Traveling to Paris and don’t know where to start? Having established itself as one of the world’s most visited cities and having a population of over 11 million, there is a LOT to see and do. Planning a trip can be daunting, but with proper planning, you can cover a lot of ground in a short time. This is the best Paris itinerary 5 days, with everything from the most iconic tourist attractions to the local gems.
Like any big city, there is a lot to do in Paris for all interests. Pick and choose whatever you think is best for you. For instance, if art is simply not your thing, you don’t have to tour the Louvre just because it’s famous. Also, make sure to allot a lot of time per activity, and don’t feel bad if you spend longer than expected at one particular place.
Each of the destinations in this guide is grouped by location from one another to minimize transportation time.
Last Updated: January 12th, 2024
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General Tips for Your Paris Itinerary
- Be aware of scammers and pickpockets. Before your trip, read up on the most common scams in Hotel’s article to know what to avoid, ESPECIALLY in high foot-traffic tourist areas and subway stations. Remain vigilant and keep your belongings close and in inaccessible pockets at the bottom of your bag.
- Free toilets are not easily accessible around Paris. You’ll typically have to pay a fee of 1-3 euros. Whenever you’re at a restaurant or inside a museum, utilize the toilets there.
- Don’t go to Paris with the impression that just because a restaurant has French food, it’s bound to be good. Avoid restaurants with menus in every language and any restaurant where someone outside is trying to usher you in. If a restaurant is truly great, they wouldn’t need to convince by-passers to eat there.
- Paris Syndrome (a phenomenon of extreme disappointment and culture shock from a city with high expectations, resulting in physical sickness) is a real thing! Many people love Paris, but others leave hating it and think it is overrated. Lower your expectations and understand it is like every other big city.
Getting Around Paris
For the most part, I enjoy exploring cities on foot. However, Paris is a very spread out city and not too walkable. The city is split into 20 “arrondissements”, which are numbered areas of the city starting at 1 in the center and spreading out in a “snail shell shape”.
Many of the major attractions are far from one another, so you’ll need to turn to other forms of transportation. The city’s subway system is both efficient and easy to use. One ride on the metro is 2.10 euros. You can also take an Uber or Taxi within the city.
Where to Stay in Paris
Many people visit Paris thinking they should stay near the Eiffel Tower. Contrary to popular belief, the Eiffel Tower is not the center of the city! In fact, it is in the 7th arrondissement and there isn’t much to do in that area BESIDES the Eiffel Tower. However, if you want a quieter location with close-up views of the tower, then book your hotel here.
I stayed in the 6th Arrondissement, also known as Saint Germain Des Pres, and highly recommend it. The area is known to be trendy, with centuries of history of artists, writers, and philosophers congregating here. Now it’s filled with cafes, bakeries, and shopping. We stayed at Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche which was very clean (no bed bugs!), spacious, and close to a subway station.
Other fantastic areas to stay are Le Marais for shopaholics and the Latin Quarter.
Top Rated Paris Tours and Experiences for Your Paris Itinerary
These are some popular Paris attractions and tours to add to your Paris itinerary 5 days:
- Paris: 1 Hour Seine River Cruise (26K+ Reviews)
- Paris Tootbus Hop On Hop Off Discovery Bus (6.6K+ Reviews). I saw these everywhere around the city. A pretty popular option among tourists!
- Paris: Big Bus Hop On-Hop Off Tour w/ Optional Cruise (5.8K+ Reviews)
Day 1 of Paris Itinerary 5 Days
The first day of your Paris itinerary 5 days is to get yourself settled into the city. Depending on where you’re staying, feel free to move the days of this itinerary as you’d like. Day 1 is most convenient if you’re staying in central Paris.
Breizh Cafe
Start day 1 of your Paris itinerary 5 days with a meal at the Breizh Cafe. They specialize in crepes and galettes, which are buckwheat crepes. The vibe of both the indoor and outdoor seating is cozy.
