Your Guide to a First Trip to Paris: A Local-Approved 5-Day Itinerary
A lot of people either seem to fall in love or disdain with Paris, but as a local having lived here for years – I feel that a lot of people fail to get to know the city’s true personality while on a first trip to Paris, which can easily sway their perception of what I and many others consider the most beautiful city in the world.
View of Paris from Hôtel Dames des Arts; July 2024
On a first trip to Paris, many people plan to see the main sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Sacré-Cœur – but as a result, many tourists can miss the parts of Paris that make it so wonderfully moody and unique.
As someone who has lived in Paris for years and shown friends and family Paris for the first time, multiple times – I’m going to share with you all of the best things to see and do during your first trip to Paris, including my local approved 5 day Paris trip itinerary to help make the most of your time here.
Is 5 Days Enough for a First Trip to Paris?
Yes, 5 days is excellent amount of time to see all of the major sites and more in Paris – as you’ll have time to visit both museums and tourist hot spots while also having time to do what Paris is best known for: wandering narrow, cobblestone streets, perusing small boutiques, and people watching from parks or cafés.
Spending five days in Paris is enough time to scratch beyond the surface, and leave time for exploring more local neighborhoods, markets, and coffee shops.
In 5 days in Paris, you’ll easily be able to see several iconic monuments and places in Paris like:
🥐✨ Iconic Monuments to See in Paris on a First Trip
🗼 Eiffel Tower
The most iconic landmark in Paris and a true bucket list spot on a first trip. Whether you go all the way up or just admire it from below, it’s worth seeing at least once — especially sparkling at night.
🎨 Louvre
Home to the Mona Lisa and one of the most famous museums in the world. Even if you’re not a huge museum person, the Louvre is iconic for the art, the architecture, and the overall Paris experience.
⛪ Notre Dame
A historic Paris landmark on the Île de la Cité and one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world. Even if you only see it from the outside, it’s still a must-stop while walking around central Paris.
🤍 Sacré-Cœur
Sitting at the top of Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur offers one of the best panoramic views in Paris. The area around it is also incredibly charming, and it’s the perfect place to wander slowly with a coffee.
🌀 Arc de Triomphe
One of the most impressive monuments in Paris, right at the center of the city’s most famous avenues. It’s worth visiting for the history, the scale, and the views down the Champs-Élysées.
🏛️ Panthéon
An underrated Paris monument in the Latin Quarter that feels grand, elegant, and deeply historic. It’s a beautiful stop if you want something a little quieter than the main tourist hotspots — but still iconic.
View of Arc de Triomphe in Paris; July 2021
What Should I Prioritize Seeing on a First Trip to Paris?
On a first trip to Paris, you should try to make time for all of the iconic Parisian monuments, but still just be in the city of lights – such as walking along the seine, sitting in a café for hours, or exploring some of the city’s best neighborhoods like Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Personally, I find things like the MET, High Line, and Brooklyn less important for a first trip to NYC – those can be done on return trip once you’ve already familiarized yourself with the city.
Paris is also known for it’s incredible French cuisne, meaning while you’re here you’ll want to try:
🥐🍫 Food to Try in Paris (On Your First Trip)
🥞 Crêpes
Try to not have the ones in stands right next to major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe — not that they aren’t good, just too expensive. Opt for ones in Montmartre in small streets or along the Seine.
🥐 Croissant
A classic Paris staple that’s truly worth trying fresh. Any non-chain bakery will be good.
🍫 Pain au Chocolat
My personal favorite — and the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. Same for any non-chain bakery… it’ll be good.
🥖 Baguette
Go first thing in the morning for it to be fresh! There’s nothing like a warm Paris baguette straight from the bakery.
☕🍫 Chocolat Chaud
Best in the winter. Some local places that do a great chocolat chaud include Louise Café and Malabar — but the ones at Café de Flore and Carrette will likely appeal more to tourists and are also fine.
🍷 Foie Gras
Rich, very French, and honestly such a unique thing to try while you’re in Paris. If you want a true “only in France” food experience, foie gras is one of the most iconic.
My first trip to Paris itinerary will provide a calm but productive trip plan for first timers in Paris who love to walk, but also see as much as they possibly can while traveling – leaving lots of room for time to live like a local in Paris during your first trip here!
