How to Spend 5 Days in Paris – Best Paris Itinerary 5 Days

Visit Paris in 5 Days

Paris Itinerary 5 Days – Proposal for Five Days in Paris

How to spend 5 days in Paris? Here’s an overview of the perfect Paris 5-day itinerary.

• Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and Right Bank
• Day 2 – Le Marais and Montmartre
• Day 3 – The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés
• Day 4 – Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5 – Paris 7 and Paris 8

As you can see from the above, this Paris itinerary 5 days is made up of 4 days exploring the sites in Paris and a 1-day trip to Versailles. To really maximize your 5-day trip to Paris, each day of this itinerary is based on exploring a particular area of Paris. This minimizes your walking time between attractions as well as transportation costs.

Another option you may like to consider is to follow this 3-day Paris itinerary and spend a weekend getaway somewhere nearby.

This suggested 5 days in Paris itinerary comes with four different maps, one for each day spent in Paris, and with the suggested points of interest.

Unless clearly stated, this Paris 5 days itinerary below assumes you’ll make your own arrangements for lunch between the morning and afternoon sections. However, as you will notice below, specific suggestions are usually made for dinner.

As you would no doubt be aware, Notre Dame was severely damaged during a fire in April 2019 and is currently closed to the public. During the fire, parts of the roof and the spire were destroyed forever. However, the main façade and its twin towers were saved, as were the Cathedral’s treasures.

Despite Notre Dame currently being closed, you can still admire its main façade. Look out for the huge rose window, which is a dedication to Our Lady of Paris, and the 28 sculptures below, which represent the kings of Judah and Israel, the ancestors of Christ. These sculptures lost their heads during the French Revolution, and what you see today are replicas.

Before leaving Notre Dame, be sure to find the plaque on the ground indicating France’s Point 0. All French roads (including those overseas) are measured from this point.

Now leave the Ile de la Cité and wander along the Quai François Mitterrand, which stretches alongside the River Seine, and after around 20 minutes walking along here, you will arrive at the Louvre.

While you visit Paris in 5 days, it is recommended that you spend around 2 hours here at the Louvre seeing the museum’s main artworks.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: The famous tea house Angelina has an establishment inside the Louvre Museum, not far from Napoleon III apartments. Enjoy Angelina’s famous hot chocolate or taste the incredible Mont Blanc dessert without the crowds!

There is no particular path to follow to explore the gardens; just wander wherever you please.  There are several ponds that you can relax by or grab a quick eat from one of the guinguettes in the park.

If the weather is rainy, then instead of exploring the Tuileries Garden, take a stroll through the Covered Passages of Paris.

The Place Vendôme features the Vendôme Column, which was initially erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. The column was torn down in 1871 but has since been re-erected to what you see today. In the square, you will also find some exclusive jewelry stores and first-class historic hotels such as the Hotel Ritz.

Also known as Palais Garnier or Opéra de Paris, this stunning building was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III for the Paris Opéra and built between 1861 to 1875. The building was designed by the architect Charles Garnier, and it is considered a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque Architecture.

An interesting fact about the Opéra Garnier is that this is the setting for Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera.

Depending on what you did before, you may have time to visit the Opéra Garnier inside. If so, check out the entrance tickets available, sometimes the Opéra hosts immersive games!

If rather than exploring the Opéra de Garnier, you’d prefer to go shopping, head to one of the shopping malls on Grand Boulevards. As well as shopping, you can admire the beautiful architecture and interiors of the buildings.

Many visitors to Paris decide to see the Moulin Rouge, which is perhaps the most famous Parisian cabaret. If you do decide to go to the Moulin Rouge, you must book your tickets well in advance, as it is always full – Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge

Start day two off in front of Hôtel de Ville, home to the city’s local administration. Find a great little café for breakfast before you begin exploring Le Marais.

Next, why not visit one of the museums in the area? There are a few to choose from, such as:

• Centre Georges Pompidou: This is a museum about contemporary art, with a library and music center. It is open daily from 11 a.m. until late (closed Tuesdays).
• Picasso Museum: Located in a beautiful private mansion, this museum holds 5,000 artworks by Picasso. It is open daily from 9.30 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).
• Carnavalet Museum: This museum showcases the art and history of Paris with a focus on the 16th and 17th and the French Revolution. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).

After you explore a museum of your choice, just get lost in Le Marais. Wander up and down the streets admiring the beautiful private mansions, stop in one of the cute cafés, and explore the small museums, art, and photo galleries you stumble across.

During your morning, make sure you check out Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. This square has stunning architecture and a beautiful central garden and is a must-see in Le Marais.

