Have 5 days in Paris and wondering how to spend it? Check out our exclusive 5-day itinerary designed to showcase the best of the city to any visitor making its way to the French capital. Go through this list to discover more.
5 Days in Paris - How To Spend Your Day
Paris In 5 Days - Detailed Itinerary
Experience the Must-See in Paris
Eiffel Tower
Musée de l’Orangerie & Musée de Orsay
Seine Dinner Cruise
There's no better way to start your day in Paris than at the Eiffel Tower. The world famous Eiffel Tower definitely does not need an introduction unless you’ve been living under a rock. Built by Gustave Eiffel in the year 1889, the tower has become a symbol of France and is recognised world wide as a defining moment of the industrial era in the country. Today, this glorious work of art attracts as many as 7 million visitors annually, making the Eiffel Tower the most visited monument around the world.Check out the Eiffel Tower tickets available online and peruse your options.
- The Eiffel Tower displays a marvellous view during the day as well as the night. Make sure to visit both these times for a different experience.
- It is advisable to take the stairs to cut down on the long waiting queues at the elevator.
- Consider reserving a prepaid ticket to skip the tiring ticket line.
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🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
Like all tourist attractions, the Eiffel tower is a tourist hot spot too. By scheduling your visit early in the morning, you can beat the crowds and get unfettered access to the beauty of the Eiffel tower.
Restaurant Recommendations
After consuming scenic views of Paris, head to Musee de L'Orangerie and Musee de Orsay. The Orsay Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art pieces that hold names of master artists Monet, Manet, Degas, Van Gogh, and many of their famous contemporaries. Acting as a permanent house for the eight Water Lilies murals, which is one of the most famous works of Claude Monet, The Musee de l'Orangerie is a must see attraction.
- Make a list of the paintings you’d like to view before heading here, as that will save some time on your hands.
- The museum is least crowded during the noons and off-season.
- There are several lines for individuals, groups and professionals - make sure you save time by getting into the right queue.
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
Visitors should keep themselves well-hydrated throughout their visit. Drinking fountains are available on the riverbanks of the Seine and inside the Museum as well.
Of all the Seine River Cruises, the dinner river cruise adds a special touch of class and sophistication to your Paris trip. If what you’re looking for is some quiet time afloat the enchanting, class encased boat — don’t miss out on the premium dinner experience along with live music aboard the Bateaux Parisiens. With an indulgent dinner spread, arranged meticulously during your tour, this cruise ride will definitely give you a taste of the authentic Parisian experience. Set sail aboard Bateaux Parisiens for a vivid tour of the City of Lights like never before.
- Opt for the audio guide provided in the tour for better understanding.
- Choose a seat at the front if you wish to capture the beauty within your camera.
- Keep in mind that the narration and commentaries are only conducted downstairs.
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
Know your route. The cruise usually lasts around two hours and passes by some of Paris' most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Louvre Museum. Be sure to know which landmarks you want to see ahead of time so you can plan your trip accordingly.
A Blast of Parisien History & Culture
Arc De Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Paris Catacombs
Cabaret with Champagne
Start your day with a relaxing walking tour of central Paris. Grab a scrumptious breakfast and walk along the Champs-Élysées,known for its theatres, cafés, and shops as well as the finish of the Tour de France cycle race. The Arc de Triomphe, located in the center of the city is one of the top attractions in Paris. Taking inspiration from the ancient Roman triumphal arch style, this structure stands tall in the center of Paris. Climb atop the Arc De Triomphe and witness splendid views of Paris and its many rues.
- Fancy a Louis Vuitton handbag? An Hermes scarf? The Champs-Élysées sidewalks are littered with stores: from designer label goods to French souvenirs, you'll find them all.
- Most people prefer walking through Champs-Élysées, but you can also hop on a public bus or ride a taxi to get around.
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
The admission to the Arc is free of charge for European Citizens under the age of 25 and also on certain days in a year, be sure to check their website before you visit.
