The Ultimate 5 Day Trip to Paris Itinerary: Discover Paris

Dreaming of Paris? A carefully crafted 5 day trip to Paris itinerary is your ticket to experiencing the best of the City of Lights, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Forget aimless wandering – this guide is designed to maximize your time, whether you're a first-time visitor eager to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, or a returning traveler seeking to uncover the city's more authentic corners. This isn't just a list of attractions; it's a curated experience. We'll start with the must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, then wander through the artistic streets of Montmartre and delve into the intellectual heart of the Latin Quarter. A day trip to the Palace of Versailles offers a glimpse into royal opulence, while the final day is reserved for exploring off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and soaking in the Parisian atmosphere. Ready to make the most of your Parisian getaway? Follow this itinerary, packed with local recommendations and practical tips, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Let's dive in and discover how to spend the perfect five days in Paris!

Day 1: Iconic Paris – Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

Morning: Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro – A Parisian Start

Kick off your Parisian adventure with the Eiffel Tower. Seriously, it's the quintessential Paris experience. I always recommend booking your tickets online in advance. Trust me, you don't want to spend half your morning waiting in line. Aim to arrive early, around 8:30 or 9:00 AM, to beat the crowds. Should you skip going up? Nah, but honestly, the views from the second floor are amazing and save you some cash. If heights aren't your thing, chilling in the Champ de Mars at the tower's base is a totally valid option, too.

After soaking in the Eiffel Tower, head over to the Trocadéro Gardens. Cross the Seine River and you'll find it. This spot offers the absolute best photo ops of the Eiffel Tower. The elevated plaza gives you that perfect perspective, especially during sunrise or sunset. It's touristy? Yeah, but for good reason. Everyone wants that iconic shot!

Midday: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe – Parisian Grandeur

From the Trocadéro, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe. You can walk or hop on the metro, whatever floats your boat. Climbing to the rooftop of the Arc is a must. The view of the Champs-Élysées sprawling out beneath you is seriously impressive. It’s a great way to get your bearings and appreciate the city's layout.

Lunchtime! Avenue des Champs-Élysées is lined with cafes, but fair warning, they can be a bit touristy and overpriced. For a more authentic experience, venture off to Rue Cler, a charming market street with some fantastic bistros. Grab a croque monsieur or a salad niçoise – you can't go wrong with the classics.

Afternoon: Seine River Cruise and Louvre – Art and Relaxation

Time for a relaxing Seine River cruise. These one-hour cruises are the perfect way to see Paris from a different angle. Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf are solid choices. You'll glide past landmarks like Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. It's a great way to rest your feet and soak in the city's beauty without the hustle and bustle.

Next up: the Louvre Museum. It's massive, so don't even think about seeing everything in one afternoon. Focus on the highlights: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Pre-booking a skip-the-line ticket is essential unless you enjoy spending your vacation waiting in line. If art isn't your main squeeze, consider exploring the Tuileries Garden or Palais Royal nearby – beautiful spots for a leisurely stroll.

Day 2: Montmartre and Bohemian Charm – A Parisian Adventure

Morning: Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre Village – Artistic Heights

Alright, Day 2 is all about Montmartre, the heart of bohemian Paris. Start your morning at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This white-domed beauty sits atop Montmartre hill and offers, hands down, one of the best panoramic views of Paris. Seriously, it's breathtaking. Get there early, though – like, before 9 AM early – to avoid the hordes of tourists. Trust me on this one.

After you've soaked in the views from Sacré-Cœur, get lost in the charming streets of Montmartre Village. Wander through the cobblestone alleys and soak in the artistic vibe. Make sure to hit Place du Tertre, the lively square filled with artists and portrait painters. It's super touristy, but it's also a classic Montmartre experience. Stop by Le Consulat, a historic café that was once a hangout for Picasso and Van Gogh. Talk about soaking in some history!

Midday: Lunch and Moulin Rouge – A Touch of Cabaret

For lunch, you've got a couple of options. Le Petit Moulin is a solid choice for traditional French cuisine, while Hardware Société offers a killer Australian-French brunch. Either way, you're in for a treat. After lunch, take a walk past the Moulin Rouge, the famous cabaret. It's iconic, even if you don't go inside for a show (though, if you're interested, definitely book tickets in advance). The Pigalle district, where the Moulin Rouge is located, is also worth exploring. It's got a cool, slightly edgy vibe with vintage shops and quirky boutiques.

Don't forget to check out the Wall of Love in Square Jehan Rictus! It's a mural that says "I Love You" in 250 languages. It's cheesy, yeah, but it's also kind of sweet and makes for a fun photo op. And who doesn't want a little love in Paris?

Day 3: Latin Quarter and SaintGermain – Discover Literary Paris

Morning: Shakespeare and Company & Notre-Dame – Literary Beginnings

Day 3, we're diving into the heart of literary Paris! First stop: Shakespeare and Company. This legendary English-language bookstore is a must-see, not just for bookworms, but for anyone who appreciates a good story. It's been a haven for writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, and you can practically feel the history seeping from the walls. Grab a coffee, browse the shelves, and maybe even attend one of their readings or workshops.

Next, head over to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even though it's still under restoration after the 2019 fire, it's absolutely worth visiting. The exterior is stunning, and the surrounding Île de la Cité is steeped in history. If you've got time, walk over to Sainte-Chapelle. The stained glass windows are breathtaking – seriously, they're some of the most beautiful I've ever seen. It's a bit of a hidden gem, but totally worth the detour.

Midday: Luxembourg Gardens and Lunch – A Parisian Picnic

Time to relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg. This beautiful public park was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, and it's the perfect place to unwind after a morning of sightseeing. Rent one of the green metal chairs, find a spot by the fountain, and just soak in the Parisian atmosphere. It's a great place to people-watch, read a book, or even take a nap. If you are visiting with kids, there is a carousel and a playground.

