How to Spend 5 Days in Paris?
This article describes an ideal 5-day Paris itinerary for discerning travelers looking for quality over quantity.
Five days in Paris is the luxury of travel done right. It gives you time to see what truly matters, with enough breathing room to experience the city at the pace it deserves – and even dedicate a full day to Versailles (or somewhere else) without feeling like you’ve sacrificed Paris.
This is slow travel: intentional, unhurried, and focused on quality over coverage. If you’re looking to tick off long bucket lists, this isn’t your itinerary. But if you want to experience Paris properly, keep reading.
If you’re in a hurry, jump to the detailed itinerary here.
Last update: June 2026
Paris Itinerary 5 Days – Know Before You Go
This 5-day Paris itinerary explores the most iconic arrondissements in greater depth than shorter trips allow. It includes one day outside Paris (I suggest Versailles, but there are also other great alternatives at the end of the guide).
For easier navigation, the itinerary is organized around the banks of the Seine River, with two days spent on the Right Bank, one on the Left, and a final day exploring both sides around Pont Alexandre III. It includes four detailed maps – one for each day in Paris – with all recommended stops clearly marked.
The focus is on quality over quantity, giving you time to linger in the places you enjoy most.
Days 1 and 2 of this itinerary follow the same structure as the first two days of my 3-day Paris itinerary – covering the Right Bank and essential landmarks. I’ve summarized these days below with all the key stops, but for full descriptions of each site, see the detailed 3-day guide. Days 3-4-5 are what make five days in Paris special: a more relaxed path in the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain, a full day at Versailles, and time to explore the neighborhoods around Pont Alexandre III at a slower pace.
Alongside this itinerary, my Paris arrondissements guide will help you understand the city’s different areas – their history and character – and make your strolls much more enjoyable.
The itinerary also assumes you’ll be using the Paris Metro, with suggested lines and stations indicated throughout. Be sure to check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists.
Museum Closing Days
- Louvre: Tuesdays
- Musée d’Orsay: Mondays
- Carnavalet Museum (optional): Mondays
- Versailles: Mondays
- Best days for this itinerary: Wednesday to Sunday
Book Ahead
- Sainte-Chapelle: 2 months (timed entry). Different prices for EEA – non-EEA visitors
- Louvre: 1-2 months, depending on the season (timed entry). Different prices for EEA – non-EEA visitors
- Musée d’Orsay: 1 month (timed entry)
- Moulin Rouge: as soon as possible
- Eiffel Tower: 2 months (timed entry)
- Versailles Palace: 2 months (timed entry).
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass
Where to Stay in Paris for 5 Days
For five days in Paris, I’d stay in one of the arrondissements that aren’t covered by this itinerary. The 9th Arrondissement (Opéra Garnier, Grands Boulevards,…) is my recommendation for anyone who asks ‘where can I stay centrally without paying 1st/4th prices and the Hotel Le Ballu is a very good option.
If you prefer to stay in one of the iconic neighborhoods of Paris, book at the Relais Christine, a 4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion in Saint-Germain (6th Arrondissement), or at any of these hotels with Eiffel Tower views.
Find more hotel recommendations by travel style in my best Arrondissements to stay guide.
Don’t leave without travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on
5 Days in Paris Itinerary, Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and Right Bank (Le Marais, and Canal Saint-Martin)
On day 1 of this 5 days in Paris itinerary, you will visit:
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Île de la Cité
- Le Marais
- Canal Saint-Martin
Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, Day 1 on Google
Paris Day 1 Overview
Start your day on Île de la Cité, which was once the heart of Medieval Paris. Visit iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, and explore its historic surroundings with optional visits (choose two maximum) to the Crypte Archéologique, Sainte-Chapelle, or the Conciergerie.
Continue into the charming streets of Le Marais for a relaxed afternoon, with the option to visit the Carnavalet Museum for a deeper dive into the history of Paris.
