Perfect Paris 5 Days Itinerary: See the Best of Paris

I’ve been to Paris two times already (plus one cancelled trip because my husband caught the flu an evening before the flight ouch!) and I want to go back again and again, so you know I love the City of Light. It’s a beautiful, romantic, artistic and historical city with so much to do there. My blog post is the combination of those 2 trips I made, but don’t worry, it’s very doable and easy to follow. Therefore, I’m bringing to you my Paris 5 days itinerary which covers the main attractions and best things to do alongside general travel tips.

✅ If you’re looking for a custom travel plan, find out more about my personalised itinerary service here.

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How to Get to Paris

No matter where you are in the world, it is relatively easy to get to Paris. Most international flights operate to Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is also the second largest in Europe. You’d find direct flights from major cities worldwide or with one stop.

From there, you can take a RER B train (buy tickets at the airport, they’re valid for metro too), Terravision Bus or a private car transfer to reach the city centre most easily.

Another international airport is the Orly Airport, so most likely you’d fly to one of these two. It also applies to European flights with national airlines.

From there, you can take the metro or a private car transfer to reach the city centre most easily.

There’s also a 3rd one, Beauvais Airport which is where the low-budget flights operate (Ryanair, EasyJet, WizzAir).

From there the best is to take Aerobus or a private transfer.

My favourite option though, if you’re in the neighbouring countries such as the UK, and especially if you’re coming from London, is to take a EuroStar train. That’s what I’ve done back in 2019 and I would definitely recommend it, especially if the price between the train and the flight is not too big.

The best thing about taking EuroStar is that you’re already at the Paris city centre, so you might only need a short metro ride to get to your hotel!

✅ Check the flight prices here.

How to Get around Paris

Despite its size, Paris is actually a pretty walkable city, especially if you’re staying in the city centre and close to some of the main attractions, such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe.

Besides walking, the Paris metro system is efficient and affordable, so you can easily use it whenever needed.

Where to Stay in Paris

My favourite neighbourhood in Paris is the Latin Quarter, so I would always first look there.
If you love the views, then definitely check out some of the hotels with the Eiffel Tower view.
Lastly, I do not recommend staying outside the city centre because some areas can be rough, and I personally always choose to stay close to the main sites, so I can easily sightsee and not be dependent on the public transport and unnecessarily long rides.

📖 Check my 15 Best Hotels with the Eiffel Tower View (All Budgets!) for more.

When to Visit Paris

While generally you can visit Paris at any time of the year, I would personally avoid the winter months from January to March because it can get really cold and it’s often very rainy and cloudy during that period.

When I first visited I went in early December, and while cold, it was decorated nicely for Christmas and the vibe was so nice and festive.

Then I went again in mid-August and it was mostly for short sleeves and longer jeans or skirts. In the morning and evening I even had to wear a light jacket. The vibe was so different in the summer because the days were longer and you could enjoy being outside more.

I would love to visit again for late spring or early autumn because I can imagine it’s a beautiful period to visit too.

📖 Visiting Paris in summer? Check my Europe Summer Outfits Ideas: What to Wear in Mediterranean blog post.

How Many Days is Ideal in Paris

Paris is one of the largest cities in Europe with plenty of things to do. It’s the city of art and culture that holds one of the best museums and cultural sites in the world.

To experience Paris in the best possible way, my personal recommendation is to plan 5 days there because then you can even visit the Versailles. With 4 days you can still explore the city centre of Paris easily, but anything less than that is just too little, unless this is not your first time in Paris.

In this Paris itinerary, I will share with you how to spend 5 days in Paris.

✅ To save money on attractions, I recommend getting a Paris City Pass, especially if you, like me, want to check out every possible museum and historical sight there!

Day 1 in Paris

On your first day of this Paris 5 days itinerary, you will experience the Left Bank of the River Seine. You will explore Île de la Cité (small island where Notre Dame is) and the Latin Quarter. This is the most historical area of Paris, so it makes sense to start from there.

Notre Dame

A classic school exam question: what is the best example of Gothic Architecture? And of course, the answer is Notre Dame de Paris.

The building of the cathedral began in the 12th century and was largely completed in the 13th century. My favourite architectural style is gothic no more or less, and I remember how I was so excited to see Notre Dame for the very first time.

Sadly, several months before our visit, in April of 2019 a fire broke out and nearly destroyed the cathedral. During my second visit in August 2024 the renovation was still undergoing, so I never had a chance to admire the finest example of the Gothic period inside.

