Paris in five days? You’ve got just enough time to see the highlights without rushing through them. This guide breaks down exactly where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of every moment in the City of Light.
I’ve spent years helping travelers plan their Paris trips, and I know what works. This itinerary covers the must-see spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, plus hidden gems most tourists miss. No fluff, no overwhelming lists, just a practical day-by-day plan you can actually follow.
You’re probably wondering if five days is enough. I’ll show you how to balance famous landmarks with local experiences, skip the lines, and still have time to enjoy a leisurely cafe au lait. This is the itinerary I wish I had on my first visit.
Before You Go: Planning Your 5 Days in Paris
Let me help you sort out the basics before you land in Paris. These practical tips will save you time and money. I’ll keep this simple so you can focus on the fun parts of planning.
Where to Stay
Location matters more than you think. The right neighborhood puts you close to attractions and gives you a real feel for Parisian life. Here’s what I recommend based on your style and budget.
Le Marais sits in the heart of the city with cobblestone streets and excellent restaurants. It’s trendy, artistic, and within walking distance to major sites. Saint-Germain-des-Pres offers a more refined vibe with cafe culture and boutique shopping. Montparnasse works well if you want something quieter and more affordable while still being well-connected.
Getting Around Paris
The Metro is your best friend. It runs everywhere you need to go, and trains come every few minutes. The RER trains connect you to places like Versailles and the airport.
- Paris Visite Pass: unlimited travel for 1-5 days, includes airport transfers
- Navigo Easy Card: rechargeable, good for individual tickets
- Single tickets (t+ tickets): €2.10 each, valid for 90 minutes
Download Bonjour RATP or Citymapper on your phone. These apps show you exactly which Metro line to take and when the next train arrives. Walking between nearby attractions often beats waiting for trains.
Day 1: Iconic Paris Landmarks
Start with the classics. Your first day focuses on the most famous sights in Paris. Architecture, history, and views that’ll take your breath away. This is the perfect introduction to the city.
Morning: Arc de Triomphe and Champs-elysees
Drop your bags at your hotel and head straight to the Arc de Triomphe. I recommend climbing to the top, yes, it’s 284 steps, but the 360-degree views over Paris are worth every one. You’ll see the city spread out in perfect symmetry.
Walk down the Champs-elysees toward Place de la Concorde. This famous avenue stretches for nearly a mile. Stop for coffee if you need it, or just window shop as you go. The walk takes about 30 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Afternoon: Eiffel Tower and Trocadero
Head to Trocadero Gardens first. This gives you the best frontal view of the Eiffel Tower. Everyone takes their photos here. The esplanade offers an unobstructed shot that’s hard to beat.
- Go to the top: book tickets online weeks ahead
- Go to the second floor: still amazing, easier to get tickets
- Skip going up: enjoy a picnic at Champ de Mars below
I suggest the second floor. You get great views without the summit crowds. If you have time before sunset, take a Seine River Cruise. The one-hour tour shows you Paris from the water and costs about €15.
Evening: Dinner and the Sparkling Show
Eat somewhere close by. Le Fontaine de Mars serves classic French food in a cozy setting. Les Cocottes offers excellent rotisserie dishes at reasonable prices. Both are within walking distance of the tower.
Come back to the Eiffel Tower at night. The sparkling light show happens every hour after dark for five minutes. Watching those lights twinkle against the black sky is magic. Find a spot on the Champ de Mars lawn and just sit. This moment is why you came to Paris.
Day 2: The Heart of Paris: Art, Islands, and Historic Charm
Today you’ll see where Paris began. The islands in the Seine hold the city’s oldest treasures. Then you’ll visit the world’s most famous museum.
Morning: Île de la Cite and Île Saint-Louis
Start at Notre-Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cite. The cathedral is still under restoration after the 2019 fire. You can view it from outside and visit the square. The Gothic architecture is beautiful even from the exterior.
Walk inside Sainte-Chapelle next door. This is the real gem. The stained glass windows glow like jewels when sunlight hits them. Buy tickets online to skip the security line. Cross the bridge to Île Saint-Louis and grab ice cream at Berthillon. This tiny island feels like a village frozen in time.
Afternoon: The Louvre and Tuileries Gardens
The Louvre is massive. You can’t see everything in one visit. Focus on the highlights. I recommend spending 2-3 hours here maximum.
- Mona Lisa: smaller than you expect, always crowded
- Venus de Milo: ancient Greek sculpture, less crowded
- Winged Victory: top of the Daru staircase, breathtaking
- Napoleon’s Apartments: opulent rooms most people skip
After the museum, walk through Jardin des Tuileries. The gardens connect the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Or visit Musee de l’Orangerie if you love Impressionism. Monet’s Water Lilies fill the entire curved rooms there.
Evening: Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This neighborhood has a serious literary history. Hemingway, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir all hung out here. The cafes still serve the same coffee. The people-watching is still excellent.
Stop at Les Deux Magots or Cafe de Flore for a drink. Yes, they’re touristy. Yes, they’re overpriced. But sitting at these historic tables is part of the Paris experience. Order an espresso. Watch the world go by.
Day 3: Montmartre and the 9th Arrondissement
Today is all about artistic Paris. You’ll climb to the highest point in the city. You’ll walk streets where Picasso and Van Gogh once lived. This is the bohemian side of Paris.
Morning: Montmartre and Sacre-Cœur
Take the Metro to Anvers station. Walk up the hill or take the funicular if your legs need a break. Sacre-Cœur Basilica sits at the top with white domes that shine against the sky.
Go inside the basilica, it’s free. The interior has beautiful mosaics. Then walk around to the front steps. The view over Paris is incredible. You can see for miles. Street musicians usually play here. Sit for a while and soak it in.