The menu has a variety of both savory and sweet crepes. You may be used to getting sweet crepes, but savory crepes are quite popular in France. I got the ham, cheese, and egg galette, which was tasty. However, I don’t recommend going if you don’t like buckwheat, because the flavor is strong. I also recommend avoiding the truffle-flavored crepes here, because the truffle taste was wayyy too overpowering!
Musee d’Orsay
Next on the Paris itinerary 5 days is to walk over to one of the best Paris museums. The Musee d’Orsay is a fantastic art museum on the left side of the Seine River. What makes the museum unique is it is housed in a former railway station. Their featured art dates from 1848 to 1914 with paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The Musee d’Orsay is currently running an immersive Van Gogh exhibit, using virtual reality to bring his artwork to life. Book your tickets ahead to reserve a spot. (Seriously, the line is really long.)
Check Out the Notre Dame
Located along the Seine is the Notre Dame Cathedral. The Notre Dame is one of the best-known French Gothic Cathedrals in the Middle Ages, and housing religious artifacts such as the Crown of Thorns (believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ). While the building is unfortunately closed due to a disastrous fire in 2019, you can still visit the outside.
The good news is that Notre Dame is scheduled to reopen to the public in 2024, so hopefully you can add it to your Paris itinerary 5 days then.
Explore the Latin Quarter & Saint Germain
Wander the streets of Central Paris in the 5th and 6th arrondissement. The Latin Quarter has sights like the Pantheon, Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden), and the Museum of Natural History. The Saint Germain neighborhood is known for its artistic and intellectual hub, with renowned artists and writers like Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway formerly on the streets.
Shakespeare & Company
For bookworms, a visit to the Shakespeare Company bookstore is a unique and fun thing to do on this Paris itinerary 5 days. The independent bookstore has been running since 1951, having become a center for Anglophone writers and readers. They also have a cafe with light bites and coffee. The Washington Post has an excellent article on the bookstore’s significance.
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte for Dinner
This French restaurant chain specializes in one thing only — steak frites! They don’t even have a menu. When you’re seated, they’ll automatically bring over a salad, followed by steak frites doused in a mustard-based sauce. Once you’re halfway through your meal, the waitstaff comes by to top your plate with another round of food.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, meaning that the line can get crazy long. The first time I tried going, the line was down two blocks. Go 45 minutes before opening to be in the first seating group.
Day 2 of Paris Itinerary 5 Days
Pastries
Start your day 2 of the Paris itinerary 5 days the classic French way – at a boulangerie (bakery). My favorite pastry shop in central Paris is SAS Boulangerie Moderne. They have perfectly flaky, high-quality croissants. You can also get sandwiches, quiches (a savory pie of egg and cheese), and desserts.
My go-to is the plain croissant, pain au chocolat croissant, and the “Escargot”. It’s a Paris specialty pastry. Its swirl of pistachio paste and chocolate gave its name since it looks like a snail shell.
Another famous bakery for a croissant is La Maison D’Isabelle in the Latin Quarter.
Palais Garnier
Once you’ve filled up on breakfast, take the train or taxi over to Paris’ opera district in the 9th arrondissement. The Palais Garnier is a grand, nearly 2,000-seated opera built in 1861. Its remarkably stunning art architecture and history make it a must-see for any Paris itinerary 5 days.
There are a few ways you can go about visiting the Palais Garnier. You can get opera tickets or you can pay for a tour.
I got to the opera house 10 minutes before it opened at 10 AM to get last-minute same-day tickets. I was able to get “Obstructed View” tickets for only 10-25 euros.
Alternatively, many tourists get a guided tour of the Palais Garnier. You can do a self-guided tour for only 15 euros (there is a 10 euro reduced admission and free entry for certain groups). This is an excellent option if you want to learn more about the opera house’s rich history, and if you want to save the 2-3 hours that would otherwise go towards the show.
Galeries Lafayette
Just blocks away from the Palais Garnier is one of Paris’ most extravagant and huge department stores – Galeries Lafayette. They have everything from designer to local French brands. There are a total of 8 floors with departments for all your shopping needs.
Make sure to visit the roof deck at Galeries Lafayette on the 8th floor. You get amazing panoramic views of the city, including a view of the Eiffel Tower. They also have some other cute touristy photo opportunities.