Good news though! The cathedral opened for visitors in December 2024 (yep, yep, I was so close to seeing it, but hey, a 3rd time lucky!) and is free to visit!

One of the most sacred relics from Passion are being kept in the Notre Dame Treasury, including the Holy Crown of Thorns that was placed on the head of Jesus Christ at his crucifixion. To visit the Treasury, you need to pay about €12 pp.

I don’t even have to say that visiting the Notre Dame de Paris is a must have in Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle

If you love the stained glass windows in churches, then this is undoubtedly a must visit!
Sainte-Chapelle is on the Île de la Cité together with Notre Dame and is also one of the finest examples of Gothic Architecture.

What makes it unique is that the chapel has more than 1000 stained glass windows! It is truly breathtaking to see.

Sainte-Chapelle was initially built to house the Holy Crown of Thorns and other Passion relics after they were acquired in 1239. It is therefore the first of the holy chapels to be built.

Sainte-Chapelle is not free to visit and you need to buy the entry tickets within a chosen time slot. You can then enter no later than 30 minutes after your booked time slot.

💡HOWEVER, if you’re visiting Paris on the first Sunday from November to March (which is what we did), then you can visit Sainte-Chapelle for free! You’d just need to queue to enter.

There are many more museums and sites that offer the free entry (some will be listed on this blog post too), but make sure to double check prior to visit if something hasn’t changed in the meantime.

Unlike some sites like Sainte Chapelle that offer this free admission only in the winter months, some places like Musee d’Orsay offer this throughout the year.

Odette

Odette is a pastry shop, so you can take a short sweet break there, or you can just snap that photo because it is one of the most instagrammable places in Paris.

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is the most famous bookshop in Paris. If you’re a bookworm like me, then buying a book here is the must bookish experience! Just beware that the queue is long, so you’d need to wait for your turn.

Once you get back home, you can always browse and shop their books on the official website.

Cafe de Flore

Cafe de Flore is one of the most historical and literary cafes in Paris where some of the world’s best writers, painters and thinkers sipped their coffee.

Some of the famous people who frequently spent their time at Cafe de Flore were Picasso, Hemingway, Breton, Sartre and Simon de Beavouir.

I definitely recommend having a coffee there, which is still served in the traditional green and white china matching the signage on the front, or at Cafe Les Deux Magots, which is nearby.

📖 If you’re interested into literary travel, check my Ernest Hemingway in Madrid: Books to Read & Spots to Visit blog post.

Cafe Les Deux Magots

As mentioned, Cafe Les Deux Magots is another historical and literary cafe in Paris. It was opened in 1884, about 2 years before Cafe de Flore.

It had pretty much the same clientele as Cafe de Flore; Picasso, Breton, Sartre, Baldwin and Hemingway who wrote The Sun Also Rises at the table there!

The cafe still retains its Art Deco interior with red seating, mahogany tables, wall-length mirrors and chandeliers. Portraits of their famous clientele are hung on the wall, so have a sneak peak and you might find a person or two you love.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg is often voted as the most beautiful garden in Europe and for a good reason. It is truly beautiful and romantic. In 2022 it attracted more than 6 million visitors!

What I loved the most about it was that there were many chairs to sit on and just relax. Sadly, we didn’t have time for it the last time, but we went there in 2019. Even though it was winter time it was still so enjoyable. We bought a pack of macarons and ate it there. A perfect romantic moment.

📖 Check my 15 Romantic Things to Do in Paris for Couples in 2025 blog post.

Pantheon

In the heart of the Latin Quarter you will find Pantheon, a resting place of so many famous Frenchmen, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Sklodowska-Curie, Emile Zola and Victor Hugo.

As a Historian, this is a must place for me. Plus, the building is gorgeous from the inside and the outside. And yes, it resembles the Pantheon in Rome.

To visit Pantheon, you need to buy an entry ticket.

💡HOWEVER, if you’re visiting Paris on the first Sunday from November to March (which is what we did), then you can visit Pantheon for free! You’d just need to queue to enter.

There are many more museums and sites that offer the free entry (some will be listed on this blog post too), but make sure to double check prior to visit if something hasn’t changed in the meantime.

Unlike some sites like Pantheon that offer this free admission only in the winter months, some places like Musee d’Orsay offer this throughout the year.

Latin Quarter

Pantheon is already in the Latin Quarter and a lot of other places you’d check on the first day, but I recommend staying there for dinner too.

