5 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary
Five days lets you breathe in Paris — a day trip to Versailles, time to get lost in lesser-known neighbourhoods, and evenings lingering over three-course dinners rather than racing to the next sight. This is the ideal first-visit length.
Build my personalized Paris plan
This 5-day itinerary is a starting point. Planawai's AI trip planner rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and who you travel with, with a map and cost estimate for every day. Free to start.
Your 5-day Paris itinerary, day by day
- Day1
Eiffel Tower and the River
Begin at the Trocadéro for the classic Eiffel Tower photograph at sunrise before the crowds. Book the summit for mid-morning, then take a 90-minute Seine cruise from the Pont de l'Alma — you'll orient yourself to the entire city in one go. Evening in the 7th arrondissement around Rue Cler market street.
- Day2
The Louvre and Palais Royal
Arrive at the Louvre at opening time and spend 3–4 hours on the highlights. After lunch in the Tuileries, walk through the arcaded Palais Royal gardens — one of Paris's most serene and photogenic spots, almost always overlooked by tourists. End the afternoon browsing the boutiques of the 1st arrondissement.
- Day3
Versailles Day Trip
Take the RER C direct from central Paris (45 minutes) to Versailles — arrive before 10am to beat tour groups to the Hall of Mirrors. Spend three hours in the palace then escape into the vast gardens; rent a bike or rowboat on the Grand Canal for the afternoon. Back in Paris by 7pm for a well-earned dinner.
- Day4
Montmartre to the Marais
Morning in Montmartre: Sacré-Cœur, the vineyard, and coffee in a local café away from the tourist drag. Cross the city to Le Marais in the afternoon — visit the Musée Carnavalet (free, brilliant history of Paris) and the Place des Vosges, then explore the trendy Haut-Marais boutiques until evening.
- Day5
Left Bank Classics
The Musée d'Orsay houses the world's greatest Impressionist collection — Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh all here. Walk across to Saint-Germain-des-Prés for lunch at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore (touristy, but historically unmissable), then spend the afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens before a farewell dinner in the Latin Quarter.
Tips for your Paris trip
- Buy a carnet of 10 metro tickets or load a Navigo card — single tickets are significantly more expensive and queues at machines can be long.
- Most major museums are free on the first Sunday of each month; book time-slot entry online at least a week ahead for the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay regardless.
- Lunch is the best value meal in Paris — many bistros offer a two-course 'formule' for €14–18 that would cost twice as much at dinner.
- Avoid the Champs-Élysées for shopping or dining; walk one block to side streets for the same experience at a fraction of the price.
Other Paris trip lengths
FAQ: 5 days in Paris
Is 5 days enough for Paris?
Five days lets you breathe in Paris — a day trip to Versailles, time to get lost in lesser-known neighbourhoods, and evenings lingering over three-course dinners rather than racing to the next sight. If you have more or less time, see our 3 and 7-day Paris itineraries.
What should I do on day 1 in Paris?
Eiffel Tower and the River: Begin at the Trocadéro for the classic Eiffel Tower photograph at sunrise before the crowds. Book the summit for mid-morning, then take a 90-minute Seine cruise from the Pont de l'Alma — you'll orient yourself to the entire city in one go. Evening in the 7th arrondissement around Rue Cler market street.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is April–June and September–October.
Can I customize this 5-day Paris itinerary?
Yes. Open it in Planawai and the AI rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and interests. You can then drag stops, change times or ask for changes like "less walking" or "more food".
Build my personalized Paris plan
This 5-day itinerary is a starting point. Planawai's AI trip planner rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and who you travel with, with a map and cost estimate for every day. Free to start.