Your Ultimate Guide on How to Spend the Perfect 5 Days in Paris

Last Updated on 10th September 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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If you’re able to spend longer than a weekend getaway in the City of Light, then 5 days in Paris is the perfect amount of time to get to know the French capital on a more local level. Whether you want to eat the best food, see the quirkiest of museums, or simply soak up some of Paris’ charm, here’s your ultimate guide and itinerary on how to spend five perfect days in Paris…

Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.

An overview of this 5 days in Paris itinerary

In it, there’s the chance to see the major tourist highlights, see some more secluded locations and experience life in the French countryside! Day one is all about the birthplace of Paris (Ile de la Cité), day two is all about the Eiffel Tower and the Museums, day three focuses on taking day trips from Paris, day four in this Paris itinerary is all about Montmartre and getting off the beaten path, while day five is the chance to experience some real life and fairytale French châteaux.

If you’re staying in Paris for less than 5 days, I’ve written a guide on how to spend one perfect day in Paris, how to spend two days in Paris, and how to spend 3 days in Paris!

Day 1 in Paris – Île de la Cité & Le Marais

Day one is all about seeing the tourist hot spots that make France, and therefore Paris as its capital, one of the most sought-after dream destinations in the world.

Take yourself on a walking tour, soak up some history, and try some French sweets. After all, day one of this five-day itinerary is all about indulging your inner tourist!

Morning: Explore the 1er arrondissement

This morning starts at Notre Dame, an ecclesiastical building which may well be the most famous cathedral in the world. Nearby, you’ll find the ever interesting Rue Chanoinesse is home to that coffee shop you see everywhere on Instagram (Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole), as well as a courtyard paved with repurposed gravestones.

Elsewhere on Île de la Cité, the medieval glass of Sainte Chapelle (purchase your tickets in advance here) is well worth a visit if you have time, as is the Conciergerie, a former prison where Marie Antoinette was held prior to her very public execution. Want more ideas? Here’s a quick guide to the best things to do on Île de la Cité!

Afternoon: 3e & 4e arrondissements

Chic, trendy, and once a marshy swampland outside the Parisian city limits, Le Marais is now one of Paris’ must-see districts. Covering the 3e and 4e arrondissements, the area is complete with one of the oldest houses in Paris, plenty of hôtels (which were not places where you can pay to stay but instead were once mansions for the uber-wealthy).

Elsewhere in the district, the oldes public square, Place des Vosges offers up many of the best bistros and coffee shops the city has to offer. Visit Carettes for some of the best macarons in Paris and take yourself on this self-guided walking tour of Le Marais to be sure not to miss any of the 3e or 4e arrondissement’s highlights.

Day 2 in Paris – Eiffel Tower & the Parisian Museums

Wander along the Seine, soak up some artwork and see the Iron Lady for yourself. Day two of this 5 days in Paris itinerary is about expanding on what you experienced yesterday. Learn how to order coffee just like a Parisian and make sure to bring your camera along- you’re going to need it!

Morning: Trocadero

Head to Trocadéro for sunrise. Now that you’ve spent a little time getting adjusted to the time in Paris (that is, if you’re visiting from a completely different time zone!), it’s time to make the most of your French adventure and head to the Eiffel Tower to see the sunrise up over Paris.

Make sure to arrive at least fifteen minutes before sunrise to find a prime photography position and you can expect candy coloured shades to dance across the sky behind the Tour Eiffel.

Post-Eiffel Tower visit, head to a French coffee shop and order a warm beverage. The closest great café to the Eiffel Tower is Kozy Café- they even serve brunch! Then, it’s time to take out your camera and play hide and seek with the Eiffel Tower.

Nearby places of interest following your Trocadero visit include Champ de Mars (ie where you’ll find all the best Magnolia trees and cherry blossoms come springtime) and Avenue de Camoëns, a somewhat hidden cul-de-sac in the 16e arrondissement which provides breathtakingly beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and is never too busy!

Afternoon: Museum tour

Museums, museums, museums. Opt for the Louvre Museum if you’ve never been before. Purchase your Louvre skip-the-line tickets here. After all, if you’re an art lover, then you can’t go to Paris and miss the largest museum in the world which is home to the likes of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, as well as the ever-smiling Mona Lisa.

If you’re looking to see other famous artworks, then the former train station of Musée d’Orsay is home to many of the best impressionists works in France and the Orangerie, located in the heart of Jardin des Tuileries, is where Monet’s waterlilies can be seen.

Otherwise, choose lesser-known and slightly off the beaten tourist track option if you’re looking for something a little quirkier. Musée de la Vie Romantique is dedicated to all things Paris vintage, the Sewer Museum tells the fascinating story of waste in the capital (though it is literally a little smelly), and Musée Jacquemart André is so sumptuous that it’s hard to believe it was ever someone’s home.

