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5 Days in Paris
23
items 5 Days in Paris is enough to leisurely make your way through its museums, fit in a day-trip to Versailles, and indulge in macarons, apple pie and chocolate babka
Sections
6
Transportation
Accommodation
Paris Sightseeing
Versailles
Happy Food
Essential Travel Gear
Transportation
Getting around Paris is not as easy as getting around Rome. Where Rome is geared to make the life of the tourist as easy as possible, Paris operates differently.
I didn't use public transport in Paris. I loved using the train to get around in Rome but I avoided Paris trains. The entrances looked unsafe so, as 2 single females far from home with no self-defense skills, we opted to use Uber and the hop-on hop-off boats to get to where we needed to.. This was the best decision we made for our Paris stay.
Visited Paris after my Italy trip in April 2025. We landed in Paris from Rome just after midnight on 1 May 2025.
Unlike Rome FCO, Paris CDG airport was a breeze to get through. Obviously, the time of day made all the difference.
We took a metered taxi from the airport to our hotel. Making your own bookings online does leave room for adventure and in this instance, we found that our hotel was above a bar/restaurant.
It was a very quiet bar/restaurant. I think I only saw a handful of patrons the entire time I was there.
The people were friendly and helpful and if you don't speak French (like me), you will still be fine as people seem to have no problem understanding your gestures and, of course, nobody seems to have a problem reading Google Maps.
Unlike Rome FCO, Paris CDG airport was a breeze to get through. Obviously, the time of day made all the difference.
We took a metered taxi from the airport to our hotel. Making your own bookings online does leave room for adventure and in this instance, we found that our hotel was above a bar/restaurant.
It was a very quiet bar/restaurant. I think I only saw a handful of patrons the entire time I was there.
The people were friendly and helpful and if you don't speak French (like me), you will still be fine as people seem to have no problem understanding your gestures and, of course, nobody seems to have a problem reading Google Maps.
Paris - Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG)
I only took the taxi from CDG airport to my hotel as that was the safest option at 12:30 in the morning on a Public Holiday The driver was super nice and even helped take our bags into the hotel.
Airport taxi fares are fixed depending on which side of Paris you need to go to but the price is a bit hefty.
After that, it was difficult to find taxis with the poor signage and busy streets of Paris. Coming from Rome where everything was easy to find, Paris was a bit of a maze.
Airport taxi fares are fixed depending on which side of Paris you need to go to but the price is a bit hefty.
After that, it was difficult to find taxis with the poor signage and busy streets of Paris. Coming from Rome where everything was easy to find, Paris was a bit of a maze.
Metered Taxis in Paris
In my opinion, Uber is the best way to get around Paris. It was super convenient and the most we waited was about 3 minutes.
The vehicles were top notch and extremely clean with good drivers.
I used the Uber App that I use back home in Paris as well with no issues.
I even took the Uber from my hotel in Paris to Versailles, and back.
The vehicles were top notch and extremely clean with good drivers.
I used the Uber App that I use back home in Paris as well with no issues.
I even took the Uber from my hotel in Paris to Versailles, and back.
Earn Money by Driving or Get a Ride Now | Uber France
With 9 stops near the major attractions and museums, the Batobus hop-on hop-off ticket is a must-have. It is convenient and the ride is peaceful with good views of the Eiffel Tower.
But you don't have to hop on and off, if you don't want to. You can sit on the boat and traverse the area between the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower at leisure, as many times as you want for during the validity of your trip. A round trip is about 2 hours.
Although you can book your tickets in advance, which is what I did, you do not have to. Batobus ticket kiosks are at every stop so you can buy a ticket whenever you want, which is what I did when I bought a ticket for an additional 2 days.
I had thought of buying a hop-of hop-on bus ticket that could also get me to Versailles, but there were too many people and I loathe queues.
But you don't have to hop on and off, if you don't want to. You can sit on the boat and traverse the area between the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower at leisure, as many times as you want for during the validity of your trip. A round trip is about 2 hours.
Although you can book your tickets in advance, which is what I did, you do not have to. Batobus ticket kiosks are at every stop so you can buy a ticket whenever you want, which is what I did when I bought a ticket for an additional 2 days.
I had thought of buying a hop-of hop-on bus ticket that could also get me to Versailles, but there were too many people and I loathe queues.
Paris Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise by Batobus
Accommodation
Paris
This is the Hotel Trianon Saint Ouen.
The pictures provided are of the actual room that I stayed in. It is a bit minimalist but everything was well maintained: the room was clean, the bed and pillows comfortable, bathroom was spotless with amazing water pressure, A/C was great, and the host and staff were very helpful.
