5 Days in Paris: A Complete Itinerary
Paris, France
Paris rewards a slow pace. The best days cluster sights by neighbourhood so you walk more and ride the metro less. This itinerary covers the classic centre, the Left Bank, Montmartre, Versailles and one relaxed day for museums and cafés. It assumes you stay in the 4th, 6th or 9th arrondissement.
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April to June and September to October have mild weather, long days and manageable crowds. July and August are warm and busy; December is cold but magical for lights and markets. Winter hotels are the cheapest.
€200–€350 per day for two: €120–€220 for a central mid-range hotel, €60–€100 for food, and €20–€40 for transport and entry tickets. A sit-down dinner with wine pushes this higher; picnics and bakeries keep it lower.
The metro is fast, cheap and covers everything. Buy a Navigo Easy card or a carnet of 10 t tickets. Walk within each arrondissement — the Seine bridges, the Marais lanes and Montmartre's stairs are best on foot.
Day-by-day itinerary
The Eiffel Tower and the Seine
- Morning
- Start at Trocadéro for the classic Eiffel Tower view, then walk across the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Book a morning tower slot if you want to climb.
- Afternoon
- Walk the Champ de Mars and cross to the Left Bank for a late lunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- Evening
- A Seine river cruise at sunset, then dinner near Invalides or back towards the 7th.
The Louvre and the Marais
- Morning
- The Louvre at opening — start with the Denon wing and the big three (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo) before the crowds.
- Afternoon
- Cross into the Marais for lunch and a slow walk through Place des Vosges and the old Jewish quarter.
- Evening
- Dinner in the Marais, then a drink along Rue de Buci or Rue Mouffetard depending on where you are staying.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- Morning
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica at opening for the city view, then wander downhill through Montmartre's village streets before the tour groups arrive.
- Afternoon
- Lunch near Abbesses, then the Musée de Montmartre or the vineyards on Rue Saint-Vincent.
- Evening
- Sunset at the steps below Sacré-Cœur, then dinner in a bistro near Pigalle or back in the 9th.
Versailles day trip
- Morning
- RER C train to Versailles early — the palace opens at 9am and the Hall of Mirrors is quietest in the first hour.
- Afternoon
- The Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and the gardens by bike or on foot. The estate is huge, so pick two areas rather than rushing.
- Evening
- Return to Paris for a relaxed dinner near your hotel.
Left Bank and Latin Quarter
- Morning
- Panthéon and the Luxembourg Gardens, then a coffee on Boulevard Saint-Germain.
- Afternoon
- Shakespeare and Company bookshop, Notre-Dame exterior and the Sainte-Chapelle stained glass.
- Evening
- Final dinner in the Latin Quarter or a picnic on the Seine quays, then a last walk along the river after dark.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Paris?
Yes. Five days covers the major monuments, one day trip and enough time to enjoy cafés and neighbourhoods without rushing. Four days is doable if you skip Versailles.
What is the best area to stay in Paris?
The 4th (Marais) for walkability and nightlife, the 6th (Saint-Germain) for classic Left Bank charm, the 7th near the Eiffel Tower, or the 9th for a more local feel with good metro links.
Should I buy a Paris museum pass?
It pays off if you visit at least two or three covered museums in two days. The Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe and Versailles are all included, and it lets you skip most ticket lines.