Ah, Paris. The City of Light, love and croissants so flaky they snap like magic. Whether it’s your first time there or your fifth, Paris wouldn’t be Paris without its surprises hanging about on every corner. One moment you’re admiring the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the night sky; the next, sipping espresso at a sidewalk café observing the world saunters by. There is something about the rhythm of Paris — romantic, intimate yet infinitely energetic — that captures every traveler’s heart.
If you have 5 days in Paris, consider yourself quite fortunate. It’s just long enough to explore its iconic landmarks, enjoy its world-class cuisine and meander through neighborhoods that seem pulled straight out of a movie. Having swan dived into some of the best expert itineraries – from Pretty Cozy Days, Lust In Her World, Niyo and Travels With Elle – I’ve compiled The Paris Itinerary to end all Paris Itineraries for 5 days that’s full of must-sees with authentic local experiences.
Let’s begin your Parisian adventure!
🗓️ Day 1: Bonjour, Paris! Eiffel Tower, Seine Cruise & Charming Streets
Your first day in Paris ought to be like falling in love. Ease into it, slow down and get a little taste of what makes this city so enchanting.
Morning: A Parisian Breakfast & Eiffel Tower Views
Wake up to the aroma of freshly baked croissants and strong coffee. Head to Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés—two historic cafés that once hosted Hemingway and Picasso. Order a buttery croissant, sip your café crème, and watch Parisians hustle past in perfect style.
Then you can walk after the breakfast to the Eiffel Tower, arguably the most iconic landmark in the world. If you can, book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Once you get up there, the panoramic view of Paris — its broad boulevards, bridges and rooftops — is well worth your time.
Pro Tip: Go to Trocadéro Gardens for that postcard- perfect Eiffel Tower picture.
Afternoon: Picnic at Champ de Mars & Seine River Cruise
Grab a baguette, cheese and bottle of wine at a nearby market (try La Grande Épicerie de Paris) and have a leisurely picnic in the park. Because nothing is more Parisian than reclining on the grass with the Eiffel Tower in your immediate background.
Then roll next to the Seine River for a picturesque cruise. It’s one of the most magical ways to take in the city sights — Notre-Dame, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay all breeze past as the sunset glints over water.
Evening: Dinner & Sparkling Views
When evening falls, find a cozy spot for dinner. Try Le Relais de l’Entrecôte for its famous steak-frites. Don’t forget to circle back to the Eiffel Tower at the top of the hour—it sparkles for five minutes every night. It’s the perfect ending to your first Parisian day.
🎨 Day 2: Art, Architecture & Café Hopping
You’ve settled in; now it’s time to see the city, its cultural heart and its timeless charm.
Morning: The Louvre & Palais Royal
Begin your day early by visiting the Louvre Museum, which houses masterworks like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Even if you’re not an art museum person, the building is impressive. The glass pyramid entrance by I.M. Pei looks like something from the future compared to the grand palace-style architecture.
After your visit, wander through the Palais Royal Gardens just next door. Grab a coffee from Café Kitsuné, and sit by the fountain as Parisians read, chat, and stroll.
Afternoon: Lunch & Galeries Lafayette
Head toward the Opera District for lunch at Bouillon Chartier, a historic Parisian brasserie with a lively atmosphere. Afterward, walk over to Galeries Lafayette, one of the most beautiful department stores in the world. The stained-glass dome alone is worth a stop, and the rooftop terrace offers an incredible free view of the city.
Evening: Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
As evening sets in, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for one of the best sunset views in Paris. Then take a leisurely walk down the Champs-Élysées, where you can shop, dine, or simply soak up the glamour.
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🍷 Day 3: Culture, Cuisine & Montmartre Magic
Morning: Crêpes & Cutlery Shopping
For breakfast, there are delicious Breton crêpes at Breizh Café to eat your way through. Afterward, browse unique shops like SABRE Paris for handmade cutlery or Merci Concept Store for chic Parisian finds.
Afternoon: Palais Garnier & Montmartre
If you’re a fan of ornate architecture, don’t miss a tour of the Palais Garnier, the stunning opera house that inspired The Phantom of the Opera. Then hop on the metro to Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris.
