Looking for the optimal way to spend 5 days in Paris, France? This itinerary for Paris will assist you in organizing your trip!
Best tours for your trip to Paris:
1. Walking tour in the Latin Quarter
2. Guided Louvre tour with skip-the-line entrance
3. Boat tour on the Seine river
4. Private tour to Versailles, round-trip from Paris
5. Champagne tasting in Reims, round trip from Paris
Recommended Lodging and Hotels in Paris:
1. Mandarin Oriental Paris (5-star luxury hotel)
2. La Clef Louvre Paris by the Crest Collection
3. Maison Suquet (luxury hotel in Montmartre)
4. Hotel des Arts Montmartre (close to iconic Moulin Rouge)
5. Tonic Hotel du Louvre (budget hotel)
6. Pavillon de Montmartre (budget hotel close to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica)
Before you go, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Parisians highly value polite behavior. Firstly, when speaking with shopkeepers or asking for directions, always start with “Bonjour, s’il vous plaît,” and finally, thank them with “Merci.” Find more information about cultural etiquette and other tips to experience the best of France in general once you arrive in this country.
- Plan your museum visits in advance: The Louvre Museum receives around 8 million visitors annually, and the Palace of Versailles receives over 10 million, so make sure to purchase your tickets several months ahead of time. For more information, refer to the respective mentions further down in this blog.
DAY 1
Head to the Musée d’Orsay which stands on the left bank of the Seine River.
It displays a wonderful collection of art, mostly Impressionist. You will find paintings of Gauguin, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Manet, among many others.
This museum is housed in a former 18th century train station. Due to its stunning interior with soaring skylights, and elaborate architectural details the museum itself is an artwork. It displays a wonderful collection of art, mostly Impressionist.
Don’t forget to take the iconic photo of the clock window on the upper floor of the museum from where you can have a wonderful view of Paris.
The museum is closed on Sundays so adjust your itinerary if needed.
Book your ticket in advance here.
After finishing your visit walk through the nearby Rue Cler.
Rue Cler is a street in Paris with cafes, bakeries, cheese shops, charcuteries, wine shops, and specialty food stores. It’s a foodie’s paradise, so I suggest that you buy some fresh bread, cheese and wine and head to your next destination.
You may also take the chance to grab some edible souvenirs or look into other items that could make cool gifts from Paris back home.
The Champs de Mars is one km (miles) walking from the Rue Cler. Here enjoy your picnic and rejoice in the view of the world-famous Eiffel Tower. If you want to climb the tower, note that from mid-June to early September it opens from 9:00 am to midnight and from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm the rest of the year.
DAY 2
Today, visit the gorgeous Sainte-Chapelle, the stunning Gothic chapel in Paris known for its intricate stained glass windows. Marvel at the brilliant hues and observe how the light shines through the windows, generating a truly magnificent spectacle.
When you leave the Chapelle head to the Latin Quarter, a historic neighborhood famous for its lively atmosphere and numerous cafes and bookstores. Several top-notch chocolatiers are found in this area. You can read more about them, as well as find additional tips and information for your trip to Paris, in The Temperate Traveler.
For a thoroughly historical explanation and in order to encounter hidden gems you may like to try this entertaining walking tour with a local.
Thereafter, continue to the Pantheon, a former church now serving as a secular mausoleum. Learn about its history and appreciate its neoclassical architecture.
For lunch, visit a bistro in the Saint-Germain neighborhood and sample some of the best French cuisine the city has to offer.
Visit the bohemian and charming neighborhood of Montmartre where the Sacre-Cœur Basilica, located atop a hill, is the iconic spot of the area. But visiting the Basilica is only one of the best things to do in Montmartre. You will be amazed by all the art and history you can discover around.
One of the hidden gems in Paris is Le Clos Montmartre, a vineyard just two minutes away from the Sacre-Coeur. To conclude your day, you might consider experiencing a night tour in Paris.
Day 3
Start your day at the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. This is undoubtedly one of the things to do in Paris. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.
The Louvre closes on Tuesday so adjust your schedule if needed. The rest of the days open from 9:00am to 6:00pm except on Fridays when closes at 9:45pm.
In order not to waste time it is adviseable to buy your tickets in advance.
Just ten minutes walking from the Louvre you will reach the Tuileries Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Paris. Enjoy the greenery and take a break from the bustling streets.
Next, explore the Champs-Élysées, a grand avenue lined with high-end shops, theaters, and restaurants. Take a stroll, window-shop, or treat yourself to a special dinner. The Arc de Triomphe stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle.
End your day with a romantic boat tour on the Seine river. Admire the city’s nighttime lights and enjoy the gentle sway of the water. It may seem that Paris never sleeps since there are actually still several other things to do in Paris at night.
