5 day itinerary for Paris

Itinerary

Paris is a city that can be enjoyed on a budget, and I’m excited to help you plan a fabulous 5-day itinerary. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Explore the Heart of Paris

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a classic French breakfast at a local boulangerie. Grab a croissant and a café au lait for around €5.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: Head over to Île de la Cité to admire the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral. While the interior is currently closed for renovations, the exterior is still breathtaking!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Grab a sandwich from a nearby café (around €6-€8).
• Sainte-Chapelle: Visit this stunning chapel known for its magnificent stained glass windows. Entry is about €11.50, but it’s worth it!
• Walk along the Seine: Stroll along the Seine River and take in the views. You can even stop by the famous bookstalls (bouquinistes) for some unique finds.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at a local bistro. Look for “plat du jour” options, which can be around €10-€15.
• Montmartre: Head to Montmartre for a leisurely evening. Explore the charming streets and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry) for a stunning view of the city at sunset.

## Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• Breakfast: Try a pain au chocolat and coffee for about €5.
• Louvre Museum: Visit the Louvre! Entry is €17, but if you go on the first Saturday of the month, it’s free after 6 PM. Alternatively, you can enjoy the beautiful courtyard and the glass pyramid for free.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Pack a picnic with goodies from a local market (around €8-€10) and enjoy it in the Tuileries Garden.
• Musée de l'Orangerie: Check out Monet’s Water Lilies here for €12. It’s a smaller museum, so it won’t take too long.

Evening:

• Dinner: Try a crepe from a street vendor (around €5-€7).
• Seine River Walk: Take a leisurely walk along the Seine, and if you’re up for it, grab a spot to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night (it lights up every hour on the hour).

## Day 3: Day Trip to Versailles

Morning:

• Breakfast: Grab a quick breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café.
• Versailles: Take the RER train to Versailles (about €7 round trip). Entry to the palace is €20, but you can explore the gardens for free on certain days.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab a sandwich in Versailles (around €8-€10).
• Explore the Gardens: Spend your afternoon wandering the beautiful gardens. If you’re there on a weekend, check out the musical fountain shows!

Evening:

• Return to Paris: Head back and enjoy dinner at a local eatery (around €10-€15).
• Champs-Élysées: Take a stroll down the famous avenue and enjoy the atmosphere.

## Day 4: Neighborhoods and Local Life

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a simple breakfast at a café (around €5).
• Le Marais: Explore the trendy Le Marais district. Visit the Place des Vosges and check out the boutiques and art galleries.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Try falafel from L’As du Fallafel (around €8).
• Picasso Museum: Visit the Picasso Museum (entry is about €14) or just enjoy the neighborhood’s vibe.

Evening:

• Dinner: Find a local bistro for a hearty meal (around €10-€15).
• Canal Saint-Martin: Spend your evening by the Canal Saint-Martin, a lovely area for a relaxed stroll.

## Day 5: Final Day of Exploration

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café (around €5).
• Eiffel Tower: Visit the Eiffel Tower area. You can take photos from the Trocadéro Gardens for free, or if you want to go up, book tickets in advance to save money.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Grab a baguette sandwich from a local shop (around €6-€8).
• Musee d'Orsay: Visit the Musée d'Orsay (entry is about €16). It’s home to an incredible collection of Impressionist art.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy your last meal at a local brasserie (around €10-€15).
• Montparnasse Tower: For a final view of the city, head to the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck (entry is about €18). It’s less crowded than the Eiffel Tower and offers stunning views!

Tips for Budget Travel in Paris:

• Public Transport: Get a carnet (a book of 10 tickets) for the metro to save money.
• Free Attractions: Many parks and gardens are free to enter, so take advantage of those!
• Lunch Specials: Look for lunch specials at restaurants, which are often cheaper than dinner menus.

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing time in Paris without breaking the bank! Enjoy every moment! 🌟