I'm a first timer in Paris with 5 days to explore - itinerary help?
Apr 18th, 2013, 01:20 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm a first timer in Paris with 5 days to explore - itinerary help?
Hello!
It's nice to meet you all!
Before I introduce myself and ask a question I'd like to take a moment to thank all you Fodorites for posting. These forums have been undeniably helpful during my travels and planning, and after a long period of lurking I've finally decided to join and post
I'm a solo female traveller in my mid -late twenties, currently galavanting around the Aegean in Greece. On a whim today I booked a flight to Paris, hence the lateness in planning. My flight lands in Paris at around .8.30pm so I doubt I'll be able to do anything during my first night there, however I was hoping for some help in regards toan efficient itinerary for the rest of the time
The hotel I will be staying at is the Relais Bosquet, right near the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, so I will be within easy walking distance to most of the sights and I plan to use the batons as transport too.
I have been a fashion design and fine art student and. I'm interested in both of these things, so I will definitely be visiting some museums and galleries while in Paris.
The basic draft itinerary of what I think I'll be doing is below. If you have any sugestions please let me know. asap
21st April- arrive in Paris at 8.30 pm at CDG airport. Will probably pick up something to eat there as I don't know wether I'll be able to find an open restaurant by the time I get my bag, get to the hotel and check in.
22nd April - find a place for breakfast or have it at the hotel. Go to the Eiffel Tower - can you skip the lines there with the Paris pass? I'll be buying the pass when I arrive at the airport, I think you can do that don't know what to do for the rest of this day. Perhaps walk along the Seine to notre dame & visit the orsay? Any suggestions on lunch?
23rd - visit the Louvre and perhaps picnic in the Luxembourg gardens? Maybe tuleries on the way back?
I honestly have no idea yet as to what to do with my other days in Paris. There is so much that I'm a bit overwhelmed. ID like to visit l'Orangerie and the Pompidou. Etc. ID also like to eat somewhere special for at least one night - and try a good boeuf bourgingong somewhere. Over also found on my travels that I enjoy just sitting down with a cocktail and a snack for an hour or so, just watching the world go by. Is Bar Hemingway at the Ritz worth going to for this? I prefer anice view, wether it be the view of cute waiters or the skyline of Paris I'd be happy with either
As far as shopping - vintage clothing stores and cool boutiques + artisan food shops are right up my alley. Unfortunately I have champagne taste on a beer budget
My daily budget ( not including hotel room) will be around €100-130 per day.
Thanks for taking the time to read and help me with my itinerary. I'm a bit lost on this. Also, apologies in advance for any incoherenclies or typos or if the txt looks a bit strange. TI'm using my mobile phone to access the internet and the screen is quite small.
hbanks again, let me know if I've forgotten to mention anything!
It's nice to meet you all!
Before I introduce myself and ask a question I'd like to take a moment to thank all you Fodorites for posting. These forums have been undeniably helpful during my travels and planning, and after a long period of lurking I've finally decided to join and post
I'm a solo female traveller in my mid -late twenties, currently galavanting around the Aegean in Greece. On a whim today I booked a flight to Paris, hence the lateness in planning. My flight lands in Paris at around .8.30pm so I doubt I'll be able to do anything during my first night there, however I was hoping for some help in regards toan efficient itinerary for the rest of the time
The hotel I will be staying at is the Relais Bosquet, right near the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, so I will be within easy walking distance to most of the sights and I plan to use the batons as transport too.
I have been a fashion design and fine art student and. I'm interested in both of these things, so I will definitely be visiting some museums and galleries while in Paris.
The basic draft itinerary of what I think I'll be doing is below. If you have any sugestions please let me know. asap
21st April- arrive in Paris at 8.30 pm at CDG airport. Will probably pick up something to eat there as I don't know wether I'll be able to find an open restaurant by the time I get my bag, get to the hotel and check in.
22nd April - find a place for breakfast or have it at the hotel. Go to the Eiffel Tower - can you skip the lines there with the Paris pass? I'll be buying the pass when I arrive at the airport, I think you can do that
don't know what to do for the rest of this day. Perhaps walk along the Seine to notre dame & visit the orsay? Any suggestions on lunch? 23rd - visit the Louvre and perhaps picnic in the Luxembourg gardens? Maybe tuleries on the way back?
I honestly have no idea yet as to what to do with my other days in Paris. There is so much that I'm a bit overwhelmed. ID like to visit l'Orangerie and the Pompidou. Etc. ID also like to eat somewhere special for at least one night - and try a good boeuf bourgingong somewhere. Over also found on my travels that I enjoy just sitting down with a cocktail and a snack for an hour or so, just watching the world go by. Is Bar Hemingway at the Ritz worth going to for this? I prefer anice view, wether it be the view of cute waiters or the skyline of Paris I'd be happy with either
As far as shopping - vintage clothing stores and cool boutiques + artisan food shops are right up my alley. Unfortunately I have champagne taste on a beer budget
My daily budget ( not including hotel room) will be around €100-130 per day.
