How to Spend 5 days in Paris: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay
You’re planning to spend 5 days in Paris and you’re looking for the best itinerary?
You’re in the right place!
In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 5-day itinerary in Paris.
During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées avenue, Notre Dame de Paris cathedral as well as numerous hidden gems less known to tourists.
In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.
So, how to spend 5 days in Paris? Where to stay?
Let’s find out!
Sommaire
- How to Spend 5 days in Paris: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay
- How to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time!) at Paris’s tourist attractions
- One Last Tip for a Perfect 5-day Stay in Paris
- Paris in 5 days: the best itinerary
- Where to stay in Paris
- Map of your 5 days itinerary in Paris
- You’re traveling to France? These articles will help you!
How to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time!) at Paris’s tourist attractions
As you probably know, Paris is one of the most touristic cities in the world.
So you should be prepared to wait in line for a few hours in front of the most emblematic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum.
But….that was before reading my travel guide! 😁
I have 2 solutions that will allow you to save a lot of time during your 5 days trip to Paris.
1. The Paris City Card
The first solution to save time during your 5-day itinerary is to purchase the “Paris City Card”, also called “Paris City Pass”.
100% digital, the city pass is sent to you by email: there is no need to go get any physical ticket in Paris.
You will directly have access to all your skip the line tickets for Paris’s most famous tourist attractions!
Here is what’s included in the Paris Tourist Card:
- The Eiffel Tower (or the Tour Montparnasse, but less interesting!) – visit planned for the 1st day of this itinerary
- Louvre Museum or Versailles Castle (you will visit the Louvre on the 3rd day)
- Cruise on the Seine River (1st day)
- Audio guide of Paris: you get the app on your smartphone
- 10% discount on many other attractions in Paris
To purchase your Paris Tourist Card, simply click on the button below:
2. Fast track tickets for Paris’s best tourist attractions
If you don’t want to buy the Paris Explorer Pass to visit Paris in 5 days, you can also buy skip-the-line tickets for each attraction separately.
You can purchase skip the line tickets for all the best places to visit and activities for Paris.
You can also book all your guided visits in advance.
If you book your tickets and activities through the links I give you in this guide, you will avoid a lot of unnecessary waiting and save money.
Here is the list of the best skip-the-line tickets for your 5 days stay in Paris:
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Seine Dinner Cruise
- Montmartre Walking Tour
- Montmartre Food Tour
- Moulin Rouge Show
- Moulin Rouge Dinner Show
- Louvre Museum
- Hôtel des Invalides & Army Museum
- Rodin Museum
- Notre Dame Cathedral Guided Tour
- Versailles Palace
- Versailles Day Trip
- Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
- Disneyland Paris 2-Day Ticket
- Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip
- Champagne Region Day Trip
- Loire Valley Castles Tour with Wine Tasting
- Loire Valley Three Castles Tour
- D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy
If you want to book other activities in Paris, you should always use these 2 reliable and safe websites:
One Last Tip for a Perfect 5-day Stay in Paris
If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.
As Paris is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.
As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.
You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Paris by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅
So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in Paris.
And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!
It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.
To check the best hotels deals in Paris, simply click on the green button below:
After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!
Paris in 5 days: the best itinerary
Let’s now start your 5-day Paris itinerary.
For each day, I will tell you everything you need to know about the places you will visit + give you a map that will help you visualize the itinerary a bit better.
I’m assuming you will be staying in Paris for 6 full days, and that you have bought the Paris City Card or Skip-the-Line Tickets.
It’s the best way to save time and see as many tourist attractions as possible during your 5 days stay!
If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.
So, what are the best places to visit in Paris in 5 days?
Day 1: The iconic sights of Paris
Day 1 visits:
A. Avenue des Champs-Elysées
B. Arc de Triomphe
C. Place du Trocadéro
D. Champ de Mars
E. Eiffel Tower
F. Seine River Cruise or dinner cruise
A. Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Start your Parisian adventure at the intersection of Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne. You’ll find yourself in one of the most prestigious areas of Paris!