I suggest following this Stories of Old Montmartre walking tour, starting from Place du Tertre, which explores the top sights of Montmartre, such as the Sacré Coeur, the Moulin de la Galette, and the Wall of Love.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Montmartre is the Sacré Coeur (point #3 on the map). Officially called the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, the Sacré Coeur is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacré Coeur sits on top of a hill, and from here, there are great views across Paris. The Sacré Coeur is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m., and entry is free.

Do keep in mind that Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood with many steps. Also, unfortunately, there does appear to be a lot of pickpockets around Montmartre, particularly around the Sacré Coeur, so please be extra vigilant.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Climb up to Sacré Coeur’s dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris! The access to the dome is from outside the basilica, on the left side.

During the summer, Montmartre is very lively in the evening, so you can just walk around and revisit some sights under the moonlight.

While you’re here, you may also like to visit one of the museums inside the park, like the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution or the Paleontology Museum.

After you visit Jarden des Plantes, walk 700m to Les Arènes de Lutèce. Les Arènes de Lutèce is a Roman theatre that was constructed in the 1st century AD and was where people came to watch gladiatorial combats. You can visit Les Arènes de Lutèce for free and see where the actors once stood, the stage platform, and lapidary parts.

Now continue to Rue Mouffetard, which is approximately 550m from the Arènes de Lutèce. Rue Mouffetard is in one of the oldest and liveliest neighborhoods of Paris and is a great place for lunch. We recommend you lunch at Place de la Contrescarpe, a square along Rue Mouffetard.  Choose your favorite terrace for lunch and watch the people go by.

The Panthéon was also the place where Foucault demonstrated in 1851 the rotation of the Earth by hanging a 67-meter-long pendulum from the central dome. Today, visitors can see a replica of this famous pendulum still hanging from the dome to commemorate this achievement.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: From April to October, visitors to the Panthéon can climb the stairs to the dome for some fantastic 360-degree views across Paris. Many say this is the ‘Balcony of Paris.’

The Luxembourg Gardens were built upon the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici (the widow of King Henri IV) in 1612 and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The Gardens cover 25 hectares and are split into French and English gardens, with a geometric forest and a large octagonal pond dividing the two.

Other things to see at Luxembourg Gardens include the Médicis Fountain (considered one of the most romantic places in Paris), an orchard of old apple variety, an apiary where you can learn about beekeeping, a rose garden, and greenhouses with an orchid collection. Families may want to try this self-guided treasure hunt in the Luxembourg Gardens.

Now it’s time to have drinks and dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Paris.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés started out as a rural village in the 12th century that grew around the former Saint-Germain Abbey. After the Second World War, this area changed, and its cafés became a common meeting place for intellectuals, writers, and artists. Soon, the area saw the opening of small printers, more cafés, and bookstores.

These days Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been transformed due to the tourism industry. Instead of the small bookstores and cafés, now the neighborhood is filled with first-class hotels, luxury boutiques, and modern art galleries. Nevertheless, the area is still a gorgeous spot to explore and an excellent place for dinner and some drinks.

CHÂTEAU OF VERSAILLES & GARDENS

The State of Versailles is spread out across more than 800 hectares. In addition to the world-famous Château of Versailles, one can explore the magnificent Versailles Gardens, the Trianons, and the Queen’s Hamlet, making it well worth a visit during your 5-day Paris itinerary – Click here to buy your tickets to Versailles

Check out this guide with all the options for a day trip to Versailles. Versailles is easy to reach by public transportation; here’s how to get to Versailles from Paris.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: From April to October, the gardens offer stunning baroque shows of water and music around the fountains of Versailles and the Grand Canal!

1. ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Start your day by climbing the Arc de Triomphe and enjoying the views of Paris from the top – Click here to buy your tickets

The Arc de Triomphe, which stands at the western end of the Champs Elysées, is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Built between 1806 and 1836, the Arch de Triomphe honors those who fought for France, and in particular, those who did so during the Napoleonic Wars.

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll be rewarded with some brilliant views across Paris as well as the Eiffel Tower.

This bridge connects the Champs Elysées quarter with the Eiffel Tower District, and as you stroll across it, you’ll have brilliant views of the Eiffel Tower.

The Orsay Museum holds mainly French art from the period 1848 to 1914 and includes artworks by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and the Impressionists. Even if you’re not into art galleries, a visit here is well worth it just to see the train station, which looks like a palace!

Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night is truly magical. Did you know that while it is lit up, it sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour?

If you decide to climb up, book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance! With only five days in Paris, it’s important to secure the date and time slot ASAP.

This dinner cruise down the River Seine always has good ratings and reviews. During the cruise, you will see many of the most famous Paris landmarks magically illuminated, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more.

And there you have it, a comprehensive Paris 5 days itinerary for your coming trip to Paris. Follow this 5 days in Paris itinerary step by step, or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Do you have more time in Paris? Less time? Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

• 1 day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 4 days in Paris Itinerary
• 6 days in Paris Itinerary
• 7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

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