Paris 5 Day Itinerary

Paris 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Exploring the Heart of Paris

  • Stay: Hotel de Ville (City Hall) area or Marais District. Convenient for transportation and a lively neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and shops. Hotel de Ville is a popular choice.

  • Breakfast: Start your day at Café Charlot in the Marais district, known for its delicious pastries and traditional French breakfast options.

  • Activities:

    • Visit Notre Dame Cathedral. Although under renovation, the outside is still a sight to behold.
    • Take a stroll along Sienne River towards Louvre Museum. Admire the iconic glass pyramid and its surroundings. (Note: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.)
    • Explore the Marais District, where you can find ancient architecture, trendy boutiques, and charming cafes. Don’t miss Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bistrot Paul Bert in the Marais district, known for its high-quality French cuisine.

Day 2 - Art & History

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at a local bakery or café in the Marais district.

  • Activities:

    • Visit Musée d’Orsay, home to numerous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
    • Stroll through Tuileries Garden towards the Eiffel Tower. You can choose to ascend the tower or simply enjoy its beauty from the ground.
    • Visit Champs de Mars for a picnic lunch with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
    • Explore the Eiffel Tower’s surrounding neighborhood, including the Science Museum and the Rodin Museum.

  • Dinner: Dine at Le Jules Verne or 58 Tour Eiffel, both located inside the Eiffel Tower for a unique experience.

Day 3 - Modern & Offbeat Paris

  • Breakfast: Visit Café des Arts near the Palais-Royal, known for its stunning art-deco interior and delicious pastries.

  • Activities:

    • Explore the modern Palais-Royal, featuring contemporary art installations and a beautiful garden.
    • Wander through the hipster neighborhood of Canal St-Martin and the trendy boutiques along Rue de Charonne.
    • Visit the Centre Pompidou, a modern art museum with an iconic exterior design.
    • Check out the vibrant street art scene in the Belleville district.

  • Dinner: Have dinner at Le Perchoir Marais, offering a rooftop view of Paris and innovative French cuisine.

Day 4 - Day Trip to Versailles

  • Breakfast: Pick up pastries or sandwiches from a bakery in the Marais district for your day trip to Versailles.

  • Activities:

    • Visit the Château de Versailles, including the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s hamlet. (Note: Check the opening hours and plan accordingly.)

  • Return to Paris and have a relaxed evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a casual meal at Bouillon Chartier, a historic brasserie with affordable prices in the Opera district.
    • Nightlife: Experience the lively atmosphere of Rue Oberkampf or Bastille.

Day 5 - Shopping & Farewell Paris

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at a local café or head to Ladurée in the Champs Elysées district for their famous macarons.

  • Activities:

    • Spend the morning shopping on the iconic Champs Elysées.
    • Visit the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy the panoramic view of Paris from its observation deck.
    • Head to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann or Printemps Haussmann for upscale shopping experiences with stunning architecture.

  • Lunch: Have a final meal at Au Passage, a charming restaurant near the Grands Boulevards, before departing Paris.