Paris 5 Days Itinerary (2026): The Complete Expert Guide for First-Time Visitors

Quick Overview of Your Paris 5 Days Itinerary (2026)

This is the full overview of your five-day route. Detailed explanations and photos are provided in the next sections.

• Day 1: Eiffel Tower → Trocadéro → Seine River → Arc de Triomphe → Champs-Élysées
• Day 2: Louvre Museum → Tuileries Garden → Orangerie → River Walk → Île de la Cité
• Day 3: Montmartre → Sacré-Cœur → Artists’ Square → Pigalle → Opéra
• Day 4: Orsay Museum → Latin Quarter → Luxembourg Gardens → Pantheon
• Day 5: Full-Day Trip to Versailles (or Disneyland Paris as an optional alternative)

Paris 5 Days Itinerary – Summary Table

Day 1 – Paris 5 Days Itinerary: Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, Seine & Arc de Triomphe

Begin your Paris 5-day itinerary with sunrise views at the Eiffel Tower

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro

Suggested time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

The Eiffel Tower is the ideal starting point for your Paris 5 Days Itinerary. Arriving early gives you calmer conditions,
softer morning light, and dramatically shorter queues. From Trocadéro Square, you’ll capture some of the best postcard-style photos in the entire city.

Walk down from the Trocadéro Gardens toward the Seine, crossing Pont d’Iéna to reach the base of the tower.
If visiting the summit, allow 2–3 hours for the full experience, including security checks and elevator lines.

• • • Metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 9)
  • Best photo spots: Trocadéro Terrace, Pont d’Iéna, Champs de Mars
  • Recommended visit duration: 1.5–2.5 hours

• Skip-the-line ticket:
  Book Eiffel Tower tickets here

Local Tip: Bring a light jacket even in summer — mornings near the Seine can feel unexpectedly cool.

📍 Stop 2: Seine River Walk

After your Eiffel Tower visit, enjoy a scenic walk along the Seine River. You’ll pass elegant bridges, quiet riverside paths, and boats preparing for their cruises.
It’s a perfect transition between major attractions while keeping the pace relaxing and enjoyable.

📍 Stop 3: Trocadéro Gardens

The gardens offer elevated platforms with wide angles of the Eiffel Tower. It’s an excellent place to take a short break, enjoy the fountains, and capture symmetrical photo compositions.

Climb the Arc de Triomphe rooftop for one of Paris’s best sunset views

📍 Stop 4: Arc de Triomphe

Built under Napoleon’s orders, the Arc de Triomphe is both a symbolic monument and a fantastic viewpoint.
The 280-step climb rewards you with dramatic citywide views, especially during golden hour.

• Metro: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Entry ticket:
  Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Ticket

📍 Stop 5: Champs-Élysées

End your first day with a relaxed walk along the Champs-Élysées. The avenue is lined with gardens, flagship stores, historic cafés, and beautiful architecture.

Day 2 – Paris 5 Days Itinerary: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden & Historic Bridges

📍 Stop 1: Louvre Museum

Suggested time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum and one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
With more than 35,000 artworks spread across three wings, it can easily occupy a full day.
For this itinerary, the goal is to experience the essential highlights without feeling overwhelmed.
Booking a timed ticket in advance helps you avoid long lines, especially during peak seasons.

This itinerary focuses on visiting the major halls at an efficient pace. Start with the Denon Wing to see the Mona Lisa
and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Then move to the Sully Wing for the Egyptian Antiquities.
Finish with the Richelieu Wing to enjoy classical sculptures and French decorative arts.

• Opening time: 9:00 AM
• Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Line 1)
• Visit duration: 2–3 hours
• Timed ticket:
  Louvre Museum Entry Ticket

Official Louvre website: Louvre official website

Internal link: For more Paris highlights, check the
Top 20 Things to Do in Paris – A Complete Traveler’s Guide (2026).

