Planning Paris is hard… but I like it!Â
I’ve been waiting for this trip for so long and when it’s finally almost the time I’m super excited and relieved. I now believe dreams do come true… but you have to work for them. You have to act, you have to safe money in order to afford to travel, you have to prioritize.
I don’t know how other travellers like their trips – planned or spontanious, but I’ve always been an organizer, planner. Maybe some don’t like travelling like that but that’s my way. At least for now…
We are going to be in Paris from 2nd to 6th of May so if you are in the area give us a shout.

Paris, a view from Arc de Triomphe
Planning the trip
Me and my boyfriend were waiting for cheap airplane tickets and have been watching websites and companies since october-ish last year. We missed some very good opportunities for a really descent price but hey, what’s a journey without disappointments. And it wasn’t really a disappointment actually. So we bought our tickets on 1th April 2014. So close to the date but I think the price was fair – 440 Euros two-way tickets for two.
I remember that day because it was one of my very favorite and lucky of the year – my first day at work as an editor for an online business media, my scholarship results came back positive, I finally paid off my super expensive orthodontic treatment with my own saved-for-the-past-2-years money (very proud!), had a great movie night at the cinema and published my photos from Istanbul!
On April 4th we booked our hotel. It’s a block away from Moulin Rouge and the beautiful Monmartre. On April 7th we bought tickets for the Eiffel Tower – 15 euros for Adult and 13,50 euros for youngster like me! There were free hours only in 9:30 in 5th of May. Not for any other day in May! So lucky! On April 12th we bought tickets for Disneyland for 64 euros each.
And that was it! We were ready to go to Paris!
The next thing I did was hours in research, reading and planning…

The Louvre, Paris
Program and Itinerary
Day 1, Friday: Arriving at night. Check-in. Nothing planned so I guess we will go out for a nice evening walk.
Day 2, Saturday: Disneyland! I would choose Monday for that but our Eiffel Tower tickets are for Monday so… At the evening we plan to have dinner out. We are on a budget so we will eat only 1 night out. We have supermarket near the hotel and we will buy cheaper food for the other nights.
Day 3, Sunday: Versailles for free! We’re going to tha palace and the gardens for free! Did you know that EU citizens under 26 can go without paying taxes! Those were very good news for our wallets. We’re going to Versailles with two friends from Bulgaria who are also going to Paris.
After Versailles: Arc de Triomphe (free for EU citizend under 26) and Champs-Elisée. Then: A night walk in Monmartre, Sacre Coeur (free for us, but: tax for the Dome – 6 euros, and the Crypte – 3 euros), Moulin Rouge (from outside)
Day 4, Monday: Walking tour of the city. I spent hours thinking where to go first, watching open hours and planning our itinerary. The starting point will be the Eiffel Tower since we have tickets for 9:30. But we are going out early in the morning – 6:00 am! The reason to do that is because we want to see the city without so many people and cars andto be alone with the Eiffel Tower, heh!
1. Start point: Place du Trocedaro
2. Eiffel Tower, The Champ de Mars
3. Army Museum (free for EU citizens under 26), UNESCO World Heritage Center, Musée d’Orsay was on our way but it’s closed on Monday (free for us)
4. Tuileries gardens, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais and Le Petit Palais (from outside)
5. Place Vendome, Paris Opera,
6. Louvre Museum (free for us)
7. Notre Dame de Paris (free for everyone, but tax for the Towers) + Saint Chapelle (Consiergie, from outside, free for us),
8. La Sorbonne, Pantheon and Latin Quarter,
9. End point: Luxemburg Gardens and Palace.
After that: Eiffel Tower at night (see the lights)
Day 5, Tuesday: Check-out. Free program. If we couldn’t visit one of our planned stops for the other days. Maybe Musée d’Orsay, Seine river tour with boat, a walk in Boulevard Saint Germain (not necessarily in that order). We’re going on the airport at the night because our flight is early in the morning. And go back to Sofia, Bulgaria.
Final Words
Considering I don’t have much experience with travelling I may make some silly mistakes in planning, I may not do something the right or the most proper way. So I’ll be glad to hear what do you think about the program, the itinerary, the decisions I made.
Is the program alright?
Are there any other places you would recommend me to see in Paris or things to do (restaurants, museums, etc.)?
Do you plan your trips or you just leave?
I am open to recieve as many advices as you can give!
Emily | April 25, 2014
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Wow, I thought I was organised – but this is a seriously well planned trip! Just beware of packing too much into one day – you’ll wind up rushing everything. Also, the biggest joy of Paris for me is just wandering round it’s beautiful streets, getting lost, stopping at bakeries and boutique shops – leave plenty of time for spontaneity, too 🙂
Ps Disneyland is awesome, I love it!!
Maria | Author | April 25, 2014
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I think I can rethink some of the days because there is really too much to see in one day. I’m going for the first time and probably not going there again for the next 2-3 years and I want to do and see everything 😀 Spontaneity is always “in the plan”.
Karen Warren | April 25, 2014
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Hope you have a great time in Paris. Don’t forget to spend some time just wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere and dipping into little bars and restaurants.
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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(: Thank you!