After the saunter, head to the legendary Paris Catacombs. Although often referred to as the city of lights, there is a dark, almost enigmatic past of the city that is retold within the catacombs of Paris. The underground ossuaries hold the remains of more than 6 million people. These ancient quarries were built as an effort to eliminate city’s overflowing cemeteries. Although slightly twisted, the catacombs have now begun gaining importance and is recognised as museum in Paris. The catacombs makes a perfect destination for those vying for an eerie, yet a curious story of the elaborate city.
- Keep a flashlight handy as the tunnels can be dark.
- It is advisable to wear covered shoes or boots as the quarry is prone to muck during the rains.
- Show up at least 20 to 30 minutes before they open as the museum is prone to long queues.
Paris Catacombs Skip the Line Tickets with Audioguide
Headout Price: €29
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
The Paris Catacombs allow only 200 people per time slot. It is suggested to hence pre-book your tickets online before time to ensure that you can get easy access to the attraction and get access within your desired time slot.
End your day with a dinner and a show at one of the many cabaret venues in Paris cabaret show. You can choose from Moulin Rouge situated in the heart of the lively Montmartre district, Crazy Horse - one of Paris’ racier cabarets, Le Lido - located at Champs-Elysees best know for its burlesque and cabaret shows or Paradis Latin, the oldest cabaret in Paris and a temple of the performing arts. To get the best seats, arrive a half hour before the show and witness the French can-can come to life amidst a colorful explosion of costumes, decorations and dazzling set designs. Cabaret in Paris is a bucket-listed experience and there's no missing out on this!
- Refunds are issued only for cancellations made before 7 days prior the show date. Any cancellation or alteration requests after this will not be reimbursed or honored.
- Smart, elegant clothing. No sports wear/home wear will be allowed.
- Photography and videography at the venue are prohibited. However, onsite photographers are available to provide you with souvenir portraits, free of cost.
- The show at the Moulin Rouge is in French, but it is not necessary to speak the language to get the full enjoyment out of the show!
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- Treat Yourself to a Delightful Cabaret Performance at Le Lido Paris
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
Guests are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled starting of the show. This will ensure you have enough time to get into your seats before the act which starts 30 minutes before the show.
A Delicate Contrast Between Class & Quirk
Palace Of Versailles
Centre Georges Pompidou
On your third day, head out on a day trip from Paris to the exquisite Palace of Versailles. The Palace of Versailles is one of the most extraordinary achievements in 17th century European art. Situated just 30 minutes outside Paris, in the village of Versailles, this elaborate complex once thrived as an epicenter of political power for the Kingdom of France. Begin your guided visit outdoors as you stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Your guide will then escort you to the Castle entrance, where you will get to bypass the tediously long queue and make your way directly into the Palace. Once inside, enjoy access to the most famous places within the Castle. Explore the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors before ending the tour.
- If you do not have pre-purchased tickets to the palace, we recommend avoiding touring late in the morning or afternoon- this is when the crowds are at their peak.
- If you do happen to visit in the afternoon, we recommend touring the gardens first.
- Consider packing a picnic for yourself: the food options at Versailles are somewhat limited.
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- Skip The Lines at The Versailles Palace
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
Guests are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled starting of the show. This will ensure you have enough time to get into your seats before the act which starts 30 minutes before the show.
Some may recognise this museum as the oddly structured building placed near the Beauborg area in Paris. However, Centre Georges Pompidou is most importantly known for its vast collection of modern art that will leave you inspired and intrigued. The quirky building also boasts of a humongous library (with almost 500,000 books) that can easily accommodate around 2,000 readers at once. The museum contains over 50,000 works of art including paintings, sculptures, drawings as well as photography. And while you enjoy contemporary art, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the surreal panoramic view of the city from its rooftop terrace.
- Buy your tickets online since the museum tends to draw crowd on a daily basis.
- The best time to visit Centre Georges Pompidou is after 5pm if you wish to spend some relaxed time within the premises.
- Don’t miss out the Le George restaurant on the 6th floor that promises a meal with a view.
