5 day itinerary in Paris: your ultimate guide

This 5-day Paris itinerary is based on my real route through the French capital. Over the years, I’ve adjusted it so it works just as well for a first time visit as it does for travelers who have already been to Paris.

The magic of Paris is that it never feels finished. Even after three trips, I still keep discovering new places. New museums, new cafés, new streets, new views. That’s what keeps pulling me back every time. This is when you get that Paris truly deserves its nickname, the City of Light. When my friends ask why I keep going back to Paris, the answer is obvious. There’s so much to see and do, and it really feels like a never-ending story.

So what should you expect from this itinerary?

It was created to keep everything in central Paris, with short walks, easy metro line connections, and realistic timing. he goal is simple: help you avoid wasting a lot of time standing in a long line and instead focus on experiencing the city.

This 5-day Paris itinerary lets you see the main attractions, while also leaving space for lesser-known places, cafés, and moments in between. Most of the time, avoiding crowds is simply about visiting places right at opening time or close to closing.

Use this Paris itinerary as a structure, as a guide book. Follow it exactly, or adjust it based on your travel style, interests, and how much energy you want to spend each day.

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something I’ve recommended, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support and I hope this guide helps you ♡

Quick Paris Travel Facts

Best way to get around

The best way to explore Paris is metro + walking. Most major sights are a short walk from a metro station, and once you group places by area, the city becomes very walkable. A single ticket costs €2.55, and a day pass is a great idea on days when you plan a full day of sightseeing. Google Maps works perfectly and shows the correct metro line, exits, and entrances. You can use IDF Mobilites app, or BonjourRATP or your iPhone wallet.

Iphone tip: Add Navigo Card to Apple Wallet

1. go to Wallet
2. -> press on + button on top
3. -> select Travel Card
4. -> search for Paris.
5. Now you’ll see Navigo card.
6. Add it to your wallet.

You’ll see now how many tickets do you have on it (0 Tickets) and all the option you can buy. You sellect Single ticket / Day Pass / or even Visit Pass for 1,2,3,5 Days. My personal favorite for days I know I’ll use metro is Day Pass for €12.30 for travel within zones 1-5.

Uber / ride sharing

You don’t need Uber most of the time. I use it only early morning, late at night, or when I’m tired. Prices are usually fine. However, during peak hours, it can be faster to walk.

Airport options

Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle (also called Gaulle airport), Orly, and Beauvais. Charles de Gaulle and Orly have the easiest access via RER and metro. Personally, my only direct flight option was Beauvais, which adds around 1.5 hours to reach the city center or a main train station.

Where to stay

The 1st arrondissement, the Right Bank near Opéra, Le Marais, the 7th arrondissement, the 16th, or near the Luxembourg Garden / Jardin du Luxembourg are excellent options. These are some of my favorite neighborhoods because they reduce commuting and make it easier to explore on foot. If an Eiffel Tower view matters to you, plan around that. Check below the best options:

Perfect time to visit Paris

If you ask me, Paris is a good idea all year round. That said, some seasons are simply better for exploring the city. Spring is my top recommendation. In warmer months, the weather is pleasant, the days are longer. I usually suggest avoiding the peak summer months, especially if you plan to walk a lot.

That being said, the most magical time to visit Paris is winter, especially during the Christmas season. The city feels magical, lights are everywhere, and there’s a certain charm that’s hard to explain until you experience it yourself.

Book This First (Save Time Later)

• ✈️ Flights to Paris (Charles de Gaulle / Gaulle airport)
• 🎟️ Tickets for Paris Museums: ex. Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe 
• 🛥️ Seine river cruise or guided tour 
• 🏰 Palace of Versailles and Gardens Full Access Ticket
• 🏰Palace of Versailles day trip or guided tour 

For more Paris inspo check out these blog posts:

👉20 best hotels with Eiffel Tower view 
👉20 instargrammable Paris cafés guide
👉40 best things to do in Paris 

Day 1: First Impressions, Icons & a Stylish Evening

Highlights of Day 1: Angelina café, Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Tuileries Garden, Pont Neuf, Le Bon Marché, Champs-Élysées, RH Collection Paris.

If you arrive in Paris in the morning, you technically have a full day ahead of you. However, energy is usually limited after travel. That’s why this first day is built around one major museum, some walking to feel the city, and some good spots as a breaks between sightseeing.

1. Breakfast at Angelina

Start your first morning in Paris at Angelina. It’s a classic spot for hot chocolate and for breakfast and a great way start the day. If you go early morning you’ll definitely skip the long lines. We got around 8 am (winter season) and were seated immediately. You should order here the classics hot chocolate and Mont Blanc dessert. 

