Paris, France
5 Days in Paris: A Romantic, Stress-Free Itinerary
From Montmartre to Versailles with plenty of time to wander.
Paris is a walking city, so this five-day plan blends the big icons with slow afternoons in cafés and markets. Each day is meant to wind down early so you can linger over dinner or stroll along the Seine.
Book the must-see museums (Louvre, Orsay, Eiffel Tower) ahead of time and visit Versailles on a weekday to dodge weekend lines. The metro is quick and cheap; a Navigo Easy card or a 10-pack of t+ tickets covers the whole trip.
The plan keeps a buffer hour every evening, because the best Paris moments are usually unscripted: a tiny bakery, a bridge with street musicians, a bookshop open after dinner.
In this itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and a first stroll along the Seine
Land, drop bags and warm up with a walk from Île de la Cité to Saint-Germain. Early dinner near the hotel to ease the jet lag.
- Notre-Dame from outside and Sainte-Chapelle if still open
- Apéro at Le Bar du Marché
- Light brasserie dinner in Saint-Germain
Day 2
Louvre, Tuileries and the Marais
Morning at the Louvre focused on three galleries (don't try to see it all), afternoon in the Tuileries and dinner in the Marais.
- Early Louvre entry with timed slot
- Coffee at Angelina or Carette
- Sunset stroll across Place des Vosges
Day 3
Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro at sunset
Morning at Musée d'Orsay, lunch around Rue Cler and a sunset climb up the Eiffel Tower.
- Booked top floor at the Eiffel Tower
- Picnic in the Champ de Mars with cheese from Rue Cler
- Sunset from the Trocadéro terrace
Day 4
Day trip to Versailles
Full day at Versailles: palace, gardens and the Trianon. Back to Paris for a quiet dinner.
- Catch RER C before 8:30 to skip the line
- Reserve the official audio guide
- Hall of Mirrors before noon
Day 5
Montmartre and farewell
Slow morning in Montmartre, lunch with a view and shopping before heading to the airport.
- Sacré-Cœur at first light
- Coffee on Place du Tertre
- Shopping in the Marais or along Rue de Bretagne
Key tips
- Buy timed-entry tickets for the Louvre, Orsay and the Eiffel Tower at least two weeks ahead.
- The 4-day Museum Pass pays off if you visit more than three major museums.
- Many Marais streets go car-free on Sunday mornings — plan a slow breakfast outside.
- Bring well-broken-in shoes; you will easily walk 12-15 km per day.
- Reserve dinner: small restaurants fill up after 19:30.
- Save Versailles for Tuesday or Thursday; it's closed on Mondays and crowded on weekends.
Frequently asked
Is five days enough for Paris?
Yes, for the essentials and the vibe. If you want to add Giverny, Reims or Mont Saint-Michel, stretch to six or seven days.
Metro or taxi?
The metro is fastest and cheapest. Save taxis for airport runs with luggage or late dinners on the Left Bank.
Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, especially for the top floor. Book at least two weeks out and choose a late-afternoon slot for sunset photos.
Is the Museum Pass worth it?
If you visit the Louvre, Orsay, l'Orangerie and the Pompidou, the 4-day pass saves money and skips most lines.