To make the most of your visit, you should arrive around 9:30 AM. This way, you’ll avoid most of the crowds and have enough time to explore each spot properly.
The shops usually open at 10 AM, so you can start with a nice walk and then do some shopping later.
Walking up the Champs-Élysées, you’ll discover luxury boutiques, famous cafés, and elegant buildings. Trust me, you’ll love the atmosphere here!
My favorite spots along the avenue include:
- Ladurée pastry shop – Their macarons are simply incredible!
- Louis Vuitton flagship store: Even if you’re not shopping, the architecture alone is worth a look!
- Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, the famous shopping center
You should really avoid eating at the tourist restaurants on the Champs-Élysées – they’re overpriced and usually disappointing.
B. Arc de Triomphe
At the top of the Champs-Élysées, you’ll reach the magnificent Arc de Triomphe.
This impressive monument stands at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues converge.
You should really climb to the top, it’s one of my favorite viewpoints in Paris!
You will see, the panorama from up there is incredible, with the 12 avenues radiating out like a star.
To access the Arc de Triomphe, don’t try to cross the roundabout! Look for the underground passage on the Champs-Élysées side.
To go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you should really book your skip the line tickets in advance by clicking on the green button below:
C. Place du Trocadéro
From the Arc de Triomphe, take Avenue Kléber to reach Place du Trocadéro.
This is where you will get the most iconic view of the Eiffel Tower!
The large esplanade offers the perfect photo opportunity, and you’ll often find street performers adding to the lively atmosphere. Personnally I love coming here early in the morning when there are fewer people around.
Be careful, there are many pickpockets and scammers around the Trocadéro and Eiffel Tower. So always keep an eye on your belongings and ignore unsollicited offers or approaches from strangers.
D. Champ de Mars
Walking down from Trocadéro, cross the Seine via the Pont d’Iéna and enter the beautiful Champ de Mars.
This vast green space is the perfect spot for a picnic with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower.
The gardens stretch for almost a kilometer, offering different perspectives of the Iron Lady. There, you’ll see lots of locals here enjoying picnics on sunny days, so why not stop at a bakery, grab sandwiches, and join them?
E. Eiffel Tower
It’s now time for the highlight of your first day – visiting the Eiffel Tower!
Standing 324 meters tall, this iconic monument offers 3 different viewing platforms for visitors.
My favorite part is the second floor, where you can really appreciate the tower’s incredible engineering while enjoying spectacular views of Paris. The top floor is amazing too, and you can even toast with champagne at the champagne bar!
To avoid long queues, you absolutely must book your tickets in advance!
I recommend booking a summit access ticket, it’s worth the extra cost to go all the way to the top and you’re not in Paris every day!
The best time to visit is about 30-40 minutes before sunset, this way, you can see Paris both in daylight and after dark when the city lights up.
You’ll see, it’s magical!
Access to the Eiffel Tower is included in the Paris City Card.
If you don’t have the pass, you need to purchase your skip-the-line ticket here:
F. Seine River Cruise (or Dinner Cruise!)
End your first day in Paris with a Parisian classic: a cruise along the Seine River.
You can choose between a sightseeing cruise or treat yourself to a magical dinner cruise!
There’s nothing quite like seeing the City of Light from the water. And if you opt for the dinner cruise, you’ll enjoy classic French cuisine while admiring the illuminated monuments.
As you glide past illuminated monuments, you’ll see Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and of course, the sparkling Eiffel Tower.
A Seine River Cruise is included in the Paris City Card. If you don’t have the city pass, you need to book your sightseeing cruise by clicking here.
And if you prefer to opt for a dinner cruise, you need to book it in advance by clicking on the green button below:
Day 2: Montmartre & Opera District
Day 2 visits:
A. Square Louise Michel
B. Basilica of the Sacred Heart
C. Place du Tertre
D. Montmartre
E. Pigalle
F. Moulin Rouge
G. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
H. Palais Garnier
A. Square Louise Michel
To start your second day in Paris, let’s head to Square Louise Michel, the perfect spot to begin your exploration of Montmartre district.
