Falling in Love in 5 Days: An Unforgettable Paris Itinerary

Daydreaming of falling in love with the iconic city of Paris? Well, dream no more because now you can make it a reality! We've taken the guesswork out of how to spend a romantic five days in the City of Love.

This unforgettable itinerary includes all of the must-see attractions, charming strolls through hidden neighborhoods, and delicious local dining experiences. With our five-day plan, you’ll be able to explore Paris at your own leisurely pace and fall head over heels for this beautiful city.

We’ll show you all the best sites from the grandeur of Notre Dame Cathedral to the picturesque Tuileries Gardens, offer up insight on how to get around like a true Parisian, and share some tips on how to savor every moment in this breathtaking city. So take a deep breath and prepare yourself for an incredible journey!

Day 1 in the City of Love: Exploring the Heart of Paris

Let's start your Paris journey off right! From the brilliant architecture to the world-renowned cafes and restaurants, a day spent in Paris is sure to be nothing short of magical.

Day 1 is all about exploring the heart of the city, all within a 17-minute radius of Notre Dame. For starters, follow the Seine River for a self-guided walking tour around some of Paris' most iconic landmarks – you'll likely pass by The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries, Musée de l'Orangerie and of course, the incomparable Eiffel Tower.

But don't forget about taking a stroll down the Champs-Élysées – it's a great opportunity to take in the beauty of this vibrant city and shop 'till you drop along one of its most famous avenues. Plus, there's always an exciting array of street performers just waiting to be discovered!

Take as much time as you need to explore these remarkable sights – before you know it, your 5 days in Paris will have come and gone!

Day 2: Falling for the Eiffel Tower and Tasting French Cuisine

Ah, the Eiffel Tower! On your second day of your 5-day Paris getaway, we suggest that you fall in love with it. There's no better way to do this than by exploring all of the charming restaurants, bars and stores located onsite.

The Eiffel Tower has an incredible restaurant located on the 2nd floor, called "Le Jules Verne" – and we suggest you start here. With its stunning panoramic views of Paris, and its delicious French cuisine, it's an unforgettable place to grab a bite.

Or if you're looking for something a bit more low-key yet equally as delightful – no worries! There are plenty of great restaurants near the Eiffel Tower in Paris that will get the job done. Here are just 10 of our favorites:

Café Père & Fils — Café Père & Fils is a Parisian brasserie and coffee shop with outdoor seating for lunch and drinks.

Florence Kahn — This perfect little shop has a blue mosaic shopfront. They make really delicious sandwiches — try the pastrami.

ISTR — ISTR is extremely trendy and usually busy for dinner, but I highly recommend its happy hour, when the wine and oysters are cheap.

Divellec - Super trendy with a colorful and vegetal decor you’ll feel like you’ve hit upon a local neo-brasserie. Great for seafood lovers and you can also brunch here.

Chez L’Ami Jean- A bit on the pricey side – but if you want a real “authentic” french meal that won’t let you down, around a mix of people. Go here!

King Falafel Place — Some of the best falafel in Paris. There’s usually a line but it moves quickly.

Les Cocottes - So the concept is simple and stripped down from the well known French chef Christian Constant; food served in a Frenchy-styled cocotte on high stools. Nice small restaurants ( the portions are a bit on the small side too) but the food is good!

La Crêperie des Pêcheurs — This tiny to-go crêperie is the best in all of Paris (in my opinion). Cheap, delicious, and large portions — you can’t go wrong here.

Le Dit Vin — The prices are reasonable, there is a large wine selection, and the food is rich, savory, and delicious. The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh.

Carmin-Don’t judge the book by the cover, step inside the typical cafe to find a mix of “regular” food you’d find in Paris, but it’s dependable (steak, salmon tartare, burgers, salads..etc) and the decor is cosy.

No matter which restaurant you choose, know this: Paris is where culinary adventures live and dreams come true! So go ahead and savor the flavors of this beautiful city—you won't regret it.

Day 3: Getting Lost in the Louvre and Strolling the Champs-Élysées

On day 3, you'll be getting lost in the Louvre and strolling down the Champs-Élysées – so you better get ready for an unforgettable experience!

