5-Day trip itinerary for Paris

Discovering the city of love and lights.

2022, Paris France

Welcome to our blog dedicated to one of the most captivating cities in the world - Paris!

Paris, often called the "City of Lights," is a mesmerizing tapestry of history, art, and romance. A lot is said and written about Paris but we want to share our time in Paris and what made us fall in love with the city.

Paris is one of those unique places that you can visit repeatedly and still discover new things each time.

From the bohemian alleys of Montmartre to the world-class art collections of the Louvre, and from the charming streets of Le Marais to the grandeur of Champs-Élysées, we had a captivating journey through the heart of Paris.

So let’s dive right into our itinerary for Paris.

Highlights: Full itinerary for Paris

Day 1: La Vallee Village

Day 2: Disneyland Paris

Day 3: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum

Day 4: Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe & Place de la Concorde

Day 5: Montemartre stairs, Le Marais, Latin quarters

Where to stay: Our recommendation for areas to stay in Paris

How much does it cost: Budget break up for Paris

Day 1 : La Vallee Village

Ah, Paris! The fashion capital of the world and a shopaholic's dream come true. Our trip to Paris could not have been a success without a visit to La Vallee Village, where luxury brands awaited us!

Our European adventure led us from Santorini, Greece, to the vibrant streets of Paris. (Remember to check out our Greece blog: 7-Day itinerary for a Holiday in Greek )

Touching down at Charles de Gaulle Airport around 2 p.m., we knew we had an exciting itinerary ahead. Without wasting a moment, we headed to the car rental booth, deciding to do some exploring on our own.

Booking a car in advance can save you time and money, but even last-minute adventurers like us can find options. Europcar had a car available, offering the perfect set of wheels for our Parisian escapade.

With a sense of excitement and the allure of Parisian fashion in the air, we pointed our car towards La Vallee Village, a true haven for shopping enthusiasts. This hidden gem houses a treasure trove of outlet stores, featuring all your favourite names - Gucci, Prada, YSL, Burberry, and many more.

Located just a 45-minute drive from Charles de Gaulle Airport, it is conveniently close to Disneyland Paris. Our recommendation is to extend your stay in this area for a night, giving you ample time to explore the boutiques and stock up on the latest fashion trends. Plus, an early start to Disneyland the next day means beating the crowds and having even more fun!

As we arrived at La Vallee Village, we found ourselves in an elegantly designed open-air mall exuding a premium ambience. While most stores close around 7 p.m., we had a game plan in place to make the most of our time. Some premium brands regulate the number of visitors, so we tactically booked time slots while indulging in delightful window shopping to know exactly what to grab when our turn came.

Pro-tip: Shopping in Paris offers an amazing perk for tourists - tax refunds! Yes, you heard it right. As a tourist, you can enjoy a tax refund on your purchases. The same applies to other European cities too! Simply ask the store for a tax refund form and, upon leaving Europe, drop those forms at the airport. The stores will need your passport so remember to carry it along.

We made the most of this opportunity at Amsterdam airport before flying back to Delhi, and it truly made a difference.

(Drop us a comment if you have any questions about Tax Refunds!)

After a day well-spent shopping and soaking in the chic Parisian atmosphere, we settled down for a nice dinner at 'Indiana Cafe'. Aditi loved the crispy fries and 'the Green Burger'. Finally, we headed to our Hotel for a good night’s sleep as the next few days were going to be very hectic.

Day 2: Disneyland

It was a day full of fun and reliving childhood memories as we went to Disneyland, Paris. There is so much to see and do at Disneyland that it may be overwhelming. But we are going to break it down for you so that you can make the most out of your time here.

Pro-tip 1: You can easily buy tickets to Disneyland online on their website. However, remember to download their app which includes maps to the adventure park and also provides live updates on the waiting time on different rides. You can plan your time a lot better inside the park.

Pro-tip 2: If you are an Avengers fan, remember to purchase the 2-park ticket which will give you access to the Avengers Campus in Walt Disney Studio Park.

The tickets for Disneyland start from $66 and if you want to visit Walt Disney Studios as well, then you’ll have to $96 for access to both parks.

So, here are the top things to do at Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney studios:

1. Take tons of pictures with Sleeping Beauty Castle: The castle is imprinted in all our memories since childhood. But it is very satisfying to seeing it come to life at Disneyland. Trust us, you won’t be able to stop taking pictures.
   

2. Witness the Disney Parade: The parade is an absolute blast. Watch all your favourite Disney characters come to life and parade through the park, singing and dancing to popular beats. Make sure to check out the timing for the Parade in advance (it usually happens in the late afternoon).
   

3. Marvel Avengers Campus: Unfortunately, this was not open when we visited but it has become the supreme attraction at the park since its inauguration. So don’t miss it if you are an Avengers Fan.
   

4. Dine at a theme restaurant – There are many themed restaurants at the parks that transport you to the world of your favourite movie and cartoon characters. Check out "Agrabah Café", "Captain Jack’s restaurant" and "Bistrot Chez Remy" (inspired by Ratatouille).
   