Pro Tip: Enter via the underground Carrousel du Louvre entrance to skip the lines at the main pyramid.

📍 Stop 2: Tuileries Garden

Exit the Louvre directly into the Tuileries Garden, one of the most beautifully designed public parks in Paris.
Created by royal gardener André Le Nôtre, the garden combines symmetrical pathways, fountains, sculptures, and quiet sitting areas.
It offers a perfect break before continuing the rest of the day.

• Walking time: 2 minutes from Louvre exit
• Best for: relaxing, photography, people-watching

Relaxing in the Tuileries Garden — an essential stop between the Louvre and the historic bridges

Local Tip: Sit by the pond in the center of the garden for the best views of the Louvre to the east and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to the west.

📍 Stop 3: Pont des Arts & Seine River Walk

From the Tuileries Garden, continue toward the Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge once famous for its love locks.
Today, it remains one of the most scenic spots for photography, offering perfect views of the Seine River and Île de la Cité.

The walk along the Seine from Pont des Arts to Pont Neuf is one of the most peaceful routes in central Paris.
You’ll pass riverboats, bookstalls, and classic Parisian cafés.

Walking along the Seine River — a highlight of Day 2 in your Paris 5 Days Itinerary

• Walking time: 10–15 minutes
• Main highlights: Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, river views

📍 Stop 4: Île de la Cité (Notre-Dame area)

Continue walking toward Île de la Cité, the historical heart of Paris.
Even if interior access to Notre-Dame Cathedral is limited due to restoration, the exterior remains breathtaking,
especially late in the afternoon.

Nearby, you can visit the Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its stained-glass windows that shine brilliantly when sunlight passes through.

• Visit duration: 1–2 hours
• Ticket (optional): Sainte-Chapelle Skip-the-Line (placeholder)

📍 Stop 5: Latin Quarter Evening Walk

Cross the river into the lively Latin Quarter, full of cafés, bookstores, historic buildings, and narrow streets with traditional Parisian charm.
It’s one of the best places in Paris for dinner thanks to its mix of international restaurants, French bistros, and creperies.

Internal link: For transportation guidance, check
How to Get Around Paris (Metro, Buses, Tickets & Tips).

Local Tip: For a quiet and elegant dinner, explore the side streets near Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Day 3 – Paris 5 Days Itinerary: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur & Artistic Paris

Montmartre’s artistic streets and panoramic Sacré-Cœur views

📍 Morning: Explore Montmartre Village

Suggested time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Montmartre is one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in Paris and a highlight of any Paris 5 Days Itinerary.
This hilltop village—once home to Picasso, Dalí, and Van Gogh—retains its old Paris charm with narrow cobblestone lanes,
traditional bakeries, hidden gardens, and sweeping views over the city.

Start your morning at Place des Abbesses, one of the prettiest Metro exits in Paris.
From the square, you can walk slowly uphill through quiet streets filled with local bakeries, artisanal shops,
and classic Haussmann-style apartment buildings. This area is perfect for photography and slow exploration.

• Take a few minutes to visit the “I Love You Wall” (Le Mur des Je t’aime), a romantic landmark featuring “I love you” written in over 300 languages.
• Stop by a local boulangerie for fresh croissants or pain au chocolat before heading further uphill.
• Follow the pedestrian streets up to Sacré-Cœur, passing classic Montmartre cafés and small local galleries.

Walking tip: Expect a lot of uphill steps, especially if you follow the classic route from Abbesses. Wear comfortable shoes—the terrain is uneven in many places.

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📍 Mid-Morning: Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Suggested time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur sits at the highest natural point in Paris and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
The exterior staircase offers an unbeatable panoramic view that stretches across nearly all of Paris—including the Eiffel Tower in the distance on clear days.

• Entry: Free for the main basilica (dome access requires a ticket).
• Best view: Look toward central Paris from the top of the stairs—amazing at any time of day.
• Photography tip: Mid-morning lighting is perfect for balanced skies and soft shadows.

