Ease into Paris at Aston Hotel Paris in the 9th with a proper reset: drop your bags, freshen up, and give yourselves a little breathing room before heading out. From there, do a relaxed walk along Boulevard Haussmann toward the department stores — this is one of the easiest “we’ve arrived” strolls in the city. Galeries Lafayette is worth it even if you don’t buy anything; go straight up to the rooftop terrace for one of the best free skyline views in Paris, usually open into the early evening, and it’s especially pretty on a clear May day. Expect about 45–90 minutes here, and keep it light so you’re not rushing.
For your first dinner, book Café de la Paix and make it your grand Paris moment. It’s classic, elegant, and exactly the kind of place where a first night feels special without needing to cross the city. Go for a table where you can people-watch, and if you like seafood, oysters or a beautifully simple fish dish fits the setting; otherwise classic French plates are the move. Budget roughly €35–€60 per person, more if you add cocktails or dessert. After dinner, walk back through the 9th slowly rather than taking a car — the streets around Opéra and Place de la Madeleine feel lovely at night and it helps the city sink in.
End at the Printemps Haussmann rooftop terrace for sunset drinks and one more view over the rooftops. It’s a very easy add-on from Café de la Paix — basically a short walk — and it’s one of those spots where the city looks golden as the light fades. A drink here is usually more about the view than the menu, so don’t overthink it; go for one cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere. If you still have energy after that, you can continue the night with Le Piano Vache in the 5th for a more playful, low-key late-night vibe. It’s a quick métro ride away, and it’s the right kind of place if you want music, a casual crowd, and a very un-fussy Paris evening.
After your arrival into the 6th, keep the first part of the day airy and very walkable: start with a long loop through Jardin du Luxembourg. Go in the calmer morning light if you can; it’s usually open from early morning until sunset-ish depending on the season, and it’s one of those places where Paris actually feels lived-in rather than performed. Do the pond, the tree-lined paths, the Medici Fountain corner, and just let yourselves drift. It’s the perfect reset after a travel day, and if the weather is nice you can grab a bench and people-watch for a bit before heading into Saint-Germain. A 10–15 minute walk north brings you to Café de Flore for a classic Paris coffee stop — yes, it’s iconic and yes, it’s pricier than a neighborhood café, but that’s part of the fun. Expect around €15–€25 per person for coffee, juice, pastry, or a simple hot chocolate, and try to sit terrace-side if there’s a table open.
From Café de Flore, it’s an easy stroll through the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Les Deux Magots for lunch; this is the moment to lean into old-Paris energy and enjoy the contrast between the two legendary cafés. Plan on roughly €25–€45 per person depending on how much you order, and don’t rush it — this area is made for lingering. After lunch, head onto Rue de Rennes for a relaxed shopping walk. This is one of the most practical streets on the Left Bank for browsing: fashion basics, beauty, accessories, and easygoing Parisian shopping without the chaos of the big tourist thoroughfares. If you want to keep the “la vie parisienne” feeling going, take your time ducking into small stores, then pause for a little scenic wandering through the surrounding side streets rather than staying only on the main avenue.
In the late afternoon, make your way to Carette (Trocadéro) for tea, pastries, or an ice cream-style sweet stop before sunset. It’s polished without feeling stuffy, and it’s especially nice if you want to arrive at the Eiffel side a little early and enjoy the light before dinner. From there, continue to Café de l’Homme for the evening — this is the night to dress up a bit and enjoy a proper view-driven dinner. Budget about €60–€110 per person depending on drinks and how full you go with the menu, and reserve ahead if possible because the terrace and window tables go quickly. If you time it well, you’ll get that golden-hour-to-night transition over the Eiffel Tower, which is exactly the kind of Paris moment that feels unforgettable without needing to overpack the day.
Start with Marché des Enfants Rouges, which is exactly the kind of first stop that makes the Marais feel so alive: tiny alleys, little counters, people lingering over coffee, and a proper mix of locals and visitors. Go hungry and keep it loose — this is best as a brunch/snacking stop, not a rushed meal. Expect around €15–€25 pp, and if you arrive around opening or just after, it’s much easier to get a table and enjoy the atmosphere before the lunch crowd rolls in. From there, let yourself drift onto Rue de Bretagne, one of those streets where the pleasure is in walking slowly: independent boutiques, good bakery windows, and that easy “cool Paris” energy that the 3rd does so well. A lot of shops open around 10:30/11:00, so this timing works nicely if you want to browse without hitting closed shutters.