Firstly, most authentic French local restaurants are there (and Montmartre), but also, it is the cheapest option. Almost all restaurants there offer a 3-course meal and often for about €15 pp! Drinks are ofc not included in the price, but it is still incredibly affordable, considering you’re in the heart of Paris.

Day 2 in Paris

Your second day of this Paris 5 days itinerary is mainly focused on museums. Some of the world’s best museums and art collections are there and it’s a must to visit at least one during your visit.

Louvre

It is needless to say that you can’t come to Paris and not see the Louvre. I’ve been both times and it’s definitely one of my favourite museums in the world!

The queue for the Louvre is super long, especially in the peak season, so I recommend buying your tickets in advance to secure your spot because they’re timed.

Louvre was once a palace, built in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II. It was a royal residence up until 1682 when Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, moved the residency to Versailles. Louvre initially displayed the royal collection and later became the most known museum in the world.

Of course, the most famous painting, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is exhibited there and guarded constantly because of the turmoil it brought in the past.

However, Mona Lisa is NOT my favourite painting inside the Louvre, on the contrary, there are way better paintings and sculptures that you can enjoy peacefully without having a one second to look at it and be asked to move on (yep, you’d be so rushed to see Mona Lisa which is quite annoying if you ask me!).

Anyhow, don’t forget to look up and admire the interior, because in the end, you are inside the former palace. The building itself is really gorgeous and the second time I focused more on it than on the artwork presented there.

In front of the Louvre is the famous glass pyramid (which is one of the entrances btw!) and it’s a great instagrammable place.

Overall, the Louvre is a must have to visit in Paris, but don’t get hyped up for Mona Lisa to avoid disappointment with the whole experience!

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

There are actually 2 arches of triumph in Paris, and this one, often called “the little one”, is next to the Louvre. It was built between 1806 and 1808 to commemorate Napoleon’s military victories in the Wars of the Third and Fourth Coalitions.

While not as impressive as the big one, it is still a beautiful monument. I especially loved the light pink colour which is quite unusual for arches.

Palais Royal

As the name says, it was also the royal palace and you’ll find it opposite the Louvre. But what makes it unique are the stripped black and white columns, which is why it’s a nice instagrammable place.

Jardin des Tuileries

It is another beautiful public garden in the Louvre area. It gets transformed into a Christmas market for advent, and I must say, it’s a nice one!

But no matter what time of the year you visit, make sure to just chillax there, especially after soaking up all that art at Louvre.

Musée d’Orsay

After the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay was my second favourite museum in Paris. It has an amazing collection of Impressionism, which is my favourite art style. There are so many famous works there of impressionist and post-impressionist painters, particularly there are about 86 paintings by Monet who I love the most.

You’ll also find great works of Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir to name a few.

You need to buy the tickets for the museum.

💡HOWEVER, if you’re visiting Paris on the first Sunday (which is what we did), then you can visit Musée d’Orsay for free! It is mandatory to pre-book your tickets though.

There are many more museums and sites that offer the free entry (some will be listed on this blog post too), but make sure to double check prior to visit if something hasn’t changed in the meantime.

Unlike some sites like Sainte Chapelle that offer this free admission only in the winter months, some places like Musée d’Orsay offer this throughout the year.

Musée de l’Orangerie

Musée de l’Orangerie is also a museum that holds artwork of Impressionism and Post-impressionism, but it is much smaller than the Orsay. It’s mainly famous because it has The Water Lillies by Monet there.

If you can, definitely visit both Orangerie and Orsay or decide between the two as they’re quite nearby (but surely don’t skip the Louvre!).

You need to buy the tickets for the museum.

💡HOWEVER, if you’re visiting Paris on the first Sunday (which is what we did), then you can visit Musée de l’Orangerie for free! It is mandatory to pre-book your tickets though.

There are many more museums and sites that offer the free entry (some will be listed on this blog post too), but make sure to double check prior to visit if something hasn’t changed in the meantime.

Unlike some sites like Sainte Chapelle that offer this free admission only in the winter months, some places like Musée de l’Orangerie offer this throughout the year.

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous squares in Paris, sadly with not such a positive history. It was right here where the French Revolution executions of King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette happened.

In the middle of the square, there’s an obelisk from the Luxor Temple, which King Louis Philippe dedicated in the 19th century. If you go to Egypt and you visit the Luxor Temple, you will see how this one is unfortunately missing.

Petit Palais & Grand Palais

Petit Palais and Grand Palais are across the street from one another. Both buildings are beautiful, especially the Petit Palais which is a museum today. What’s great is that it’s free to visit, so if you have time, go for it!