Afternoon: Galeries Lafayette and Palais Garnier
Head down to the 9th arrondissement. Galeries Lafayette is a department store worth seeing, even if you don’t shop. The Art Nouveau glass dome is beautiful. Take the escalator to the rooftop terrace; the views are free and gorgeous. Walk five minutes to Palais Garnier.:
- Grand Staircase: white marble and gold everywhere
- Auditorium: red velvet seats and Chagall ceiling
- Grand Foyer: mirrors and chandeliers like Versailles
The building inspired “The Phantom of the Opera.” You can feel why. Tours take about an hour. Check the schedule sometimes performances close certain areas.
Evening: Historic Bars and Classic Bistro
Time for drinks at a legendary bar. Harry’s New York Bar claims to have invented the Bloody Mary. Le Select has been serving drinks since 1923. Both have serious history and strong cocktails.
For dinner, head to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. They serve one thing: steak frites with secret sauce. You don’t order they just bring it. The steak comes in two servings. The fries are unlimited. It’s simple. It’s delicious. It’s very French.
Day 4: A Day Trip to Versailles
Today you’ll visit the most famous palace in France. Versailles sits just outside Paris. It shows you how French royalty lived. Prepare for gold, mirrors, and massive gardens.
Morning: Versailles Palace
Leave Paris early. Aim for the 8:30 or 9:00 AM RER C train. The ride takes about 40 minutes. Book your palace tickets online before you go. The lines at the ticket office can eat up two hours.
Enter through the main gate. Head straight to the palace. The Hall of Mirrors is the showstopper. 357 mirrors line one wall. Chandeliers hang from painted ceilings. Walk through the Royal Apartments next. Louis XIV’s bedroom sits at the center. Gold everywhere.
Afternoon: Gardens and Marie Antoinette’s Estate
The gardens are huge. Over 2,000 acres is huge. Rent a golf cart or bike if you don’t want to walk miles. The fountains run on weekends from April to October.
- Grand Canal: perfect for photos
- Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet: a fake village where she played a peasant
- Petit Trianon: her private escape
- Orangerie: over 1,000 trees in planters
Grab lunch at a cafe in the gardens. Or pack a picnic. Find a bench near the fountains. Head back to Paris by late afternoon.
Evening: Relaxing Back in Paris
You’ve earned an easy night. Your feet probably hurt. Find a restaurant in the Latin Quarter or Montparnasse. Something casual and close to your hotel.
Order a glass of wine. Take your time with dinner. If you have energy, walk along the Seine as the sun sets. Or find a bistro with outdoor seating. Sit. Sip. Watch Paris happen around you.
Day 5: Local Paris: Le Marais, Hidden Gems, and Farewell Views
Your last day focuses on the real Paris. You’ll eat like a local in Le Marais. You’ll see parts most tourists skip.
Morning: Le Marais Food and Culture
Start at Marche des Enfants Rouges. It’s Paris’s oldest covered market. It opened in 1628. Vendors sell fresh produce, cheese, bread, and meals. Grab a coffee. Wander through the stalls. Sample some cheese. Try a pain au chocolat.
Walk to Place des Vosges next. Red brick buildings surround a peaceful park. Sit on a bench under the trees. Pick one museum if you have time: Picasso Museum, Carnavalet Museum (free), or the Jewish Art and History Museum. Le Marais has narrow medieval streets. Get lost on purpose. Find vintage shops and hidden courtyards.
Afternoon: Underground Paris
The Catacombs hold six million bones. They moved bodies here in the late 1700s. Book tickets online days ahead. They limit visitors each hour. The tour takes you 65 feet underground. Tunnels are lined with skulls arranged in patterns. It’s eerie. It’s fascinating. Bring a light jacket.
If you skip the Catacombs, visit Père Lachaise Cemetery. It’s a beautiful park with tree-lined paths. Elaborate tombs fill the grounds. Famous graves include Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Chopin. Locals jog and picnic here.
Evening: Final Views and Farewell
End your trip with height. Montparnasse Tower offers the best view of Paris. You can see the Eiffel Tower lit up. The deck stays open until 11 PM. Find a restaurant with a Seine view. Or pick a cozy bistro in your favorite neighborhood.
Order something new. Drink good wine. Take your time. Five days went fast. But you saw the highlights. You ate well. You walked like a Parisian.
Conclusion
Your 5 days in Paris are going to be incredible. You’ve got a solid plan that covers the iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and authentic local spots that make this city special. No stress, no guesswork, just a straightforward itinerary you can follow at your own pace.
Remember, this is your trip. Feel free to swap days around, linger longer at places you love, or skip something that doesn’t interest you. The goal is to enjoy Paris, not check off a rigid list.
Have questions about specific attractions or need tips for your dates? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear about your plans or help you tweak this itinerary to fit your style. And if this guide helped you, share it with someone else planning their Paris trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days in Paris enough time?
Yes, 5 days gives you enough time to see major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame, plus visit different neighborhoods. You won’t see everything, but you’ll get a solid feel for the city without feeling rushed.
What’s the best way to get around Paris in 5 days?
The Metro is your best option. It’s affordable, fast, and connects all major attractions. Buy a multi-day pass to save money. Walking is great for short distances, especially in areas like Le Marais and Montmartre.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Paris?
Budget around $100-150 per day for mid-range travel. This covers accommodation, meals, Metro passes, and attraction tickets. You can spend less with budget options or more if you want.
Should I buy skip-the-line tickets in advance?
Absolutely. Popular spots like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre have long wait times. Buying tickets online ahead of time saves hours of standing in line, giving you more time to actually enjoy Paris.
What are the must-see attractions in 5 days in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Sacre-Cœur are essential. Add in neighborhoods like Le Marais, a Seine river cruise, and at least one cafe stop for the full experience.