Evening: Dinner cruise

If there’s one activity that I highly recommend to get a better feel for the city, especially by night, it’s by taking a Seine River cruise. One of the most affordable options is to take a one hour cruise which will take you past Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other iconic sights. Find out more details here.

Otherwise, if you’re looking to celebrate an extra special occasion (or someone), then I highly recommend taking an evening dinner cruise. The evening cruises take just over two and a half hours and include drinks, as well as a three course meal (with vegetarian options available). Check prices and availability here.

For even more information, be sure to check out our complete guide to the best Seine River Cruises (for pros and cons and comparisons between the various tickets and cruises available).

Day 3 in Paris – Escape the City

The most famous of all day trips from Paris is that of Versailles. And there’s a reason why. Visit any day of the week apart from Monday (where everything but the gardens is closed to the public) and you can expect to find plenty of things to do and oodles more to see…

Morning: Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace, Gardens, Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, and Hameau de la Reine- you’ll be able to explore all these exciting places and more should you choose to visit Versailles.

Though you can take the train directly to the Palace and purchase your tickets in advance, I recommend buying these skip-the-line tickets so as to save as much of your precious time in Paris as possible!

While many believe the golden gated palace to be the best attraction at the palace, it’s actually the less frequented ‘Hameau de La Reine‘ (i.e. where Marie Antoinette used to play dress up with her ladies in waiting) which has really caught my eye time and time again. This often missed highlight of Versailles makes the crowds in the rest of the palace well worth the wait!

Afternoon: Versailles Town

Stay in Versailles for the rest of the day and it’s possible to experience a French city that’s not Paris. This afternoon is all about life in France outside of the French capital, though it’s worth noting that prices in Versailles are incredibly similar to those found in Paris.

Wander around Versailles and enjoy plenty of the museums the town has to offer. After all, there’s the Lambinet Museum dedicated to the history of the town, the Jeu de Paume where you’ll find out more about the origins of tennis and Versailles, as well as plenty of markets should you choose to visit Versailles at the weekend.

Evening: Latin Quarter

The evening of day three of this 5 days in Paris itinerary is your chance to experience the Latin Quarter, a district so called because students of the nearby Sorbonne university would solely converse with one another in Latin during the Middle Ages.

Today, it remains the seat of plenty of universities and institutions of learning. As a result, the 5e arrondissement is filled with plenty of clubs, bars, and even independent cinemas showing movies from times gone by.

So whether you’re looking for happy hour, some late night shopping (in the form of Shakespeare and Co, one of the best Anglophone bookstores in Paris), you’ll find all this and more in the Latin Quarter.

If you arrive in the arrondissement early enough, also make some time to visit the Paris Pantheon, a former church that has since come to be the place where French citizens of note are interred.

Day 4 in Paris – Montmartre & the Parisian Villages

If you want to make the most of Montmartre (and I highly suggest you do), then dedicate an entire day to exploring the 18th arrondissement and its surrounds. Day 4 of this 5 days in Paris is all about seeing a lesser-known side of Paris, away from the Haussmannian architecture, and away from the other clichés which have become so synonymous with France.

Morning: 18e arrondissement

Head to Montmartre earlier in the day to enjoy the 18e without the crowds which inevitably flock to the district later in the day. Start your day bright and early if you want to photograph Montmartre in the best possible light and with the fewest crowds possible. Fancy a self-guided tour of the district? Here’s my completely free guide to the highlights of Montmartre.

Afternoon: Quirky and offbeat Paris

While the morning was in one of Paris’ more famous ‘village vibe’ areas, the afternoon is dedicated to getting to know the city on a more local level. Following lunch, head to Butte Bergeyre, a micro-arrondissement accessible via just one winding road and two steep footpaths. Complete with its own hidden vineyard, a visit to Butte Bergeyre can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Parc des Butte Chaumont.

Evening: Traditional French Fare

Take yourself out for dinner where there are only two options on the menu (meat or cheese) and the wine is served in baby bottles. Yes, you read that correctly! Pay a visit to Le Refuge des Fondues (17 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris) for a truly French experience on your final night of this 5 days in Paris itinerary.

The friendly restaurant is always packed with the sound of tourists and locals alike, and while the cheese isn’t the best in town, the atmosphere certainly is! What’s more is that the door handle leading into the place is even in the shape of a baby bottle! Be sure to book your reservation in advance as this popular spot often has a queue lining up out of the door!

Yet another French food experience that’s not too expensive and located fairly centrally can be found at Bouillon Chartier (7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre). Fairly cheap and set against the backdrop of a historic building, it’s not the best quality food in Paris, but it certainly serves up food of a good quality/ price ratio in a lovely ambiance.