This beautiful green space leads directly to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and offers stunning views of Paris.
You have 2 options to reach the top: either climb the famous 222 steps or take the funicular, which costs one metro ticket.
If possible, try to arrive early (around 8:30 AM) to avoid the crowds and enjoy the morning light. The square is particularly beautiful in the early morning when local Parisians are out walking their dogs or jogging up and down the stairs.
To make the most of your visit to Montmartre, you should book a guided walking tour with a local guide. Simply click here for more info and to book.
And if you’re a food lover, there is an excellent food tour that will allow you to try some of the best cheese, wine and pastries of Paris!
You need to book it by clicking on the green button below:
B. Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Basilique du Sacré-Coeur)
The magnificent Sacré-Coeur stands proudly at the summit of Montmartre.
This impressive white basilica is visible from many parts of Paris and offers one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Inside, don’t miss the stunning 475m² mosaic in the chancel, one of the largest in the world! The religious artwork depicts Christ with open arms, along with various saints and historical figures.
The basilica is open everyday and the entrance is free!
C. Place du Tertre
Just a few steps from the Sacré-Coeur, you’ll find the charming Place du Tertre, the beating heart of Montmartre’s artistic community.
This cobblestone square is filled with artists painting portraits and landscapes.
Around 140 artists share the square, working on alternate days. You can have your portrait done or purchase an original painting of Paris. You can’t get a more authentic souvenir from your trip!
Most artists start working around 10 AM. If you want your portrait done, you should walk around first to check different artists’ styles and agree on the price beforehand.
D. Montmartre
Take time to explore the charming streets of Montmartre. This historic neighborhood has preserved its village-like atmosphere and holds some of Paris’s most picturesque spots.
Don’t miss these hidden gems that I absolutely love:
- La Maison Rose – this iconic pink house is perfect for photos
- Rue de l’Abreuvoir – one of the prettiest streets in Paris
- Montmartre Vineyard – yes, there’s an actual vineyard in Paris!
- ‘I Love You’ Wall – where “I love you” is written in 250 languages
E. Pigalle
Walking down from Montmartre, you’ll reach Pigalle, a neighborhood famous for its vibrant nightlife and interesting mix of cultures.
Once notorious, it’s now becoming one of Paris’s trendiest areas.
The area is home to some great vintage shops, music stores and… numerous love stores/sex-shops.
You should also check out South Pigalle (nicknamed SoPi by locals) for its cool bars and restaurants. The area is much more charming than the touristy section near Moulin Rouge!
And if you’re looking for a nice cocktail bar to spend a part of the evening, I recommend you “LAO Pigalle”, located 7 rue du Drouai.
F. Moulin Rouge
The world-famous Moulin Rouge has been the home of the French cancan since 1889. Its iconic red windmill is one of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks.
If you want to see a show, expect spectacular costumes, impressive dance numbers, and acrobatic performances. The current show, “Féerie,” features over 100 artists, including the famous Doriss Girls!
If you want to see a show, book well in advance!
You need to book the show only ticket by clicking here.
And if you prefer to opt for the diner show, it needs to be booked by clicking on the button below:
Pro tip: The late show (11 PM) is usually less crowded and slightly cheaper.
G. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Head to the Opera district to visit this stunning Art Nouveau department store. The highlight is its magnificent glass dome, which has been amazing visitors since 1912.
Don’t miss the rooftop terrace – it offers one of my favorite free views of Paris! You can see the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier, and even Montmartre from up here.
Visit the rooftop just before sunset for the best photos. And don’t miss the weekly fashion show (every Friday at 3 PM) – it’s the perfect way to experience Parisian fashion! Book your spot on their website in advance.
H. Palais Garnier
End your day at the magnificent Palais Garnier, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. The building is simply stunning, with its grand staircase and ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.