For lunch, you've got a couple of options. Bouillon Pigalle is great for affordable French classics, while Le Comptoir du Relais is a bit more upscale, but definitely worth the splurge if you're looking for a special meal. Alternatively, grab some cheese, bread, and wine from a local market and have a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens. It's a classic Parisian experience!

Afternoon: Panthéon and Sorbonne – Intellectual Pursuits

After lunch, head to the Panthéon. This neoclassical mausoleum houses the remains of French luminaries like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. It's a seriously impressive building, and it's a great place to learn about French history and culture. The architecture alone is worth the visit.

Finally, take a walk through the historic Latin Quarter, popping into bookshops and student cafés. This area is home to the Sorbonne University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The atmosphere is lively and intellectual, and it's a great place to soak in the Parisian vibe. Grab a coffee, browse the books, and imagine yourself as a struggling writer in the 1920s.

Day 4: Royal Grandeur – A Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles

Morning: Palace of Versailles – Stepping Back in Time

Alright, buckle up, because today we're heading to Versailles! A day trip to the Palace of Versailles is non-negotiable, in my book. It's like stepping into a history book, but way more opulent. To get there, you'll want to hop on the RER C line – it's about a 40-minute ride from Paris to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche. Trust me, the train is the easiest way to go. And listen, this is crucial: pre-book your tickets online. Seriously. Arrive by 9:00 AM to beat the insane crowds. You'll thank me later.

Once you're inside, prepare to be amazed. The Hall of Mirrors is mind-blowing, and the King’s Grand Apartments are ridiculously lavish. Make sure you check out the Queen’s Hamlet too; it's surprisingly charming. Honestly, you could spend an entire day just wandering around the palace, soaking in all the history and grandeur. I always find something new to discover each time I visit.

Midday: Gardens and Lunch – A Royal Picnic (or Not)

After you've had your fill of the palace, it's time to explore the gardens. And let me tell you, these gardens are HUGE. Seriously, they're bigger than some parks I've seen. Strolling through the manicured lawns is a must, and if you're feeling ambitious, you can even rent a golf cart to cover more ground. Trust me, your feet will thank you. If you're visiting on an off-season weekday, the gardens are free, which is a major bonus!

For lunch, you've got a couple of options. La Flottille is a great spot to dine by the Grand Canal, or if you're feeling fancy, you can splurge at Ore, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant. Alternatively, pack a picnic and enjoy it in the gardens. Just be sure to clean up after yourself – we want to keep Versailles beautiful for everyone!

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Farewell – Your Perfect 5 Day Trip to Paris

Morning: Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville – Off the Beaten Path

for your final day, let's ditch the tourist traps and explore some of Paris's hidden gems. Start with a stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin. This trendy canal is super chill, with boutique shops, cool cafes, and those adorable swing bridges. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee, watch the boats go by, and soak in the local vibe. Seriously, it's a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Eiffel Tower.

After the canal, head over to Belleville, a multicultural neighborhood with a vibrant street art scene. It's a bit rough around the edges, but that's part of its charm. Check out the vintage stores, grab some street food, and head to Parc de Belleville for another great view of the city. It's a totally different perspective than you get from Montmartre, and it's definitely worth checking out.

Midday: Père Lachaise Cemetery – A Hauntingly Beautiful Museum

Next up: Père Lachaise Cemetery. I know, I know, it sounds a bit morbid, but trust me on this one. It's not just a cemetery; it's an open-air museum filled with stunning sculptures and the graves of famous people like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, and Edith Piaf. It's hauntingly beautiful and surprisingly peaceful. Grab a map at the entrance and wander through the winding paths. It's a great way to escape the city's chaos and reflect on life (and death).

Afternoon: Shopping and Final Strolls – Souvenirs and Serenity

Time for some last-minute shopping! Skip the tourist traps and head to Le Marais or Saint-Germain for some unique souvenirs. French pharmacies are great for skincare products, concept stores are perfect for quirky gifts, and food markets are ideal for edible souvenirs like cheese, wine, or macarons. Remember to check what you can bring back home – some countries have restrictions on certain food items.

For your final stroll, revisit a favorite landmark or relax in a park like Buttes-Chaumont or Monceau. These parks are less crowded than the Luxembourg Gardens and offer a more local experience. Find a bench, soak in the Parisian atmosphere, and reflect on your amazing 5 day trip to Paris. It's been a whirlwind, but hopefully, you've fallen in love with this incredible city.

Evening: Farewell Dinner with a View – A Parisian Goodbye

And finally, it's time for a farewell dinner. If you want to go all out, book a table at Les Ombres (rooftop with Eiffel views) or Le Jules Verne (inside the tower) for a memorable final meal. Alternatively, Le Perchoir is a great rooftop bar with skyline views. Wherever you choose, make sure it's a place that captures the essence of your Parisian experience. Raise a glass to the City of Lights and all the memories you've made. À votre santé!

• Les Ombres: Rooftop dining with Eiffel Tower views
• Le Jules Verne: Exclusive dining experience inside the Eiffel Tower
• Le Perchoir: Rooftop bar with panoramic city views

Au Revoir, But Not Goodbye: Your Parisian Adventure Awaits

This 5 day trip to Paris itinerary is your starting point for an unforgettable exploration of the City of Lights. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the hidden charm of Montmartre, Paris offers a wealth of experiences to suit every traveler. Remember, the best way to discover Paris is to embrace the unexpected – allow yourself to get lost in its charming streets, savor its delicious cuisine, and soak in its unique atmosphere. While five days may seem like a short time, with a well-planned itinerary, you can create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, brush up on your French phrases, and prepare to fall in love with Paris. Until next time, au revoir!