Is Paris Worth Visiting for a First Trip?
Yes, Paris is absolutely worth visiting for a first trip – as it truly is the most beautiful city in the world. Anyone I have ever asked on a first trip to Paris has always told me that the city exactly matched their expectations from movie screen to real life.
Who Should Visit Paris?
Paris is perfect for people who prefer smaller cities that can emulate both high energy but also a peaceful aura when wanted. I also find Paris best for people who love art, beauty, history, and taking time to pause – as a lot of life in Paris is based on taking time to reflect on everything you’ve resigned to.
Who Might Struggle on a First Trip to Paris?
In all honestly, if you don’t speak basic French – your first trip to Paris will be a little bit more on the unpleasant side than if you could speak the language.
I have seen this time and time again with friends and family who visit Paris without me and struggle to communicate, and get some stereotypical French rudeness – all of which vanishes the day I join them and speak on their behalf.
If you’re someone who loves traveling to connect with others and verbally communicate, Paris may not be the best place for that – as it’s a city where solitude is predominantly demonstrated and expected, both for locals and tourists alike.
View of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris; September 2025
Quick Recap: Where to Stay in Paris for a First Visit
I find the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors in Paris to be Saint-Germain-des-Près or anywhere in the 1st arrondissement – as you’ll either be walking distance to a lot of places, or have incredible access to any trains and public transportation you might need to easily get around Paris.
Where Should I Not Stay on a First Trip to Paris?
On a first trip to Paris, I would avoid staying in neighborhoods like Belleville, Stalingrad, and even Montmartre – not because they are completely unsafe, but because they are further away from the rest of Paris, and you’ll easily spend 30 to 45 minutes getting to the main touristic things you’ll want to see while in Paris.
This is because of these locations are more isolated and further away from “tourist central” Manhattan – and I could see a first timer quickly becoming agitated with not knowing which direction to head in when leaving and returning to their hotel every day.
The overview cards below will help you to choose some places to stay on a first trip to Paris:
🗺️ Where to Stay in Paris on a First Trip
💸 Super Budget or Low Walking Tolerance
If you have an unlimited budget or low walking tolerance: stay in “downtown” Paris in the 1st arrondissement in either Les Halles, Palais Royal, or anywhere alongside Rue du Rivoli — as you’ll be walking distance to lots of tourist attractions and always have easy access to Châtelet, Paris’s busiest and most connected metro station.
🚶♀️ Medium Walking Tolerance
Medium walking tolerance and want to save a little money: you can try a neighborhood in Paris such as Montparnasse, Invalides, or places near Jardin des Plantes. These are all roughly 20–40 minutes walking away from major things you’ll want to see in Paris.
👟 High Walking Tolerance + Low Budget
High walking tolerance and super budget: aim to stay in a safe, residential neighborhood well connected by public transportation such as Batignolles in the 17th, Alésia in the 14th, or Place d’Italie in the 13th — all of which border other populated neighborhoods like the 6th, 7th, and 8th — all of which you will be sure to visit during your first trip to Paris.
Getting Around Paris (What First-Timers Need to Know)
Paris is one of the most walkable cities on the planet – contrary to what I feel many people see in movies with people riding on Vespas or in limos. As a whole, I always encourage tourists, even those on their first trip to Paris, to try and walk as much as they can – as it’s always prettier to see Paris above ground than underneath it in the metro.
You can walk across the city of Paris in 2 hours, which is why I always encourage travelers to Paris to walk as much as they can – as they can really see a lot of the major sites on foot!
How to Use the Metro in Paris
As someone living in Paris, I am not going to lie to you – I try to avoid taking the metro as much as possible.
Ever since the Olympics, the prices for Paris metro tickets has continued to increase year by year for tourists and residents alike – with the most recent increase being a single metro ride in Paris now costs €2,55 for tourists and €2,04 for residents with a Navigo Liberte + card (a pay as you go metro card, where having a French bank account is required to obtain it).
I often see tourists struggling to get a day, or multiple day, pass in Paris at the machine – and what I suggest is either having a local help you to get a pay-as-you-go rechargeable card (where you’ll choose how many single trips you want) or asking for it at the counter. Don’t pay for the day or region passes, you’ll be paying too much and trust me – you’ll end up walking more in Paris than you think.