2. Louvre Museum

After Angelina, go directly to the Louvre Museum. The Louvre opens every day at 9:00 am, except Tuesdays, when it’s closed.

Tickets and visiting tips

The best and most stress-free way to visit the Louvre is to book  tickets with a time slot in advance. If you plan to visit in the evening, keep in mind that last entry is one hour before closing.

The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6:00 pm (except in July and August) and on 14 July. Even on free-entry days, you still need to book a ticket in advance.

Ticket prices on the official website start from €22 for residents and/or citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and €32 for non-EEA visitors. Prices increase if you add an audio guide or a guided tour. If you prefer, you can also book a guided tour in advance here:

Not sure which Louvre ticket makes the most sense for your visit? Here you can see all available options and choose what fits your schedule best.

👉Paris: Louvre Museum Tour Mona Lisa & Iconic Masterpieces
👉Louvre Museum: Skip-the-Line Small Group Guided Tour
👉Paris: Best of the Louvre Guided Tour with Pre-booked Ticket

Museum entrances

The most popular entrance is the Glass Pyramid, but there are three additional options that can save time: Carousel entrance, Richelieu entrance, Porte des Lions entrance.

What to focus on

It’s important to know from the start that the Louvre cannot be fully covered in one visit. Instead, focus on what interests you most. I recommend prioritizing: The Mona Lisa, Napoleon III Apartments, Galerie d’Apollon (French Crown Jewels), Cour Marly or Cour Puget (glass-roof courtyard). This approach keeps the visit manageable and enjoyable, especially on your first day in Paris.

3. Walk through the Jardin des Tuileries

From the Louvre, continue into the Jardin des Tuileries. This walk feels almost natural, and I always find myself doing it after visiting the museum. Most of the time, I grab a coffee and sit near one of the fountains on those iconic green chairs. This is one of my favorite parks in Paris, and it’s a perfect stop after such a long museum visit.

4. Palais Royal 

After leaving the Jardin des Tuileries, take a short walk to Palais Royal. This is the perfect continuation after the gardens and before heading to lunch.

The main courtyard of Palais Royal is the main attraction, known for the Buren Columns, and it’s completely free to visit. The gardens are also free and are another place where you’ll find those iconic green Paris chairs.

5. Lunch at L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille 2

After some photo stops around Palais Royal, head to your lunch reservation at L’Atelier Entrecôte & Volaille. You definitely need a reservation here. I had mine at 12:00 pm, and by 12:30 pm the place was already full.

The menu is simple and well done. You can choose between sirloin steak, free-range chicken fillet, or a burger, all served with unlimited fries and their signature sauce.

Honestly, this was one of the best and cheapest lunches I had in Paris. Next time I’m in Paris, I’ll definitely come back here for lunch.

6. Pont Neuf & Seine River walk

After lunch you definitely need a walk. Next, walk toward Pont Neuf and along the Seine. This is a great way to connect the different parts of the city and start recognizing landmarks. 

7. Le Bon Marché or La Grand Epicerie (optional)

It’s time to move toward Le Bon Marché or La Grande Épicerie, depending on your preferences. The last time I visited, I chose Le Bon Marché for the Christmas decorations and some gift shopping. Other times, I head straight to La Grande Épicerie to pick up butter or other French goodies to take home as souvenirs for friends and family.

This is a great first shopping stop because it’s not overwhelming. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still worth walking through.

8. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe 

Later in the afternoon, walk part of the Champs-Élysées. You don’t need to cover the entire avenue. Even a short section is enough to experience it. Continue toward the Arc de Triomphe. Sunset is the prettiest time to get there. For me, this is one of the best places to see the city and one of my favorite landmarks in Paris. From the top, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, La Défense, and Sacré-Cœur all in one view. This is a great spot to end the afternoon before heading to your evening plans. If you want to double-check availability for your travel dates, you can see the Arc de Triomphe rooftop ticket here.

9. RH Collection Paris

In the late afternoon, it’s time to head to RH Collection Paris, which opened in September 2025. Take your time exploring this grand space, as it feels more like a gallery than a furniture store and is a nice change of pace after a day of sightseeing.

The store has seven floors and is, hands down, one of the most beautiful and elegant places to visit in Paris.

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10. Dinner at Le Jardin (RH Collection)

End your first day with dinner at Le Jardin inside RH Collection Paris, set under a beautiful glass rooftop. You can also try Le Jardin with an Eiffel Tower view, located in the same building.