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
All tickets to the Centre Pompidou include admission to the rooftop. Be sure to make your way to the top for stunning views of Paris
A Day of Fun, Frolic & Sightseeing
Disneyland Paris
Paris By Night Bus Tour
Dedicate your fourth day to a bit of fun and frolic at Disneyland Paris. At Disneyland Paris lies a magical kingdom where classic Disney heroes and heroines and where fairy tales come true! Come aboard and experience the magical world of Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park or both. At Disneyland Park, experience your favorite Disney Lands just as you remember them in classic Disney stories where fairytales. Endless attractions and thrills that come in all sizes and shapes - Space Mountain Mission 2 that takes you to the edge of the universe and It's A Small World. Right next door to Disneyland Park, discover the magical world of cinema and television at Walt Disney Studios Park - 4 cinemagical 'lots', featuring thrilling attractions and spectacular shows with your dreams centre-stage. Get behind the scenes with the never seen before Parade and tours and experience the magic that makes the world of Movies.
- Research the rides you want to ride before visiting so you can hit them first. The most popular rides include Peter Pan's Flight, Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manner & Indiana Jones Temple of Peril.
- Disneyland Paris is very easily accessible by public transportation. In fact, there is a metro station right at the entrance of Disneyland Paris and trains run throughout the day.
- If you wish to dine at Disneyland Paris, make sure you make dining reservations ahead of time.
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🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
If you're making the journey to Disneyland Paris, you absolutely have to visit both the Disney Themed Parks. Both of them have their own magical charm!
This extensive tour of Paris at night on an open-top double-decker bus is the ideal way to sightsee the city of lights. With front-row seats, notice the city’s famous landmarks illuminated in the evening and be dazzled by the aesthetic. Since it’s a bus tour, be sure to make use of the free Wi-Fi on board and stay connected with your friends even on vacation. As soon as you board, make sure to pick up your free rewards voucher booklet, which comes with many exciting offers and discounts on various Paris attractions and restaurants. Sit back, relax, and plug in your audio guides to help navigate you through the tour and give you quips and anecdotes about the various attractions you pass by.
BigBus Paris: Panoramic Night Bus Tour with Audio Guide
Headout Price: €20
Explore the City on Your Feet - Walk Around in Paris
Louvre
Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie
Montmartre Guided Walking Tour
Visit the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre Museum after your tour. Here, you will be able to enjoy the collections of the museum in relative peace. Considered as an iconic landmark, the Louvre is often on every tourist’s list while visiting Paris. This famous monument is best known for a plethora of art exhibits as well as collection from around the world. It witnesses a crowd of people who visit from across the globe to catch a glimpse of the famous Mona Lisa — painted by Leonardo da Vinci. The timeless glass pyramid that has now become a symbol of sophistication and elegance is also one of the most photographed monument of the city. Apart from a myriad of paintings, the museum also hosts intricate sculptures within its premises.
- If you cannot make it at 9 AM, we suggest you visit during the nighttime to avoid crowds.
- It is best to chart your visit according to a map of the museum, as it is nearly impossible to cover every exhibit of the Louvre.
- Consider picking the audio guide if you’re not fluent in French.
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🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
Use the Passage Richelieu and Galerie du Carrousel entrances to enter the museum, as these are less crowded than the main Pyramid entrance.
Restaurant Recommendations
When modern Paris has overwhelmed you with its boutiques, bicycles, and baguettes, step back in time at two of its most interesting and historical landmarks in medieval Palais de la Cité - once the residence of the Kings of France. Sainte Chapelle with its mesmerizing stained glass windows was home to Christ's Crown of Thorns, while the Conciergerie was home, or rather prison to Marie-Antoinette! This ticket gets you priority access to both. See two stunning monuments from France's past - a 13th century church with brilliant stained glass windows, and a medieval royal palace that was formerly home to French royalty.
- If you wish, you can switch up the order: visit Sainte Chapelle before you visit the Louvre. This depends entirely on which attraction you'd rather visit uninterrupted.
- Sainte Chapelle is a must-visit for appreciators of ancient architecture and church tourism.
Sainte Chapelle Skip The Line Tickets
Headout Price:€13
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
You can enjoy free entry to Saint Chapelle on the first Sunday of every month between 1st November to 31st March. If you are under the age of 18, or an EU citizen in the age group of 18-25 then you can enjoy entry free throughout the year!