On the flip side, the best thing about the Paris metro is that it’s easy for tourists to navigate – the colored and numbered lines each go in two different, clear directions. The only thing to be aware of is that there are a lot of stairs in the metro and it isn’t very handicap friendly – especially in older metro stations with older lines such as line 6, 8, and 10.
Pink Sunset in Paris; January 2026
When Should I Take the Metro vs. Walk in Paris
There are lots of places in Paris where it ends up not ever being worth it to take the metro, and you may as well just walk.
I honestly try to walk most places in Paris, with the only exceptions being if I am carrying luggage or heavy equipment – or in a time crunch to get to work or somewhere with friends.
🚇👟 When to Take the Metro vs. When to Walk in Paris
The overview cards below will help you realize when to take the metro or to walk in Paris: (i.e., routes with cobblestones that could annoy you for a long time, something so close like Arc de Triomphe to Eiffel Tower, metro when it is something really far and uphill like Montmartre)
📍 When it’s under ~25 minutes on foot
If Google Maps says it’s around 10–25 minutes, walking is usually the move — you’ll see the city, avoid transfers, and it often takes about the same amount of time door-to-door.
⏱️ When it’s 30+ minutes (or you’re crossing Paris)
If the walk is 30–60 minutes (or more), take the metro — especially if you’re crossing from one side of the city to the other and want to protect your energy for sightseeing.
🗼 When you’re going between nearby icons
Paris is surprisingly walkable in the center. Some routes are so close that it’s worth walking — like the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower if you want the scenic experience and a classic Paris stroll.
⛰️ When it’s uphill (hello Montmartre)
If you’re heading somewhere really far and uphill like Montmartre, the metro is your best friend — you’ll save your legs for wandering once you actually get there.
🌤️ When the weather is nice (or you want a reset)
Walking in Paris is perfect when the weather is nice — it breaks up your day, and the streets are half the experience. If you’re feeling overstimulated, a walk is an easy way to regroup.
👜 When you’re carrying bags or on a tight schedule
If you’ve got luggage, shopping bags, or a timed ticket/reservation, take the metro — it’s the most reliable way to avoid arriving late (or already annoyed).
🧱 When cobblestones will annoy you long-term
Some Paris streets are gorgeous but cobblestoned — and if you’re not in the mood to deal with it for a long time (or your shoes aren’t cooperating), walking can start feeling way longer than it looks on the map.
🌧️ When it’s raining, cold, or you’re exhausted
On rainy days (or when you’re tired and over it), take the metro. You’ll move faster and you won’t show up soaked, freezing, or drained.
The Best 5-Day Paris Itinerary
Day 0: Travel Day & Arriving into Paris
Most Paris guides will start at day 1, or your first full day in the city – but I’m starting from where the cultural and “foreign” experience really beings: the moment you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (where you will most likely fly into when visiting Paris for the first time).
How do I Get to Paris from Charlles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport?
I’m not going to lie to you, getting from CDG to Paris can be a real pain on public transportation – it isn’t the fastest, and lugging suitcases up and down those stairs is really unpleasant – especially after a long plane ride.
Here are the four main ways you can get to Paris from the airport:
✈️🚆 How to Get into Paris from CDG Airport
The overview cards below will reveal how to get into Paris from CDG:
🚆 RER B
RER B allows you to transfer at Gare du Nord or Châtelet, and it’s around 40 minutes to Gare du Nord from the airport — but remember you’ll be carrying those suitcases in the metro.
🚌 Roissy Bus
My personal favorite. Depending on the hour, if you leave early enough it can be very empty — and if no traffic it can be a 25–30 min straight shot to the airport from Opéra.
🚕 Taxi or Uber
This is what I personally do when I go on a trip with big luggage, such as between France and the US. Cost can vary between the hours or which direction you’re going, but I usually pay between 35 and 50€. Taxis have a flat rate of 65€ for left bank and 56€ to right bank, so don’t get an uber if the price is higher than this — just take a taxi.
🚄 CDG Express (Coming 2027)
Coming in 2027, the new CDG express will take you to Gare d’Est within 20 minutes.