After a full day of travel, walking, and sightseeing, this is an ideal way to close the day. The setting is stylish, the food is very good, and once you’re there, there’s no need to move again.

An early dinner here is a great choice. Personally, I ordered the sea bass, which was perfectly cooked, along with a cocktail. This place isn’t on the cheapest side, but it’s definitely a good option for a special occasion.

If you’re looking for more similar spots, you can check my guide to 20 Instagrammable cafés in Paris.

Tip: If at any point this feels like too much, skip Pont Neuf & Seine River walk, Le Bon Marché or shorten the Champs-Élysées walk.

Day 2: Montmartre, Historic Paris & an Eiffel Tower Dinner

Highlights of Day 2: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, BnF Richelieu, Eiffel Tower dinner at Francette.

Day 2 is a full but very rewarding day. You’ll combine the artistic side of Paris with its historic heart, then end the evening with one of the best dinner views in the city. It’s busy, but you can adapt it.

1. Breakfast at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée

Start your morning with breakfast at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée. It’s one of the most elegant settings I’ve ever experienced for breakfast and genuinely feels like having breakfast in Versailles.

A reservation is a must, and keep in mind that no-shows are charged a fee. Depending on where you stay, you can reach it on foot, by metro, or with a short Uber ride. We arrived at 7:30 am and chose to take an Uber. This place is definitely a splurge, but absolutely worth it.

2. Montmartre Walk (must-do)

After breakfast, get to Montmartre and explore it on foot. This area is one of the best in town. Here’s some stops to include:

• Place des Abbesses
• Bachir for pistachio ice cream
• Sacré-Cœur
• La Maison Rose
• Le Consulat 
• Le Vrai Paris 
• Place du tertre – local artists and painters

Use the funicular if you want to skip the stairs. Use your Metro ticket/pass to get up and down and save energy for the rest of the day.

You can check here for guided tours in `Montmartre:

If you want to explore Montmartre beyond a classic walking tour, you can browse more experiences here, from food tastings to small group tours and photo walks.

👉Paris: Macaron, Croissant or Pastry Class with a French Chef
👉Paris: Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Guided Walking Tour
👉Paris: Montmartre Walking Tour with Pastry Tasting

3. Notre Dame Cathedral & Sainte-Chapelle (must-do)

From Montmartre, head toward Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris.

Start with Notre-Dame Cathedral. Don’t limit your visit to the exterior. The interior is absolutely worth seeing. Entry is free, but it’s best to book a time slot online or choose a guided tour (Paris: Notre-Dame The Restored Masterpiece Guided Tour) if you want more historical context. 

Then continue to Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its stained glass windows. This is one of those places where photos don’t prepare you for the real experience. The light, colors, and atmosphere make it unforgettable.

I strongly recommend booking tickets for Sainte-Chapelle in advance. You can also check guided or combined tickets (Paris: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets), which work well if you want a smoother visit.

4. BnF Richelieu

After Sainte-Chapelle, head to BnF Richelieu for a quieter break. We chose this instead of wandering through the Latin Quarter and never regretted it. The Oval Room is a masterpiece, and it still feels unreal that a place like this is completely free to visit.

5. Optional: Seine River Cruise

If you feel like resting your feet, this is a great moment for a 

.It’s completely optional, but it works especially well here after a morning of walking.

A one-hour cruise gives you a different perspective of the city without adding physical effort. On my first trip to Paris, I bought a day pass for the Seine River cruise and used it to get from one area to another, which was surprisingly practical.

👉Paris: 1-Hour Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower

6. Optional: Drinks at Shangri-La Paris – Le Botaniste

If you still have energy and want something special before dinner, stop for a drink at Le Botaniste, located inside Shangri-La Paris.

7. Dinner at Francette (must-do)

We stopped by Shangri-La Paris for a signature drink, then walked to dinner at Francette. This is one of the best places for an Eiffel Tower view without extreme prices.

Dinner is usually available at 7:00 pm or 9:00 pm, and a reservation is a must. They recommended the duck with fries, which I ordered, and it was genuinely tasty. Honestly, this place exceeded my expectations. With a view like this, I expected higher prices and worse food.

Make sure to book a table outside. Not inside, not on the ground floor of the boat. From the outdoor tables, you’ll get one of the best Eiffel Tower views in the city.