Restaurant Recommendations
End your Paris holiday with a peaceful walking tour of the beautiful Montmartre district. Explore the quintessential winding cobblestone streets and steep staircases in this unique area and unravel its history. When rents in central Paris skyrocketed in the early 1900s, artists, writers, and bohemians of all types flocked to the sleepy quartier, making it one of the most important centers for art and radical thought in the world. Experience the traditions, lifestyle, and bohemian character of this storied neighbourhood on this amazing 3-hour walking tour led by a historian.
- If you're visiting Montmarte on your own, we highly recommend checking out the Museum of Montmartre and Renoir Gardens.
- For a break, head over to Le Refuge Café for a true Montmartre café experience.
🇫🇷 Local Travel Tip 🇫🇷
Despite being a free tour, they do not allow more than 30 people in one group. Like they say, the more the merrier. The tickets are open dated and you can book them on any day you'd like. It does not have to be on the date of the experience you've chosen.
5 Days in Paris Under €420
Day 1 - Eiffel Tower, Musée de l’Orangerie & Musée de Orsay, Seine Dinner Cruise
€119
Day 2 - Arc De Triomphe, Paris Catacombs, Cabaret With Champagne
€122
Day 3 - Palace of Versailles and Center Pompidou
€59
Day 4 - Disneyland Paris and Paris By Night Bus Tour
€78
Day 5 - Louvre Museum, Palais Garnier, Walkabout Montmartre
€32
Total
€410
Book your Paris Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend just €410 on your one day vacation in Paris! Hit up all the prime attractions in the city and save more while you explore more. Read on to see our detailed 5 day Paris Itinerary and learn more about visiting each of these attractions.
More Paris Itineraries
Have some more time to kill in Paris? That's alright, we've got other options for you. Check out our other itineraries for further inspiration:
Public Transportation In Paris
For tourists in Paris, this is usually a big question: "What do I do about transportation in Paris?"
Paris is a large city with 20 arrondissements. The most ideal way to explore the city is, of course, by foot. But this is hardly ever the most ideal option.
Thankfully, Paris' elaborate public transportation which includes the metro, RER, buses, night buses, trams, and taxis, you can get around in the city with little to no trouble.
If you're in the city for a few days, we recommend you get T+ tickets (you can buy 10 at a go for a cheaper rate)
The Paris Travel Card (Paris Visite) is another good option, giving you unlimited access to the metro, RER, bus and tram networks.
Where To Stay in Paris?
€ 50 - € 100 per night
€ 100 - € 150 per night
More Tips on 5 Days in Paris
- Be cash-ready, but don't hoard –Most Parisian establishment accept cards for transactions for over €10, however you will need cash for smaller transactions and for other things like tipping and street shopping. Avoid carrying too much cash on you as it’s not safe, especially around tourist attractions like Eiffel Tower which is rife with pickpockets.
- A meal at the Eiffel Tower is true to its hype, and a must – When you have a meal at one of the restaurants in the Eiffel tower, you not only get access to the top of the tower but skip the line and enjoy exclusive elevator to the restaurants.
- Get a Paris pass, get free transport – The best way to use the metro is buy a 10-pack ticket or use the Paris Pass for free transport. If you are using a physical ticket make sure to keep it on you till you exit the station.
- The best sunset in Paris, is not from the Eiffel Tower – One of the best places to view Paris with the Eiffel Tower is from the Arc De Triomphe. Catch the sight of the city roads radiating from the monument and the Eiffel standing proud in the distance from the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe!
- Airbnbs should be your first choice – ourist accommodation has become a lucrative business and large organizations have started taking over Airbnbs in Paris. If you are looking for cheap and authentic stays, then opt to stay in an apartment with the locals, where you can be assured of a Parisian experience.
- Uber is cheaper – Than hailing private taxis in Paris. However, traffic will annoy you.
- Take advantage of the bakeries – The best thing about Paris is its bakeries or boulangeries, which serve fresh and delicious breads, cheeses and deli items. You can get a quick and filling meal for less than €5 and even eat it on the go.
FAQs: Paris in 5 Days - Itinerary