The interior is absolutely breathtaking – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a royal palace! My favorite part is the grand foyer, with its stunning ceiling mirrors and chandeliers. You’ll see, it’s incredibly impressive!
Take a self-guided tour with an audio guide to learn about the building’s fascinating history and architecture. If you’re interested in seeing a performance, book tickets months in advance on the Opera’s official website.
For dinner, try Bouillon Chartier nearby – it’s a historic restaurant serving traditional French cuisine at reasonable prices. The Art Nouveau décor alone is worth the visit!
Day 3: Art, History & Elegance
Day 3 visits:
A. Louvre Museum
B. Tuileries Garden
C. Place Vendôme
D. Place de la Concorde
E. Petit Palais
F. Grand Palais
G. Pont Alexandre III
H. Hôtel des Invalides, Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb Or Rodin Museum
A. Louvre Museum
Start your day early at the world’s largest art museum. To make the most of your visit, head straight to the Denon Wing, where you’ll find many of the museum’s masterpieces.
Don’t miss these must-see highlights:
- The Mona Lisa in Room 711
- The Venus de Milo in Room 346
- The Winged Victory of Samothrace in Room 703
Access to the Louvre Museum is included in the Paris City Card (if you choose this option).
If you don’t have the pass, you need to purchase your skip-the-line ticket here:
Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening time to avoid the longest queues. The best entrance is through the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance – it’s usually less crowded than the Pyramid entrance.
B. Tuileries Garden
After the Louvre, take a refreshing walk through the Tuileries Garden. This beautiful French formal garden offers the perfect spot to rest and enjoy the scenery.
You’ll find lovely flower arrangements that change with the seasons, and plenty of those iconic green metal chairs where you can sit and relax.
C. Place Vendôme
Next, head to the prestigious Place Vendôme, famous for its luxury jewelry stores and the iconic Vendôme Column. The column, made from melted enemy cannons, was erected by Napoleon to commemorate the battle of Austerlitz.
The square is home to the famous Ritz Hotel and some of the world’s most prestigious jewelry houses.
The best time to visit is in the morning when the sun illuminates the square beautifully. Even if you’re not shopping, the window displays are worth admiring.
D. Place de la Concorde
Continue to the largest square in Paris, dominated by the 3,000-year-old Luxor Obelisk. The square offers views of the Tuileries Garden on one side and the Champs-Élysées on the other.
Don’t miss the two magnificent fountains representing maritime and river navigation.
E. Petit Palais
The Petit Palais houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.
What I love most about this museum is its stunning architecture and the fact that it’s completely free to visit the permanent collections!
Inside, you’ll discover an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The building itself is a masterpiece, with its beautiful garden café ( “Café 1902”) – one of Paris’s best-kept secrets.
F. Grand Palais
Right across from the Petit Palais stands its bigger sibling, the Grand Palais. This magnificent building is famous for its massive glass roof and art nouveau architecture.
The Grand Palais hosts major exhibitions and events throughout the year. You’ll see, the main hall with its glass ceiling is absolutely spectacular – it’s one of my favorite architectural features in Paris!
You can visit parts of the Grand Palais for free all year round. It’s worth checking out for its unique architecture!
G. Pont Alexandre III
Next, walk across the most ornate bridge in Paris. The Pont Alexandre III connects the Grand Palais to the Invalides and offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.
Look for the golden winged horses and art nouveau lamps that decorate the bridge. This is for sure one of the most photogenic spots in Paris – especially during sunset when the golden decorations shine beautifully!
For the perfect photo, go on the right bank, facing the Invalides, and snap an epic shot with the Eiffel Tower in the background!
H. Hôtel des Invalides or Rodin Museum
For your final stop, you have 2 excellent options.
The Hôtel des Invalides houses the impressive Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb. The golden dome is simply stunning, and the military history collection is fascinating.
You need to book your tickets by clicking here.
Alternatively, you can visit the Rodin Museum, housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion.
