Five days in Paris—this is the perfect amount of time to explore all the major Paris attractions without feeling rushed, plus you get to add a day trip or dive deep into the charming local neighborhoods.
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This 5-Day Paris Itinerary is designed for the first-time visitor who wants to see the masterpieces, wander the cobblestone streets, and still have time for slow, deliberate coffee breaks and gourmet dining. Get ready to experience the true heartbeat of the City of Light!
Your 5-Day Paris Strategy: Time-Saving Tips
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Pre-Book ALL Major Tickets: Seriously. Book timed-entry tickets for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Versailles 4-8 weeks in advance.
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Divide and Conquer: We’ve grouped activities by arrondissement (neighborhood) to minimize time spent on the Metro and maximize walking enjoyment.
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The Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) offer ideal weather and slightly fewer crowds than mid-summer.
Day 1: The Iconic Eiffel & Left Bank Beauty
Start your trip with the most recognizable symbols of Paris on the elegant Left Bank (7th Arrondissement).
| Time | Activity | Location & Vibe | Experience Highlights |
| Morning | Musée d’Orsay | Former train station turned Impressionist gallery (Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir). | Focus on the top floor and enjoy the unique clock face view over the Seine. |
| Lunch | Saint-Germain-des-Prés | A chic neighborhood with literary cafés and upscale bistros. | Have lunch at a classic café like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots. |
| Afternoon | Musée Rodin | A peaceful stop showcasing Rodin’s sculpture, including The Thinker and The Kiss. | Stroll through the beautiful sculpture garden for a moment of calm. |
| Evening | Eiffel Tower Sparkle | Head to Trocadéro for the famous view and photo-op. | Be there at the top of the hour after dark to watch the 5-minute light show! |
| Dinner | Casual dinner near the Eiffel Tower or in the 7th Arrondissement. |
Day 2: Right Bank Masterpieces & Grand Avenues
Today is dedicated to the massive artistic and imperial scale of the Right Bank (1st & 8th Arrondissements).
| Time | Activity | Location & Vibe | Experience Highlights |
| Morning | The Louvre Museum | The world’s largest art museum. Pre-booked ticket is a must! | Dedicate at least 3 hours. See the icons, then pick one wing (e.g., French painting) to explore fully. |
| Lunch | Jardin des Tuileries | The formal royal garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. | Buy a picnic lunch from a local traiteur (delicatessen) and sit by the fountains. |
| Afternoon | Arc de Triomphe | The triumphant arch marking the end of the Champs-Élysées. | Climb to the top (elevator or stairs) for a breathtaking panoramic view down the 12 radiating avenues. |
| Evening | Champs-Élysées Stroll | Walk the grand boulevard, window shop, and check out the luxury car showrooms. | End the night with a scenic dinner cruise on the Seine River to see the monuments illuminated. |
Day 3: Royal Grandeur at Versailles (Day Trip)
With 5 days, you have the ideal time for a full-day excursion to the spectacular royal palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
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| Time | Activity | Location & Vibe | Experience Highlights |
| Morning | Travel to Versailles & Palace Tour | Take the RER C train from central Paris. Arrive when the Palace opens (9:00 AM). | Marvel at the Hall of Mirrors and the King and Queen’s State Apartments. |
| Lunch | Lunch in Versailles Town or Gardens | Eat near the Palace entrance or grab a quick bite inside the gardens. | Be aware: this day involves extensive walking. Fuel up! |
| Afternoon | Gardens of Versailles | Explore the massive, highly formal, and artistic gardens, including the Grand Canal. | Rent a rowboat, visit the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, or Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. |
| Evening | Relaxed Dinner | Return to Paris and enjoy a low-key, comforting French dinner near your hotel. |
Day 4: Bohemian Paris & Hidden Gems
Explore the historic heart of Paris—the islands and the charming hilltop artists’ village.
| Time | Activity | Location & Vibe | Experience Highlights |
| Morning | Île de la Cité & Saint-Chapelle | The island where Paris began. Visit the dazzling stained glass of the Sainte-Chapelle. | Walk past Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior view) and see the beautiful flower market. |
| Lunch | Latin Quarter & Shakespeare and Company | A student-friendly area with the iconic English-language bookstore. | Grab a traditional savory crêpe from a street vendor and wander the historic streets. |
| Afternoon | Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur | Take the Metro to the 18th Arrondissement. Climb the hill (or take the funicular). | Soak up the stunning city view from the steps of the white Sacré-Cœur Basilica and explore the artist-filled Place du Tertre. |
| Evening | Pigalle & Moulin Rouge | Walk down the hill to the entertainment district of Pigalle. | See the iconic red windmill of the Moulin Rouge and enjoy a drink in a nearby bar. |
Day 5: Le Marais, Culture & The Modern Vibe
Dedicate your final day to deep diving into one of Paris’s coolest neighborhoods and catching any last-minute sights.
| Time | Activity | Location & Vibe | Experience Highlights |
| Morning | Le Marais Exploration | 3rd & 4th Arrondissements. Historic, hip, great for shopping, and excellent food. | Stroll through the beautiful Place des Vosges and grab a snack on Rue des Rosiers (known for its falafel). |
| Lunch | Marché des Enfants Rouges | Paris’s oldest covered food market. | Try lunch from one of the many diverse food stalls (e.g., Moroccan, Italian, French). |
| Afternoon | Museum/Shopping Choice | Options include the Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou, or exploring the Covered Passages (like Galerie Vivienne). | For a great photo and a final bit of luxury, visit the rooftop terrace of the Galeries Lafayette department store. |
| Evening | Farewell Dinner | Choose a high-quality bistro in Le Marais or the nearby 9th Arrondissement. | Toast your successful Parisian adventure with a glass of local wine or champagne! |
With this 5-day Paris itinerary, you’ll leave feeling like you truly experienced the best of the city, from the art museums to the local cafes.