Paris, the City of Love and Lights, is a top tourist destination that offers an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful architecture, world-renowned art museums, and delectable cuisine, Paris has something for everyone.
I lived in Paris for three years, and during that time, I discovered some hidden gems and must-visit spots that will make your trip even more special.
In this 5-day Paris itinerary, I’ll share with you my top recommendations and a few off-the-beaten-path experiences so you can make the most of your trip.
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Day 1: History and Culture
There’s no better way to start your Paris travel itinerary than in the city’s heart, Île de la Cité. You’ll begin by learning about its past and diving into some fascinating historical sites.
Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is an iconic symbol of Paris. It was built in the 12th century and is most known for its intricate sculptures, stunning rose windows and giant gargoyles.
But there’s more to this cathedral than its beautiful façade. It holds a unique place in French history and literature. From the French Revolution to the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, Notre Dame has witnessed it all. It was even an inspiration for Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
In 2019, a fire destroyed the wooden roof and flèche leaving the outer structure mostly intact. Its much-anticipated re-opening is expected in December 2024.
Explore Sainte-Chapelle
Not far from the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the smaller yet just as stunning Sainte-Chapelle. This royal chapel is known for its stained-glass windows.
Built in the 13th century, it was initially used to house religious relics but later became a place of worship.
It’s a small chapel and can get very crowded on the weekends. If your schedule permits, try to visit during the week or early in the morning.
There’s also a combo ticket that includes the Conciergerie. Make sure to ask the ticket attendant for it, as it’s not always advertised.
Visit the Conciergerie
Originally a royal palace, the Conciergerie later became a prison during the French Revolution. It was also here that Marie Antoinette was held before her execution.
It operated as a prison until 1934, when it was closed and later converted into a museum.
On entry, you’ll be given a Histopad (or tablet) that will walk you through the history of each room. You’ll see the changes that were made and learn interesting anecdotes. You’ll even see the former cell of Marie Antoinette, which has since been converted into a small chapel.
Walk around Île de la Cité
This little island is where the history of Paris began. And, while there are monuments and museums to visit, wandering through the streets is just as enjoyable. From cafés to quaint shops, there’s a lot to take in here.
There are also several gardens and parks on the island, perfect for a picnic or a peaceful break from sightseeing.
Some notable spots include the Square du Vert-Galant, Square de l’Île-de-France, and Place Dauphine.
Discover the Tuileries Garden
Originally created in 1564 by Catherine de’ Medici as the garden for the Tuileries Palace, it is now open to the public and features beautiful statues, fountains, and flower beds.
And despite its popularity, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets. It’s also the oldest garden in Paris so it’s definitely worth a visit.
During the summer, there are outdoor cafes where you can enjoy a coffee or ice cream while taking in the stunning surroundings.
Tour the Louvre Museum
Of course, no Paris trip itinerary is complete without touring the Louvre.
It’s one of the most famous museums in the world, and for good reason.
It houses over 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art from all around the globe.
Some must-see pieces include Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Since the Louvre is so big, it’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead of time and prioritize which exhibits you want to see.
Day 2: Le Marais
Le Marais is a historic district in Paris known for its narrow streets and quirky boutiques. It’s a great place to spend the day exploring, shopping, and trying out some local cuisine.
Below I’ll cover the highlights you won’t want to miss.
Wander the Streets of Le Marais
Le Marais is known for its cobblestone streets, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. It’s also home to several sites such as Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, and Hôtel de Sens, a 15th-century palace that is, now, an art library.
Two must-visit streets are Rue des Rosiers and Rue de Bretagne.
Rue des Rosiers is where you’ll find most of the traditional Jewish bakeries, delis, and shops. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and observe the local culture.
Rue de Bretagne, on the other hand, is home to Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest covered market.
Quick Tip: You can book Le Marais District Guided Walking Tour here
Explore the Maison de Victor Hugo
The Maison de Victor Hugo was once the home of Victor Hugo himself (from 1832 to 1848).
Compared to visiting his birthplace home, a popular attraction in Besançon, this museum is dedicated to his life and literary legacy. It showcases an extensive collection of his personal artifacts, manuscripts, and artwork.
You’ll explore his masterpieces like “Les Misérables” and “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and see where he spent his remaining days.
Tour the Musée Carnavalet
The Musée Carnavalet is one of the best places to learn about the history of Paris.
It boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, paintings, and decorative arts that chronicle the city’s evolution from ancient times to the present.
The museum itself is housed in two historical mansions that have recently undergone renovations.
The permanent collection is free to visit, but, if you want to tour the temporary exhibitions, there’s a fee.
Discover the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is dedicated to the infamous Pablo Picasso.
It offers an extraordinary journey through his life and works. Plus, there’s an extensive collection of his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
It’s also housed in the stunning Hôtel Salé, which only adds to the experience.
Unlike other museums in Paris, the Picasso Museum is only open Tuesday through Friday.
Day 3: Exploring Montmartre
Montmartre is known for its bohemian vibe and artistic history. It might be a small neighborhood, but it’s packed with things to see and do.
Here are some must-see spots in this charming district:
Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of Montmartre’s main attractions.
Not only is the church itself stunning, but it also offers breathtaking views of the city from its steps.
It was built in the late 19th century and is known for its beautiful white dome and intricate architectural details.
You can visit the main part of the church for free, but there’s a small fee to climb the dome.
It does get crowded in the afternoons, so I recommend visiting when it opens.
Explore the Streets of Montmartre
There’s nothing more charming than wandering the streets of Montmartre.