Keep walking toward Place des Vosges for a calmer, prettier pause. It’s one of the loveliest spots in the city for a picnic or just sitting with a coffee and watching Paris pass by under the arcades; if you want to bring something with you, this is the perfect place to grab a few snacks and linger. A light lunch here works beautifully, especially if you’re not trying to overeat early. Then continue into the Haut Marais for The Broken Arm, which is a great move if you like fashion, design objects, and a café that feels effortlessly Parisian. Think of it as a stylish browse-and-sip stop rather than a long sit-down meal; budget €10–€20 pp if you’re having something small. It’s one of those places that fits this itinerary perfectly because you’re still in walking mode, just with a more polished, editor-approved edge.
For a more casual bite, head to L’As du Fallafel when you’re ready for something fast and iconic — best as a late lunch or early dinner. It’s not a quiet sit-down experience, but it’s absolutely part of the Marais ritual, and at €12–€20 pp it’s an easy, satisfying stop before the evening shift. After that, give yourselves a little reset before dressing up for Raspoutine in the 8th; this is very much a late-night, glamorous scene, so it works best if you arrive after a proper dinner and with time to get ready. Expect the vibe to pick up late, especially on weekends, and plan on 2–3 hours if you want the full experience. A taxi/VTC is the easiest way to go from the Marais to the 8th once you’re done wandering — it keeps the night smooth, especially if you’ve picked up shopping bags or want to arrive feeling fresh rather than metro-worn.
Start with a gentle, very Parisian reset in the Jardin des Tuileries: arrive early enough to catch the park before it gets busy, when the gravel paths are still calm and the fountains, chairs, and tree-lined alleys feel almost cinematic. It’s the perfect place to shake off any travel pace and get into a slower rhythm. From there, wander toward Place Vendôme for a polished late-morning stroll — think jewelry maisons, perfect façades, and that slightly intimidating but very fun luxury atmosphere. This is more of a window-shopping and people-watching stop than a spending stop, so enjoy it as a 30–45 minute glide rather than a rush.
After that, head down to La Grande Épicerie de Paris in the 7th to assemble your picnic and snack haul for the next few days. This is one of the best places in Paris to buy gorgeous cheeses, pastries, chocolate, jams, crackers, fruit, and little gift items; budget roughly €20–€40 each depending on how ambitious you get. If you want something beautiful but easy, pick up a few things for a park picnic and save them for later. Then continue to Le Bon Marché, right nearby, which is ideal for an elegant department-store wander without the chaos of bigger shopping streets. You’ll find fashion, beauty, home pieces, and a very Parisian “I’m just browsing but maybe buying” energy, so give yourselves at least 90 minutes.
For lunch, settle in at Loulou by the Tuileries — it works beautifully in this part of the day because it keeps you close to the center without killing the flow. Expect about €35–€70 per person depending on drinks and how much you order, and book ahead if you can because it’s one of those places that can get lively fast, especially on a nice day. After lunch, leave space for a little return-to-the-center wandering or a coffee break before dinner, then finish the day at Shwi for a more modern, social evening with drinks and a trendier crowd. It’s a good final stop if you want the night to feel young and energetic rather than formal; plan around €25–€45 per person. If you still have energy afterward, you can keep the evening loose and see where it goes, but this lineup already gives you that “luxury Paris done right” feeling without overpacking the day.
Start with a slow, pretty walk through Champ de Mars before the city fully wakes up. This is the best time to have that classic Eiffel Tower moment without fighting crowds — grab a few photos, then just wander the lawn paths and let the morning feel unhurried. In May, the park is usually lively from around 8:00–9:00 a.m., but it still feels calm enough for a real stroll. Keep it low-key and walk the nearby streets rather than rushing; this side of the 7th is all about elegant apartment buildings, quiet corners, and that very Parisian “we live here” feeling.