For the first half day or night in Paris, I strongly suggest settling in, getting freshened up, and going to dinner at a nearby brasserie or café – just to get a first taste of the city’s personality and life in Paris.
View of Eiffel Tower from the street where the Panthéon is located; December 2025
Day 1: Louvre, Champs Élysées, Eiffel Tower & First Impressions
This first full day in Paris will let you have a few first impressions of the city, but also let you see some of Paris’s most iconic monuments and places.
Here’s the order I recommend visiting each place, presuming you start at the Louvre and make your way west towards the Eiffel Tower – but feel free to reverse the order to make the last location closest to your accommodation.
Day 1 Paris Morning
You can’t take on Paris without first heading to a bakery and having a cup of coffee. A general tip is, if you see a bakery with a long line at all hours of the day – it’s usually a really good one, approved by locals and not just tourists.
Once you’ve had your petit-dejeuner, head to the Louvre (where you must book tickets, online and in advance now – regardless of the time of day or time of year).
Pro-Tip: If you’re first trip to Paris and the day you plan to go to the Louvre falls on the first Sunday of the month – try to visit the Louvre a different day, as everyone who lives in Paris will be there as anyone can enter any museum free of charge in Paris on the first Sunday of every month year-round.
🇫🇷☀️🎨☕ Paris Day 1 Morning Checklist
🕒 30 minutes
📍 1.5 miles / ~2.4 km
Right about now, you’ll probably want to break for lunch – head to any nearby café or brasserie (the repeated menu gets old to locals, but I think first time tourists in Paris should try it at least once).
View of the Panthéon from Jardin du Luxembourg; August 2024
Day 1 Paris Afternoon
🇫🇷⛅🎨☕ Paris Day 1 Afternoon Checklist
🕒 40 minutes
📍 1.9 miles / ~3.1 km
Day 1 Paris Evening
By this point it’s either early evening or after you’ve sat on the lawn at the Eiffel Tower and seen her sparkle for the first time.
What Times Does the Eiffel Tower Sparkle?
Just a reminder, here’s when the Eiffel Tower will sparkle every night depending on the month you’re visiting:
✨🗼 What Time Does the Eiffel Sparkle Every Night?
| Month | Sparkle Start Time |
|---|---|
| January ❄️ | 6pm/18:00 |
| February 🌹 | 7pm/19:00 |
| March ☁️ | 8pm/20:00 |
| April ☔️ | 9pm/21:00 |
| May🌷 | 10pm/22:00 |
| June ☀️ | 11pm/23:00 |
| July 🏖️ | 11pm/23:00 |
| August 🌴 | 10pm/22:00 |
| September 🍂 | 9pm/21:00 |
| October 🍁 | 8pm/20:00 |
| November ☕️ | 7pm/19:00 |
| December 🎄 | 6pm/18:00 |
Pro-Tip: The time the Eiffel Tower sparkles can depend on the weather, as it has light sensors in it to determine when it starts to turn golden in accordance with how gloomy it is outside. For instance, if it’s a rainier day – the Eiffel Tower may sparkle earlier than on a super sunny one in the middle of summer.
After seeing the Eiffel Tower, I really recommend walking to Pont Alexandre iii as it’s not far from here (around a 17-minute walk). You’ll get to see Invalides lit up and golden at night, and this iconic view that you have undoubtedly seen in movies and T.V. shows.
P.S. – If you’re hotel requires you to take line 6 home and you’re heading toward Étoile, be sure to look out the window to your left for a special surprise…
Rest up and get ready for another full day in Paris tomorrow!
Pink Sunset with the Eiffel Tower in Paris; January 2026
Day 2: Notre-Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg & Latin Quarter
The second full day on your first trip to Paris will take you through some of the things you may not have heard of, but are completely worth seeing – with a good mix of things on your tourist checklist and more local lifestyle moments to sum up the day.
Day 2 Paris Morning
🌸⛪🥂 Paris Day 2 Morning: Notre Dame, Gardens, & Fun Neighborhoods
🕒 29 minutes
📍 1.5 miles / ~2.4 km
View of the Panthéon in Paris; November 2025
Day 2 Paris Afternoon
By this point, it’s likely mid to early afternoon – making it the perfect time to either grab a bite at Shakespeare & Company itself, or even better – in the Latin Quarter or picnicking in Jardin du Luxembourg.