The inside of the basilica features one of the world’s largest mosaics: Christ in Majesty, beautifully illuminated by natural light.
If you climb the dome (around 300 steps), you’ll get an even more impressive 360-degree view of Paris.

Safety note: Montmartre is generally safe, but watch out for bracelet scammers near the steps who may try to approach tourists.

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📍 Early Afternoon: Place du Tertre (Artists’ Square)

Suggested time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Place du Tertre — a lively square filled with artists and live paintings

Just a few minutes from Sacré-Cœur lies the charming Place du Tertre, an open square filled with portrait artists,
landscape painters, cartoonists, and traditional French cafés. This historic square was once the center of the Bohemian art community of Paris,
attracting legends like Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Modigliani.

Today, you can still feel the artistic spirit—many painters work live, selling original pieces ranging from watercolor cityscapes to classic Montmartre scenes.
If you’re interested in souvenirs with emotional and artistic value, this is one of the best places to buy them.

• Walk slowly through the square to observe different art styles.
• Consider getting a personalized portrait (prices vary depending on artist and technique).
• Enjoy a drink at one of the terrace cafés while listening to musicians performing nearby.

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📍 Afternoon: Hidden Streets, Local Shops & Photo Spots

Suggested time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

After visiting the square, continue exploring Montmartre’s quieter side. The area is full of hidden gems that most tourists miss.
The following spots are ideal for photography and offer a peaceful break from the busier parts of Paris.

• Rue de l’Abreuvoir: One of the most photographed streets in Montmartre.
• Maison Rose: A pastel pink café often seen in postcards and Instagram photos.
• Vigne de Montmartre: A small, historic vineyard still producing local wine.
• Place Dalida: A quiet square with a statue memorializing the famous French singer.
• Montmartre Museum Garden: A peaceful courtyard with beautiful seasonal flowers.

Walking Tip: Many of these streets have steep slopes—take your time and enjoy the scenery. Since this is a residential area, be respectful of local homes.

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📍 Optional Activity: Montmartre Walking Tour

Suggested time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

If you want to learn the deeper history of the neighborhood, a guided walking tour is highly recommended. Tours often cover secret passages, famous homes, hidden churches, old windmills, and even filming locations for classic movies set in Montmartre.

• Tour ticket: Book Montmartre Walking Tour

Guides share fascinating stories about the artistic movement in Montmartre, the life of Impressionist painters, and how the area transformed from a rural village into a cultural icon.

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📍 Evening: Dinner & Paris Night Views

Suggested time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Montmartre at night — quiet streets and warm Parisian atmosphere

Montmartre becomes magical in the evening. The crowds thin out, cafés light up, and the village atmosphere becomes even more charming. Choose a restaurant along Rue des Abbesses or Rue Lepic for a relaxing dinner.

After eating, walk back toward Sacré-Cœur for one last look at the Paris skyline. At night, the view is breathtaking—especially when the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour.

End of Day 3: This day gives you a perfect mix of culture, art, views, and authentic Parisian life—an essential component of any Paris 5 Days Itinerary.

Day 4 – Paris 5 Days Itinerary: Full-Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles — the most important royal landmark in this Paris 5 Days Itinerary

📍 Overview of Day 4

Today is fully dedicated to exploring the Palace of Versailles, one of the most iconic heritage sites in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known for its royal luxury, sweeping gardens, fountains, and the famous Hall of Mirrors, Versailles offers a full-day experience filled with history, architecture, and breathtaking landscapes.

• Best time to start: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Travel time from Paris: 30–45 minutes via RER C train
• Recommended visit duration: 6–7 hours
• Ticket type: Skip-the-line highly recommended in spring/summer

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📍 Stop 1: The Palace of Versailles (Main Château)

The Royal Courtyard at Versailles — the start of your full palace experience

The main palace (Château de Versailles) is the centerpiece of your visit. With more than 2,300 rooms, gold-lined corridors,
grand staircases, and royal apartments, it reflects the peak of French royal architecture during the reign of Louis XIV.