From there, ease into a café stop along Rue Saint-Dominique. Pick any good neighborhood terrace for coffee and croissants — this is one of those streets where breakfast can be simple but still feel chic. Expect about €8–€18 per person for coffee, juice, and pastries, and don’t overthink it; the point is to sit, people-watch, and reset before lunch. If you want, this is also the moment to do a tiny detour through the side streets around Avenue de la Bourdonnais and Rue Cler for a more local, market-street vibe.
For lunch, head to Le Ciel de Paris in the Montparnasse area. It’s a strong choice if you want a skyline lunch rather than another café meal, and the views give the day a more glamorous rhythm. Book ahead if possible, especially for a window table, and expect around €35–€60 per person depending on what you order. It’s one of those places that works best when you go in with a leisurely mood — linger over lunch, let the view do the work, and don’t feel pressured to rush out. Afterward, take the metro or a quick taxi back toward the center so you arrive fresh for the rooftop transition.
Your next stop, Perruche, is where the day really shifts into rooftop mode. Go for an afternoon drink or a light late lunch if you’re not too full from Le Ciel de Paris — the terrace has that fashionable, sun-warmed energy that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. Budget roughly €30–€55 per person, and if the weather is nice, this is absolutely a “sit outside and make a plan for nothing” kind of stop. Then continue on to the Rooftop of Cheval Blanc Paris for your sunset cocktail moment; this is one of the most luxurious views in the city, especially if you time it for that soft golden hour over the Seine. Expect €25–€45 per drink, and it’s worth dressing up a little.
Finish with dinner at Gigi Paris in the 16th arrondissement, which is a great ending if you want the evening to flow from elegant dinner into nightlife. It has that polished, glamorous Paris feeling that suits a girls’ trip perfectly, and it’s easy to stretch the night here if you’re in the mood for more than dinner. Plan around €50–€90 per person, more if you go for cocktails and multiple courses. If you still have energy after, stay in the area for drinks rather than trying to bounce too far across the city — the best Paris nights are usually the ones where you keep one neighborhood and let the atmosphere carry you.
Start with an easy Canal Saint-Martin promenade while the neighborhood still feels local and unhurried — this is one of those Paris walks where nothing “big” happens and that’s exactly the point. Go slow along the water, cross the little bridges, and let yourselves drift between the quai side and the side streets; in May, the trees are fresh and the café terraces start to spill onto the pavements. From there, it’s a very natural continuation to Holybelly 5 for brunch: come hungry, expect a queue, and budget about €15–€25 per person. It’s trendy but not fussy, and it fits the whole “stylish Paris morning” mood perfectly.
After brunch, spend the middle of the day just wandering Rue des Vinaigriers and the surrounding side streets. This area is ideal for the version of Paris you said you want: pretty facades, low-key shops, little design stores, bakeries, wine bars, and locals actually living their day. Keep it loose and don’t try to over-plan it — this is the part of the itinerary where the fun is in the detours. If you’re tempted by a snack for later, pick up something from Christophe Louie in the afternoon; their bread and pastries are exactly the kind of thing you can carry as a picnic-style treat, and you can expect around €8–€18 per person depending on what you choose.
By late afternoon, head east for a mellow aperitif near Père Lachaise on the 11th-side of town. This is the right time for a slower, more neighborhood-y drink stop before dinner — think a glass of wine, maybe a spritz, and a seat where you can people-watch instead of rush. Then make your way west for dinner at Bambini in the 16th, which is one of the nicest ways to end a stylish day: lively, polished, and very much the kind of place where the room has energy without feeling too formal. Plan on €35–€65 per person for dinner, and if you want the night to feel extra Parisian, linger a bit after dessert instead of hurrying off — this is a good day to end with a long conversation and a very full phone camera roll.
Start with a glamorous stroll down Avenue Montaigne, which is really the Paris fashion fantasy street — sleek façades, flowered doorways, and all the big houses that make this part of the 8th feel impossibly polished. Go slow and let yourselves window-shop; even if you’re not buying, this is the street for the mood. It’s best early, before the sidewalks fill up, and you can easily spend about an hour here just taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. From there, a short walk brings you to the upper stretch of Champs-Élysées, which is more energetic and more commercial, so this is the moment for your main shopping run: flagship stores, beauty stops, and the classic Paris boulevard scene. If you want a coffee or a quick snack without overcommitting, this is the area where it’s easiest to duck into somewhere and keep moving.
