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Paris, France - Eiffel Tower and Seine River cover photo

5-Day Paris Spring Discovery

⚖️Balanced Mix
5 daysspring

Experience the best of Paris in spring with iconic sights, charming neighborhoods, and delightful local experiences that will make you want to pack your bags now.

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Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Paris, France, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1City Introduction & Iconic Sights
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~3 hours

Start your day by joining a free walking tour departing from Place Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter. This tour provides a fantastic introduction to Paris with insights into its history and culture.

Book FREE walking tour
Late Morning

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

Head to the Champ de Mars neighborhood to see the iconic Eiffel Tower. Consider booking your ticket online in advance to avoid long queues.

4.7(481k reviews)~2 hours
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Afternoon

Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées

Walk along the famous Champs-Élysées avenue starting from Place de la Concorde towards the Arc de Triomphe. Plenty of cafes and shops to explore.

4.7(6k reviews)~2 hours
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Late Afternoon

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe

Visit the Arc de Triomphe atop the roundabout of Place Charles de Gaulle. Climb up for panoramic views of Paris.

4.7(285k reviews)~1 hours
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Evening
Try a rooftop bar in the city

~2 hours

Find a rooftop bar in central Paris with views of the city skyline. It’s a perfect spot to unwind with a drink and watch the sunset.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Macaron
Breakfast€5

Find a local bakery near the Latin Quarter and try a freshly baked macaron with your morning coffee.

Macaron
Ratatouille
Lunch€20

Look for a bistro on Champs-Élysées or nearby streets and order a classic French ratatouille, a vegetable stew bursting with flavors.

Ratatouille
Wine
Dinner€25

Choose a casual rooftop bar in the city center and order some light dishes like cheese plates and enjoy a glass of French wine while taking in the views.

Wine
Use the Metro system to get around efficiently. For taxis, Uber, Bolt, and Heetch are popular apps, with a typical fare of €2.5 per km.
Hotel in Le Marais (central and historic district with vibrant streets and great access to sights)
€90-120/night

Le Marais offers a fantastic central location with charming streets, perfect for exploring iconic Paris landmarks and enjoying lively cafes nearby.

Day 2Historic Heart of Paris
Morning

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

Arrive early to avoid crowds. The museum is huge so focus on highlights like Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Enter via Rue de Rivoli.

4.7(361k reviews)~3 hours
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Afternoon

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit the iconic cathedral on Île de la Cité. Check out the facade and the nearby square for atmosphere.

4.7(86k reviews)~1.5 hours
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Late Afternoon

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle

Located near Notre-Dame, admire its stunning stained glass windows. Best visited in good daylight.

4.6(48k reviews)~1 hours
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Evening
Find a local bistro for dinner

~2 hours

Explore the Latin Quarter for authentic bistro vibes. Look for menus featuring classic French dishes and a cozy ambiance.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a café near the Louvre and order a freshly baked croissant with café au lait for a classic French start.
€5-8
Lunch
Look for a small café by Notre-Dame and try a savory crepe with ham and cheese. It’s filling and budget-friendly.
€10-15
Coq au vin
Dinner€25-35

In the Latin Quarter, find a local bistro and order Coq au vin, a traditional French chicken stew braised in wine. Pair it with a glass of red wine for an authentic experience.

Coq au vin
Use Paris Metro and buses to get around the city center efficiently. For faster travel, use Uber or Bolt; expect about €2.5/km for taxis.
Hotel in Le Marais (historic district with charming streets and central location)
€90-120/night

Le Marais is a lively, central area giving easy access to the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and lots of dining options nearby.

Day 3Art and Gardens
Morning

Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay

Start your morning exploring the impressive Musée d'Orsay located on Rue de Lille. Enjoy the magnificent collection of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including impressionist masterpieces.

4.8(111k reviews)~3 hours
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Afternoon

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

In the afternoon, stroll through the beautifully landscaped Jardin des Tuileries between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. Look for the main entrance near Rue de Rivoli to enter this historical garden.

4.6(117k reviews)~2 hours
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Late Afternoon

Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens

Late afternoon at Luxembourg Gardens in the Latin Quarter is perfect for relaxation. Enter via Rue de Médicis or Rue de Vaugirard and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with beautifully arranged flower beds and statues.

4.7(123k reviews)~2 hours
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Evening
Attend a cultural performance at an offbeat venue

~3 hours

Attend an evening cultural performance at an unconventional venue. Search for events in the vibrant Bastille or Marais neighborhoods which often host avant-garde theater or jazz performances off the usual tourist path.

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Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a café near Musée d'Orsay and order a croissant with a café au lait for a classic French start to your day.
~5 EUR
Ratatouille
Lunch~20 EUR

Look for a bistro close to Jardin des Tuileries and try Ratatouille, a flavorful Provençal vegetable stew, often served with crusty bread.

Ratatouille
Escargots
Dinner~25 EUR

Seek out a cozy restaurant near Luxembourg Gardens and order Escargots, a traditional French dish of snails cooked with garlic and parsley butter.