Must-see rooms inside the palace include:

• 🔹 The King’s Grand Apartments
• 🔹 The Queen’s Rooms
• 🔹 The Hall of Mirrors — the most iconic room in France
• 🔹 The Royal Chapel
• 🔹 Baroque State Rooms

Save Time Tip: Lines at the palace can exceed one hour during high season. Booking your skip-the-line entrance ticket in advance is strongly advised.

Skip-the-line ticket (placeholder):
Book your Versailles entry ticket here

Official information:
Versailles official website

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⏱ Suggested Morning Timetable

• 08:00 – 08:45 → Travel from central Paris to Versailles (RER C)
• 09:00 – 12:00 → Visit the Main Palace, Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments

Pro Tip: Choose an early entry time (09:00–09:30) to enjoy the palace before large tour groups arrive.

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📍 Stop 2: Versailles Gardens & Grand Canal

The vast Versailles Gardens — one of the most beautiful palace gardens in Europe

The Versailles gardens extend across more than 800 hectares, making them one of the grandest palace gardens ever designed.
Created by André Le Nôtre, the gardens feature geometric lawns, tree-lined pathways, lakes, statues, and impressive fountains.

Garden Highlights:

• 🌳 The Grand Perspective (main axis)
• 🌊 Latona Fountain
• 🕊 Apollo Fountain
• 🚣 Rowboats on the Grand Canal
• 🌿 Hidden groves & ornamental pathways

Optional Activities:

• Rent a small boat on the Grand Canal
• Watch the Musical Fountains Show (seasonal)
• Dine at a garden-view café

Walking time: 2–3 hours depending on pace

Pro Tip: Wear very comfortable shoes. The gardens are huge and require long walking distances.

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📍 Stop 3: Grand Trianon & Marie-Antoinette’s Estate

The Grand Trianon — Louis XIV’s elegant pink marble retreat

Located on the western side of the Versailles estate, the Trianon Palaces offer a peaceful retreat far from the busy main château.
They were created for privacy, comfort, and royal leisure.

What to See:

• ⭐ Grand Trianon — pink marble palace used by Louis XIV
• ⭐ Petit Trianon — Marie-Antoinette’s private estate
• ⭐ The Queen’s Hamlet — a fairytale countryside village built for the queen

Recommended time: Minimum 2 hours

Pro Tip: Consider using the estate’s shuttle train to reduce walking distance between the palace, gardens, and Trianon area.

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📍 Stop 4: Returning to Paris in the Evening

After exploring Versailles, return to Paris via RER C. Depending on your energy level, you can:

• 🥐 Have dinner in the Latin Quarter
• 🌆 Relax by the Seine River near Pont Neuf
• 📸 Take night photos of the sparkling Eiffel Tower

Travel time back to Paris: 30–45 minutes

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Day 4 Summary – Paris 5 Days Itinerary

• Total walking: High (wear supportive shoes!)
• Total duration: 6–7 hours at Versailles
• Ideal for: Culture lovers, history fans, families, photographers
• Key attraction: Hall of Mirrors
• Best time: Start early to avoid queues

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Day 5 – Paris 5 Days Itinerary: Modern Paris, Riverfront Walks & Hidden Gems

La Défense — the modern business district offering a different side of Paris

📍 Stop 1: La Défense (Modern Paris)

Suggested time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

La Défense is Paris’s futuristic business district, filled with skyscrapers, innovative art installations, open plazas,
and the famous Grande Arche. Visiting this area gives you a completely different perspective of the city — a sharp contrast with historic central Paris.

Although it’s not always included in classic tourist itineraries, it’s a fantastic addition to any Paris 5 Days Itinerary,
offering modern landmarks, wide walking boulevards, and excellent photography opportunities.