During the holidays, both the storefront and the interior of the department store are completely decked out. This includes Christmas decor, multi-colored string lights throughout the mall, and a giant lit-up statue in the center. There’s a glass flooring a few floors up for you to take the coolest picture with the statue. (Note: you need to reserve your spot in advance).
Optional: Musee De Parfum
An optional thing to do in the area is to check out Fragonard’s free perfume museum just a few blocks away from the Galeries Lafayette. It’s not big by any means (it’s just the second floor of the building with around 3-4 rooms), but if you’re into perfume or history, it’s worth checking out. At the end of the museum, you head downstairs to the Fragonard store.
Garden Tuileries
Walk over from the opera area to the beautiful Garden Tuileries. The public 55-acre green space extends from the Place de la Concorde to the Louvre Museum. It has plenty of statues, flowers, and ponds in between. It’s the perfect spot on this Paris itinerary 5 days to sit by the water, have a picnic, and people-watch. They even host seasonal events. In the winter, I visited their holiday market, complete with rides, games, and food stands selling raclette and scalloped potatoes.
Louvre Museum
On the west end of the Tuileries, you’ll inevitably come across Paris’ most iconic museum. Characterized by glass artwork on the outside and rows of buildings, the Louvre is hard to miss.
The museum itself is huge, with over 380,000 objects and over 35,000 works of art. You’ll need at least 3 hours to take in the museum, and that’s not even scratching the surface. If you’re not really into art, 1-2 hours might suffice. You’ll have time to see the Mona Lisa (FYI: it typically has a large crowd in front and in reality is quite small) as well as some other exhibits.
Travel Tip: Given the Louvre’s fame, this is a VERY busy tourist attraction with extremely long lines to get in. Buy your tickets ahead to receive a discount on admission and save yourself 30 minutes to over an hour in line.
Optional: Musee L’Orangerie
Located on the opposite end of the Garden Tuileries is another art museum. The Musee L’Orangerie’s art gallery has impressionist and post-impressionist artwork. Permanent exhibits include The Water Lilies by Claude Monet and the Water-Guillaume Collection.
Angelina Cafe
Once you’ve finished up your museums, head to Rue De Rivoli for one of Paris’ most famous (albeit touristy) cafes. Make sure to try Angelina’s decadent hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream, along with their extensive dessert menu.
If you don’t want to wait in line, add this earlier in the day of the Paris itinerary 5 days to avoid the inevitable wait.
Walk Around the 1st Arrondissement
Other things to do in the neighborhood are to shop around Rue De Rivoli and Les Halles, check out the Palais Royal (Royal Palace), and a contemporary art exhibition at the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume. Paris Perfect has a wonderful guide through the 1st arrondissement.
See an Opera
If you had previously purchased opera tickets in the day, the evening is finally time to enjoy your show at the Palais Garnier. I recommend arriving 30 minutes early so that you can take a look at the architecture and paintings inside the building.
I saw the showing of “Ma Mere l’Oye L’Enfant et les Sortileges”, which follows the story of a naughty kid who learns life lessons when the belongings in his room come to life. The first half was a ballet lasting 45 minutes, a 15-minute intermission, then a 45-minute musical with actors.
Thankfully, many plays have English and French subtitles to help you follow along.
Day 3 of Paris Itinerary 5 Days
The third day of your Paris itinerary 5 days is reserved for tourist attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and shopping at Champs-Élysées.
Eiffel Tower
After 2 days of your time in Paris, up until this point, you likely haven’t seen much of the Eiffel Tower on your trip unless you’re staying near it. As previously mentioned, it’s not the city center and is blocked by other buildings when you’re in the other neighborhoods. The iconic 300-meter (984-foot) open-lattice tower is a must-do for any Paris itinerary 5 days!
Located at 276 meters above ground, there’s a viewing deck right under the Eiffel Tower antenna. You can purchase tickets to the top ahead of time online to save yourself time and money. There are two floors at the top, one indoor and the other open-air, with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. You can even enjoy a drink at their champagne bar.