City Sea Country | April 25, 2014
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I would love to give you some advize but the last time I was in Paris is long, long ago. I hope you are having fun there. I´m sure you will like it. Hope you´re having time for a picknick with a baguette, some fromage and wine. 😀
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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Thank you! I will definitely make time for picknick 🙂
Elena | April 25, 2014
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Wow, you are so organized, I hope everything works out just the way you have planned it..But also, leave yourself some time for surprises.. roaming around streets and parks could be very rewarding too 🙂
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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(: Thanks
Brianna | April 25, 2014
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There is no “right” way to travel. It’s your trip, do what you love! I enjoy the researching and planning almost as much as the journey itself!
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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Thank you!
Jen | April 26, 2014
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Well, Disneyland wouldn’t be at the top of my list for a first trip to Paris, but I appreciate that everyone has different priorities and I share your detailed planning approach to travel. I agree with everyone else that one of the charms of Paris is wandering around and stopping at outdoor cafes. Make sure you spend a little time each day just walking and exploring.
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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Disneyland is on my second day in Paris because for every other day I have booked tickets and planned meetings with people 🙂 Thanks for the advice, I can’t wait to get lost and spend time to explore the city 🙂
Aditya | April 26, 2014
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Personally planning a trip is the best part of travel. Nice research there 🙂
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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It is really good, yes! I feel like I’m there by only looking the map 🙂
Dave Cole | April 26, 2014
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Wow, looks like a great plan! So many things to see and do in Paris and you definitely did your research 🙂 Looking forward to seeing your photos once you’re back.
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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Yes, so many things to see and to do. i hope to have enough time for everything :))
Manouk - Bunch of Backpackers | April 26, 2014
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Wow, well-organized :)! But I agree with Aditya, planning the trip is part of the fun! Looks like a great itinerary. Don’t forget to taste macarones and with beautiful weather a picknick at the Eifeltower :)!
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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I will definitely try the picknick :))
Margherita @The Crowded Planet | April 26, 2014
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You’ll have a wonderful time in Paris, it’s one of the best cities in the whole world. I love planning trips, but I never go past the stage of reading guidebooks, and then forget to book! I would recommend climbing on top the Arc the Triomphe as well (I never had to queue for that!) and don’t forget to take a jumper on top of Eiffel Tower, it’s freezing up there sometimes!
Maria | Author | April 26, 2014
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Thank you! I will take a jumper for sure!
jennifer | April 26, 2014
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I was in Paris during the same time last year. bring an umbrella in case you suffer the same weather i did!
the only wrong way to plan a trip is to mirror anyone else rather that making your plans your way! You are going to have a great time.
Maria | Author | May 1, 2014
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Thanks for the advice and kind words!
Beth | April 27, 2014
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I’ll be in Paris this June for the first time– and my itinerary looks pretty similar to yours! (although we’re also adding in Giverny)
Maria | Author | April 27, 2014
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That’s so cool. Can’t wait to read your post! I will check Giverny, looks pretty awesome. How many days do you have in Paris?
JR | April 28, 2014
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Looks like you’re pretty darn excited and well planned for your trip. Don’t obsess over every detail and expect to adjust a bit on the fly. Have a great time. Look forward to your posts about how it all worked out.
JR
Maria | Author | May 1, 2014
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Thank you so much!
Jon @ jonistravelling.com | April 29, 2014
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I can’t wait to get to Paris, looks like there is so much to do there!
Maria | Author | May 1, 2014
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I can’t wait either! I wish you to go there as soon as possible! (:
Bianca @itsallbee | April 29, 2014
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You are making me want to get on a Eurostar train straight to Paris. I really need to visit again.
Maria | Author | May 1, 2014
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If you have the chance why not?
Jen Dziekan | April 29, 2014
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Whatever you do, get in line at Versaille VERY early. We had tickets already and waiting in line for two and a half hours! we got there at 9:45- it opens at 9:00. Next time, I would be there at 8:30. Make sure you save time for the gardens and marie Antoinette’s hamlet…
Maria | Author | April 29, 2014
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Thanks for the advice! I will go early now when I know! 🙂
eva maria | April 30, 2014
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I am the same – I usually plan everything but at the end it’s just go differently. I was on solo trip to Paris last April and I did much sightseeing, walks. I also was really happy that I didn’t have to pay for the attractions. Paris is beautiful and I hope you will get a super weather and will have a great time!
Maria | Author | May 1, 2014
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Thank you! I plan everything because I feel I’m prepared… just like a big exam, you can’t go without studying for hours 😀 I wish you go to Paris again! 🙂
Rashad Pharaon | May 1, 2014
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What a great program and itinerary, I wish I was as organized as you. If you have time I also recommend Les Halles, where you will also find L’Eglise St Eustache–a beautiful Gothic church. As well as a visit to Le Centre Pompidou for the arts 🙂
I tend to go places without planning. Sometimes a great thing, sometimes disastrous lol. Hope you enjoy Paris!
Maria | Author | May 1, 2014
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Thanks for the suggestions! I will check these places out! So glad when someone who knows the city tells me what to see (:
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Maria | Author | May 28, 2014
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Thanks so much! Glad you liked it!
Ron | February 14, 2021
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Old tranquil Paris is still an intersting travel destination. But today many prefer hip thriving modern hightech cities like New York with its towers and exitements etc…