Escargots
The best way to get around these central locations is by Metro or bus. Use Uber, Bolt, or Heetch for taxis which cost around 2.5 EUR per km when you want more comfort or convenience.
Hotel in Historic Heart of Paris (central neighborhood near the Seine river and major museums)
$90-110/night

Staying here keeps you close to all your art and garden visits and offers easy access to public transport for exploring more of Paris.

Day 4Montmartre and Local Flavors
Morning

Montmartre

Montmartre

Explore the charming streets of Montmartre beginning from Place du Tertre, known for its artists and bohemian vibe. Look for local art studios and quaint cafés along Rue Lepic. This area is steeped in history and offers lovely views of Paris.

4.7(159k reviews)~2.5 hours
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Late Morning

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit the iconic white basilica at the summit of Montmartre hill. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy panoramic views over Paris from the dome. Don't miss the beautiful mosaics inside and the peaceful gardens around.

4.7(159k reviews)~1.5 hours
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Afternoon
Explore a local food market

~2 hours

Head to a traditional food market such as Marché Saint-Pierre or Marché des Enfants Rouges. Sample fresh produce, cheeses, and pastries. Try to find stands offering local specialties and chat with vendors for tips on the best seasonal items.

Evening
Try a traditional bakery tasting

~1.5 hours

Discover authentic Parisian bakeries in the Montmartre neighborhood. Look for a tasting platter featuring classic treats like macarons, tarte tatin, and crème brûlée desserts. This is the perfect way to finish your day with sweet French flavors.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a café near the Montmartre metro station and order a coffee with freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat. Enjoy these buttery, flaky pastries that start your day with classic French bakery flavor.
Around 7 EUR
Coq au vin
LunchAround 20 EUR

Look for a casual bistro close to Sacré-Cœur offering coq au vin, a slow-cooked chicken dish in red wine sauce, paired with a simple green salad. This traditional hearty meal provides great energy for your afternoon.

Coq au vin
Crème brûlée
DinnerAround 15 EUR

Seek out a cozy bakery in Montmartre that offers a tasting platter with macarons, tarte tatin, and crème brûlée. Enjoy these iconic French desserts that highlight local flavors and craftsmanship.

Crème brûlée
The best way to get around Montmartre and nearby areas is by using Paris Metro and bus services. For short hops, taxis are affordable at about 2.5 EUR per km. Use Uber, Bolt, or Heetch apps for the most convenient rides.
Hotel in Montmartre (historic artistic neighborhood with great city views)
$100-130/night

Staying in Montmartre puts you right in the heart of today's activities and offers a unique atmosphere with easy access to public transport.

Day 5Versailles and Charming Neighborhoods
Morning

Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Allow at least three hours to explore the grand palace and its stunning gardens. Start at the main entrance and be sure to check the King's State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors.

4.6(163k reviews)~3 hours
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Afternoon

Île Saint-Louis

Île Saint-Louis

Wander this charming island in the Seine with its historic architecture and cozy streets. Explore Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île for quaint shops and cafés.

4.6(639 reviews)~2 hours
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Late Afternoon
Visit a bookshop with historic charm

~1.5 hours

Look for a bookshop near the Sorbonne or Latin Quarter that features antique collections and classic literary ambiance. These can often be found along Rue Saint-Jacques.

Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Evening
Find a neighborhood garden to relax in

~1 hours

Head to the peaceful Jardin des Plantes or the smaller Square René Viviani on the Left Bank for a quiet garden setting to unwind after your day.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local bakery around the Versailles area and try a classic French baguette sandwich with ham and cheese for a fresh start to your day.
~4 EUR
Coq au vin
Lunch~20 EUR

Look for a traditional bistro near Île Saint-Louis and order Coq au vin, a rich chicken stew slow-cooked with wine, mushrooms, and onions.

Coq au vin
Dinner
Enjoy dinner in a café near the Latin Quarter and try Ratatouille, a flavorful mix of stewed vegetables typical of southern France.
~18 EUR
The Metro and RER trains are the best ways to get to Versailles and back. Within Paris, use the Metro, bus, or reliable taxi apps like Uber, Bolt, or Heetch with taxis costing around 2.5 EUR per kilometer.
Hotel in Latin Quarter (historic and vibrant neighborhood on the Left Bank)
$100-130/night

Staying here gives easy Metro access to Versailles and central Paris attractions as well as many dining and nightlife options.

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$110
Food / day$22
Transport / day$8
Activities / day$20
Daily total$160
Trip total$800

Accommodation based on $100/night converted to USD. Food includes restaurant and street food average. Transport includes local public transit and occasional taxi. Activities budget allows for entry fees and experiences.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Public Transport: Metro, Bus, RER with excellent quality and coverage
Best Taxi Apps: Uber, Bolt, Heetch
Language: French is official, but English is widely understood
Food Prices: Restaurant meal ~ $22, Street food ~ $8 in USD
Accommodation: Hotel rooms average $110 per night
Healthcare Quality: Excellent healthcare services available
Walkability: Excellent walkability score 9/10 for city exploration
Weather Tip: Best to visit in May, June, or September for pleasant spring weather
Vaccinations: Recommended: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Influenza

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