End the day along the Canal Saint-Martin, where tree-lined quays and waterside cafés offer a laid-back, atmospheric finish.
For full details on day 1, see my 3 days in Paris itinerary, day 1.
Elisa’s local tip: Just in front of the cathedral’s main façade, you’ll find a plaque marking France’s km 0 – the point from which all French roads are measured.
Key Attractions & Visiting Hours
» Notre Dame Cathedral is open from Monday to Friday, from 7:50 a.m. to 7 p.m.; On weekends, it opens from 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free entrance
» The Sainte-Chapelle is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer. To fully appreciate the effect of its windows, try visiting on a sunny day.
» The Conciergerie opens every day, from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
» The Crypte Archéologique opens from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Save time! This combo ticket Sainte Chapelle + Conciergerie gives you skip-the-line access to these unique sites.
Paris in 5 Days Itinerary, Day 2 – Right Bank (Louvre to Montmartre)
On day 2 of this Paris in 5 days itinerary, you will be visiting:
- Louvre Museum
- Tuileries Garden
- Montmartre
- Moulin Rouge
Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google
Paris Day 2 Overview
Start your day at the world-famous Louvre Museum (allow at least 2-3 hours), then enjoy a relaxing stroll through the nearby Tuileries Garden.
In the afternoon, head to Montmartre, taking in its bohemian streets and highlights such as the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, and the Maison Rose. This self-guided Montmartre walking tour may come in handy.
End the day with a classic Paris experience at the Moulin Rouge, one of the best cabarets in Paris. Opt for the cabaret show with dinner
For full details on day 2, see my 3 days in Paris itinerary.
Elisa’s local tip: Discover the history and secrets of the Tuileries Garden with this fun self-guided garden quest.
Key Attractions & Visiting Hours
» The Louvre Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays until 9:45 p.m. Here’s how to do the Louvre in 2 hours.
» Sacré-Coeur Opening Hours: daily from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. The entrance is free.
» Dome Opening Hours: daily from 9.30 a.m. /10.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., depending on the season. To climb up the Dome, there are 300 stairs without a lift.
Paris 5 Day Itinerary, Day 3 – Left Bank (Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
On day 3 of this Paris 5-day itinerary, you’ll cross the Seine River to visit:
- Jardin des Plantes
- Latin Quarter Neighborhood
- The Panthéon (from the outside)
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés Neighborhood
Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 3 on Google
The Latin Quarter is known as the historic center of university life in Paris, but it is also where Roman Paris- Lutetia first emerged in the 1st century AD. It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the heart of the city’s religious and civic life, once stood where Rue Soufflot is today, while Rue Saint-Jacques follows the route of the former Cardo Maximus, one of the main streets of the Roman city.
Alongside its historic landmarks and centuries-old architecture, the neighborhood is also home to the oldest universities and some of Paris’s most beautiful gardens.
1. Wander through the Jardin des Plantes
Start your day at the Jardin des Plantes, France’s main botanical garden and one of the oldest in the country. Spread across more than 2.5 hectares of elegant French-style gardens, it is a wonderful place to stroll among seasonal flowers and remarkable trees.
While you’re here, consider visiting the beautiful 18th-century greenhouses, home to plants from around the world, or one of the museums inside the gardens, such as the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution (my personal favorite) or the Paleontology Museum.
Elisa’s local tip: Just for fun, take a moment to read the story of Zarafa the giraffe, the Jardin des Plantes’ most famous resident, and the incredible journey that brought her across France.
2. Explore the Latin Quarter
After exploring the gardens, walk along Rue Jussieu or Rue Cuvier toward the Arènes de Lutèce. Built in the 1st century AD, this ancient Roman amphitheater once hosted gladiator fights and theatrical performances. Today, you can visit it for free and still see parts of the original arena, stage, and stone remains.
Continue on to Rue Mouffetard, about a 10-minute walk from the Arènes de Lutèce, before reaching the lively Place de la Contrescarpe – an ideal spot for lunch. Pick a terrace, settle in, and enjoy some classic Parisian people-watching.
