What should I not forget for a trip to Paris?

The easy-to-forget essentials are your passport, a travel plug adapter (France uses Type C/E), comfortable broken-in walking shoes for the cobblestones, and an anti-theft crossbody bag for the Metro. Pre-booked Louvre and Eiffel Tower tickets save hours of queuing.

Do I need a power adapter in France?

Yes. France uses Type C and Type E plugs at 230V. If your devices have US or UK plugs, bring a universal travel adapter. Most modern phone and laptop chargers already handle 230V, so you only need the plug-shape adapter, not a voltage converter.

How much should I pack for 5 days in Paris?

Pack for about 3 days and plan one laundry wash or sink-rinse. Five layerable tops, two bottoms, one light jacket, and one pair of broken-in walking shoes cover a 5-day city break without overpacking.

5-Day Paris Packing List

This 5-day Paris packing list is built for a short city break — enough to cover long museum days and cool evenings without dragging a heavy case up Metro stairs. The core list is season-agnostic; add or swap a few items for summer heat or winter cold. Everything below is something people actually reach for in Paris, from the anti-pickpocket bag to the skip-the-line tickets. See more travel and packing checklists.

Curated by the Gisti team · Updated July 2026

5-Day Paris Packing List · 18 items

Passport, plus a printed and offline photo of your ID
Keep the copy separate from the original.
Visa or ETIAS authorization, if your nationality needs one
Check before you fly — approval isn't instant.
Two cards and about €50 in cash
Split them between bags in case one is lost.
Phone and a charger with an EU plug adapter
France uses Type C/E plugs at 230V.
Universal travel adapter
A back-up if your charger is US or UK only.
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
Paris is cobblestones — new shoes will blister.
Five layerable tops and two bottoms
Mix-and-match neutrals cut the volume.
A light jacket or trench
Paris evenings are cool even in summer.
Compact umbrella
Rain is common and unpredictable.
Crossbody anti-theft bag with a zip
Pickpockets work the Metro and the queues at big landmarks.
Reusable water bottle
Refill free at the city's Wallace fountains.
Pre-booked Louvre and Eiffel Tower tickets, or a Paris Museum Pass
Skip-the-line — they sell out in peak season.
Metro (RATP) app and an offline map
Download the map before you land.
A translation app and a few basic French phrases
A "bonjour" first goes a long way.
Daily medications and a small first-aid kit
Bring enough for the whole trip plus a spare day.
Sunglasses
Portable power bank
A day of maps and photos will drain your phone.
Toiletries in a clear bag, packed for 3 days
Plan one laundry run or a quick sink wash.

Make it yours in Gisti

Open this checklist in Gisti to tick items off, add your own, set reminders, and keep it in sync across Android and the web. AI can tailor every item to your exact situation.

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