5 Days in Paris Itinerary offers the perfect balance to immerse yourself in the charm, history, and culture of the French capital. This vibrant city, with its iconic landmarks, quaint neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, captivates every traveler, from first-timers to seasoned visitors.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a budget-conscious trip, this Paris 5 day travel plan ensures you experience the best of Paris in five days. From the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle to Montmartre’s bohemian streets, this itinerary blends must-see sights with hidden gems, tailored for couples, families, and solo explorers ,all while keeping practicality and enjoyment in mind.
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and the Seine’s Charm
Begin your 5 day itinerary Paris France with Paris’s most iconic sights. Start at the Eiffel Tower, the city’s enduring symbol. Arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and secure pre-booked tickets for the second floor or summit, where panoramic views showcase Paris’s beauty. Spend about an hour here before strolling along the Champs-Élysées, a grand avenue buzzing with shops and cafes. Walk to the Arc de Triomphe, where a climb to the top reveals the city’s star-shaped boulevards. This is a highlight for any Paris sightseeing in 5 days plan.
In the afternoon, head to Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris, reachable by a short metro ride. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with its intricate façade (restoration may limit interior access). Nearby, explore Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows. For families on a Paris 5 day itinerary with family, the nearby Conciergerie offers a glimpse into revolutionary history, engaging older kids. End the day with a walk along the Seine River, browsing bouquinistes’ bookstalls. Dine at a bistro in the Latin Quarter, savoring dishes like coq au vin or crème brûlée, perfect for a 5 day itinerary in Paris for couples seeking romance.
Day 2: Art and History at the Louvre and Orsay
Your second day focuses on Paris’s world-renowned art scene, a key part of what to do in Paris for 5 days. Start at the Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. To make it manageable for a Paris itinerary for 5 days, spend about two hours here, focusing on highlights or joining a guided tour. For families, kid-friendly tours keep young ones engaged, making it ideal for a Paris 5 day itinerary with family. Afterward, relax in the Tuileries Garden, a serene park perfect for a picnic or a quick coffee break.
Cross the Seine to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, showcasing Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Its manageable size suits a tight schedule, and the café offers a scenic lunch spot with dishes like quiche or salade niçoise. In the evening, explore the Marais district, a trendy area with historic mansions and vibrant cafes. Visit the Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, ideal for couples seeking a romantic moment in their 5 day itinerary in Paris for couples. Dine on French classics like duck confit in a Marais bistro, rounding out your Paris attractions for 5 days.
Day 3: Montmartre’s Bohemian Spirit and Sacré-Cœur
Day three takes you to Montmartre, a hilltop neighborhood steeped in artistic history, a must for any best 5 day itinerary Paris. Begin at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a white-domed church offering sweeping city views. Arrive early to avoid crowds and spend time exploring its serene interior. Wander Montmartre’s cobblestone streets, where artists like Picasso once lived. The Place du Tertre buzzes with painters, offering a unique souvenir for your 5 days Paris trip itinerary. For families, the Musée de Montmartre provides a glimpse into the area’s past with kid-friendly exhibits.
For lunch, enjoy a savory crêpe or galette at a local café, a budget-friendly option for a budget itinerary for 5 days in Paris. In the afternoon, visit the Moulin Rouge for a photo or, for a splurge, book an evening cabaret show, a highlight for couples. Alternatively, explore Pigalle, known for its vibrant nightlife. For a quieter evening, return to your accommodation and dine nearby, perhaps trying ratatouille or a charcuterie board, ensuring a relaxed end to your places to visit in Paris in 5 days.
Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles and Saint-Germain
Dedicate day four to a half-day trip to the Palace of Versailles, a 40-minute train ride from Paris via the RER C. This opulent palace, with its Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens, is a must for any Paris in 5 days travel guide. For a budget itinerary for 5 days in Paris, explore the gardens for free (except on fountain show days) and pack a picnic. Guided tours offer historical insights, but independent visits suit those on a Paris 5 day travel plan seeking flexibility. Return to Paris by early afternoon.
Back in the city, visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a chic neighborhood with literary history. Stop at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, historic haunts of intellectuals like Sartre. For families, the area’s patisseries offer kid-friendly treats like éclairs. Couples can enjoy a romantic stroll along the Seine, a highlight of a 5 day itinerary in Paris for couples. End the day with a Seine River cruise, where landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre glow at night, a perfect addition to your Paris sightseeing in 5 days.
Day 5: Hidden Gems and Leisurely Exploration
Your final day in the ultimate 5 days in Paris travel itinerary is for discovering Paris’s lesser-known treasures. Start at the Canal Saint-Martin, a trendy area with picturesque bridges and cafes, ideal for a morning coffee or croissant. Next, visit Père Lachaise Cemetery, where figures like Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf rest. Its peaceful paths and ornate tombs offer a unique experience for your how to spend 5 days in Paris plan.
For lunch, head to the Marais for affordable falafel or pastries from a Jewish bakery. Spend the afternoon at the Jardin du Luxembourg, a lush park with fountains and statues. Families will love the puppet shows and toy boat rentals, while couples can relax by the Medici Fountain, making it a versatile stop for a Paris 5 day itinerary with family or couples. End your trip at the Pantheon, a neoclassical monument honoring French luminaries like Voltaire. Dine in the Oberkampf area, trying modern French dishes like roasted lamb or tarte tatin, capping off your Paris attractions for 5 days.