3. Admire the Panthéon from the Outside
On the way to the Luxembourg Gardens, admire the Panthéon in Paris from the outside. Perched atop the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon is a grand mausoleum dedicated to some of France’s most notable figures. Among those buried here are Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, and Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the architect of the Panthéon.
Right next to the Panthéon stands the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church, which once housed the relics of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Step inside to admire its remarkable jubé – the only surviving rood screen in Paris and a true architectural gem!
4. Linger in the Luxembourg Gardens
The beautiful Luxembourg Gardens were commissioned in 1612 by Queen Marie de Médicis to surround her Palace (now home to the French Senate) and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. This is one of the most popular gardens in Paris, featuring highlights such as the octagonal pond, the romantic Médicis Fountain, an orchard of old apple varieties, an apiary, and greenhouses with an orchid collection.
Elisa’s Local Tip: explore the hidden secrets of Luxembourg Gardens and have fun with this self-guided Treasure Hunt!
5. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
After exploring the Luxembourg Gardens, walk to the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
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 small bookstores and cafés, the neighborhood is now 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.
Saint-Germain is an excellent place for some drinks and dinner. Before settling in, don’t miss a visit to the beautiful Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, the only structure preserved from the original abbey. Completed in 558, it is also the oldest surviving Romanesque church in Paris.
Elisa’s Local Tip: Inside Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, you’ll find one of the few remaining Vierges au Sourire (“Smiling Madonnas”), a distinctive style of medieval Parisian sculpture. This particular statue was damaged during its creation and ultimately left unfinished – yet she still smiles and her charm remains intact.
Key Attractions & Visiting Hours
»The Jardin des Plantes opens daily from 7.30-8 a.m. to 5.30-8.00 p.m., depending on the season. Entrance is free.
» Les Arènes de Lutèce is located at 49 Rue Monge. It opens from 8-9 a.m. to 6-8.30 p.m., depending on the season. Entrance is free.
» The Luxembourg Gardens open daily from 7:30-8:15 a.m. to 4:30-9:30 p.m., depending on the season. Entrance is free.
5-Day Paris Itinerary, Day 4 – Day Trip to Versailles
Day 4 of this 5-day Paris itinerary visits Versailles. If you are not interested in Versailles, you can find some alternatives below.
Versailles is home to one of the world’s most famous châteaux. Built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, Château de Versailles is a masterpiece of French baroque architecture.
But there’s more. The Versailles estate spans more than 800 hectares. Beyond the château itself, visitors can explore the magnificent Versailles Gardens, the Trianons, as well as the Queen’s Hamlet, making it an unmissable day trip from Paris – Click here to buy your tickets to Versailles
Read this guide to planning a day trip to Versailles from Paris. Versailles is easily accessible by public transport – see here for how to get from Paris to Versailles.
Elisa’s local tip: From April to October, the gardens come alive with stunning baroque water and music shows around the fountains and the Grand Canal. This guide to the fountains of Versailles will help you plan your visit around the show times.
Paris 5 Days Itinerary, Day 5 – Arc de Triomphe to Eiffel Tower
On day 5 of this Paris 5 days itinerary, you’ll visit:
- Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées
- Orsay Museum
- Eiffel Tower
- Seine River Cruise
Click here to view this 5 days in Paris map, day 5 on Google
1. Climb the Arc de Triomphe
On your 5th and final day in Paris, you’ll explore the two most elegant arrondissements (Paris 8 and 7) and take a closer look at some of the famous landmarks in the city.
Start your day by climbing the Arc de Triomphe. From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll be rewarded with some brilliant views across the Champs-Élysées as well as the Eiffel Tower – Click here to buy your tickets
Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Built between 1806 and 1836, the Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought for France, in particular, those who did so during the Napoleonic Wars.
2. Walk through the Champs Elysées to Pont Alexandre III
After your visit, head down the world-famous Champs-Élysées, often called “the world’s most beautiful avenue,” and continue toward the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais.
Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Grand Palais is instantly recognisable by its impressive glass dome and now hosts major exhibitions and cultural events.
Just opposite the Grand Palais, the (not so) Petit Palais – home to the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts – is free to visit. Its café, opening onto a peaceful inner garden, is a lovely spot for a light lunch break.
You’ll cross the Seine River through the elegant Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. Built between 1896 and 1900, it features Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at either end.
Elisa’s local tip: While walking along the Champs-Élysées, stop by the historic Guerlain boutique at 68 Avenue des Champs-Élysées (on your left) to admire its beautiful heritage interior and, if you like, pick up a signature fragrance.
3. Visit the Musée d’Orsay
Visit the Orsay Museum, one of the Impressionist museums in Paris. Located in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900, the Orsay Museum primarily features French art from the period 1848 to 1914, including artworks by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and the Impressionists – Click here to buy your timed-entry tickets.
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! Allow yourself a couple of hours to visit the must-see artwork at Musée d’Orsay.
4. Sunset from the Top of the Eiffel Tower
I’ve saved the visit to the Eiffel Tower for your final evening in Paris.
Designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel, the Iron Lady is especially beautiful at night, when the golden floodlights come on. Once illuminated, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour, so keep an eye on the time to catch the next display. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
5. Wrap Up Your Holiday in Paris with a Seine Cruise
Wrap up your holiday with a dinner cruise, admiring the historic landmarks that made Paris famous: the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, and more. I can’t imagine a better way to end your trip to Paris!
Elisa’s local tip: In summer, sunset can be as late as 10 p.m. Boat tours usually run until around 10:30 p.m., so book one of the last departures to enjoy the monuments beautifully illuminated. Be sure to check sunset times in Paris for your travel dates.
Key Attractions & Visiting Hours
» Arc de Triomphe Opening Hours: From 1 April to 30 September, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m; on Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. From 1 October to 31 March 31, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; on Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
» Orsay Museum Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; On Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
» Eiffel Tower Opening Hours: daily, with opening hours varying slightly depending on the season (9 a.m. to 0.45 a.m. in summer)
What to Visit in Paris in 5 Days – Alternative Approaches
Below, you’ll find more ideas of places to visit in Paris over 5 days:
Rainy Day Swaps
If the weather forecast shows one day of rain, use Day 2 as your rainy-day plan. After visiting the Louvre, replace the Tuileries Garden with a visit to some of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris or take this wine tour set in a historic wine cellar. Both options are located not far from the Louvre.
If rain is expected throughout your stay, check out this article on things to do in Paris when it rains for more ideas.
Day Trip Options
If you are not interested in Versailles, then choose one of the best day trips from Paris. There are also lovely small towns near Paris worth exploring on a day trip.
How to Extend or Shorten Your Paris Itinerary
Do you need to shorten your trip? Or could you add 1 or 2 extra days? Read my other Paris itineraries for inspiration:
- 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
You can also visit Paris in 3 days and book one of these getaways from Paris by train to see other parts of France.
Frequent Asked Questions
How Much Money Do I Need for 5 Days in Paris?
The cost of a 5-day trip to Paris will depend on your travel style and preferences. I break down daily expenses for different budgets in detail in my article How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost?, so you can plan your itinerary with confidence.
What’s the Best Way to Get from the Airport to Paris?
There are several ways to travel from the airport to Paris, depending on your comfort level and budget. I cover the best options in my guides for Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris and Orly Airport to Paris.
Is Paris Safe?
Yes, Paris is generally safe, but keep an eye out for pickpockets, scams, and Taxi scams
Read my full article on safety in Paris for details about these scams and insider tips that will help you feel more confident while exploring.
And there you have it – a comprehensive 5-day Paris itinerary designed for discerning travelers, with enough breathing room to experience the city at the pace it deserves. While you won’t be able to see everything, you’ll have the time to truly appreciate Paris beyond the usual checklists.
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