I had booked via Booking.com and the fact that the hotel was above a restaurant came as a surprise but did not impact my stay. I did not eat at the restaurant as we were always out but the restaurant was quiet whenever we were at the hotel.
The hotel was about 8 km from central Paris. There was train and bus stop close by but as I was avoiding public transport, Uber got me to Central Paris in under 20 minutes for about EUR11 which was acceptable as I usually left early and returned late...
The pictures provided are of the actual room that I stayed in. It is a bit minimalist but everything was well maintained: the room was clean, the bed and pillows comfortable, bathroom was spotless with amazing water pressure, A/C was great, and the host and staff were very helpful.
I had booked via Booking.com and the fact that the hotel was above a restaurant came as a surprise but did not impact my stay. I did not eat at the restaurant as we were always out but the restaurant was quiet whenever we were at the hotel.
The hotel was about 8 km from central Paris. There was train and bus stop close by but as I was avoiding public transport, Uber got me to Central Paris in under 20 minutes for about EUR11 which was acceptable as I usually left early and returned late...
Hotel Trianon Saint Ouen
Paris Sightseeing
Central Paris is best on foot and, if you get tired of walking, grab a hop-on hop-off boat ticket and float on the River Seine
This hunk of metal is an amazing sight, whether in the day or at night.
Tickets can be bought on site but, if you want to avoid the queues, buy online.
If you don't want to go up the Eiffel Tower, then no ticket is required. It is just as stunning from the outside and the immediate vicinity is park-like making it a nice spot to linger around and marvel at the construction - this is what I did on the first day I visited.
Tickets can be bought on site but, if you want to avoid the queues, buy online.
If you don't want to go up the Eiffel Tower, then no ticket is required. It is just as stunning from the outside and the immediate vicinity is park-like making it a nice spot to linger around and marvel at the construction - this is what I did on the first day I visited.
Eiffel Tower - Paris
There is really too much to see at the Louvre so dedicate an entire day for this museum.
A lot of amazing artwork and lots and lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes, take still water and some snacks to have when you are not in an exhibition area.
Buy your ticket in advance. Queues are long anyway but organized and quick moving.
A lot of amazing artwork and lots and lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes, take still water and some snacks to have when you are not in an exhibition area.
Buy your ticket in advance. Queues are long anyway but organized and quick moving.
Louvre Museum
This little museum is a must see. You only need about about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you want to sit and look at the Water Lillies.
My favorite piece was not the main attraction but the "Le Bassin aux nympheas, harmonie rose", also known as the Water Lily Pond, painting by Monet which is hanging inconspicously on your way to the viewing room to see the curved walls of the Walter ...
The Water Lily Pond painting is breathtaking and simply stopped me in my tracks. It seems to capture the light and reflect it right back at you.
My favorite piece was not the main attraction but the "Le Bassin aux nympheas, harmonie rose", also known as the Water Lily Pond, painting by Monet which is hanging inconspicously on your way to the viewing room to see the curved walls of the Walter ...
The Water Lily Pond painting is breathtaking and simply stopped me in my tracks. It seems to capture the light and reflect it right back at you.
Musée de l'Orangerie
This is a unique museum to visit. It is actually a 19th-century train station that has been converted to house various iconic masterpieces.
If you are not going to look at each and every piece in the museum, set aside about 4 hours for your visit at a leisurely pace.
Buy your ticket in advance and don't forget to allow time for the endless queues in Paris.
In other words, set aside a day for this visit and couple it a Batobus ride on the Seine (it takes about 2 hours for a round trip but you can get on and off at any of the 9 stops). Add on dinner at a restaurant along the way and you have the perfect,...
If you are not going to look at each and every piece in the museum, set aside about 4 hours for your visit at a leisurely pace.
Buy your ticket in advance and don't forget to allow time for the endless queues in Paris.
In other words, set aside a day for this visit and couple it a Batobus ride on the Seine (it takes about 2 hours for a round trip but you can get on and off at any of the 9 stops). Add on dinner at a restaurant along the way and you have the perfect,...
Musée d'Orsay, Paris
I only saw the Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside which was the best I could do given the circumstances.
With the Pope having passed away about 10 days before I arrived in Paris, the Cathedral area was flooded with mourners.
The architecture is amazing and well worth the trip. I am still disappointed that we could not go inside but perhaps the next visit to Paris will allow me the opportunity to do so.
With the Pope having passed away about 10 days before I arrived in Paris, the Cathedral area was flooded with mourners.
The architecture is amazing and well worth the trip. I am still disappointed that we could not go inside but perhaps the next visit to Paris will allow me the opportunity to do so.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
We walked from our hotel to Montmarte, stopping along the way to pop into bakeries we saw along the way.