The highlight here is the gorgeous garden where you can see “The Thinker” and other famous sculptures. It’s one of my favorite museums in Paris!
Tickets to Rodin museum needs to be booked here.
For dinner, try the nearby Rue Cler area – it’s full of authentic French restaurants and has a wonderful local atmosphere.
Day 4: Historic Heart of Paris
Day 4 visits:
A. Rue Cremieux
B. Place des Vosges
C. Le Marais
D. The Pompidou Center
E. City Hall
F. Notre-Dame Cathedral
G. Latin Quarter
H. Luxembourg Garden
I. Orsay Museum
A. Rue Cremieux
Start your day early at Rue Cremieux, Paris’s most colorful street.
This charming 144-meter pedestrian street is lined with pastel-painted houses that create a perfect photo opportunity.
Visit between 9-11 AM when the street is quieter and you’ll have better chances for photos. Remember this is a residential area, so please be respectful of the locals.
Look for house number 8, where you’ll find a plaque commemorating the Great Flood of 1910.
B. Place des Vosges
Continue to the oldest planned square in Paris. Built between 1605 and 1612, this perfectly symmetrical square features beautiful red brick buildings with blue slate roofs.
You can visit the Victor Hugo Museum at number 6 – it’s free to enter! The arcades around the square house some excellent art galleries and cafés.
And if you need a break, the central garden is perfect for a rest on one of the benches.
C. Le Marais
From the Place des Vosges, head to Le Marais, one of Paris’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.
This district perfectly blends medieval architecture with trendy boutiques and cafés.
Don’t miss the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’s oldest covered market, where you can sample various cuisines. It’s the perfect spot for an early lunch!
D. The Pompidou Center
Next, head to the Pompidou Center, an iconic building that houses Europe’s largest collection of modern art.
Don’t forget to go up to the top floor for spectacular views of Paris.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
E. City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
The magnificent neo-renaissance building of Paris’s City Hall is a architectural masterpiece.
While the interior is only open during special events, the exterior is stunning enough to make it worth passing by.
The square in front of the building often hosts seasonal events – in winter there’s an ice skating rink, and in summer you might find art installations or outdoor exhibitions.
F. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Located on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
Its iconic twin towers, intricate façade, and stunning rose windows make it a must-see during your 5 days trip to Paris. Inside, you can admire the soaring vaulted ceilings and the play of light through the stained glass. The cathedral’s great organ and the crown of thorns relic are among its many treasures.
The cathedral is open daily from early morning until evening.
Entry is free, however you can make the most of your visit by booking a guided tour.
Depending on the guided tour you opt for, you will even be able to visit the Sainte-Chapelle and the Crypt!
You can find all guided tours available for Notre Dame Cathedral by clicking on the green button below:
H. Luxembourg Garden
Take a break in these beautiful gardens, the second largest public park in Paris.
Created in 1612, the gardens feature stunning flowerbeds, tree-lined promenades, and the magnificent Luxembourg Palace.
You’ll see locals playing pétanque, children sailing toy boats on the central pond, and students reading on the iconic green chairs.
It’s a great spot to experience authentic Parisian life!
So grab one of the famous green chairs and relax near the central fountain. Just keep in mind that the garden closes at sunset, so check the closing times beforehand.
I. Orsay Museum
If you wish to visit another museum, you can end your day at the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a beautiful former railway station.
This museum holds the world’s largest collection of Impressionist masterpieces.
During your visit, don’t miss the iconic clock on the top floor – it offers a unique photo opportunity!
The museum’s collection includes works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.
Day 5: Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris or Day Trip
For the 5th day of your trip, you have the choice between going to the Palace of Versailles, spending a day at Disneyland Paris or doing a day trip from Paris.
Option 1 : Palace of Versailles
On your 5th day in Paris, it’s time to step into royal history with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, one of the world’s most magnificent palaces.
Located about 40 minutes from central Paris by train, Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the residence of French kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI.