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum, and it contains some of human history's most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and The Coronation of Napoleon. It can definitely be a little overwhelming to enter one of the most popular tourist spots in Paris, but trust us—it's worth it. Don't forget to spend some time on each floor to take in all the stunning artwork.

After visiting the Louvre, make your way over to the Champs-Élysées–one of the most iconic and beautiful avenues in the world! Stretching 1.2 miles from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe, this avenue has it all—from designer shops to cinemas. Make sure you don't forget your camera – this place will be full of memorable moments you won't want to miss!

Day 4: Scaling the Steps of Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

On day four, it’s time to climb the steps of Montmartre and explore the Sacré-Cœur! This iconic monument is at the top of the hill in the 18th arrondissement and is another landmark you simply have to visit.

Sacré-Coeur stands at an impressive 83 meters tall and boasts a breathtaking view from its dome. But, before you can reach that finale, you'll have to climb 300 steps over 9 sections. Best of all, each section consists of 23-25 steps - so it's totally doable! Plus, on your way up you’ll be able to enjoy some incredible street art and check out the charming streets of Montmartre.

The rooftop area has its own charm too - with a café serving up delicious treats and souvenir shops for you to find mementos of your incredible trip. So take your time, soak up the views and make sure to appreciate this unforgettable experience.

Day 5: Indulging in Macarons and Crêpes Along the River Seine

It's your last day in Paris, and what better way to spend it than at the Seine River Cruise? This peaceful river cruise departs from the Eiffel Tower every hour and will take you on a delightful journey along the majestic Seine River.

Find yourself charmed by the magnificent views of Paris as you indulge in macarons and crêpes. With over 74093 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of the best macarons in Paris, you're sure to find a spot for some wonderful treats! And with its included tasting of French crepes at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, your romantic river cruise will be as memorable as ever.

So here's to a wonderful end to your 5 days in Paris—from exploring historical attractions to indulging in sweet treats! Bon voyage!

Saying Au Revoir to Paris: A Perfect 5-Day Itinerary

You only have 5 days in Paris, so it's important to make sure you make the most of your time there! Here's our suggested itinerary t hat will have you falling in love with this incredible city and feeling like a true local.

Day 1

Start off your journey by exploring the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre. Visit the fabled walls of Sacré-Cœur, wander through the colorful streets, and enjoy the breathtaking view from the hilltop. Grab a bite at one of its many charming cafes and dine on some delicious French pastries for dessert. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, spend your night bar-hopping around the area - just make sure you get enough sleep before day 2!

Day 2

Make your way to The Louvre Museum, where you can admire iconic pieces like the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Immerse yourself in art history as you take a tour around this epochal museum. Afterwards, explore Paris’ bustling markets like Marche des Enfants Rouges or Marche aux Puces de Vanves for some unique souvenirs - or treat yourself to a relaxing spa afternoon!

Day 3

Explore one of Paris’ grand green spaces: Jardin des Tuileries or Parc de la Villette are great options. Enjoy an outdoor picnic while marveling at these lush gardens or have leisurely stroll around these calming sanctuaries. Be sure to check out any cultural events happening at either park; these city hotspots are known for their lively music festivals during Summer months!

Day 4

Continue to explore Paris’ neighborhoods and cobblestone streets as you make your way over to more historic areas like Le Marais. Dine on authentic French cuisine at one of its many restaurants; from crepes to wines - get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience! Finish off with some shopping at chic boutiques or artisan jewelry stores; this area is known for its fashion sense after all.

Day 5

Take a breather before saying au revoir to Paris; spend some time at Champs-Elysees taking in all that the city has to offer - people-watching never gets old here! At night, soak up picturesque views from atop Notre Dame or take a romantic cruise on the River Seine until it's time to head back home. A 5-day trip will cost around $1000 (minus flights if necessary) but trust us, it'll totally be worth it!

Conclusion

After bathing in the beauty and culture of Paris, you can go home with a love affair that’ll last a lifetime. Five days in a city that magical is enough to make you fall head-over-heels in love. From the charming cafes to the iconic landmarks, you’ll be surrounded by beauty at every turn.

This unforgettable itinerary is the perfect way to take the time to get a true feel for a city beloved by so many. While exploring the Paris of your dreams, you’ll experience so much joy and love—the kind of love that only Paris can bring.