Where to Stay for Your 5 Days in Paris
Choosing the right accommodation enhances your 5 days Paris trip itinerary. For first-timers, the 1st or 2nd arrondissement offers proximity to the Louvre and Tuileries, with hotels like Hôtel Regina Louvre balancing comfort and location. Families may prefer the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower, where apartments like those in Hôtel de la Bourdonnais provide space and amenities.
For a 5 day itinerary in Paris for couples, the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers romantic boutique hotels like Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais. For a budget itinerary for 5 days in Paris, consider the 10th arrondissement near Canal Saint-Martin, where guesthouses or Airbnb options keep costs low. Ensure your stay has metro access for easy navigation.
Budget Tips for a 5 Days in Paris Itinerary
A budget itinerary for 5 days in Paris is achievable with smart planning. Many museums, like the Musée Carnavalet, offer free entry, and the Louvre is free on the first Sunday of each month (expect crowds). Pack picnics from markets like Marché Bastille with baguettes, cheese, and fruit to save on dining.
Use the Paris Metro with a multi-day pass (around €30 for five days) instead of taxis. Walk between nearby sights like Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle to cut transport costs. For accommodations, book budget hotels or apartments in areas like Bastille or Belleville, where rates are lower than central districts.
Paris Attractions for 5 Days: Must-See Highlights
The Paris attractions for 5 days include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur, all essential for any best 5 day itinerary Paris. Add smaller gems like Sainte-Chapelle, Place des Vosges, and Jardin du Luxembourg for variety.
For families, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie offers interactive exhibits, while couples can enjoy romantic spots like the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Tailor your places to visit in Paris in 5 days to your interests, balancing iconic landmarks with local experiences like a coffee in Montmartre or a stroll along the Seine.
Getting Around Paris for 5 Days
Navigating Paris is easy with the Paris Metro, a reliable and affordable system. A five-day Navigo Semaine pass (around €30) covers unlimited travel in zones 1-5, including Versailles. Buses offer scenic routes, while walking is ideal for nearby attractions like the Marais and Latin Quarter.
For a budget itinerary for 5 days in Paris, avoid taxis and use apps like Citymapper for real-time routes. Renting a bike through Vélib’ is another fun, affordable option, especially for exploring parks and riverside paths.
Paris 5 Day Itinerary with Family
A Paris 5 day itinerary with family should blend kid-friendly activities with iconic sights. Day one’s Eiffel Tower visit and Seine walk are engaging for all ages. On day two, opt for a family tour at the Louvre and a picnic in the Tuileries. Montmartre’s open spaces and street artists entertain kids on day three.
Versailles’s gardens and Saint-Germain’s patisseries keep day four fun, while day five’s Jardin du Luxembourg offers puppet shows and boat rentals. Choose family-friendly dining with simple dishes like pasta or crepes, and stay in spacious accommodations like apartments in the 7th arrondissement.
5 Day Itinerary in Paris for Couples
For a 5 day itinerary in Paris for couples, prioritize romantic experiences. Start with a sunrise Eiffel Tower visit and a Champs-Élysées stroll. Day two’s Louvre and Marais dinner set a dreamy tone. Montmartre’s intimate cafes and a potential Moulin Rouge show make day three special.
A Versailles picnic and Seine cruise on day four are perfect for couples, while day five’s Canal Saint-Martin and Jardin du Luxembourg offer quiet moments. Book a boutique hotel in the Marais or Saint-Germain for a cozy, romantic vibe, and dine at candlelit bistros with wine and desserts.
FAQs About a 5 Days in Paris Itinerary
- What’s the best way to plan a 5 days in Paris itinerary?
Group attractions by neighborhood, like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe on day one, and pre-book tickets for major sites to save time. Balance landmarks with local experiences like markets or cafes.
- How can I create a budget itinerary for 5 days in Paris?
Stay in affordable areas like the 10th arrondissement, use a metro pass, pack picnics from markets, and visit free attractions like parks or free museum days.
- What are the top Paris attractions for 5 days for families?
The Eiffel Tower, Jardin du Luxembourg, Cité des Sciences, and Seine cruises are kid-friendly. Montmartre and Versailles’s gardens also engage children.
- What’s the best 5 day itinerary in Paris for couples?
Include romantic spots like the Seine cruise, Pont Alexandre III, Marais dinners, and Montmartre strolls. Stay in boutique hotels and enjoy candlelit bistros.
- How do I get to Versailles for a day trip in a Paris 5 day travel plan?
Take the RER C train from stations like Invalides to Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche (40 minutes, €4 each way). Book palace tickets in advance.
- What are the must-see places to visit in Paris in 5 days?
Prioritize the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and Versailles, with smaller gems like Sainte-Chapelle and Jardin du Luxembourg for variety.
- How should I get around for Paris sightseeing in 5 days?
Use a Navigo Semaine metro pass for unlimited travel, walk between nearby sights, and consider Vélib’ bikes for scenic routes along the Seine or parks.
Conclusion 5 Days in Paris Itinerary
A 5 Days in Paris Itinerary unlocks the magic of the City of Light, blending iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and romantic moments. From the majestic Eiffel Tower to the artistic lanes of Montmartre, this Paris in 5 days travel guide ensures every traveler—families, couples, or budget explorers—experiences Paris’s essence.
With practical tips on accommodations, transport, and dining, your ultimate 5 days in Paris travel itinerary promises unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a Seine cruise at dusk or a picnic in Versailles’s gardens, Paris delivers charm and wonder at every turn, making your how to spend 5 days in Paris an adventure to cherish.