Day 3: Art, Elegant Interiors & a Classic Paris Evening

Highlights of Day 3: Musée d’Orsay, Hôtel de la Marine, lunch at Maison Revka, Place de la Concorde, evening drinks at Les Ambassadeurs.

After two full days of walking and iconic sights, Day 3 slows the pace slightly and focuses more on interiors, art, and classic Paris elegance. It’s still a full day, but it feels more refined and less physically demanding.

1. Musée d’Orsay

Start the day at Musée d’Orsay, one of the best museums in Paris and an excellent contrast to the Louvre. It’s my personal favorite between big names.

The museum is known for its collection from the late 1800s, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Monet, and Degas. It’s ideal if you want a strong art experience without spending an entire day inside.

Try to arrive close to opening time to avoid crowds and keep the visit focused.

👉 Paris: Orsay Museum Entry Ticket
👉Paris: Musée d’Orsay Ticket and Guided Tour
👉 Paris: Best of Orsay Museum Small Group Tour with Tickets

2. Place de la Concorde

After leaving the museum, take a short walk toward Place de la Concorde. Its one of the most important squares in Paris and is closely linked to the French Revolution, 

3. Hôtel de la Marine

Next, visit Hôtel de la Marine. This is one of the most underrated places in Paris and a real highlight of the day.

The interiors are beautifully restored, and the views toward Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower are impressive. The visit feels peaceful and elegant, and very different from a classic museum experience.

👉 Paris: Hôtel de la Marine Entry Ticket

4. Lunch at Maison Revka

After your visit, go to lunch at Maison Revka, located near the Victor Hugo metro station. This was, hands down, an experience. The entire restaurant is beautiful, with rich velvet details and a true Slavic soul.

The food was excellent. I ordered the tuna with caviar sauce and the fish tartare, and both literally melted in my mouth. A nice touch was the pickles brought to the table at the beginning. I also ordered a cocktail called Elena, which made the experience even more personal.

This is a great lunch stop: stylish but relaxed, and perfectly placed within the day’s route. I’ll definitely come back for dinner as well. Reservations are highly recommended.

5. Late afternoon at your own pace

After lunch, keep the afternoon flexible. Depending on your energy, you can:

• take a short walk nearby
• stop for coffee
• or get back to your accommodation to rest before the evening

This buffer is important and keeps the evening enjoyable.

6. Evening drinks at Les Ambassadeurs (Hôtel de Crillon)

In the evening, get to Les Ambassadeurs, located inside the Hôtel de Crillon. This is a beautiful place for drinks and light aperitifs, and a perfect way to experience classic Paris. For me, this was one of the best stops in the city for an early evening aperitif. All in all, from the historic building to the atmosphere and the painted ceiling, everything felt so elegant and refined.

Also, they serve small plates, such as blinis with caviar and other refined bites, so it’s not just about drinks. I recommend arriving right at opening time, when you have a better chance of getting a table.

Day 4: Le Marais History, Opéra Elegance & Paris from Above

Highlights of the day 4: Carette, Archives Nationales, Musée Carnavalet, Louis Vuitton lunch, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Ralph Coffee / Ralph’s Restaurant, Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette & Printemps rooftops.

This day mixes historic Paris, a stylish lunch, and classic shopping and views. It’s full, but the rhythm alternates between walking, sitting, and indoor visits, so it stays enjoyable. Also, this day stays mostly flat and central, which makes it easier on your legs after the first few days.

1. Breakfast at Carette

Start your morning at Carette. It’s a classic Parisian café and a great way to begin the day before visiting museums. I arrived at 8:00 am during winter and was seated right away. In spring or summer, I recommend arriving closer to 7:00–7:30 am to avoid the line.

I suggest ordering the hot chocolate, croissants, and strawberries. By the time you finish breakfast, the line will usually have formed.

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2. Trocadero (optional)

If you’re already in the area, make a quick stop at Place du Trocadéro for photos. It’s one of the most popular spots in Paris for Eiffel Tower views.

3. Archives Nationales (free)

From there, it’s time to get to the Archives Nationales. This is one of the most underrated places in Paris and a great first stop of the day. The interiors are beautiful, and the visit peaceful and uncrowded.

If you are in the mood to stay more in this neighbourhood and don’t want to visit any other museums you ca try these tours:

👉 Paris: Le Marais Highlights Guided Small Group Walking Tour
👉 Le Marais Walking Food Tour with Cheese, Wine & Pastries

3. Musée Carnavalet (free)

Continue to the Musée Carnavalet, located nearby in Le Marais. This museum is entirely dedicated to the history of Paris and is set inside elegant historic mansions. You don’t need to see everything. Even a partial visit gives great context and doesn’t feel heavy. From all the free places I get to in Paris this is my absolute favorite. You can book a guided tour for Musée Carnavalet here.