Is it worth going up the Eiffel Tower? In my opinion, yes, I think it is. Once you’re up there, you notice how vast the city is while still being able to point out the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. However, I would NOT recommend going to the top if you’re afraid of heights. The ride-up is in a cramped elevator with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Note: the Eiffel Tower is a hub for scams and pickpockets. I noticed many vendors trying to sell trinkets, the “shell game” scam, and beggars. Completely ignore them and walk away fast.
Best Eiffel Tower Viewing Points
The Eiffel Tower is beautiful up close, and many people go directly across the street for a photo of it in the background. However, the best viewpoint with minimal people is anywhere along the Seine River. Plus, it’s much quieter without all the scammers and tourists standing around.
Arc De Triomphe
This monument was built for the soldiers who fought and passed during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars in France. You can enter the inside and take the stairs to the panoramic terrace at the top.
Note: The Arc De Triomphe is located in the middle of a busy rotary. Do NOT try crossing the street to get over there. It’s super dangerous and you’ll look ridiculous trying to do it. Instead, there’s a set of underground stairs to safely cross over.
You do need to purchase tickets ahead of time, but it’s free for EU residents under the age of 26.
Champs-Élysées
Located off the Arc De Triomphe is one of Paris’ most-walked avenues, Champs-Élysées. It extends nearly 2 kilometers long and 70 meters wide and is a cultural center for shopping, cinemas, and theaters.
The busy streets have all the shopping you could ask for, including huge ornate buildings for designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Dior, as well as moderately priced chains like Sephora and Zara.
Besides shopping, you can see a modern play at Theatre Du Ront-Point or a show at Theatre des Champs-Élysées.
The neighborhood also has cool exhibitions like the Dior Galerie.
Lunch at Champs-Élysées
Take a break from all the shopping and sightseeing in this Paris itinerary 5 days with lunch in the 8th arrondissement. Listed are some great lunch places, covering both French and non-French cuisine:
- Fouquets: High-end French brasserie founded in 1899. The terrace is ideal for people-watching.
- Le Sens Unique: Known for its duck dishes like duck breast, duck confit, and fois gras.
- Azur Cafe: Popular Mediterranean-themed brunch spot. I like their bacon and cheese sandwich and the Turkish eggs.
Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle
For the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower at night, walk back over once the sun sets. At the top of the hour, every hour until 11:45 PM (2 AM in the summer), the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes straight. It’s the perfect picture opportunity!
Travel Tip: Especially in the evening, keep your belongings close to you to avoid getting pickpocketed.
Dinner at La Jacobine
Finish your night with a classic French dinner at a brasserie. For the best French onion soup in the city, head to La Jacobine in the Latin Quarter. The small yet busy restaurant has an affordable 3-course menu with your choice of an appetizer, entree, and dessert for only around 35 euros.
When we visited, we tried classic dishes like duck confit, foie gras, and coq au vin (red wine rooster).
Day 4 of Paris Itinerary 5 Days
Half-Day Trip to Versailles
Start your day 4 of your Paris itinerary out of the city by venturing just an hour West out to the city of Versailles. The Palace of Versailles is a bucket-list item for any Paris itinerary 5 days. It is the former home of King Louis XIV that is now a museum showcasing the history of France.
Each room is adorned with paintings, relics of previous life within the castle, and sculptures. The Hall Of Mirrors is a breathtaking room with natural sunlight and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings.
The Versailles grounds are HUGE, meaning you’ll need at least 2-3 hours to walk through it. Next to the palace are extensive, well-kept gardens, the estate of Trianon, and the park. It’s encouraged to bring a snack to enjoy outdoors.
Travel Tip: Tickets for the ENTIRE palace and garden grounds are only about 23 USD when booked ahead of time on GetYourGuide — a great deal!
Le Marais
After your excursion to Versailles, head back to Paris to my absolute favorite neighborhood – Le Marais. The charming neighborhood covers the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and is known for its architecture and history. Furthermore, it’s one of the “trendy” areas of Paris. The narrow streets are filled with cute coffee shops, fun stores spanning boutiques to thrift stores, and a plethora of art galleries.