Day 5 in Paris – The French Châteaux Experience

Day five of this 5 days in Paris itinerary is all about the French château experience. Because let’s face it: you can’t spend an extended period in l’Hexagon and not see some of the sumptuous castles which are so synonymous with the European country!

Option 1: Fontainebleau. ‘Versailles without the crowds’ would be the best way to describe Fontainebleau, a one-time hunting lodge that has since been transformed into a palatial seat of kings with epic proportions. Purchase your Fontainebleau priority entry ticket in advance here.

Option 2: Château de Chantilly. Home to Chantilly Cream and Chantilly Lace, the fairytale-like château of Chantilly is just half an hour’s train ride from Paris via Gare du Nord.

Best visited over the course of an entire day, the French masterpiece is home to the original hamlet which inspired that of Marie Antoinette’s at Versailles. Other highlights of Chantilly include Musée Condé, the second largest art collection in France after the Louvre, and various landscaped gardens.

Option 3: Vaux-le-Vicomte and Blandy-Les Tours. If you want to experience two very different châteaux within a quick drive of each other, then you simply must head to the sumptuous and original baroque architecture of Vaux-Le-Vicomte.

So luxurious is the palace, that the King of the time grew jealous of the owner, locked him up in jail for life, and confiscated Vaux-le-Vicomte for himself.

Option 4: If you prefer to take guided tours from the city, then there are plenty to choose from! I personally use and love GetYourGuide thanks to the variety of tickets they have for many French attractions (and at many different price points). Some of the better day tours from Paris include this Loire Valley Castles tour and this Full-Day Mont Saint-Michel Guided Tour from Paris.

When it comes to food in Paris, there’s no shortage of culinary experiences to be had and there’s a restaurant or café on almost every street corner. Unfortunately, this can make it a little bit tricky as to which places to go to, because of course not all eateries in Paris are made equal. Check out our foodie guide to Paris for some of our top recommended places to eat in Paris!

Things to know before visiting Paris for the first time

Paris can be busy any time of the year, but particularly so during high season (i.e. the summer, late spring, and early autumn), school holidays, and special events. As such, you’ll want to book your place to stay well in advance, so as to secure the best rates and places.

One of my favourite places in the city is Montmartre, and you can see the best of Montmartre hotels here. Otherwise, there are plenty of other wonderful places to stay in Paris priced for every budget. From luxury hotels to budget hostels, check the best accommodation rates for Paris here.

Next, you should also know that while nearly everyone you meet will speak a good level of English, it’s only polite to learn a few words of French before you go. Learning a few simple words like ‘hello,’ ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘sorry’ is a great place to start. In order to help you get by, I recommend bringing along a simple French Phrasebook like this one.

Paris, like much of mainland Europe, uses type C and E. This means that if you’re travelling from the US, Canada, the UK, and many other countries, then you’ll need to pack and purchase a travel adaptor. This all in one adaptor contains USB ports and works with several different plugs.

Where to stay in Paris

Mandarin Oriental: Located along rue Saint-Honoré, which is famous for its many shops, this five-star luxurious accommodation is home to highlights like a marble lobby and beautiful courtyard. Check availability and rates here!

Shangri-La: If you’re looking to seriously splurge on a romantic stay during your time in the city, then this hotel faces the Eiffel Tower, is home to a 2 Michelin star restaurant and spa facilities. Check availability and rates here!

Luxury experience: The Hoxton: For those who are looking for the ultimate luxury experience when staying in Paris, The Hoxton has it all. Charm and several beautiful communal guest spaces including a stunning bar and restaurant, other highlights of the hotel include breakfast options, WiFi, and room service. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range boutique stay: Hôtel Fabric: As you might gather from its name, Hôtel Fabric is set against the backdrop of a former textile factory and simply oozes charm. Beautiful and with friendly staff, this four-star hotel is welcoming and is located just a fifteen-minute walk away from Le Marais area of the city. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Hotel Petit Paris: Not far from the Luxembourg Gardens and close to the Latin Quarter of the city, this boutique hotel is in the perfect position for exploring Paris on foot. From here, it’s easy to explore top Parisian attractions such as the Paris Pantheon, as well as the Saint Germain des Prés area of the city. Check availability and rates here!

Affordable chic: Hôtel Chopin: Located within one of the covered passages of Paris, in the 9th arrondissement, and close to all the action (the nearby Grands Boulevards are full of bars and restaurants), Hôtel Chopin is a small hotel offering affordable rooms. Amenities include a restaurant and spa on site. Check prices and availability here.

Budget hostel: Generator Hostel: Those in search of an affordable option, Paris has a number of hostels which are fairly conveniently located. This hostel is situated close to the lively area of Canal Saint Martin and offers mixed-sex and female-only dorms. Check prices and availability here.

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