After the shopping buzz, head to Parc Monceau for a much-needed reset. This is one of the prettiest “local-feeling” parks in the city — elegant, calm, a little romantic, and perfect if you want a softer Paris moment away from the crowds. It’s especially nice around midday when the light is good and the park is lively but not chaotic. Bring a bottle of water, sit on a bench, and just breathe for a bit; in May, it’s an ideal pause point for a girls’ trip because it gives the day that effortless, lived-in Paris rhythm rather than making it feel rushed. If you want, you can grab a small takeaway snack nearby and turn it into a mini picnic without making a big production of it.
For your sweet break, go to Ladurée Champs-Élysées for macarons and tea. This is one of those classic Paris stops that still feels worth it if you lean into the elegance of it all: pastel interiors, polished service, and the kind of desserts that make a proper afternoon reset. Budget around €10–€20 per person depending on what you order, and aim to keep it to about 45 minutes so you still have energy for the evening. After that, make your way over to Giraffe Paris in Trocadéro for dinner — the setting is the draw here, with those iconic Eiffel Tower views and a buzzy, dressed-up crowd that fits a girls’ night perfectly. Book ahead if you can, especially for a terrace or window table, and expect roughly €45–€80 per person. It’s one of the best places to build the evening around because it feels celebratory without needing any extra effort from you.
If you still have energy after dinner, finish with Matignon or a nearby late-night drinks spot in the 8th for that polished, upscale Paris nightlife feel. This is very much the “heels, good lighting, and champagne” kind of ending — more chic than wild, but exactly right for a glamorous night out. Aim for a couple of hours and don’t overplan it; Paris is best at night when you leave room to linger, people-watch, and decide on the fly whether you want one last cocktail or a slow taxi back.
Start your last Paris day softly and properly with the Musée Rodin gardens only — no museum, just the grounds, which is honestly the best part anyway. It opens around 10:00, and if you get there early it feels wonderfully hushed, with the Roses Garden, clipped hedges, and those iconic sculptures half-hidden in the greenery. Give yourselves about an hour to wander, sit, and take a few slow photos; it’s one of the prettiest, most elegant corners of the 7th arrondissement and a lovely way to begin a departure day without rushing.
From there, a short walk brings you to Rue Cler, one of those streets locals actually use for daily life rather than just sightseeing. It’s perfect for a gentle browse: cheese shops, fruit stands, bakeries, florists, and little cafés that make you want to linger over every window. If you want something light, pick up a pastry or savory snack here; most places open by 8:00–9:00, and prices are very reasonable compared with the more touristy spots nearby.
For one final refined café stop, head to Carette near the Champ de Mars area for tea, coffee, or a little pâtisserie moment. This is a classic Paris “pause” — polished but not too formal, and ideal if you want to sit for 30–45 minutes before your picnic. Expect café prices in the usual Paris range: around €6–€10 for coffee/hot chocolate, more if you add pastries. Keep it light so lunch still feels special.
Then make your way to the Champ de Mars for a farewell picnic under the Eiffel Tower using your La Grande Épicerie haul. This is the day to go generous but simple: bread, cheese, fruit, maybe a quiche, some snacks, and something sweet to finish. A picnic like this usually lands around €15–€30 per person depending on what you buy, and it’s one of the best ways to do Paris like a local. Find a grassy stretch, settle in, and let the day slow right down — this is the kind of moment you’ll remember most.
After lunch, take a long final walk along the Seine on the route from Pont Alexandre III to Alma. It’s one of the prettiest riverside stretches in Paris: grand bridge views, river light, the city opening up and closing behind you as you walk. Allow about 1.5 hours so you don’t hurry it; pause for photos, look back toward the Eiffel Tower, and just enjoy that last stretch of Paris in motion. If you still have energy, this is the perfect time for one last coffee or an early taxi back, depending on your departure plans.