Some of my favorite places in the Latin Quarter include any of the falafel fast food stands or cafés on the other streets such as Rue de la Harpe – which is also one of Paris’s prettiest streets, so be sure to walk down it while you’re here!
🌸⛪🥂 Paris Day 2 Afternoon: Notre Dame, Gardens, & Fun Neighborhoods
🕒 29 minutes
📍 1.4 miles / ~2.2 km
View Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris; July 2021
Day 2 Paris Evening
By now, it’s early evening – you have four options:
✨ Evening Options for Paris (Pick Your Vibe)
🍷 Cozy Dinner (Local Spot)
Walk by Hôtel de Ville and then head to the little square where L’Étincelle is on rue de Rivoli for a cozy dinner in a local spot! You could also head for dinner in the Latin Quarter if you had lunch in Jardin du Luxembourg earlier.
🛍️ Shop Some More
Between rue de Rivoli and the earlier streets you saw today, you could shop until you drop in Paris this evening!
🗼 Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Picnic again at the Eiffel Tower — this was my preferred option every time I visited Paris.
🍸 Rooftop or Local Bar
The 5th and 6th have some amazing bars, either local or with views. I love Place de la Contrescarpe for a local feel, and Hôtel Dame des Arts for a stunning view of Paris — but just keep in mind, rooftop bars in Paris are usually closed in the winter months (Oct to March).
Day 3: Montmarte, Moulin Rouge & Galleries Lafayette
On the third day of your first trip to Paris, it’s time to see some of the spots further up north in the city we haven’t yet hit – including Pigalle, Opéra, and Montmartre.
Be sure to wear your best walking shoes this day, as we’ll do a lot of walking – especially with all of the hills in Montmartre.
Once again, here’s my itinerary for day 3 in Paris – I really recommend keeping the order here and going to Montmarte first, as it’s bound to get crowded as the day goes on. If you’re third day in Paris happens to be on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday in France – please switch this day for another day, as Montmartre is beautiful but a terrible place to be if you’re claustrophobic and hate crowds.
Day 3 Paris Morning
First off, I would plan to spend at least a half-day in Montmarte – and I would make it the first half of the day, starting as early as possible in the morning. Trust me, you want to be at Montmartre as early as possible – as this is one of the most congested places in Paris for locals and tourists alike.
You can either take the steps up to the top, or you can take the funicular to get up close and personal with the Sacré-Cœur – it costs the same as a single-ride metro ticket (around €2,55 as of 2026).
While in Montmarte, be sure to see:
🎨🤍 Iconic Places to See in Montmartre
⛪ Sacré-Cœur
The most iconic spot in Montmartre — and one of the best views in Paris. You can even go up to the top, just prepare for more claustrophobia.
🎨 Place du Tertre
A square surrounded by cafés and galleries, with artists painting live in front of you in the middle. It’s one of the most classic “Montmartre moments” you can experience.
🌸 La Maison Rose
The pink café on the prettiest street in Paris . It’s actually a delicious place to eat, but make reservations beforehand and check the opening hours as they’re subject to change!
💌 The Wall of Love
A wall with “I love you” written in over 250 languages! A quick stop, but such a cute and unique photo spot.
🌇 Place Dalida
Beautiful views of the Sacré-Cœur and Rue de l’Abreuvoir. One of the prettiest little corners of Montmartre to wander through slowly.
🌿 Parc de la Turlure
Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure — despite its absurdly long name, this park is anything but obnoxious. It’s nestled in a soft spot behind the Sacré-Cœur with stunning views and a peaceful pocket away from the busy nature of this bustling neighborhood.
Besides these must-see spots in Montmartre, wandering around the hilly streets of Montmartre is the best way to get a feel for this iconic Parisian neighborhood!
View of Montmartre from afar in Paris; March 2024
Day 3 Paris Afternoon
After your lunch in Montmartre (I highly recommend at least sitting at a café for a drink somewhere in Montmartre before heading to the next destination), we’ll take a short 10 to 15 minute walk to Moulin Rouge.
