Paris in Five Days: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
This five-day plan is for travelers who want the classic Parisian mix—world-class art, grand architecture, intimate neighborhoods, and a day trip to Versailles—without the overwhelm. You’ll walk the Marais and Montmartre, queue efficiently at the Louvre, and ride the Metro like a local. Skip the tourist traps, eat where Parisians do, and leave with a sense of the city’s layered history.
The day-by-day plan
Day 1 — Iconic Paris & the Right Bank
Start at the Louvre before the crowds: enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance, hit the Denon Wing for the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, then exit onto Rue de Rivoli for coffee at Café Marly. Afternoon is Île de la Cité: Notre-Dame exterior, Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass, then lunch at Les Deux Palais. Evening stroll to Le Marais via Place des Vosges, dinner at L’As du Fallafel, and a nightcap at Le Perchoir Marais.
- Morning: Louvre (Carrousel entrance) + Denon Wing masterpieces
- Afternoon: Notre-Dame exterior + Sainte-Chapelle + lunch at Les Deux Palais
- Evening: Place des Vosges → dinner at L’As du Fallafel → nightcap at Le Perchoir Marais
Day 2 — Montmartre & the Left Bank
Morning climb to Sacré-Cœur for sunrise views, then wander Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Place du Tertre. Late morning metro to Musée d’Orsay for Impressionist works. Lunch at Bouillon Pigalle. Afternoon explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Shakespeare & Company, Café de Flore, Luxembourg Gardens. Evening Seine sunset from Pont des Arts, dinner at Bouillon République.
- Morning: Sacré-Cœur sunrise + Rue de l’Abreuvoir + Place du Tertre
- Afternoon: Musée d’Orsay + Bouillon Pigalle lunch + Saint-Germain walk
- Evening: Pont des Arts sunset → dinner at Bouillon République
Day 3 — Day Trip to Versailles
Take the RER C from Saint-Michel to Versailles Château. Arrive by 8:30 a.m. to beat the queues; book timed entry online. Tour the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Trianon, and gardens (rent a bike or take the mini-train). Lunch at La Flottille by the Grand Canal. Return to Paris by late afternoon. Evening relax in the Latin Quarter: dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais, then jazz at Caveau de la Huchette.
- Morning: RER C to Versailles Château (timed entry)
- Afternoon: Hall of Mirrors + Grand Trianon + gardens + lunch at La Flottille
- Evening: Latin Quarter dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais → jazz at Caveau de la Huchette
Day 4 — Le Marais Deep Dive & Canal St-Martin
Morning explore Musée Carnavalet (free) and Place des Vosges. Brunch at Holybelly 5. Afternoon wander the Marais’ hidden courtyards and vintage shops, then walk to Canal St-Martin. Evening dinner at Septime, followed by cocktails at Little Red Door.
- Morning: Musée Carnavalet + Place des Vosges
- Afternoon: Marais vintage shops + Canal St-Martin walk
- Evening: Dinner at Septime → cocktails at Little Red Door
Day 5 — Modern Paris & Farewell
Morning visit Centre Pompidou (modern art) and rooftop views. Late morning metro to La Défense for Grande Arche photo stop. Lunch at Le 58 Tour Arche. Afternoon last-minute shopping on Rue de Rivoli or Galerie Lafayette dome. Evening Seine dinner cruise (Bateaux Parisiens) departing 7:30 p.m., then final stroll along the river.
- Morning: Centre Pompidou + rooftop views
- Afternoon: La Défense Grande Arche + shopping on Rue de Rivoli
- Evening: Seine dinner cruise (Bateaux Parisiens)
Where to stay
Choose by budget and vibe:
- Budget: Generator Paris (Latin Quarter, dorms $45–$75, privates $110–$160).
- Mid-range: Hôtel Marignan (Latin Quarter, doubles $180–$240) or Hôtel du Petit Moulin (Le Marais, doubles $250–$320).
- Premium: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre (boutique, doubles $450–$650) or Le Meurice (Louvre views, doubles $800–$1,200).
Budget
| Category | Budget (USD) | Mid-range (USD) | Premium (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | 45–160 | 180–320 | 450–1,200 |
| Food (per day) | 40–70 | 80–150 | 180–300 |
| Transit (5-day Navigo pass) | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Attractions (Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, Pompidou) | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| Misc (tips, drinks, souvenirs) | 30 | 50 | 100 |
| Total 5 days | 570–960 | 1,150–1,700 | 2,500–4,100 |
Practical tips
- Buy the 5-day Navigo Découverte pass (€30) at any Metro/RER station; activate Monday and use zones 1–5 for Versailles. Keep the pass handy—random checks happen.
- Tap-to-pay cards work everywhere; carry €50–€100 cash for small cafés and markets.
- Best season: late April–early June or September–early October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Skip the Eiffel Tower summit; the 2nd-floor view is enough and lines are shorter.
- Book timed Louvre and Versailles tickets online at least 48 hours ahead; Trip.com often has competitive rates for Versailles combined tickets.
The verdict
This itinerary balances must-sees with local flavor—you’ll see the Louvre, Eiffel Tower views, Montmartre charm, and Versailles grandeur without feeling rushed. Stay in the Latin Quarter or Le Marais to be close to food and transit, splurge on one nice dinner, and use the Navigo pass like a pro. Paris rewards curiosity; wander the side streets, linger over wine, and you’ll leave with memories that outlast the Instagram shots.