5. Don’t miss these rides - The park is full of exciting rides and you’ll not have enough time to try out all of them. So take our recommendation and do not miss these rides at Disneyland, as they are the best of the best: a. Ratatouille: The adventure b. Tower of terror c. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain d. Pirates of the Caribbean e. It’s a small world
   

6. Don’t miss the night show ‘Illuminations’ – This has got to be the one reason not to leave the park early. The night show features an amazing laser show including elements like mist, fire, fountain dance etc. topped off with mind-blowing fireworks. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the show play out at the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

It was a day full of surprises for us, as the park offered so much more than what we had anticipated. We would highly recommend everyone visiting Paris not to miss this gem.

Day 3: Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum

On the next day, we headed to the heart of Paris City and checked into our Hotel.

Note: We dropped off our car before heading to the main city as Paris is an extremely walkable city and has an amazing public transportation system. A car is useless unless you want to drive out of the city and see the countryside.

Our first attraction of the day was none other than the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of the city of Paris.

We all have seen this iconic landmark in movies and on TV but we must say none could capture the real beauty of it in their cameras. We approached it from the Garden of the Eiffel and as we set our eyes on it, we couldn’t help stopping to admire its beauty.

Pro-tip: The garden itself is an amazing place to hang out as locals come there in the evening to have some drinks and chill out. We recommend spending some time in the Garden in the evening as the air is just full of LOVE.

You can buy 4 basic types of tickets at Eiffel that give you access to different floors. Here are the tickets you can buy for visiting the Eiffel Tower:

1. Second floor with stair access: This will provide you access to the 1st and 2nd floors through stairs and costs 11 Euros.

2. Second floor with Lift access: This will provide you access to the 1st and 2nd floor through the iconic lift and costs 18 Euros.

3. The top with lift access: This will provide you access to the 1st, 2nd and the top observation deck through two lifts. It costs 28 Euros.

4. The top with Second Stair access: This will provide you access to the 1st, and 2nd floors and the top observational deck, however, the 1st and 2nd floors will be accessible by stairs and then you can take a lift to the top. This option costs around 21.5 Euros.

Note: There are more combo packages available that offer a more exclusive experience. Check out all the options on the official website - https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/rates-opening-times

In our opinion, the fourth option offers real value for money as you get to experience all aspects of the tour, i.e. the iconic stairs taking you up to the second floor and then the popular lift ride to the Top of the Eiffel Tower.

After spending half a day at the Eiffel, soaking in its wondrous beauty, we decided to have a meal before heading to the Louvre Museum.

Pro-tip: The Louvre is one of the most popular museums in the world and it gets extremely busy. So consider visiting during weekdays and preferably during the evening as the crowds thin out. This is the reason we pushed it toward the later part of the day.

Reaching the Louvre, we were not surprised to see the long queue. However, it was still shorter than what we had anticipated. The pyramid itself is stunning and once you enter the museum, things get even prettier.

Here is a list of must-sees when visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris:

1. The Coronation of Napolean

2. The Mona Lisa (of course)

3. Great Sphinx of Tanis

4. The raft of The Medusa (Really interesting backstory)

The ticket price is around 17 Euros per person. The galleries of the Louvre transport you to another era of human history and we must say that it is a place you want to be.

Aditi's favourite thing about Paris: Aditi loved that she could flaunt her fashionable looks in the fashion capital of the world and getting compliments everywhere. It did make Amit a little jealous.

Before calling it a day, we had to see the Eiffel Tower light up. Eiffel shimmers in majestic lights every hour after sunset and it’s the most stunning view of the Eiffel tower. So we headed back to the Eiffel Tower, eagerly waiting for the sun to set. We got some amazing pictures and then headed back home.

Pro-tip: Aditi found the perfect spot for taking a picture with the Eiffel. You have to get on the Pont d’Alene bridge and get into the middle of the intersection facing Eiffel. A lot of people take pictures here but the best part is that if you move away from Eiffel enough, all the people will be hidden behind you in the frame and you can capture an amazing picture with Eiffel and a clean frame.

Day 4: Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe & Place de la Concorde

This was a day with a lot of walking. We started by grabbing some coffee and croissants. Then we headed straight to Champs-Elysees, which is a 2 km long avenue that connects Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. It is one of the most popular avenues in Europe and is the most lively place in Paris during the day.

Our favourite thing about Paris: We fell in love with croissants in Paris. Every corner in Paris has a chic café serving amazing coffee and warm buttery croissants. So when you are in Paris, indulge in it because you won’t find such amazing croissants anywhere else.

We started our walk from Arc de Triomphe, which is a magnificent structure. It was built in memory of Napoleon’s victories and to honour the people who died for France in the French Revolution. There is an observation deck at the top of the structure, which can be accessed through stairs. You can witness some amazing views from the top, including the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower.

Later, we walked the full length of the Champs-Elysees, exploring the shopping opportunities, eating croissants, and clicking a lot of pictures. The street is lined with chestnut trees on both sides and is bustling with visitors all the time. There are stores of all popular brands, from Apple to Louis Vuitton. So, if you wish, you can indulge in shopping here.

