5 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Five days in Paris gives first-time visitors enough time for iconic landmarks, museum highlights, and classic neighborhood walks without overloading each day. This itinerary keeps each day grouped by area for smoother pacing.

Quick Summary Box 📅

• Ideal for: First-time visitors on a full city break
• Pace: Balanced to active
• Budget level: Medium to high
• Best area to stay: 1st arrondissement, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Latin Quarter
• Transport tips: Use Metro for cross-city trips and walk within each daily area cluster

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysees 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Eiffel Tower.
• Champ de Mars.
• Trocadéro viewpoints.

Lunch 🍽️

• Café de l'Homme area options.

Afternoon 🌇

• Champs-Élysées.
• Arc de Triomphe (rooftop).
• Seine riverside walk.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Relais de l'Entrecote.

Evening 🌙

• Evening stroll in central Paris.

Day 2 - Louvre and Historic Paris 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• The Louvre (timed entry).
• Palais Royal.

Lunch 🍽️

• Le Fumoir.

Afternoon 🌇

• Tuileries Garden.
• Place de la Concorde.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior).
• Sainte-Chapelle.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Procope.

Evening 🌙

• Latin Quarter stroll.

Day 3 - Left Bank and Museum Classics 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Musée d'Orsay.

Lunch 🍽️

• Les Antiquaires.

Afternoon 🌇

• Luxembourg Gardens.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
• Panthéon.
• Sorbonne area walk.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Comptoir du Relais.

Evening 🌙

• Evening café circuit.

Day 4 - Montmartre and Northern Paris Icons 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Sacré-Cœur.
• Montmartre walking route.
• Place du Tertre.

Lunch 🍽️

• Bouillon Pigalle.

Afternoon 🌇

• Galeries Lafayette rooftop.
• Opéra district.
• Grands Boulevards walk.

Dinner 🍷

• Brasserie Mollard.

Evening 🌙

• Night walk and city lights.

Day 5 - Versailles Day Trip 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Palace of Versailles.
• Versailles gardens.
• Trianon estate.

Lunch 🍽️

• Ore - Ducasse au Chateau de Versailles area options.

Afternoon 🌇

• Le Marais and Place des Vosges loop.

Dinner 🍷

• Chez Janou.

Evening 🌙

• Relaxed final evening in central Paris.

Where to Stay in Paris 🏨

• 1st arrondissement: Most central for first-timers; higher hotel costs.
• Le Marais: Great food and atmosphere; can be busy in peak periods.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Elegant and walkable; premium pricing.
• Latin Quarter: Strong value and student energy; some streets can be lively.
• Montmartre: Character-rich and scenic; less central for some attractions.
• Budget guidance: Stay near major Metro lines to keep transport efficient.

Getting Around Paris 🚇

• Metro is the backbone of Paris sightseeing transport.
• Navigo pass can provide value for multi-day frequent rides.
• Walking is excellent within districts, but combine with Metro for longer connections.
• Airport overview: CDG via RER B and transfer services; Orly via Metro Line 14, Orlyval connections, or bus links.

FAQ 💡

Is 5 days enough in Paris?

Yes. Five days is enough for landmark highlights, museum classics, and one day trip.

What is the best month to visit Paris?

Late spring and early autumn usually offer the best balance of weather and crowds.

Is Paris expensive?

Paris can be expensive, but planning by area and booking in advance helps manage costs.

Is Paris walkable?

Yes. Paris is highly walkable by neighborhood, with Metro for longer distances.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Paris?

1st arrondissement, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Latin Quarter are top choices.

Explore More Paris Travel Guides

3 Days in Paris Itinerary

7 Days in Paris Itinerary

Ready to Personalize Your Paris Trip? ✈️

Let Luna create your custom Paris itinerary based on your travel style, budget, and pace.

Plan My Paris Trip