As you approach, you’ll be impressed by the palace’s golden gates and grand Baroque façade.
Inside, don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors-a breathtaking gallery lined with 357 mirrors, glittering chandeliers, and stunning views of the gardens.
You can also wander through the State Apartments, where you’ll see lavishly decorated rooms, intricate frescoes, and royal furnishings that reflect the opulence of the French monarchy.
To make the most of your visit, you really need to book a skip-the-line ticket or guided tour. Versailles is extremely popular, and you really don’t want to wait for 2 hours before getting in!
Ideally, you should arrive early in the morning to enjoy the palace before the crowds arrive.
Access to the Versailles Palace is included in the Paris City Card (if you choose this option).
If you don’t have the pass, you need to purchase your skip-the-line ticket here:
The ticket will grant you access to the whole palace, including the Grand Trianon, The Queen’s Hamlet and Versailles Garden.
And if you prefer to opt for a day trip to Versailles with transport included, click the button below:
Option 2: Disneyland Paris
To end your trip to Paris in style, you can spend a day at Disneyland Paris. The resort consists of 2 theme parks:
- The classic Disneyland Park
- Walt Disney Studios Park
If you only have one day, I recommend focusing on Disneyland Park. It’s the more complete experience and offers the most iconic Disney attractions. Here are the must-do attractions:
- Big Thunder Mountain – Go here first thing in the morning
- Space Mountain – One of the park’s most thrilling rides!
- Pirates of the Caribbean – A classic Disney experience
- Peter Pan’s Flight – Perfect for families
- Phantom Manor – The park’s haunted mansion
To make the most of your one-day visit:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before park opening
- Head first to Big Thunder Mountain or Peter Pan’s Flight
- Use lunch hours (12-2 PM) for popular rides, when queues are shorter
- Book your restaurant in advance if you want table service dining
- Stay until closing to enjoy the spectacular nighttime show
1-day tickets to Disneyland Paris needs to be booked here:
Option 3: The Best Day Trips from Paris
Want to discover some of the best tourist attractions of France from Paris?
That’s also possible!
In that case, you should opt for a day trip with transport and guide included.
To help you out, here is my selection of the best day trips from Paris. Simply click on the orange links below for more information:
- Guided Tour of Versailles Palace: Discover the magnificent Palace of Versailles with a knowledgeable guide. Visit the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and explore the beautiful French gardens. This half-day tour includes skip-the-line tickets and transportation from Paris.
- Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site at your own pace. Explore the medieval abbey, wander through the narrow streets, and learn about the fascinating history of this tidal island. Transportation from Paris and entrance to the abbey are included.
- Champagne Region Day Trip: Spend a day exploring the famous Champagne region. Visit prestigious champagne houses, discover the wine-making process, and enjoy multiple champagne tastings! The tour includes visits to both large champagne houses and small local producers.
- Loire Valley Castles Tour with Wine Tasting: Visit the most beautiful Renaissance castles, including Chambord and Chenonceau. Enjoy wine tasting in a family-owned château and learn about the region’s rich history. Perfect for history and wine lovers!
- Loire Valley Three Castles Tour: Discover three magnificent castles in one day: Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise. This tour includes lunch at a local restaurant and gives you plenty of time to explore each castle.
- D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy: Visit the historic D-Day sites including Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc. This tour includes transportation from Paris and lunch in a typical Norman restaurant.
Where to stay in Paris
Now that you know how to visit Paris in 5 days, you will need to find a hotel.
In order to help you out, here are my favorite hotels of the city, each in a different price category.
And as always, if you already know your travel dates, book your hotel right now! In Paris, the best hotels are fully booked very quickly.
So if you don’t want to end up with a very expensive mediocre room, book your hotel now by clicking on the orange links below:
- Kyriad Paris 18 – Porte de Clignancourt – Montmartre: Here, you’re only 1 km away from the Montmartre Museum and the Sacré Cœur. The Porte de Clignancourt metro station, right opposite the hotel, offers direct access to Ile de la Cité and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Rooms are simple, some with garden views, starting at 90€. Strong points: close to the metro, comfortable beds. A great choice for its excellent value for money!