Le Marais is a great feel of “authentic” Paris, where you’ll find the locals hanging out. An affordable department store is BHV Marais, with everything from fashion to home decor.
Place des Vosges is a square built by Henri IV from 1605 to 1612 to take a break from all the hectic streets. It’s been the scene of many television shows and movies. Or, check out Victor Hugo’s house.
While you’re here, pop into L’As Du Fallafel, a falafel shop. It’s only around 10 euros for a pita stuffed with falafels, veggies, and sauce, making it the perfect cheap street snack. Or, grab a macaron from Pierre Herme.
You can easily spend 3-4 hours in Le Marais, including dinner, shopping, and enjoying a drink at a brasserie. Out of EVERYTHING on this Paris itinerary 5 days, I think this neighborhood is most fun to explore.
Optional: Centre Pompidou
For those with an interest in contemporary art, the Centre National D’Art et De Culture Georges-Pompidou (Pompidou Centre in English) is a must for your Paris itinerary. The ever-changing collection includes visual arts, drawings, photos, and other forms of media.
The museum is open from 11 AM – 9 PM, so you have a wide range of times that you can visit.
Day 5 of Paris Itinerary 5 Days
On your last day of the Paris itinerary 5 days, explore another historic area – Montmartre, a 130-meter hill in the 18th arrondissement with an artistic history, aesthetically pleasing cobblestone streets, and must-see landmarks.
Sacre Coeur
At the top of the hill of the Montmartre neighborhood is the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, a white Roman Catholic Church. The inside of the church has majestic features including pipe organs, the largest mosaic in France, and huge stained glass windows. Best of all, entry is free!
My favorite viewpoint in front of the Sacre Coeur is at the bottom of the steps, to the left of the carousel. (pictured)
Note: Common scams to be aware of near the Sacre-Coeur are the bracelet scam and petition scam. People may try to get you to sign a petition, and then demand money after. The bracelet scam is where someone will try to put a bracelet on you and then demand money. Some are aggressive to the point that they “accidentally” bump into you and quickly put it on you. Stay alert in this area.
Place Du Tetre
Just a few streets behind Sacre-Coeur is Place du Tetre, also known as Artist’s Square. The world-famous square is the perfect place to get a unique souvenir – a personalized portrait made by an artist. Surrounding the square are shops, restaurants, and cafes.
In recent years, many have complained that the square has lost its bohemian charm. I recommend passing through, grabbing a painting if you please, and then exploring further.
Maison Rose
For the picture-perfect spot, walk just a few more streets past the artist’s square to Maison Rose French Cafe. The outside of the restaurant is well-recognized among photographers (and Emily in Paris fans) for its pastel pink exterior and surrounding village-like buildings.
Croque Monsieur at Fric Frac
Before leaving the Montmartre neighborhood, step into this no-frills cafe chain for a croque monsieur. Croque Monsieur is essentially a French grilled cheese. The sandwich has ham, Swiss cheese, and an optional poached egg in the middle.
Saint Paul
In your last half day for the Paris itinerary 5 days, I would personally head back to a section of the city that I didn’t quite finish yet. Saint Paul, for instance, is one of my favorite Paris neighborhoods that encapsulates the vibe of the city.
Additional Things to Add to Paris Itinerary 5 Days
- Disneyland Paris – As a Disney fan myself, this is a great addition to a Paris itinerary 5 days!
- Macaron Class at Galeries Lafayette
- Moulin Rouge – A famous Parisien cabaret. The musical includes over 60 dancers and artists in a grand theater.
- The Catacombs – an underground historical site of over 6 million Parisien corpses. Once entering the catacombs, you’ll find rows and rows of skulls. You can even take a special VIP ticket to skip the line with a guided tour, including special access areas. It’s a fascinating site, but not for the faint of heart!
Wrapping Up: Paris Itinerary 5 Days
Hopefully, this ultimate Paris itinerary 5 days added as much value to your trip as possible. Once you’ve made your way through this trip, check out my other Europe guides:
Or, check out my Europe Travel website section.
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