Paris in 5 Days

Check in and settle into one of the recommended hotels.

Walk along the Seine across to Pont Neuf and explore Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Cathedral just opened back up post fire, so be one of the first people to see its new and improved look. Take time to enjoy the gothic façade and the surrounding flower stalls.

Stop for coffee at Crème or Maison Matcha Paris. Both are popular modern cafés blending Parisian style with specialty drinks and excellent cookies.

Stroll the Latin Quarter and along the Seine. Take a leisurely walk through the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’ oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Wander past narrow, cobblestone streets lined with historic cafés, bookshops, and boutiques, soaking in the vibrant student and literary culture of the area.

Dinner at Chez Paul (classic bistro). Known for traditional French dishes in a warm, vintage setting. Indulge in some French wine and onion soup or peppercorn steak-frites.

Evening stroll along the Seine. Street musicians and glowing bridges set the perfect first-night atmosphere.

Morning: Walk to the Louvre Museum. Book an early timed entry with Fora and skip the long lines! Look for the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and The Coronation of Napoleon.

Head over to lunch at Carette or Les Deux Magots (both in Saint-Germain, quick walk across the Seine from Louvre).

Afternoon: Stroll over to Musée d’Orsay, a quick 10–15 min walk across the river and see some more art. Enjoy some Van Gogh and Degas!

Pastry stop: Cedric Grolet Opéra (metro 10–12 min ride). This is a famous luxury pastry shop where crowds gather and can look through the windows at the chef baking and decorating his pastries.

Dinner: La Poule au Pot near Les Halles, a popular shopping area.

Morning: Breakfast at Utopie or Mamiche (both in the 11th arrondissement). Utopie is known for their traditional baguettes, while Mamiche is know for their baguettes AND pastries.

Head up to Montmartre, a historic neighborhood in Paris known for its hills and small cobblestone streets. This was the area where most artists mingled and lived. So soak up the life of these streets as best you can. There are some great thrift and vintage stores in this neighborhood as well.

Visit Sacré-Cœur, the famous basilica of Montmartre at the top of the hill. Take some pics of the view from the steps when you're done, and even buy a lock to put on the famous love gate outside of Montmartre.

Dinner: Walk over to Pink Mamma for dinner, or try Pigalle for some traditional French dining.

Enjoy an evening show at Moulin Rouge. These tickets sell out quick, so make sure to book in advance or with a Fora advisor.

Morning: Stroll and shop down the Champs-Élysées, and climb the Arc de Triomphe for some great views of Paris.

Lunch: The Hood Paris or Gros Bao by the Marais.

Afternoon shopping:

• Galeries Lafayette (Boulevard Haussmann).

• La Grande Épicerie (7th arr., metro).

• Officine Universelle Buly 1803 (Left Bank boutique).

Vintage shopping: The Marais is filled with thrift and vintage stores curated for all different styles. Stroll around the streets, and walk into some stores like Free’P’Star, Kilo Shop, Guerrisol, and Goodjo.

Dinner: Le Chardonnay or Le Comptoir Général for another traditional French dinner that’s has a little more of a modern flare.

Drinks at Bisou to end the night.

Morning bakery: Grab a coffee at Buddy Buddy Cafe, a specialized nut butter cafe, and a pastry at Du Pain et des Idées, and go sit on the Canal Saint. Martin for a real local view.

Mid-afternoon stop: Take a short metro ride to the Opéra Garnier. Explore this architectural gem with its grand staircase, ornate chandeliers, and gilded halls. Touring gives a sense of Parisian elegance, and if your timing allows, catching a live performance—even a single act—is unforgettable. This is one of my favorite Paris gems!

Lunch/brunch at Café de la Paix or Angelina Paris Opéra.

Gift pickups: Grab some butter at La Grande Épicerie to vacuum seal and bring home with you! They also have other French goodies like chocolates, mustards, and condiments.

Evening picnic at the Eiffel Tower.

Metro to Trocadéro or Champ de Mars.

Have a picnic on the lawn outside the tower and watch it sparkle at 11 pm with cheese, wine, and bread.

Farewell toast in view of the tower!