It was mainly an uphill climb but the area, I think, the area is built for walking with its winding streets, quaint feel and park-like sitting areas.
After the long walk, we took a taxi to the Eiffel Tower and went for a very late lunch.
Today was also the first time I had macarons. I had always avoided them but the ones by Pierre Hermes looked and smelled divine. Of course that was also the start of my macaron-a-day trend for the 5 days in Paris.
It was mainly an uphill climb but the area, I think, the area is built for walking with its winding streets, quaint feel and park-like sitting areas.
After the long walk, we took a taxi to the Eiffel Tower and went for a very late lunch.
Today was also the first time I had macarons. I had always avoided them but the ones by Pierre Hermes looked and smelled divine. Of course that was also the start of my macaron-a-day trend for the 5 days in Paris.
Montmartre, Paris
Versailles
A must-see even if you only go to see the gardens
The Palace of Versailles is a must-see. I think I was looking up at the ceiling more than I was looking at the walls.
It is very busy inside and outside. Rather get a paid tour, which we did, to see the inside of the Palace and then take your time to see the gardens at your own pace.
I did not make it to Marie Antoinette's place because a freak storm broke out and there is no covered area to hide so, after getting sopping wet, we headed back to the hotel. I had only wanted to see the Palace and the Gardens so I was not overly disappointed.
I also spent some time walking around area outside the Palace, found a cookie place and tried out some of their amazing cookies, and bought a raincoat as a reminder of the day-trip.
I used an Uber for the day trip. In terms of cost, it was slightly more expensive that taking a train or bus but from a convenience perspective it was the best choice. About a 45 minute drive from the hotel to the the tour starting point. It made the day-trip hassle-free and flexible.
It is very busy inside and outside. Rather get a paid tour, which we did, to see the inside of the Palace and then take your time to see the gardens at your own pace.
I did not make it to Marie Antoinette's place because a freak storm broke out and there is no covered area to hide so, after getting sopping wet, we headed back to the hotel. I had only wanted to see the Palace and the Gardens so I was not overly disappointed.
I also spent some time walking around area outside the Palace, found a cookie place and tried out some of their amazing cookies, and bought a raincoat as a reminder of the day-trip.
I used an Uber for the day trip. In terms of cost, it was slightly more expensive that taking a train or bus but from a convenience perspective it was the best choice. About a 45 minute drive from the hotel to the the tour starting point. It made the day-trip hassle-free and flexible.
Palace of Versailles, Paris
Happy Food
Macarons, Babka and Apple Pie
I was introduced to macarons through Pierre Herme. Pretty and divine. I can't say anything else except my stash if finished and I want more.
They have stores all over Paris making it very simple to indulge. The calories didn't matter - it had no time to settle with all the walking I did.
Recommendation: buy extra for your trip home.
They have stores all over Paris making it very simple to indulge. The calories didn't matter - it had no time to settle with all the walking I did.
Recommendation: buy extra for your trip home.
Discover Pierre Hermé Paris creations
It may seem weird but the restaurant we frequented the most (3 times) was an Indian restaurant not too far from the Eiffel Tower.
Other people must have agreed about the food as the restaurant was always quite full with a mix of locals and foreigners.
I had the vegetarian dishes which were quite good but not spicy. They have an amazing kulfi ice cream which is a must-have dessert.
Other people must have agreed about the food as the restaurant was always quite full with a mix of locals and foreigners.
I had the vegetarian dishes which were quite good but not spicy. They have an amazing kulfi ice cream which is a must-have dessert.
New Jawad Rapp
Urban Bakery was my daily stop for Apple Pie and Chocolate Babka.
It was my first time trying babka and I loved it. I don't know whether it is just as good elsewhere though.
Apple pie is my favorite but it is so difficult to find a good apple pie. I was in heaven - their pies had just the right ratio of apple to pastry. Yummy, yummy.
It was my first time trying babka and I loved it. I don't know whether it is just as good elsewhere though.
Apple pie is my favorite but it is so difficult to find a good apple pie. I was in heaven - their pies had just the right ratio of apple to pastry. Yummy, yummy.
URBAN BAKERY, Paris - Restaurant Reviews & Phone Number
On our way to Montmarte from Saint Ouen, we stopped at BOULUM and bought the most amazing croissants.
B.O.U.L.O.M
We used Uber Eats to order from O'Papa because we were too tired to walk around anymore.
The food did not disappoint. The variety is good but very meat-heavy.
The food did not disappoint. The variety is good but very meat-heavy.
O'PAPA, Saint Ouen - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
Essential Travel Gear
Best travel essentials to ensure an amazing travel experience
Keeping your bag organized is super important, especially when you are doing multi-city or, like I did, multi-country trips.
