic décor make it one of the most atmospheric places. I used to listen to their chill-out music all the time. The cocktails are expensive but proper – they really taste fantastic! You can grab a bite to eat, try their signature dessert or just sway to the music, drink in hand.
🌳 Day 4 – Gardens & Views
After a night out you deserve a lazy morning in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Families, joggers, lovers on benches – life playing out around the grand fountains and flowerbeds. It is the perfect place to let Paris sink in. If you’re travelling with kids, bring them here and steer a boat on one of the fountains!
For lunch I sometimes buy takeaway sushi and just enjoy it in the park, otherwise you can try any Japanese restaurants in the streets around Sorbonne University, they all serve amazing sushi. For these with a sweet tooth, try exquisite desserts at Mademoiselle Angelina.
In the afternoon, take the metro to Place de La Concorde (M Concorde) and take the long walk along the famous Champs-Élysées (or if you’re up for a shorter walk, get off at M George V). Contrary to the popular belief, I much prefer to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, rather than the Eiffel Tower. The view of the Champs-Élysées stretching out like a ribbon, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance, is breathtaking. And you actually have the Eiffel Tower on the photos!
And because Paris has its playful side too — end the night at the Musée de l’Érotisme (yes, the sex museum). Equal parts quirky and fascinating, it shows another layer of the city that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s located near Pigale, so if you’re staying in the 9th, it’s a short stop before bed (maybe get some ideas, too ;))
🥞 Day 5 – Crepes with a View
For your last morning, head to the Trocadéro for another amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. Buy a small tower keychain from the street vendors and don’t forget to grab fresh crêpes from the stall on the corner street, and sit facing the Eiffel Tower, soaking it all in. The most cliché, touristy, and yet perfect way to say goodbye.
Last time my husband and I were there, we lingered, savouring the view, the taste of Nutella-filled crêpes, and the bittersweet feeling of leaving a city that had wrapped us in romance and adventure for five days.
Tips & Bookings
✨ Tickets
- Moulin Rouge (show and dinner) tickets are best reserved beforehand
- Eiffel Tower: book skip-the-line tickets in advance.
- Arc de Triomphe tickets
- Louvre & Orsay: online reservations save hours. Alternatively get a Paris Museum Pass.
- If you’re traveling with children don’t skip Disneyland Paris
- If you have an extra day, seeing Versailles Palace is a must
🏨 Hotels
- I love staying in the Hotels in the 9th Arrondissement—central, lively, and close to everything. Boutique hotels here offer charm without the tourist chaos. Book here.
🚇 Transport
- Get private transfer from CDG to your hotel or Orly to your hotel
- The metro is fast and reliable—grab a multi-day pass.
- Walking is the best way to feel Paris, so wear good shoes.
- Another nice thing to do is a Seine river cruise
🍴 Food
- Don’t just eat croissants—try croque monsieur, duck confit, and regional cheeses.
- For picnics, markets like Rue Mouffetard are ideal.
- You can also opt for a Food Tours in Paris – a little bit of everything!
✈️ Flights
- BOOK early for the best deals into Charles de Gaulle or Orly.
💡 Smart Tips
- Learn a few French phrases—locals appreciate it.
- Mornings are quieter for big attractions.
- Always keep a little time unscheduled—Paris rewards spontaneity.
✨ Final Thoughts
Paris is more than its landmarks – it’s in the cobblestones of Montmartre, the buttery bite of a croissant, the sound of glasses clinking at a café, the sparkle of lights reflected in the Seine. Five days give you enough to fall in love, but not nearly enough to stop you from dreaming about coming back.
And remember – You’ll always have Paris.
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