4. Lunch at Maxime Frédéric chez Louis Vuitton

Around midday, it’s time for lunch at Maxime Frédéric chez Louis Vuitton. Reservations are highly recommended.

This place was better than I expected. The croque monsieur with truffles and the shellfish ravioli were really good, and the LV monogram chocolate dessert was absolutely delicious.

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5. Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés

After lunch, stop by the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It’s one of the oldest churches in Paris.

Unfortunately, on my last visit, the interior wasn’t open to visitors due to a private ceremony, which can occasionally happen. If that’s the case when you’re there, just admire it from the outside and continue the walk. It’s still worth a short stop.

If you’d like to experience one of Paris’s historic churches from the inside in a more memorable way, you can also check classical music concerts held in churches such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Sulpice, or La Madeleine.

👉 Paris: Classical Music Concert Tickets in Parisian Churches
(Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.)

6. Coffee at Ralph Coffee (optional)

or Ralph’s Restaurant

Next, you can get to Ralph Coffee for a relaxed coffee break. If you prefer something more substantial and have time, you can swap this for Ralph’s Restaurant instead. I had a coffee to go as the place was really busy. 

7. Opéra Garnier

In the late afternoon, visit Opéra Garnier. This is one of the best times to see it. I originally had a ticket for 3:00 pm, and while it was a bit crowded then, by 4:00–4:15 pm, about an hour before closing, the space felt almost empty.

Personally, I only visited Opéra Garnier on my third trip to Paris, and I was absolutely amazed. I still don’t know how I managed to skip it on my previous visits. It’s one of the most beautiful opera houses I’ve ever seen, and Palais Garnier is definitely a place that belongs on your Paris must-see list.

8. Café de la Paix/ La Verriere Hotel Intercontinental le Grand

I know that in France 5:00 pm is considered early for dinner, but if you’re hungry, this is a good moment for a late lunch or early dinner at Café de la Paix or La Verrière at InterContinental Paris – Le Grand. Both are located right next to Opéra Garnier.

The onion soup and beef tartare were really good, and a reservation is recommended, especially later in the day.

If Café de la Paix feels too busy when you arrive, the Opéra area has plenty of similar brasseries nearby. You can simply walk a few minutes and choose what looks good in the moment.

9. Galeries Lafayette & Printemps Rooftops

After enjoying the food and the Opéra view, walk to:

• Galeries Lafayette rooftop
• Printemps Haussmann rooftop

Both rooftops are free and offer some of the best views over Paris. Printemps is usually less crowded, which makes it a great alternative. This area is also ideal for shopping if you feel like browsing.

Day 5: Eiffel Tower Views, Fashion & a Grand Finale

Highlights of Day 5: Eiffel Tower photo spots, Petit Palais, Galerie Dior, Avenue Montaigne, Eiffel Tower lunch, Place Vendôme, dinner and drinks at the Ritz.

This day is lighter and more refined, making it perfect for your last full day in Paris. It focuses on views, fashion, and classic Parisian elegance, without trying to squeeze in too much.

1. Early Eiffel Tower photos

Start the day early with Eiffel Tower photos. Morning is the best time for this, especially if you want fewer people in your shots. This is one of the best photo moments of the entire trip and a great way to start your last day in the city.

Depending on where you’re staying, you can choose one or more spots from this list:

• Pont de Bir-Hakeim 
• Avenue de Camoëns 
• Place du Trocadéro 
• Avenue de l’Université 
• Passerelle Debilly 

You don’t need to do all of them. Pick one or two close to your hotel to keep the morning relaxed. Because, we had the best view from our accommodations we skipped this part during this trip.

2. Breakfast at Pinky Bloom Café

After photos, it’s time to get to Pinky Bloom Café for breakfast. You’ll have an Eiffel Tower view while you eat. This makes for a relaxed and very “Paris” start to the day.

3. Petit Palais (permanent collection is free)

Around 10:00 am (right at opening), visit Petit Palais. Entry is free (just for the permanent collection), and it’s one of the most pleasant museums in Paris. The visit doesn’t take long, but the interiors and the collection are well worth seeing.

Keep in mind that it’s closed on Mondays. The museum also has one of the prettiest cafés in Paris, although it was closed for renovation during my last visit. When open, it’s a perfect spot for a coffee break after exploring the museum.