On the other hand, the Grand Palais holds many events and exhibitions throughout the year, so if you’re interested in what’s going on during your visit, have a look at their official website.

Champs-Elysees

Champs-Elysees is the main street of Paris, something like Oxford and Regent Streets in London or Fifth Avenue in NYC.

The whole street gets beautifully decorated with Christmas lights in December. If you fancy some shopping when in Paris, this is the ultimate destination!

Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris you can visit, especially its interior. Not only that, it is one of the most famous opera buildings in the world.

To visit, it is strongly encouraged to buy tickets beforehand to guarantee your spot.

Also, if you’d like to see a show there, then check on the official website what’s going on during your visit.

Galeries Lafayette

Usually I don’t recommend shopping centres, UNLESS, they are special and this one surely is. The building is gorgeous, but what’s cool is that there’s a rooftop area you can visit for free with nice views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

Plus, if you’re visiting during Christmas time, they are famous for their Christmas tree that is hanging from the ceiling. It’s a beautiful Instagram spot. Each year the tree is differently decorated, mine was from December 2019.

Day 3 in Paris

Day 3 in Paris is pretty much Eiffel Tower day. You will check all the spots with The Iron Lady view and go on top of it too.

Arc de Triomphe

Officially called Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, it honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces.

You can get the tickets to climb the top of the arch where you can enjoy some really nice views of Champs-Elysees and of course, the Eiffel Tower.

💡PHOTO TIP: Most people stick to the front side of the street to get the photo with the Arc de Triomphe. You just do the opposite. Go across the street to the back side of the arch (which is still beautiful btw!) and you’d get that amazing Instagram photo. I did it first in 2019 and then in 2024 and both times there was practically no one with me on the opposite side!

Trocadero

Trocadero is one of the best viewing points with the direct view of the Eiffel Tower. In 2019 I could enjoy it properly, whereas in 2024 I came just after the Olympics and a lot of the space was blocked and disabled for visitors.

However, it is definitely one of the most famous places for taking that perfect photo with the tower.

Av. de Camoens

It is one of the most famous streets with a beautiful Eiffel Tower view.

Port Debilly

Port Debilly is a beautiful walking area by the Seine river and you can guess – it has amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s definitely one of my favourite places for taking photos with The Iron Lady.

Pont d’Iéna

On your way towards the Eiffel Tower, you’d cross Pont d’Iéna bridge. There’s usually a high traffic there, but due to the Olympics in 2024 it was still closed for cars when we came. So, we had an almost “once in a lifetime” opportunity to take a direct photo with the Eiffel Tower without risking our lives.

💡Please if you’d like to replicate that, make sure you go either very early in the morning or that there’s no traffic to keep you safe! I am all about taking a nice photo as long as it is sensible and you don’t endanger yourself doing so.

Eiffel Tower

The icon of Paris. Period. To me, one of the most impressive buildings in the world, especially considering that it was the tallest building until the Chrysler Building in NYC was built!

It is such an important cultural heritage that it was enlisted to UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

The best is to buy tickets online on their official website, especially for the summit.

✅ If you’d like to learn more about the Eiffel Tower, consider getting this highest rated tour on GetYourGuide.

I personally love the view from the 2nd floor more, but being at the summit of Eiffel is truly a unique experience. On the 1st floor there’s a great place to stop for drinks, which I recommend. I mean having a cup of coffee at what was once the tallest building in the world – yes please!

Champ de Mars

This is the best park in the Eiffel Tower area because it’s right next to it. During a nice warm day, especially in the summertime, you can have a picnic there with the views. Sadly, the first time I was there was in the winter, so obviously no picnicking (Paris is super cold in winter!). Second time was in the summer, but because of the Olympics the area was still closed for visitors.

I guess the third time’s a charm! Or so the saying goes…

L’Howea

It’s a flower shop, but the whole street there is a great photo spot with the Eiffel Tower.

Le Recrutement

Le Recrutement is a restaurant with good food, but it is also one of my favourite and most instagrammable places in Paris.

Rue de l’Université

Rue de l’Université is the most famous and busiest photo spot with the Eiffel Tower. Luckily for us, a light shower started when we got there and most of the people left which gave us a great opportunity for taking photos. It is truly a lovely place, especially if you’re into photography.

Pont Alexandre III

The most beautiful bridge in Paris built in the 19th century. It offers great views with the Eiffel Tower and overall it is a very aesthetic place. Ah, you gotta love Paris!

