Paris – A destination included in everyone’s wish list. It takes a lot of time to invest in exploring it. So, are 5 days enough for us to get a strong taste of the city of lights?
But before we answer that question, let’s start with the basics.
The way to get to Paris is by plane. Ticket prices vary depending on the season of booking. Nevertheless, airlines often make offers, as this is a popular destination.
Check here the flights to Paris!
The best season to visit is in the summer, specifically from May to September, as the winter in Paris can be quite cold with enough humidity.
You just “stepped” in Paris.
The first thing you need to do is get a metro card. NaviGo Week Pass lasts 7 days and costs 22.80€ + 5€ for its issuance. It is the cheapest option and it’s worth it as the Paris Metro has one of the best networks in the world.
Tip: Make sure you have a passport type photo with you to avoid the large queue at the airport’s photo booth.
Where to stay
When you are looking for a place to stay, except the personal taste, the first thing you should look for is to be close to the subway. The second is to be as close to the center as possible.
A good choice is Place Cambronne, a15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
Check here your accommodation options in Place Cambronne!
The most beautiful and lively area to stay is Le Marais although it needs a bigger budget.
Check here your accommodation options in Le Marais!
Day 1
The day may be tiring, because of the journey, transportation, and getting comfortable at your accommodation, so the best you can do is take a short walk.
You can see the Eiffel Tower and then you can walk to Trocadero. There you can take pictures viewing the Eiffel Tower.
That’s enough for the first day. To make a closure, sit down for a meal and a glass of wine at the first restaurant that will draw your attention.
Day 2
The first thing you will do is to go to the famous Cafe de Flore, which was founded in 1865, for breakfast.
Louvre Museum – You should know that just to take a simple walk in the museum you need about 3-4 hours. Therefore you may need to make some choices about which exhibits or which wings of the museum you want to see in order to save time.
Tip: Most museums in Paris offer free admission to people under the age of 26. Also, to avoid long queues, it’s a good idea to book your tickets online.
Jardin des Tuileries – After leaving the Louvre Museum, you will head to the Carousel Arch Triumph, where the Jardin des Tuileries will extend in the background. It is worth walking and sitting in the chairs around the fountains there.
Place de la Concorde – At the end of the garden you reach Place de la Concorde where the Luxor obelisk rises in the center.
Tour Montparnasse – A 210-meter high skyscraper. An ideal time to go is at night to see the illuminated Paris from above. It has an interior view place but you can also go out on the terrace. The cost is from 15€ to 18€ for adults.
Day 3
On the third day, you can visit Montmartre Hill. It is a picturesque district of Paris that is considered the neighborhood of artists.
Just like every day, start with your regular coffee, but this time takeaway.
You will now begin to ascend to La Basilique du Sacre Coeur. It is a temple at the top of the hill with an incredible view of Paris. You can sit on the steps to rest and enjoy the view.
Le Mur des Je t’aime– The wall where the phrase “I love you” is written in 311 languages of the world.
Dali Museum – There is also the museum dedicated to Salvador Dali where there are many of his works.
You can also dine at one of the many restaurants in Place Tertre.
Also, you can go through the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret located in the area.
Check also “Paris: 10 wonderful shots“
Day 4
A boat ride on the Seine is considered as “a must” when visiting Paris. You can do this with Bateaux Mouches. The price for adults is 14 € / person. It lasts 1 hour and you can see many famous places in the city such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, etc.
For the rest of the day, I will suggest you see Paris mainly while walking. From the Bateaux Mouches, you can walk to the Champs Elysees Avenue where in the background you will see the Arc de Triomphe.
There you will pass by famous fashion stores.
Then, you can use the subway to go to:
Galeries Lafayette– The famous shopping center in Paris where you don’t have to go shopping alone. There you will see the impressive glass dome on the roof of the building. You can also dine at the rooftop restaurant overlooking Paris. From there you can walk to:
Opera Garnier – the headquarters of the Paris Opera. In case you want to watch a show, prepare yourself because you must have booked tickets even a year ago. However, you can take a tour to see its interior.
Then you can walk to the Le Marais area. You will follow the Rue du 4 Septembre where you will see many buildings with the classic architecture of Paris.
Le Marais – This is a very beautiful and lively area of Paris. It has many places for evening entertainment that attract a lot of people. In this district you can find, according to critics, the best crepe in the world at Breizh Cafe as well as the best eclairs in the world at L ‘Eclair De Genie. In the evening you can have a drink on the terrace of the Le BHV Marais department store, which is a meeting point for colleagues after work.
Day 5
Palace of Versailles – located about 40 minutes from the center of Paris. Admission for people under 26 is free and over 26 is 18€ -27€. It became famous by the couple Louis IX and Maria Antoinette as well as the stories that are heard about it. There you will see the palace, the gardens, various exhibitions, etc.
From there, if you have time, you can visit another suburb of Paris:
La Defense – there is the steel arch of La Defense which is aligned with the Arc de Triumph in the center of Paris.
The best Instagram Spots are the following:
- Trocadero
- Bir Hakeim bridge
- Arc du Tiumph – middle of the street
- Buren columns (Jardins du Palais Royal)
- Louvre Pyramid
- Rue de l’Universite
- Sacre Coeur stairs
In a city like Paris, you have to take away the stress of seeing all the sights that you are “supposed to” visit. Walk, sit in a store that appeals to you, ask locals what to do, and spend your time like them. In that way you will definitely enjoy it and you will see Paris from another point of view, which will make it even more attractive.
By Giorgos Boznos
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