Day 4
Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, a magnificent former royal residence located just outside of Paris. Explore the stunning gardens, visit the palace’s interior, and discover the history of France’s monarchy.
As you walk through the well-manicured grounds, be sure to admire the beautiful fountains and statues. Take your time and savor every moment of this incredible destination.
Remember that you may need to purchase your ticket months in advance from their official website here. A convenient way is to go in a private tour which includes the entrance fee and round-trip transportation from central Paris.
Day 5
Over the last four days, you may have been busy moving from one place to another, and you’ve already had a great glimpse of the city. So, why not take it easy today and have lunch at your favorite restaurant, or stroll leisurely along the Parisian streets while sitting outside a coffee shop and watching people pass by? Perhaps you’ll even have time to shop for some souvenirs. However, if you still have the energy, why not try something different outside of Paris?
You may not be aware that, besides Versailles, there are other wonderful places like Giverny, Rouen, Reims, or Chartres that make great day trips from Paris.
At Reims, you will be able to visit one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe, the Notre-Dame of Reims.
You will also have the chance to walk along vineyards and taste champagne in the very heart of Reims, the capital of Champagne, before returning to Paris on the same day.
Book a Reims full-day with champagne tasting tour, with round trip transportation from Paris.
Alternatively, you could visit Claude Monet’s house in Giverny, where he lived with his eight children and painted some of his most famous works. You can visit his studio, lovely kitchen, and bedroom overlooking the garden that you’ve seen in his paintings. Take photos of the lilies he so loved to paint, which still grow there. This small paradise is only an hour and a half away and could be your best day trip from Paris.
Book this small group tour to Monet’s house and gardens with round trip transportation from Paris.
Read here about other destinations which make great day trips from Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris
Regardless of where you stay, be sure to consider the proximity to public transportation, as Paris is well-connected by metro and bus, making it easy to get around.
The most recommended places to stay in Paris are the 1st Arrondissement and Montmartre.
1st Arrondissement (District 1)
It is the heart of Paris and the seat of the city’s most famous attractions, such as the Louvre Museum, the elegant Rue Saint Honoré, the Tuileries Gardens, and Place Vendôme.
The 1st Arrondissement is also well-known for some of the world’s most exclusive fashion houses, such as Louis Vuitton at Place Vendôme. There, you can find out whether Louis Vuitton is cheaper in France.
Luxury Hotel:
Mandarin Oriental is located close to some of the world’s most exclusive fashion houses and Paris’s most famous attractions. The rooms and suites boast a sleek design and lavish furnishings, offering some of the most chic and spacious accommodations in Paris.
Book a stay at Mandarin Oriental Paris here
Mid-Range Hotel:
La Clef Louvre Paris by the Crest Collection is set in a historic building. The location is ideal since it is just a 5-minute walk from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries.
Book a stay at La Clef Louvre Paris by the Crest Collection here
Budget Hotel:
Tonic Hotel du Louvre is in the heart of Paris. The rooms are simply furnished and equipped with a flat-screen TV and minibar. A buffet breakfast is served in the dining room.
Book a stay at the Tonic Hotel du Louvre here
Montmartre
This is is a historic neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, famous for its bohemian atmosphere and stunning views of the city. It once housed famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Today, it draws tourists with its narrow streets, charming cafes, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur.
If you want a romantic, artistic and historic neighborhood, Montmartre is a great choice. It also offers a glimpse into Paris’s alternative, bohemian side.
Luxury Hotel:
The Maison Souquet is housed in a building that once served as a pleasure house during the Belle Époque. With its beautiful Belle Époque period decorations, indoor swimming pool, lovely spa, and stunning gardens, it offers a luxurious stay. Additionally, it enjoys a prime location just 120 meters from Blanche Metro Station.
Book a stay at the Maison Souquet here
Mid-Range Hotel:
Hotel des Arts Montmartre boasts an excellent location and lovely decor, only a few minutes’ walk from both the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre Coeur. This is a family-owned hotel for 3 generations.
Book a stay at the Hotel des Arts Montmartre here
Budget Hotel:
The Pavillon de Montmartre is located just a 10-minute walk from both Place du Tertre and the Sacré Coeur Basilica. Abbesse and Blanche Metro Stations, both 350 meters away, provide direct access to popular attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and Saint-Lazare Train Station.
Book a stay at the Pavillon de Montmartre here
Best Time to Visit Paris
Spring and fall are considered the best times for a visit.
Spring (March to May) is popular with warm weather and blooming flowers, but also crowded and expensive.
Summer (June to August) is warm and busy, but can be crowded and hot.
Fall (September to November) is great with cool weather and fewer crowds.
Winter (December to February) is cold, but festive with holiday lights and fewer crowds, and also more affordable.