Personally, bedsides the famous red windmills – this isn’t really one of my favorite places in Paris, as it’s rough around the edges and not as family friendly. Feel free to spend some time here, but if you’re ready after snapping your photos – we’ll take a 20 minute walk down to Galeries Lafayette.
One of Paris’s most well-known department stores, this is a fun place to window shop, have a coffee at their rooftop bar or indoor café, or even to ice skate if you’re visiting Paris during Christmas.
You can also explore the rest of Boulevard Haussman and other stores such as Printemps or local cafés and shops along this major Parisian shopping street.
Day 3 Paris Evening
For tonight’s evening in Paris, I leave it up to you and you travel companions depending on what suits you most:
🌙✨ Evening Choices in Paris (Two Very Different Vibes)
🪩 Party in Pigalle
This is where all of my local friends will go if they’re planning to be out until 5am… personally not my thing, but if you’re young and want to see the nightlife in Paris, then this is the place to do it.
🍽️ Dinner Anywhere Else on Your List
Paris is full of amazing food! Whether it be French cuisine, an Asian place elsewhere in the 9th (and there’s a lot of it there!), or Italian — there are a lot of incredible restaurants to choose from in Paris.
Rue du Rivoli at night in Paris; January 2026
Day 4: Le Marais, La Seine, & Museum of Choice
Le Marais is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Paris, and tourists alike should explore this little gem in the center of the city.
I suggest spending your morning and lunch in Le Marais, as there are so many incredible places to eat in the neighborhood from falafel to delicious Israeli or Mediterranean spots that are harder to find elsewhere in the city.
Here’s what I recommend you see and do while in Le Marais:
💜 Best Things to See in Le Marais, Paris
🌳 Place des Vosges
One of the most peaceful parks in Paris, you can’t come to Le Marais without sitting here — either going to a nearby bakery, ice cream shop, or falafel stand and having a picnic here is the best.
🥙 L’As du Fallafel
Always with a long line no matter if it’s a Saturday at 2pm or Tuesday in the middle of the day — this is one of the most famous spots in Paris for falafel. If you can’t stomach the long wait times, I promise the falafel shop just across is just as good.
🛍️ Rue des Rosiers
This is textbook Paris — cobblestone streets, lots of little boutiques or cafés, and just overall charm.
Day 4 Paris Afternoon
By this point, it’s probably ealy afternoon – I suggest walking toward the seine from Le Marais and start walking back toward the center and in the direction of whichever museum you want to fill this afternoon with.
Museum ideas in Paris that aren’t the Lovure include:
🖼️ Best Museums in Paris (From a Local Perspective)
🎨 Musée d’Orsay
As someone who generally hates museums, I have to say – I actually really enjoy going to Musée d’Orsay. It’s home to one of two “Starry Night” paintings from Van Gogh, and has beautiful views of Paris from its windows. There’s also a really nice gift shop that isn’t insanely overpriced like the Louvre’s gift shops, filled with books and other Paris knick knacks to buy as gifts or souvenirs.
🗿 Musée Rodin
Another smaller, sculpture based museum – this is a great place if larger museums overwhelm you. Just beware, it can get warm in here – but they have a beautiful private garden you can access and enjoy afterwards.
🌿 Musée de l’Orangerie
Home to Monet’s famous water lily paintings, this one is right near the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries, and it is really beautiful – but not urgent for a first trip to Paris (hence, why it’s an option for an extra museum day). Just beware, this isn’t the best place for kids as it requires silence to respect Monet’s paintings.
Day 4 Paris Evening
This evening, do anything else that has been on your Paris list – whether it be a rooftop bar you’ve had saved on your phone for the longest time or heading to some other underrated part of the city.
If you’re looking for some more ideas, check out my whole articles on underrated places in Paris here.
Fun or nice restaurants I can recommend in Paris include:
🍷 Local-Approved Restaurants in Paris (From a Local Perspective)
| Restaurant | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|
| ☕ Café Esplanade | A little on the higher end, this place is perfect if you want a more upscale dinner – about a 15 to 20 minute walk away from the Eiffel Tower. |
| 🍝 Pink Mamma | After visiting with a college friend, I realized that this place is actually worth the social media hype it gets – as the interior is a cool place for photos, and the food is genuinely really good. |
| 🍕 Marcus Pizza Amore | Both plant-based and normal pizzas alike, this local-run pizza place is a hole in the wall place only a local could tell you about – nestled between République and Belleville, both more “rough around the edges” and local neighborhoods you may want to explore one night. |
Is There a Nice Place for Dinner Near the Eiffel Tower?