- Au Pacific Hotel: Nestled on a tranquil street, only 15 minutes on foot from the Eiffel Tower. Simple yet cozy rooms start at €160 a night, with breakfast for €7. Strong points include: rooms with terraces, airport shuttle, and superb staff. You can’t find cheaper next to the Eiffel Tower!
- Elysées Ceramic: Just 5 minutes from the Champs Elysées, this venue offers bright double rooms with views over the terrace or Arc de Triomphe starting at 160€ per night, plus 15€ for breakfast. Strong points: commendable service, quality bedding, superb location. The best hotel for an affordable Champs Elysées experience!
- Hôtel Montecristo: Located 1.9 km from Notre-Dame Cathedral and 3 km from the Louvre Museum, this hotel blends art deco with a new art style, featuring rooms full of flavor from 320€ per night, plus 16€ for breakfast. Strong points: indoor pool, exquisite decor, facility quality. A luxurious option in the Latin Quarter boasting great amenities!
- Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: A 4-star hotel right at the base of the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro, mere 3 km from the Louvre and close to a metro station. Contemporary, bright rooms, some with balconies boasting Eiffel Tower views, are bookable from €430 a night. Strong points: diverse breakfast options (gluten-free, vegetarian, Asian), spectacular city panoramas from rooms, fitness center. Perfect for a romantic Parisian getaway!
- Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa: This opulent five-star hotel sits on Place des Vosges, a mere 400 meters from Place de la Bastille and adjacent to Maison Victor Hugo. Offering elegant, peaceful, and plush rooms from €560 per night. Strong points: complimentary access to the gym and spa with jacuzzi and hammam, concierge and valet services, free private parking on-site. The crème de la crème for a luxe Marais experience in Paris!
- Shangri-La Hotel Paris: This 5-star retreat faces the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, offering a chance to stay in Prince Bonaparte’s old residence! Luxurious rooms with bespoke furniture and Asian art accents start at a steep €1000 per night. Strong points: three Michelin-starred restaurants, unparalleled Eiffel Tower views from the rooms, a spectacular indoor swimming pool. Certainly among Paris’s most prestigious hotels for an unforgettable night!
The Ritz: For an extraordinary stay in the heart of Paris, you should indulge in a night at the world-famous 5-star Ritz! Located in Place Vendôme, half a kilometer from the Tuileries Garden, this hotel offers sumptuous, elegant, and supremely comfortable rooms from 1,000€. A pinnacle of French luxury, the Ritz also features an impressive indoor pool, garden, and wellness center. The most opulent palace to reside in while in Paris.
Map of your 5 days itinerary in Paris
To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 5 days in Paris, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day. You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.
You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book entrance tickets and guided visits
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Book your rental boat
🌍 Take a travel insurance
🙎 Book a tour
🚅 Book your train tickets
✈️ Book your flight
France travel Guides
- Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
- Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
You’re traveling to France? These articles will help you!
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Discussion2 Comments
Thanks, I like your 5 days in Paris guide. My question is we are a group of 8 women and I like the idea of the bateau mouche trip that lasts 1 hour 10 mins and is flexible as departs every hour from Pont d’Alma. There is a sparkling cruise option which includes a half bottle of champagne for each person. I am not clear how to book this as the option does not appear when I try to book. Are you able to assist please?
Hi Samantha,
First of all thank you, I am glad my 5-day itinerary in Paris is helping you to plan your stay!
I have just checked the sparkling cruise option here, and you’re right, it doesn’t seem to be available upon booking.
I believe they forgot to change the text on the activity page, and this option is probably only available as an upgrade when you will be on the boat, as they sell drinks on the boat.
What I would do is get the cruise tickets, as it’s the only thing available for online booking, then purchase the champagne on the boat!
Have a great trip to Paris, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!
Vincent