The ultimate 5-day guide to the best of Paris

With 5 days in Paris, you can see much more than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. That’s enough time to immerse yourself in colorful Parisian districts such as Le Marais, Saint Germain, and Montmartre, and even make a day trip to Versailles. This itinerary is packed with activities you can choose from, making it ideal for both first-timers and return visitors. Start the itinerary on any day of the week and plan your days around the opening days of your favorite museums.

If you want more time to immerse yourself in the city, explore its lesser-known spots, and venture out of the city center, you can even consider extending your Paris trip to 7 days.

For a central location near the Louvre and Palais Royale, opt for the 1st arrondissement of Paris. This upscale area brims with luxury hotels such as Le Meurice and Hotel du Louvre. If a view of the Eiffel Tower is your priority, go for Hotel Muguet or Hotel Duquesne Eiffel in the 7th arrondissement. Alternatively, stay in Montmartre for a romantic village vibe or the Latin Quarter for a vibrant atmosphere amid an old-world setting.

Get your bearings in Paris by hopping on a cruise along the Seine River. Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes de Paris offer sightseeing cruises with commentary and add-ons like champagne or gourmet meals. You’ll pass by iconic Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

After admiring the views of Paris from the Seine, switch to a higher perspective by scaling the Eiffel Tower. Tiptoe on the glass floor of the first level, marvel at panoramic views from the second level and peek into Gustave Eiffel’s office at the summit. Book skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower to beat the crowds. After the experience, pop into Musée d'Orsay to view famous paintings or visit the many attractions in the vicinity.

Spend the later part of the day at Champs-Élysées, a tree-lined shopping avenue that spans 1.2 miles, from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe. Apart from enjoying the shops, cafes, and restaurants along the street, you can make a short detour to see the exhibitions in the Petit Palais and Grand Palais.

The center of Paris is a stylish area home to historical buildings, royal palaces, and the Louvre Museum. Feel the glitz and glamor at Place Vendome, which boasts top luxury retail stores like Bvlgari, Dior, and Cartier, among others. Wander into grand arcades such as Passage des Panoramas, or take a walk in Tuileries Garden and Palais-Royal Garden for a dose of greenery. Getting hungry? Sample traditional French food in an elegant brasserie with chandeliers at Au Pied de Cochon or Le Grand Colbert.

Continue your explorations by crossing the bridge to Île de la Cité, which lies in the middle of the Seine. This island houses Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic-style chapel famed for its stained glass windows, and the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was kept as a prisoner. Up north is Le Marais, a district with a strong Jewish heritage. Stroll down La Rue des Rosiers and sample Paris’ famous falafels at ​​L'As du Fallafel. Then discover other must-visit attractions in the district such as the city’s oldest food market, Marche des Enfants Rouges, and one of the city’s oldest planned squares, Place des Vosges.

Best literary cafes and restaurants in Saint Germain:

Stop by Luxembourg Gardens to visit the Luxembourg Palace, admire the Medici Fountain, or simply take a breather on a bench. Your next destination is the Latin Quarter, which is home to the oldest university in Paris, the Sorbonne. While the district has a youthful student vibe, it takes you back to medieval times with its cobbled streets and narrow alleys. Explore its bookshops, galleries, and markets, and stay through the late evening when the bars spill into the street.

In the 9th arrondissement of Paris, the Opéra district features typical Haussmannian architecture with elegant stone buildings and sweeping boulevards. The district’s star attractions are the Paris Opera, also known as Palais Garnier, and two of the city’s massive department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. While in the area, check out Grévin Museum or other lesser-known gems.

Make your way to Montmartre, a charming hilltop neighborhood in the north of Paris. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica stands at the summit, offering stunning views of the city from its dome. Montmartre is a haven for artists and this is evident in Place du Tertre, a public square packed with painters and caricaturists. For Insta-worthy shots, seek out pretty streets such as Rue de l'Abreuvoir. Come dinnertime, check out Le Poulbot, La Taverne de Montmartre, or other cozy restaurants tucked away from the crowds.

End the day in Pigalle, a former red-light district that has taken on a trendy image in recent years. Catch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge—or at least snap a selfie in front of this iconic theater. Then get into the heart of the action at Rue des Martyrs, lined with bistros, pastry shops, and vintage clothing stores.

On the final day of your 5-day Paris itinerary, embark on a day trip from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, a royal residence for the French monarchy from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Visit this site, which is located 45 minutes by train from central Paris, by yourself or on a guided tour of Versailles. Discover the Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, and the Royal Chapel in the palace, then roam around the extravagant estate. See the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Grand Canal, and breathe in the scent of flowers in gardens dotted with fountains and statues.

Other day trip options from Paris:

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