Thanks for taking the time to read and help me with my itinerary. I'm a bit lost on this. Also, apologies in advance for any incoherenclies or typos or if the txt looks a bit strange. TI'm using my mobile phone to access the internet and the screen is quite small.
hbanks again, let me know if I've forgotten to mention anything!
Apr 18th, 2013, 01:31 PM
#3
Don't miss Ste. Chappelle and Notre Dame. Also ... a night time boat ride on the Seine was a highlight with the buildings and monuments lighting the water. With your interests in art you might also want to include Musee D'Orsay if you enjoy the impressionists.
I had a wonderful time and spent less than your budget. The best thing to do is free -- just wander around and soak in the beauty, the architecture, and the the window displays. There are so many marvelous little cafes where you do not need to spend a fortune for a meal. We stayed in the Marais (which we loved) so I can't recommend specific restaurants in your area.
I had a wonderful time and spent less than your budget. The best thing to do is free -- just wander around and soak in the beauty, the architecture, and the the window displays. There are so many marvelous little cafes where you do not need to spend a fortune for a meal. We stayed in the Marais (which we loved) so I can't recommend specific restaurants in your area.
Apr 18th, 2013, 01:35 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds like fun.
FIrst, whatever you do, do NOT buy "the Paris pass". This is very expensive and there is no reason for you to buy it. Actually, it is possible for about 1 pct of people who really intend to use a lot of the things on it, it could make sense (wine tasting thing, etc). But it doesn't make sense to pay for a hop/on/off bus plus a city transportation pass, which is what you do with that pass, as I recall. Whatever you want that for, buy the parts separately that you need -- such as buy just buy a carnet of metro tickets if you are there only five days (10 tickets at a discount) or if you really plan to use it a lot, maybe a Mobilis all-day pass. Don't buy the hop/on/off bus, would be my advice. BUy a museum pass separately if you want one. I think that pass claims you save 23 euro because it includes the Grevin wax museum. I can't imagine why anyone would go there. Aside from that, it doesn't include the Eiffel Tower, anyway. Where did you read it did?
Given your interests, you will probably like Paris' fashion museums, there are two, if they are open. One next to the Louvre, and one near place Alma, which I really like (I do think it is closed right now, however, unfortunately). At least go to the "mode et textile" museum with is combined with the decorative arts one.
http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/
Otherwise, you'll probably enjoy checking out some shops in St Germain and the Marais, and try some of the passages. I am no expert on vintage clothing stores, you can get books that tell you where those are.
FIrst, whatever you do, do NOT buy "the Paris pass". This is very expensive and there is no reason for you to buy it. Actually, it is possible for about 1 pct of people who really intend to use a lot of the things on it, it could make sense (wine tasting thing, etc). But it doesn't make sense to pay for a hop/on/off bus plus a city transportation pass, which is what you do with that pass, as I recall. Whatever you want that for, buy the parts separately that you need -- such as buy just buy a carnet of metro tickets if you are there only five days (10 tickets at a discount) or if you really plan to use it a lot, maybe a Mobilis all-day pass. Don't buy the hop/on/off bus, would be my advice. BUy a museum pass separately if you want one. I think that pass claims you save 23 euro because it includes the Grevin wax museum. I can't imagine why anyone would go there. Aside from that, it doesn't include the Eiffel Tower, anyway. Where did you read it did?
Given your interests, you will probably like Paris' fashion museums, there are two, if they are open. One next to the Louvre, and one near place Alma, which I really like (I do think it is closed right now, however, unfortunately). At least go to the "mode et textile" museum with is combined with the decorative arts one.
http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/
Otherwise, you'll probably enjoy checking out some shops in St Germain and the Marais, and try some of the passages. I am no expert on vintage clothing stores, you can get books that tell you where those are.
Apr 18th, 2013, 02:03 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You'll be hard pressed to fit all that in on your first day. And I wouldn't try to do two big museums in a single day, either.
A good guidebook will explain what there is to do - there's a ton. For vintage stores, go to the Marais (google ahead of time to get addresses).
It might be a bit hard to find boeuf bourgignon at the end of April, as that's a winter dish and Parisians pay attention to that sort of thing. But you'll find plenty of good food!
A good guidebook will explain what there is to do - there's a ton. For vintage stores, go to the Marais (google ahead of time to get addresses).
It might be a bit hard to find boeuf bourgignon at the end of April, as that's a winter dish and Parisians pay attention to that sort of thing. But you'll find plenty of good food!