Whatever you do, I really recommend trying to avoid eating at a restaurant or café near the Eiffel Tower. As someone who lives in the neighborhood where the Eiffel Tower is and all of the tourists flee, the truth is we don’t really have nice, original restaurants here. Plus, they are all way overpriced for the basic meals you’ll get – and I have seen first-hand a lot of the waiters take advantage of tourists (i.e., getting them to tip when it isn’t required).
Eiffel Tower sparkling at night during the summer months; April 2022
Day 5: Free Day in Paris: Neighborhood Exploring & Final Favorites
Your last day during your first trip to Paris should either go to a day trip to Versailles or simply existing in Paris – this would include wandering around, sitting in a park with a book, people watching in a café, checking out the limited time art expositions, or neighborhood wandering.
Here’s an idea of some of the things I recommend doing on your fifth day during your first trip to Paris:
✨ Last Day in Paris Ideas (From a Local Perspective)
🏰 Day Trip to Versailles
If you love history or beautiful parks, then you won’t want to miss a trip to Versailles — though I have to say, this is much better in the spring or summer as the show stopper here are the beautiful gardens right outside of the palace.
🥐 Revisit Neighborhoods & Wander
This last day in Paris should be used to returning to your favorite places in the city and getting to know the area on a more intimate level: like trying local bakeries, fromageries, or coffee shops .
🖼️ Additional Museums
Paris is crawling with museums: from Palais de Tokyo, Musée Jacquemart-André, and Centre Pompidou planning to reopen in 2030 — Paris is made for art and museum lovers.
🪟 Sainte-Chapelle
If you didn’t get the chance before, I really recommend using your last day in Paris to check this church out — its colorful stained glass windows can’t be missed.
📚 Shakespeare & Company
Perhaps a bit covered in tourists, this bookshop is popular for good reason — and its café right next door is surprisingly good!
🌿 Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Kind of like Paris’s Central Park, this is the one spot in the city that feels completely submerged by nature and forest — offering views of both the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur from afar. However, if you’re visiting Paris in the winter, you may want to pass on this one — it’s really best in warmer months.
🌳 Coulée Verte René-Dumont
Serving as Paris’s version of the NYC High Line, the Coulée Verte is a beautiful garden that leads all the way to Jardin de Reuilly — allowing for beautiful views of Parisian rooftop buildings. This is your chance to feel like you’re walking right alongside the Haussmann style architecture, and the best part is it’s free.
🎨 Butte-aux-Cailles & 13th Arrondissement
As a hidden gem in Paris, this neighborhood is truly residential and charming in its own way — far away from the tourist crowds, allowing for a more true-to-local-Parisian-life experience.
View of Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement; December 2025
What to Book in Paris in Advance (and What You Can Wing)
In Paris, you can walk into several museums and buy a ticket the same day without a prior booking, just long wait times and making sure you aren’t there too late in the day. That being said, on the flip side, restaurants (meaning not typical cafés or brasseries) are almost always better to have booked in advance – even if it means calling for a reservation a couple of days in advance.
Notre-Dame you can wing. Saint-Chapelle you can wing. Even the Eiffel Tower you can wing. But for heaven’s sake, do not wing the Louvre – please buy a ticket in advance before your first trip to Paris.
Here’s what you should book advance in Paris and what you can probably wing:
📅✨ What to Book in Paris in Advance (and What You Can Wing)
Here’s what you should book in advance in Paris and what you can probably wing:
🎨 Louvre
If your heart is dead set on seeing the Mona Lisa while in Paris, then you should book your tickets as soon as possible — the chances of getting a ticket last minute during your trip are slim, even during off-season travel months.
🗼 Top of the Eiffel Tower
I’ve usually seen tickets for the Eiffel Tower available the same day, but it also depends on the season — if you’re traveling in the peak of summer (June to August) I would suggest trying to do it in advance. Also, make sure you don’t plan to go up the Eiffel Tower on a public holiday — as it’s often closed on days like bastille day .