4. La Galerie Dior

Next, walk to La Galerie Dior. This is a beautifully curated museum and a must if you’re interested in fashion and design. Even if you’re not, it’s still one of the most immersive and beautifully designed museums I’ve ever visited.

I strongly recommend booking your ticket in advance to avoid the lines. From my point of view, this is a must-see in Paris. Keep in mind that it’s closed on Tuesdays.

We definitely spent more time here than planned, because every room feels like a masterpiece.

5. Dior Café – Le Café by Yannick Alléno 

Don’t confuse this café with the one inside the museum. Skip that one and get to Le Café by Yannick Alléno, located inside the Dior boutique.

It’s best to make a reservation. We didn’t, and we were seated at the bar, so we only had coffee and dessert. Even so, it was still a nice stop and fit well into the flow of the day.

6. Walk along Avenue Montaigne

Afterward, take your time walking along Avenue Montaigne. It’s one of the most elegant streets in Paris, lined with fashion houses, and worth seeing even if you don’t plan to shop.

7. Lunch at Di Vino (Eiffel Tower view)

For lunch, get to Di Vino. The outdoor tables offer a beautiful Eiffel Tower view, and it’s a great place to enjoy a proper meal.

This is important! The table with the best view is only available if you order food. I made a reservation for 1:30 pm, and for about half an hour we were the only people there (during winter). That said, it’s better to reserve that specific table and aim for around 1:00 pm, especially in busier seasons.

8. Late afternoon break

After lunch, head back to your accommodation to rest and change. This pause makes a big difference and keeps the evening feeling special instead of tiring.

9. Place Vendôme at night

In the early evening, stop by Place Vendôme. It’s especially beautiful at night and feels very different from the daytime version. 

10. Dinner and drinks at Ritz Paris

You’re already at Place Vendôme, so end your trip with dinner and drinks at Ritz Paris. Even if you only go for drinks, this is a memorable way to close your Paris itinerary.

The atmosphere is elegant and classy, and it feels like a proper finale after five well-planned days in the city. You have a few good options here:

• Hemingway Bar for drinks
• Bar Vendôme for a relaxed dinner
• Espadon if you want something more refined 

Whichever you choose, this is the kind of ending that makes the whole trip feel complete.

Extra Day : Day Trip to Versailles (the must)

If you have an extra day you should definitely get for a day trip. It’s a full day, and it’s the classic “worth it” trip from Paris. Even if it’s outside Paris the trip can be easily made by train (RER)

Palace of Versailles (full day)

Do Versailles as a full day. Book in advance, ideally with a time slot or a guided option if you want less stress.

Petit Trianon + Marie Antoinette

After the palace, go to the Petit Trianon and the Marie Antoinette estate. This is where the day becomes more than seeing “another palace.”

🏰 Palace of Versailles and Gardens Full Access Ticket
🏰Palace of Versailles day trip or guided tour 

Evening back in Paris

When you return back to Paris, and still have energy choose this final stop, a cabaret show in Paris:

• Moulin Rouge – Paris: Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket with Champagne or Paris: Dinner Show at the Moulin Rouge
• Crazy Horse – Paris: Crazy Horse Cabaret Show or Paris: Dinner at Ginger Restaurant & Show at Crazy Horse

Extra “If You Have Extra Time” Options

If you have extra time, these are easy to add without breaking the flow:

• Musée Rodin (great if you want a quieter museum)
• Père Lachaise Cemetery Guided Tour (quiet walk, very different vibe)
• A Seine river cruise if you didn’t do it on Day 3
• Musée de l’Orangerie
• Place des Vosges
• Bourse de Commerce

My Paris Map

Final thoughts

Paris is one of those cities that rewards you every time you come back. Whether this is your first time or your third or fourth visit, there’s always another street, café, museum, or view waiting for you. That’s why I truly believe Paris is not a one-time trip kind of place.

This 5-day Paris itinerary was built from real days, real walking routes, real reservations, and real energy levels. It’s meant to help you see the main attractions, but also leave space for slower moments, good food, and those small discoveries that don’t show up on a checklist.Use this itinerary as a structure, not a rulebook. Swap museums if you want. Add cafés if something catches your eye. Sit longer in a garden if the weather is good. This being said, Paris works best when you give it a bit of flexibility.

If you’re planning your trip right now, take it step by step. Book the essentials in advance, group places by area, and don’t try to do everything. And if you’re already dreaming about coming back before you’ve even left, that’s normal. Paris has that effect.