Apr 18th, 2013, 02:48 PM
#8
Paris is a big city. There will be many places to eat at after 8:30 pm. Eating at the airport will waste the chance for a good meal. There are cafes and brasseries all over, no reservations needed.
Apr 18th, 2013, 02:53 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Songdoc - thanks. Completely forgot there was a river cruise. I'll look into it
Christina - thanks I think I meant the museum pass ill look into those fashion museums you mentioned. Perhaps with any luck the Alma will be open while I'm there too.
Michael & StCirq - thanks I do have a pocket guidebook that I've been reading, they do have daily itinerary suggestions but I wanted a few other opinions and suggestions also ill probably be doing the Seine walk they suggest as it sounds nice. As for the beouf bourgignon - good point! I forgot about how people tend to eat seasonally in Europe. Silly of me, as im here
Would you suggest just the Eiffel tower and a walk along the Seine for my first day or do you think I might be better off with the Eiffel & the orsay, which is closer to my hotel than the notre dame?
Cheers!
Christina - thanks I think I meant the museum pass
ill look into those fashion museums you mentioned. Perhaps with any luck the Alma will be open while I'm there too.Michael & StCirq - thanks I do have a pocket guidebook that I've been reading, they do have daily itinerary suggestions but I wanted a few other opinions and suggestions also
ill probably be doing the Seine walk they suggest as it sounds nice. As for the beouf bourgignon - good point! I forgot about how people tend to eat seasonally in Europe. Silly of me, as im here Would you suggest just the Eiffel tower and a walk along the Seine for my first day or do you think I might be better off with the Eiffel & the orsay, which is closer to my hotel than the notre dame?
Cheers!
Apr 18th, 2013, 03:02 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ParisAmsterdam & AJPeabody - thanks. I wasn't really sure about that because by the time I get into the city from the airport it would probably be around 9.30 and I have to check-in to my hotel and everything. I just suppose the food thing depends on how tired and hungry I am after such a long day. I know there are restaurants near my hotel
Apr 18th, 2013, 03:17 PM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your hotel is not far from the Rodin Museum and also close to one of our favorite restaurants named Reed. Reed is on Rue Amalie in the 7th and her food is very good. We love the Rodin also. The Ritz is closed for renovations but if it were open a few drinks at the Hemingway Bar would blow your enite spending money for one day!! Seriously 35 euro per little drink!!!
Apr 18th, 2013, 04:23 PM
#12
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For having a drink and people watching - do one of the outdoor cafes on Boul Mich - or the one at the Grand Hotel. Both really good places for interesting people.
Neither will be cheap - but nothing like the bar at the Ritz (which may have cute waiters but no sights).
Suggest you not miss:
Ste Chapelle
Musee de Cluny (middle ages with the very famous and beautiful unicorn tapestries)
View from Monmartre
Rodin Museum is fantastic
Definitely walk some of the cute neighborhoods
Neither will be cheap - but nothing like the bar at the Ritz (which may have cute waiters but no sights).
Suggest you not miss:
Ste Chapelle
Musee de Cluny (middle ages with the very famous and beautiful unicorn tapestries)
View from Monmartre
Rodin Museum is fantastic
Definitely walk some of the cute neighborhoods
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:20 PM
#13
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DK travelguides are very reliable sources and were of big help to me when I was looking at Paris. Spend an afternoon at Barnes and Noble or something coffee in hand. They have sample itineraries and review most of the major attractions
Apr 18th, 2013, 08:37 PM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Agree that DK guides are great for planning, especially the walks they always suggest (at the back of the books, usually).
Agree don't eat at the airport. Most Parisians (and some Frenchified Americans like me, start having dinner around 9-10 pm; there will be plenty of places open to have dinner up until midnight or beyond).
Agree don't eat at the airport. Most Parisians (and some Frenchified Americans like me, start having dinner around 9-10 pm; there will be plenty of places open to have dinner up until midnight or beyond).
Apr 18th, 2013, 09:04 PM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Songdoc above is right on with recommendations.
Love the Relais Bosquet and staying in the 7th. We have used the Batobus often for transport and while it is a relaxing way to travel to other places in the city the Metro maybe faster. We don't spend a lot on meals compared to some folks who post here but we are happy with many of our choices. Had a great fish lunch at La Terrasse du 7eme near the Ecole Militaire and a good dinner at the Cafe Rousillon. There's a cheese shop on the same street as the Relais Bosquet which is a good place to start buying a picnic to eat on a bench near the Eiffel Tower. Finish your food shopping on the rue Cler.
Love the Relais Bosquet and staying in the 7th. We have used the Batobus often for transport and while it is a relaxing way to travel to other places in the city the Metro maybe faster. We don't spend a lot on meals compared to some folks who post here but we are happy with many of our choices. Had a great fish lunch at La Terrasse du 7eme near the Ecole Militaire and a good dinner at the Cafe Rousillon. There's a cheese shop on the same street as the Relais Bosquet which is a good place to start buying a picnic to eat on a bench near the Eiffel Tower. Finish your food shopping on the rue Cler.