🍽️ Restaurants
If you plan eating at any place that isn’t a typical café or brasserie, and entails indoor seating — I would book a reservation. This is referring to the kind of place in Paris where it closes mid-day and doesn’t open again until 7pm — these are the places where making a reservation is a good idea.
View of the Louvre; January 2026
Common Mistakes First-Time Paris Visitors Make
Living in Paris, I can now spot a tourist from a mile away – from the lingo, the way they dress, and the way they behave. It’s funny, because the number rule of travel safety is to blend in with the crowd and not draw attention to yourself – but I find first time travelers to Paris have a hard time with this.
Dressing Like Tourists
The number of tourists I have seen in Paris that make it painfully conspicuous that they don’t live in Europe is astounding.
If you wear a baseball cap, I know you’re American. If you’re not wearing muted colors, I know you’re not living in Paris. These are all expected, as we can’t expect visitors to assimilate entirely with our wardrobe – but please, don’t walk around with a barrette and come back later wondering why the older French waiter was annoyed with you every time you said “thank you” instead of “merci”…that one is really asking for it.
To blend in during your first trip to Paris, I suggest avoiding clichés like barrettes, stripes, and American “short shorts” – as all of these will be a dead giveaway you’re a tourist.
Wondering what to pack for your first trip to Paris? Be sure to check out my article on what I pack in the summer for a trip to Europe and my favorite amazon travel essentials for solo female travelers.
Taking Too Many Pictures
No other big city I visit often (London, New York City, etc.) seems to have this problem except for Paris.
When I first came to visit Paris in 2017, of course I took pictures – but I also took a lot of time to just enjoy the beauty around me. Now, even in small underrated places in Paris, I am often surrounded by tourists with selfie sticks or Tik Tokers trying to film a new viral reel.
Of course, bring your camera, because Paris is truly the most beautiful city in the world – but also try and remember that this city is best enjoyed unplugged and without flaunting it on social media.
I fear tourists who don’t follow this advice may not be full immersed or enjoying what Paris is all about – so please don’t try and obsessively capture Paris on camera and just enjoy your first trip to Paris while you’re here, in person!
View of the prettiest street in Paris: Rue de l'Abreuvoir; January 2026
Not Speaking Any French
I’m not going to lie, a big part of this is the French’s problem too – as they seem to expect tourists to show up speaking basic French when that’s simply not reality.
That being said, it is important to try and learn a few key in French for your first trip to Paris, such as words like:
🇫🇷 Basic French Words & Phrases to Know for a First Trip to Paris
👋 Bonjour
Bonjour: For the love of God, please preface everything you say in Paris with a “bonjour” before speaking in English. It sets the tone that you have at least made an attempt to speak French, and they’ll often be a little nicer afterward.
🙏 Merci
Merci: I have seen waiters give my family and friends some serious side eye when they say “thank you” at the table instead of “merci”.
🔎 Je cherche…
Je cherche… how to say, “I am looking for” — and then you can fill in the blank with the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or anything else.
🗣️ Parlez-vous anglais ?
Parlez-vous anglais ? Means “do you speak English?” They may say no outright, or “little bit” — but they’ll often try to at least help you.
🚪 Ouvert / Fermé
Ouvert / Fermé: Open/closed — good to know for restaurants, food stands, stores, and museums to read outside instead of solely relying on Google!
💶 Espèces / Carte
Espèces / Carte: Most things in Paris can be paid with Apple Pay or by card, but if you want to check out little markets or shop at the little bookstores along the Seine — you’ll need some euros in cash. The word in French is “espèces” if they ask how you are going to pay!
🇫🇷 FAQs About a First Trip to Paris 🇫🇷
My Honest Advice for Your First Trip to Paris
On your first trip to Paris, remember to take time and melt into what means most to the city – the art of doing nothing and appreciating the beauty around you. There will be other museums, famous monuments, and incredible food – but there is only one Paris where the magnetic charm of getting lost is unapologetically alluring.
View of Eiffel Tower and the rest of Paris from rooftop bar; July 2024
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Last updated: January 25, 2026