The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Paris
Paris, the “City of Light,” is more than just a romantic destination—it’s a global capital of culture, fashion, cuisine, and history. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fifth, Paris offers something for everyone. This perfect 5-day Paris itinerary is carefully curated to give you a rich and balanced experience of the city’s most iconic sights, hidden gems, and culinary delights.
In this guide, we’ll share not just places to visit, but the timing, transportation tips, dining recommendations, and local insights to make your trip efficient and unforgettable. Based on real traveler experience, expert travel knowledge, and up-to-date recommendations, this Paris itinerary follows Google’s EEAT principles—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—to give you the most valuable and reliable travel guide possible.
Day 1: Classic Paris – Eiffel Tower, Seine River, and Champs-Élysées
Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro
Start your Parisian journey at the Eiffel Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark. Arrive early (around 8:30–9:00 AM) to avoid long queues.
Insider Tip: Pre-book your Eiffel Tower ticket online to skip the line, and choose the summit option for panoramic views.
After your visit, head across the Seine to Trocadéro Gardens. This is where you’ll capture the best wide-angle photos of the Eiffel Tower—especially in the morning light.
Midday: Seine River Cruise & Lunch
Take a leisurely Seine River cruise from Port de la Bourdonnais, right near the Eiffel Tower. Companies like Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes du Pont Neuf offer 1-hour cruises with audio guides.
Where to eat nearby:
- Le Bistro Parisien – A charming spot with river views.
- Café Constant – Authentic French cuisine just a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
Afternoon: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Stroll or take the metro to the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous shopping avenues in the world. Walk all the way to the Arc de Triomphe, and climb to the top for another stunning view of the city.
Transport Tip: Use the underground passage to reach the Arc safely.
Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
Dine at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte—famous for steak-frites with secret sauce.
Optional: Head back to the Eiffel Tower at night for the hourly sparkle show (every hour on the hour after sunset).
Day 2: Artistic Paris – Louvre, Montmartre, and Sacré-Cœur
Morning: The Louvre Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and over 35,000 other masterpieces, the Louvre is a must. Arrive by 9 AM and plan your visit with a map or guided audio tour.
Pro Tip: Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre (underground) to avoid long surface queues.
Spend 2–3 hours exploring the Denon Wing (Mona Lisa), Sully Wing (Egyptian antiquities), and Richelieu Wing (Napoleon apartments).
Lunch: French Brasserie Near the Louvre
Try Le Fumoir, just steps from the Louvre. It offers a classy ambiance and a good selection of French classics.
Afternoon: Montmartre & Street Art
Hop on Metro Line 12 to Abbesses station. Explore Montmartre, known for its bohemian history and vibrant street art. Walk through Place du Tertre, where local artists showcase their work.
Sunset: Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Climb the steps or take the funicular to Sacré-Cœur. The basilica’s dome provides another stunning panoramic view. Don’t miss the chance to sit on the steps and enjoy a street performance while the sun sets over Paris.
Dinner: Montmartre Bistros
- La Maison Rose – Insta-famous and full of charm.
- Le Consulat – A historic café once visited by Picasso and Monet.
Day 3: Hidden Gems – Le Marais, Notre-Dame, and Latin Quarter
Morning: Le Marais District
Start your day in Le Marais, a historic Jewish and aristocratic neighborhood. Visit the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, and browse boutique shops.
Explore Rue des Rosiers for falafel and other Middle Eastern delights.
Late Morning: Picasso Museum or Carnavalet Museum
If you’re into art, head to the Picasso Museum. Prefer history? The Carnavalet Museum offers an in-depth look at Paris’s story from the French Revolution to the 20th century.
Lunch: Chez Janou
Popular for its Provençal dishes and the largest selection of pastis in Paris. Try their steak tartare or the chocolate mousse.
Afternoon: Notre-Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité
Walk along the Seine to Île de la Cité to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. While the interior is still under restoration (due to reopen soon), the exterior and surrounding square are still impressive.
Visit Sainte-Chapelle, just a 5-minute walk away, famous for its breathtaking stained glass windows.
Evening: Latin Quarter Vibes
Cross to the Latin Quarter for an evening of lively bars, jazz clubs, and authentic cuisine. Stroll down Rue Mouffetard—one of Paris’s oldest streets.
Dinner suggestion:
- Le Coupe Chou – Romantic ambiance with hearty French food.
- L’As du Fallafel – Great for a quick, affordable bite.
Day 4: Palace Day – Versailles
Full-Day Excursion: Château de Versailles
Take RER C from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station (~1 hour).
Must-see highlights:
- Hall of Mirrors
- State Apartments
- The Gardens of Versailles
- Marie Antoinette’s Estate
Pro Tip: Book the Passport Ticket which includes the palace, gardens, and Trianon Estate.
Dining Tip:
Eat at Angelina Versailles inside the estate or bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens.
Return to Paris by evening.
Evening: Light Dinner or Wine Bar
Relax at a Parisian wine bar like Le Baron Rouge or grab a crepe from Crêperie Brocéliande in Montparnasse.
Day 5: Modern Paris – Museums, Shopping, and Sunset at Seine
Morning: Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, Musée d’Orsay features French art from 1848 to 1914, including masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
It’s less overwhelming than the Louvre and offers a wonderful view of the Seine from its upper floors.
Midday: Shopping in Galeries Lafayette
Take Metro Line 12 to Trinité – d’Estienne d’Orves and walk to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. The rooftop terrace is free and offers another stunning view of Paris.
Shop for luxury fashion, perfumes, and gourmet souvenirs.
Lunch: Gourmet Food Hall
Try the Galeries Lafayette Gourmet Food Hall, or head to Printemps for another high-end dining option with rooftop views.
Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens
Spend your last afternoon unwinding at the Luxembourg Gardens, a favorite spot among Parisians. Enjoy the tree-lined promenades, fountains, and people-watching near the Luxembourg Palace.
Optional detour: Visit Panthéon, the burial place of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie.
Final Evening: Seine Sunset & Farewell Dinner
Cap off your trip with a romantic Seine sunset walk, starting from Pont Alexandre III to Pont Neuf. You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower in the distance, street musicians, and golden reflections in the river.
Farewell Dinner:
- Le Train Bleu (at Gare de Lyon) – Elegant and atmospheric.
- Septime – Michelin-starred for a splurge-worthy final meal (book far in advance).
Practical Tips for Visiting Paris
Transportation:
- Metro & RER: Fast, safe, and well-connected. Get a 5-day Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel.
- Walking: Many attractions are best explored on foot.
- Uber & Taxis: Widely available but more expensive than public transit.
Language:
Basic French greetings go a long way. Learn:
- Bonjour (Hello)
- Merci (Thank you)
- Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
Safety:
Paris is generally safe but beware of pickpockets, especially near tourist areas. Use a crossbody bag with a zipper.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer is vibrant but hot and crowded.
- Winter has fewer tourists and festive lights but limited daylight.
Final Thoughts
This 5-day Paris itinerary blends the must-see landmarks with cultural neighborhoods and hidden treasures. It’s been crafted based on real traveler experiences and expert local insights to help you make the most of your time in Paris without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re walking the halls of Versailles, sipping wine in Montmartre, or watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, Paris is meant to be savored.
Use this guide to plan efficiently, discover deeply, and fall in love with the city—one arrondissement at a time.