It was a fun walk to Place de la Concorde, another magnificent structure in Paris (Yeah we do get tired of calling everything in Paris ‘Magnificent’, but it is ‘Magnificent’). The place has been part of celebrations and public executions throughout France’s history and has a deep connection to many stories from the French Revolution. Today, the square offers a large open space for walking and is ideal for taking pictures.

Pro-tip: From Place de la Concorde, walk to the iconic Pont Alexander III bridge. It is another amazing spot to catch a view of the Eiffel and click more pictures.

Day 5: Montemartre stairs, Le Marais, Latin quarters

For Day 5 of our trip to Paris, we set our sights on Montmartre, a neighbourhood steeped in artistic history. We took a metro to the neighbourhood, a very convenient way to get around Paris, and got off at the Anvers station. We walked the rest of the way, climbing the iconic Montmartre stairs. We were rewarded with some breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. It truly is a unique view of Paris that we don’t often get to see in pop culture.

Fun fact: Leonardo Da Vinci used to live in Montmartre and you’ll find a lot of references to his time in the area while walking. Overall, this part of Paris is a must-visit as the neighborhood just screams art from every corner. We had an amazing meal at 'La Maison Rose' (the popular pink cafe) and we highly recommend it.

Next on our list was Le Marais, a trendy district where medieval architecture blends with chic boutiques and vibrant cafés. Strolling along its cobbled streets, we were left awe-struck with its old-world charm.

Venturing further into the Latin Quarter, the second oldest district in Paris. It’s another unique neighbourhood in Paris that you can visit to beat the crowd and still get a feel of Paris.

Finally, our time in Paris had come to an end as we prepared to catch our train to Brussels, continuing our adventures in Europe.

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is an extremely walkable city so it does not really matter where you stay as long as you are in central Paris. During our time in Paris, we would walk an average of 20 kms every day and really enjoyed exploring the city on foot. Also, there is an excellent public transportation system including metros and buses, which can be used to reach different parts of the city.

You can refer the below map and try to get an accommodation within the red circle as it will allow you to explore all major attractions with ease.

However, we understand that everybody has different preferences. So, we are going to propose a few options, based on the nature of your trip to Paris.

1. Romantic Trip: We would recommend staying in Champ de Mars with an Eiffel Tower view. Another good option is Montmartre due to its rich artistic vibe.

2. Casual Vacation: We would recommend staying one of the most iconic neaighbourhoods in Paris, St. Germain. It can't get more Parisian than this place. Alternatively, you can stay in Le Marais or Champ de Mars as both are great options.

3. Long Vacation: If you are going to be in Paris for a week or more, we recommended staying in multiple locations. Keep Montmartre & St. Germain on top of your list and you can add more based on the duration of your stay.

4. Budget trip: Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements (districts). Higher numbered arrondissements will usually be cheaper as they are farther from the centre of the city. So pick up any place near a metro station, in a high numbered arrondissement.

Pro-tip: In our opinion, you should avoid staying in 8th arrondissement as it is the most commercialised district in Paris and you will miss out on exploring the true charm of Paris. Also, avoid 18th arrondissement, beyond Montmartre, as it is not one of the best areas to stay.

We stayed at Courtyard by Marriot in Porte de Versailles, which is just outside the red circle in the map above. However, there is a major metro station 'Porte de Versailles' really close to the hotel and since we love exploring European cities on foot, it was the perfect choice for use. We were just a 15 mins ride away from all major attractions and we did not have to pay premium for being closer to Eiffel tower.

Budget for Paris Trip

Budget for a Paris trip really depends on several factors and it can be hard to provide a realistic number without knowing about your preferences like the kind of accommodation you want, whether you are willing to use public transport, which places you want to visit, the neighbourhood you want to stay in etc.

We have tried to break it down for all kinds of travellers but please drop us a comment or DM us on Instagram if you have more questions about the budget.

Whether you are planning a budget or a luxury trip, check out our breakdown of the top expenses for a trip to Paris:

(All amounts are minimum daily/one-time expenses for a single Visitor, except Airfare, which is a return fare To/From Paris )

So going by the above table, you can calculate the approx. cost of your trip, based on the number of days you are travelling for.

For example, a 5-Day budget trip from India to Paris should cost around 1455 USD for one person. See below for break-up.

VISA(125$) + Flight(750$) + Accommodation(280$) + Food(150$) + Conveyance(50$) + Excursions(100$)

Total ~ 1455 USD/person ( ~1,20,000 INR )

Important Note 1: Airfare used in the calculation is the average price for a return flight from Delhi. If you are travelling from any other place, substitute with the fare from your place of departure. Important Note 2: These estimates are based on our research online for our trip and our personal experience in Paris. Although, the results align with our own expenses for the trip, the numbers are not set in stone. Actual prices may vary based on numerous factors.

We hope that reading about our Paris trip has left you longing to book your ticket and experience the magic of Paris firsthand.

Tell us in the comments whether you enjoyed this blog. We would also love to hear about your Paris travel stories if you have already been there.

Till then...

Bon Voyage!