Day 4 in Paris

On your 4th day in Paris of this itinerary, it is time for a day trip! I recommend Versailles Palace because it is one of the best places you can visit in France. Not to mention its historical and cultural heritage.

Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace became a royal residency when The Sun King Louis XIV moved the residency from Louvre to Versailles in the 17th century. He wanted the most exquisite palace ever built and he got it.

The Palace of Versailles is truly gorgeous, though interior-wise it is not my favourite royal palace. I loved the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul and Palacio Real in Madrid more. Nevertheless, I am sure you will enjoy Versailles Palace which is really a must visit in Paris.

Luckily for you they finally introduced the online ticketing system, so I recommend buying your tickets in advance. When I was there back in December 2019, you couldn’t get tickets online and we had to freeze for 1.5 hours queuing for the tickets!

💡The Palace and the estate of Trianon are open every day except on Mondays.

To get to Versailles, the best is to use the RER C train, unless you’re on a guided tour.

✅ If you’d love to explore Versailles Palace with a guide, consider getting this highest rated tour on GetYourGuide.

The Hall of Mirrors is the most beautiful room in Versailles and one of the best photo spots.

Gardens of Versailles

However, my favourite part of Versailles was not the palace itself, but the gardens! To this day these are my favourite gardens in the world, perfect for a nice, romantic walk.

That day was the coldest day during our stay in Paris that December of 2019, but because of that, the most magical one. We got ourselves a warm cup of mulled wine and walked the gardens towards the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon.

You’d pass by many beautiful fountains, so make sure to stop by and admire the beauty of them.

💡The park and gardens are open every day. The access is free except during Musical Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens.

The Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670 to get away from the pomp of life in the court and to pursue his affair with Madame de Montespan.

You can get a bike, electric vehicle or hop on a little train inside the palace grounds to get to it, though I do recommend walking instead. As mentioned, the gardens are truly gorgeous and worth your time.

The Petit Trianon

In 1758 Louis XV decided to build a new palace in the middle of his gardens which was completed by 1768. It was named The Petit Trianon to distinguish it from The Grand Trianon. This palace was particularly loved by Marie Antoinette who spent most of her time there.

It’s the most simple of all, but I do recommend checking it out.

Day 5 in Paris

This is your last and final day of this Paris 5 days itinerary and it is kept for one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Paris – Montmartre.

While I love the Latin Quarter too, if you’d love to go back in time and experience Paris how it once was, you have to go to Montmartre. It’s the bohemian, art and cultural hub of Paris.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur de Montmartre

Sacre Coeur Basilica is one of the prettiest churches in Paris, and especially in Montmartre. What’s even better is that the entry is free, unless you want to climb to the top which I recommend. The views of Paris are really nice and in the distance, you can even see the Eiffel Tower.

✅ If you’d love to learn more about the most bohemian and artistic neighbourhood of Paris, consider getting this highest rated tour on GetYourGuide.

Le Consulat

Le Consulat is not only an Instagrammable place, it is also a historic restaurant that opened its doors in the 19th century. It was visited by many famous artists, such as Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh.

We had lunch at Le Consulat and it was great. I definitely recommend dining there.

La Maison Rose

La Maison Rose is another instagrammable and historic restaurant in Montmartre.

It was opened by Ramon Pichot and his wife Germaine Gargallo, a figure of Montmartre and model for certain painters. Pichot was friends with Dali and Picasso who of course were the main visitors.

We initially wanted to dine there, but the restaurant is not open on every day, so we missed it out. Currently the working days are from Wednesday to Sunday (but double check online in case something’s changed!), and a reservation is needed.

Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret which opened in the 19th century. It is best known as the birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance.

✅ Great thing is that you can see the show today too! Grab your tickets with champagne here.

Place Émile Goudeau

It’s a nice little square in Montmartre where Picasso lived!

Pink Mamma

Pink Mamma has become one of the most famous restaurants because of its instagrammable stairs. The food is supposed to be great and affordable too! Sadly, I never had time to eat there, but it’s on my list!

Café des Deux Moulins

Another great place to eat and have drinks is Café des Deux Moulins where the movie Amelie was filmed!

Is Paris worth Visiting

With me visiting Paris 2 times already and still wanting to go back, it is easy to conclude that Paris is very much worth visiting. It’s the ultimate cultural, historical, art, fashion and foodie place. Everyone will find something that suits their interests.

✅ If you’re looking for a custom travel plan, find out more about my personalised itinerary service here.

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