You’ll find plenty of cute cafés, small shops, and street performers along the way.
Some popular streets to explore include Rue des Abbesses, Rue Lepic, and Rue de l’Abreuvoir.
Make sure to also stop by Place du Tertre, a square filled with artists selling paintings and portraits.
Tour the Musée de Montmartre
The Musée de Montmartre is one of the best places to learn about the history of this beautiful neighborhood.
This museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Montmartre and showcases famous artists who lived in the area, such as Renoir, Valadon, and Utrillo.
There’s even a garden that was designed according to Renoir’s paintings.
Visit the Montmartre Vineyard
Believe it or not, Montmartre is home to the last remaining vineyards in Paris, Vigne du Clos Montmartre.
This picturesque vineyard dates to 944. The vines disappeared in the late 1920s but were replanted shortly after. They have since produced a small amount of wine every year.
Today, most of the wine is auctioned off to charity.
You can visit the vineyards as part of the Musée de Montmartre and even try some wine. But don’t expect this to be the most incredible wine in France. It has a reputation for being some of the worst.
Then, if you’re in Paris in October, there’s the annual Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival.
Stop by the Cimetière St-Vincent
The Cimetière St- Vincent is one of the three cemeteries in the neighborhood. Though not as famous as the Cimetière de Montmartre (aka Cimetière du Nord), it’s still worth a visit.
It’s also far less crowded and you can almost guarantee you’ll have the place to yourself, even on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Some famous celebrities buried at the St-Vincent Cemetery are Marcel Aymé, Marcel Carné, and Maurice Utrillo.
Day 4: Iconic Landmarks and Seine River Cruise
Paris is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country. So, why not explore these famous sites and take a scenic cruise along the Seine River?
Here are some top recommendations for the third day of your five days in Paris itinerary.
Visit the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. This towering structure, built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, offers stunning views from its observation deck.
You can take the elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and crowds.
If you want to get some unique photos of the tower itself, visit at sunset when the tower lights up and sparkles for a few minutes every hour on the hour.
Place du Trocadero and Pont de Bir-Hakeim both offer unobstructed views.
Visit the Musée d’Orsay
Located in an old train station, the Musée d’Orsay houses a vast collection of French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the most famous pieces include works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne.
Then, after you’ve visited the museum, stop by the Café Campana for lunch. It’s housed in the museum’s clock tower and serves contemporary French dishes in a beautiful setting.
Since this is one of the most popular museums in Paris (and in France), I recommend buying your tickets in advance.
Admire Pont Alexandre III
Built in the late 19th century, the Pont Alexandre III is easily the most beautiful bridge in Paris.
It was inaugurated at the 1900 Exposition Universelle to signify the Franco-Russian friendship.
It crosses the Seine, linking the Champs-Élysées with the Eiffel Tower and Invalides. So, no matter which direction you look down the bridge, you’ll have a stunning view.
The bridge itself is lined with exquisite sculptures and gilded statues, depicting nymphs, cherubs, and winged horses.
Visit the Musée de l’Armée Invalides
Located within the historic Hôtel des Invalides, this museum provides a detailed journey through France’s military history, from antiquity to the end of World War II.
You’ll learn about different military tactics, the technology used, and how armor and artillery have evolved.
But no trip to this museum is complete without paying homage to Napoleon Bonaparte, whose tomb is beneath the dome.
Take a Seine River Cruise
Taking a Seine River cruise is one of the must-dos when in Paris. You’ll pass under beautiful bridges and get breathtaking views of Parisian architecture, including the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
It’s a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.
Of course, there are hundreds of different cruises to choose from. But I recommend the dinner cruise. You’ll get to see Paris lit up at night while enjoying a delicious meal on board.
You can read more about Paris here
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Day 5: Take a Day Trip
There’s no denying Paris is full of activities, museums, and things to do. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore more of France, it’s easy to take a day trip from Paris.
Below are some popular day trips from Paris:
Strasbourg
A day trip to Strasbourg from Paris will take about two hours by train.
This quaint Alsatian city is known for its beautiful architecture, canals, and Christmas markets.
Some must-see attractions include the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, the Petite France neighborhood, and the Palais Rohan. You can also take a boat tour through the city’s famous canals to get a different perspective of Strasbourg.
Palace of Versailles
Just 40 minutes by train from Paris, the Palace of Versailles is another easy day trip. The palace was once home to the French royal family and is known for its gorgeous design and extensive gardens.
You can easily spend hours exploring this massive estate, but some must-see highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, and the Trianon palaces.
London
Believe it or not, a London Paris itinerary is very doable. The Eurostar train makes it possible to travel from Paris to London in just over two hours.
Spend a day exploring the UK capital, taking in its iconic sights such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Despite not being able to see all that London has to offer in one day, you can still get a good taste of the city’s culture and history.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Paris? Check out these options!
Le Regent Montmartre by Hiphophostels
Generator Paris
Arty Paris Porte de Versailles by River
Paris Travel Guide Planning
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation?
I recommend Bookaway You can find lots of different transportation available!
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Conclusion
Paris is a city with endless possibilities.
Whether you’re interested in history, or culture, or just want a change of scenery, this Paris 5-day itinerary is for everyone.
You’ll visit the most iconic sites, learn about the history, and discover the authentic side of Paris. So why wait? Start planning your trip to the City of Lights today!
Author Bio:
Jen is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag, a blog focused on traveling and living in France. Her goal is to inspire others to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known places. On Dabbling in Jet Lag, she shares her experience as an expat in France as well as the best things to do around the country.
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