Apr 19th, 2013, 12:40 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Scootoir- thanks. Heard great things about the hotel which is why I booked, not to mention the excellent location. As for the batobus I'll only be using it to get to locations/ sights along or near the Seine when I don't feel like walking or I think it will take too long. Otherwise I'll be buying my carnet of tickets and using the metro
Nytraveler & lrock5- the rodin is already on my list for sure and Steve chapelle. But wow.. 35 euro for a cocktail? I had cheaper ones with lunch on Capri! Then again, it IS the Ritz. I've been doing some research about the drink thing and Cafe Branly seems like a good bet. Its on top of the musee du Quai Branly which also looks interesting. Has anyone been to the cafe? Apparently they sell tartines and do coffee but I'm not sure if they do cocktails? I'll have a look at the website and also at the cafes on boul mich. Will be visiting a neighbourhood, probably the marais for fashion (kill two birds with one stone, as it were ) but if you have any more suggestions let me know. I'm sure montmartre is worth going to , plus theres the sacre courheres just so much to do in Paris and so little time ! But theres always next time.
Tailsock- I like dk guidebooks too so I'll probably have a look around.
Nytraveler & lrock5- the rodin is already on my list for sure
and Steve chapelle. But wow.. 35 euro for a cocktail? I had cheaper ones with lunch on Capri! Then again, it IS the Ritz. I've been doing some research about the drink thing and Cafe Branly seems like a good bet. Its on top of the musee du Quai Branly which also looks interesting. Has anyone been to the cafe? Apparently they sell tartines and do coffee but I'm not sure if they do cocktails? I'll have a look at the website and also at the cafes on boul mich. Will be visiting a neighbourhood, probably the marais for fashion (kill two birds with one stone, as it were ) but if you have any more suggestions let me know. I'm sure montmartre is worth going to , plus theres the sacre courheres just so much to do in Paris and so little time ! But theres always next time.Tailsock- I like dk guidebooks too so I'll probably have a look around.
Apr 19th, 2013, 01:51 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,920
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're here now, so you may have seen there is a free exhibition on haute couture in Paris at the Hotel de Ville. But be aware, when I went past at around 10am yesterday, there was a queue of about 100 people already, so you'd need to get there early (and all the information displays will be in French).
For tonight, don't know if it's your thing but a Parisian event - the weekly roller blade run around central Paris. Starts at 10 pm by the Gare Montparnasse, but you could see it anywhere along the route, depending on how long you want to hang around for it to pass by:
http://pari-roller.com/la-randonnee/...e-rendez-vous/
http://pari-roller.com/vendredi-19-a...es-les-gamins/
For tonight, don't know if it's your thing but a Parisian event - the weekly roller blade run around central Paris. Starts at 10 pm by the Gare Montparnasse, but you could see it anywhere along the route, depending on how long you want to hang around for it to pass by:
http://pari-roller.com/la-randonnee/...e-rendez-vous/
http://pari-roller.com/vendredi-19-a...es-les-gamins/
Apr 19th, 2013, 05:12 AM
#19
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Moca
You're arriving on Sunday, which means a lot of restaurants will be closed. Check out these restaurants which are in the vicinity of your hotel: Le Petit Cler, Le Bistro du 7eme, and Les Cocettes. Based on past experience they are open on Sunday and you can get a good meal.
You're arriving on Sunday, which means a lot of restaurants will be closed. Check out these restaurants which are in the vicinity of your hotel: Le Petit Cler, Le Bistro du 7eme, and Les Cocettes. Based on past experience they are open on Sunday and you can get a good meal.
Apr 19th, 2013, 09:59 AM
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone! I've sort of figured out an introductory itinerary for my days in Paris. I'm still not sure exactly when I should visit Notre Dame and Ste Chapelle but I think its looking okay so far. I'm just not sure how much I'll be able to fit in each day!
Sun 21st April - arrive at CDG Airport at 8.30 p.m. Get bag. Get to city. Check in. Find dinner.
Monday 22nd April - Take the Seine walk recommended by my pocket guidebook that starts at the place De la Concorde. Stroll through Jardine des Tuileries and stop to visit the Louvre - mostly for Mona Lisa and Venus di Milo and the Michelangelos in the demon wing
Sun 21st April - arrive at CDG Airport at 8.30 p.m. Get bag. Get to city. Check in. Find dinner.
Monday 22nd April - Take the Seine walk recommended by my pocket guidebook that starts at the place De la Concorde. Stroll through Jardine des Tuileries and stop to visit the Louvre - mostly for Mona Lisa and Venus di Milo and the Michelangelos in the demon wing