A luggage organizer goes a long way towards helping you find things easily, keep your clothing neatly separated, and saving you the hassle of digging through your bag looking for items that have rearranged themselves during your flight, especially wh...
In my attempt to keep things plastic-free, these were the best alternative that I could find. Unlike the conventional micro-plastic shedding varieties, the Coyuchi packing set is plastic free but smaller.
Made from organic cotton, each set consists of two 10 x 6 x 4” (25.4 x 15.24 x 10.16 cm) and two 11 x 9 x 4 1/2” (27.94 x 22.86 x 11.43 cm) and are perfect for organizing your bag.
A luggage organizer goes a long way towards helping you find things easily, keep your clothing neatly separated, and saving you the hassle of digging through your bag looking for items that have rearranged themselves during your flight, especially wh...
In my attempt to keep things plastic-free, these were the best alternative that I could find. Unlike the conventional micro-plastic shedding varieties, the Coyuchi packing set is plastic free but smaller.
Made from organic cotton, each set consists of two 10 x 6 x 4” (25.4 x 15.24 x 10.16 cm) and two 11 x 9 x 4 1/2” (27.94 x 22.86 x 11.43 cm) and are perfect for organizing your bag.
Coyuchi Conserve Organic Packing Cube Set
Quality sleep is important no matter where you are.
I have trouble with light creeping into my room when I travel, so my simple hack is a silk sleep mask.
Super soft and comfortable to use, it is a travel essential that will ensure sleep quality is not disrupted by unwanted hotel-room light.
I have trouble with light creeping into my room when I travel, so my simple hack is a silk sleep mask.
Super soft and comfortable to use, it is a travel essential that will ensure sleep quality is not disrupted by unwanted hotel-room light.
TheSleepGuard Pure Silk Sleep Mask 22 Momme
We did a lot of walking and a good walking shoe was a lifesaver.
The All Birds Tree Runners is a definitive choice for comfortable walking, especially in hot weather.
Its upper is crafted from responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fiber, a material renowned for its exceptional breathability.
The open knit design allows air to flow freely, keeping your feet cool and comfortable all day long. Lightweight and flexible, this shoe feels like a sock with support.
It wicks away moisture to keep you dry and is made by a certified B-Corp committed to sustainable innovation. It is a perfect fusion of intelligent design and natural materials.
The All Birds Tree Runners is a definitive choice for comfortable walking, especially in hot weather.
Its upper is crafted from responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fiber, a material renowned for its exceptional breathability.
The open knit design allows air to flow freely, keeping your feet cool and comfortable all day long. Lightweight and flexible, this shoe feels like a sock with support.
It wicks away moisture to keep you dry and is made by a certified B-Corp committed to sustainable innovation. It is a perfect fusion of intelligent design and natural materials.
Women's Tree Runner Shoes
A reusable water bottle is a must for any trip.
Paris is expensive even for a necessity like water. I found myself paying double what I had paid in Italy at some places.
If you run out of water, you can always buy more water but I arrived on a public holiday and having my water with me, meant not having to search for an open store as I walked to Montmartre.
Preferably opt for glass bottles with a protective cover for safety, hygiene and sustainability.
Note though that the Louvre may not allow you to take glass into the museum. I bought bottled water that day - rather be safe than sorry.
Paris is expensive even for a necessity like water. I found myself paying double what I had paid in Italy at some places.
If you run out of water, you can always buy more water but I arrived on a public holiday and having my water with me, meant not having to search for an open store as I walked to Montmartre.
Preferably opt for glass bottles with a protective cover for safety, hygiene and sustainability.
Note though that the Louvre may not allow you to take glass into the museum. I bought bottled water that day - rather be safe than sorry.
PROBTTL Borosilicate Motivational Glass Bottle
Memories matter. Take along a lightweight, digital camera to capture crisp and clear pictures and videos to preserve your memories.
Although a mobile phone camera can serve the purpose, it does not really match the crispness and clarity that you would get from a digital camera.
I opted to only take my phone with me on my trip, and I am still regretting it. There were so many sights that had deserved better equipment.
Although a mobile phone camera can serve the purpose, it does not really match the crispness and clarity that you would get from a digital camera.
I opted to only take my phone with me on my trip, and I am still regretting it. There were so many sights that had deserved better equipment.
8K 88MP Dual-Lens WiFi Camera w/16X Zoom
I really missed my umbrella when I got poured on at Versailles.
I had my umbrella with me for the rest of the visit. Paris was hot and the umbrella was useful when walking between places and on the Batobus.
I had my umbrella with me for the rest of the visit. Paris was hot and the umbrella was useful when walking between places and on the Batobus.
REPEL Windproof Travel Umbrella - Compact & Strong