Paris is always a good idea.
You’ll start day one of your Paris itinerary exploring the 1st arrondissement (district) and visiting the city center’s iconic monuments. But first, fuel up with breakfast at Baguett’s Café, where you can enjoy a classic French pastry alongside some organic eggs.
Baguett’s Café is located just outside of the Palais Royal. After breakfast, walk down the street to the Place Colette where you can see the famous Comédie Française Theater. Next, head up the street Av. de l’Opéra to reach Palais Garnier Opera House, which is where Phantom of the Opera takes place!
Head north to the Jardin du Palais Royal (Palais Royal Garden). King Louis XIV grew up here, but it’s now open to the public. The alleys of trees are great for a picturesque walk. The south end of the garden has columns, which makes for a great spot to pose for a Paris picture.
Explore Le Marais district and see popular attractions on Paris’s islands on day 2 of your 5 days in Paris. The streets in Marais are artsy and more peaceful than the buzzing city center. Paris’s islands, île Saint-Louis and île de la Cité are in the middle of the Seine River and are the oldest part of Paris. Wandering through these areas is a great way to spend a day.
Choose La Favorite instead if the weather’s bad. This Instagram-worthy restaurant offers many bistro classics. Its interior is more laid-back than the flowery exterior suggests. Service can be slow at busier times, but the servers are friendly.
Start your “food tour” of the Left Bank at Les Deux Magots in the Saint Germain neighborhood. “The Magots” as locals call it, is one of two famous Saint Germain cafés. The other, Café de Flore, is next door.
We recommend The Magots over the Flore because it’s less crowded. My experience with the servers has also been better at The Magots. Plus, Les Deux Magots has its own chic history. Diners here have included everyone from painter Pablo Picasso to chef Julia Child.
Begin day 4 of your Paris itinerary with breakfast at the Café Varenne. This typical French café opens early and has great croissants. It also has a terrace for excellent people-watching in warmer weather.
Next, head west down Rue de Varenne to the Rodin Museum. This sculpture museum is one of my favorite places to take visitors to Paris, even if they aren’t big art fans. The Paris Museum Pass covers admission to the inside of the house and the big gardens. Both areas showcase sculptor Auguste Rodin’s modern sculptures.
Cross the river after lunch to the Tuileries Gardens. Here, you’ll find sculptures, ponds, and lots of green alleyways. Wander the many pathways or relax with some music. You can also get an adrenaline boost in summer by riding one of the many carnival rides along the north edge of the park.
Start your morning at Abbesses Metro station. Take a peek at the “I Love You Wall” in the Square Jehan Rictus just behind the station. Then, walk down the cobblestone street, Rue des Abbesses, and turn left on Rue Lepic. Here, you’ll find the Café des Deux Moulins from the 2001 film Amélie.
In the late afternoon, climb to the top of the hill to visit the Sacré Coeur Basilica. Tour the basilica itself. Then, check out the views from the second-highest site in Paris. The area behind Sacré Coeur Basilica has viewfinders that let you see the rest of the city, from the Eiffel Tower to the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower).
End your night at the risqué Moulin Rouge. Moulin Rouge is a cabaret at the foot of the Montmartre hill that was made famous in the 2001 film Moulin Rouge!