Take the climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a beautiful view of Paris. Stroll around Place du Tertre where artists paint portraits and musicians perform. Pop into Le Consulat Café, among the most photographed places in Paris for coffee and people-watching.
Evening: Dinner with a View
End the day with dinner at Pink Mama or Frenchie Bar à Vins, popular for its cozy atmosphere and delicious French-Italian cuisine.
🏰 Day 4: Day Trip to Disneyland Paris or Versailles
This day is all about choosing your kind of magic.
Option 1: Disneyland Paris
If you’re traveling with family (or just love Disney), spend the day at Disneyland Paris—it’s only about 45 minutes from the city by train. It’s fairy-tale nostalgia with a touch of French charm (Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! Mickey-shaped macarons!).
Option 2: The Palace of Versailles
For something royal, you can catch a 30-minute train to Versailles. Discover the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, the royal appartements and the vast gardens. You can rent a bike or row a boat on the Grand Canal for that relaxing day out.
Tip: Get here early to avoid the crowds, and wear those comfortable shoes – Versailles is huge!
Evening: Back to Paris for a Relaxed Dinner
After your day trip, have a quiet dinner back in Paris at Le Procope, which is the city’s oldest café. Order a classic coq au vin or duck confit, and raise a glass to a day well spent.
🛍️ Day 5: Markets, Boutiques & Farewell Paris
Your final day in Paris is all about embracing the feeling of this beautiful city—zero rushing and just chillin!
Morning: Flea Markets & Breakfast
Head to Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves, one of Paris’s most charming flea markets. It’s a treasure trove of vintage finds, antiques, and quirky souvenirs. Enjoy a buttery pain au chocolat and coffee from White Coffee nearby.
Afternoon: Shopping & Saint-Germain
Wander through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to some of Paris’s best boutiques. Visit Rouje, A.P.C., and Sezane for effortlessly chic French fashion. Stop by Brasserie des Prés for lunch and maybe a glass of rosé.
Evening: A Stroll by the Seine
For your final evening, walk slowly along the Seine River. Sunset time is ideal to cross the Pont Alexandre III bridge and watch the gold-tinted statues glistening, while in the background you can see twinkling Eiffel Tower. Finish your trip with dinner at BigLove or a quiet wine bar in Le Marais.
✈️ Practical Tips for a Perfect Paris Trip
- Getting Around: Paris’s Metro is easy, efficient, and affordable. Get a Navigo Easy Pass for unlimited rides.
- Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Language Tip: Before asking a question, start off with a “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”—easy to do and much appreciated.
- Money Tip: Carry a travel card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees (such as one from Wise or Niyo Global).
- Safety: For the most part, Paris is safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded places.
🌟 Personal Takeaway
I’ve visited Paris three times, but every trip is a new experience. On my most recent trip, I got lost near the Île Saint-Louis and into a tiny ice cream shop with pale green pistachio gelato that was the best I’ve ever had. That is the true magic of Paris — you don’t have to look for it, it finds you. So consider this itinerary as a template but also leave room for winging it. Sit by the river, take a wandering walk, share a laugh over a glass of wine. Because when it comes down to it, that is what makes Paris unforgettable.
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❓FAQs about Visiting Paris
Q: Is 5 days enough for Paris?
Yes! You’ll have a perfect mix with five days to see the landmarks, wander other parts of the city and take a day trip (either to Versailles or Disneyland).
Q: What’s the best area to stay in Paris?
If you’re new: Both Saint-Germain des Prés (6th) and Le Marais (4th) are great options — central, pretty, and easy to get around.
Q: How expensive is Paris?
You should budget for around $150–$250 a day, which varies depending on where you sleep and eat. Cheap eats, subway travel and free sights, too.
Q: Do I need to know French?
Not necessarily. Most Parisians in tourist areas speak English, but a few polite French phrases make interactions much smoother.
Q: Is Paris safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Stay in areas with sufficient street lighting at night, guard your property and you’ll be alright.
Final Thoughts
Paris is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. Five days here will give you a sampling of art, history and romance, but it’s the small moments — a sunset on the Seine, laughter resonating through Montmartre, the first mouthful of a perfect croissant — that stick with you.
Pack your curiosity, your camera and a sense of wonder. Paris is waiting for you — and it’s even better than you thought.