• Metro: La Défense – Grande Arche (Line 1 / RER A)
• Best for: Photography, modern architecture, panoramic views
• Duration: 2–3 hours

Local Tip: The rooftop of the Grande Arche often hosts exhibitions and seasonal events. If open, the panoramic platform offers a unique alignment with the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées.

📍 Stop 2: Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau — a beautiful and lesser-known Parisian garden

Suggested time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Parc Monceau is one of Paris’s most elegant and tranquil green spaces. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet break after exploring La Défense.
The park features curved walkways, small ponds, classical statues, and a charming atmosphere loved by locals.

• Metro: Monceau (Line 2)
• Good for: Relaxing, photography, families
• Duration: 45–60 minutes

Pro Tip: Grab a sandwich or pastry from a nearby bakery and enjoy a peaceful picnic inside the park.

📍 Stop 3: Musée Jacquemart-André (Hidden Gem Museum)

Musée Jacquemart-André — a refined Parisian mansion filled with art

Suggested time: 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM

One of Paris’s most underrated museums, the Jacquemart-André Museum is located in a refined 19th-century mansion and showcases an exceptional private art collection:
Italian Renaissance works, French masterpieces, luxurious rooms, and a grand staircase that often surprises visitors.

• Metro: Miromesnil (Line 9)
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Ticket: Museum entry

Local Tip: Don’t miss the elegant tearoom, one of the most charming museum cafés in the city.

📍 Stop 4: Saint-Martin Canal (Unique Local Experience)

A relaxing walk along Canal Saint-Martin is a favorite among locals

Suggested time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The Canal Saint-Martin area is a true Parisian favorite. Its tree-lined canal, metal footbridges, boutique shops, and relaxed cafés create a perfect local vibe.
It’s ideal for a slow afternoon walk and discovering lesser-known neighborhoods.

• Metro: République / Jacques Bonsergent
• Great for: Relaxation, café culture, street photography

Pro Tip: Walk along Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes for the most scenic stretches.

📍 Stop 5: Sunset at Parc de Belleville (Panoramic Viewpoint)

Parc de Belleville — one of the best free sunset viewpoints in Paris

Suggested time: 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM

Parc de Belleville offers sweeping views over the Paris skyline from one of the highest hills in the city. It’s less crowded than Montmartre and an excellent spot for sunset photography.

• Metro: Pyrénées / Couronnes
• View: Full skyline including the Eiffel Tower

Local Tip: Evening light here is perfect for wide-angle shots.

📍 Optional Evening Activity: Dinner Cruise on the Seine

A Seine dinner cruise is a magical way to finish your 5-day trip

• Best time: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• Experience: Elegant dining while passing illuminated monuments
• Tickets: Seine Dinner Cruise

Why add this? After five days of exploring Paris, a nighttime cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Paris 5 Days Itinerary

Your Paris 5 Days Itinerary gives you the perfect mix of world-famous attractions, artistic neighborhoods, peaceful gardens, and unforgettable day trips.
For more detailed help planning your days in Paris, check out these guides:

• Complete Travel Guide to Paris 2026
• Top 20 Things to Do in Paris
• Best Time to Visit Paris
• How to Get Around Paris

FAQ: Paris 5 Days Itinerary

Is 5 days enough to see Paris in a Paris 5 Days Itinerary?

Yes — 5 days let you explore major attractions, museums, neighborhoods, and Versailles at a comfortable pace.

What is the best time to visit Paris for a Paris 5 Days Itinerary?

Spring and fall offer the best weather, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds.

Should I book skip-the-line tickets for my Paris 5 Days Itinerary?

Absolutely — book in advance for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Orsay, and Versailles.

Where should I stay during my Paris 5 Days Itinerary?

Read the full guide:

Where to Stay in Paris (2026)

Read the full guide:

Where to Stay in Paris (2026)