5 Days in Paris Itinerary
The complete Paris experience: iconic landmarks, charming neighbourhoods, and unforgettable day trips
Five days gives you the perfect amount of time to experience Paris properly. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, you will discover charming neighbourhoods, world-class museums, and take unforgettable day trips to Versailles and beyond. This itinerary balances the must-see attractions with hidden gems and plenty of time for leisurely cafe stops. Whether travelling with kids or as a couple, Paris rewards those who slow down and savour each moment.
Day 1: Iconic Paris
Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Seine & Champs-Elysees
Eiffel Tower
Book tickets online at least 2 weeks ahead for summit access. The lift to the top takes 8 minutes. Clear mornings offer the best views across Paris.
Trocadero Gardens
Walk across Pont Iena for the classic Eiffel Tower photo. The fountains and gardens offer beautiful angles and space for kids to run.
Rue Cler Market Street
This pedestrian market street has bakeries, cheese shops, and cafes. Pick up a picnic or sit at a terrace table. Very local, very Parisian.
Seine River Cruise
Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf offer hop-on cruises. An easy way to see major landmarks while resting tired feet.
Champs-Elysees Walk
Stroll from Place de la Concorde up to the Arc de Triomphe. Window shop at flagship stores or stop at Laduree for famous macarons.
Dinner in Saint-Germain
Cross the river to this classic Left Bank neighbourhood. Le Relais de l Entrecote serves only steak-frites, done perfectly.
Eiffel Tower Timing
Sunset visits are popular but sell out months ahead. For families, morning visits work better - kids are fresh and crowds build throughout the day.
Day 2: Art & Culture
Day 2: Louvre, Tuileries & Opera District
Louvre Museum
Enter via Carrousel entrance to avoid pyramid queues. Focus on highlights - Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory. The Egyptian collection captivates children.
Cafe Marly or Tuileries
Cafe Marly has pyramid views but higher prices. The Tuileries Gardens have kiosks with sandwiches and space for picnics.
Tuileries Gardens
Rent a toy sailboat for the fountain, ride the vintage carousel, or watch a Punch and Judy show. Classic Parisian childhood activities.
Palais Royal & Galleries
The striped columns make for fantastic photos. Window shop in the covered passages - Galerie Vivienne is stunning.
Opera District Dinner
Bouillon Chartier serves classic French food in a stunning Belle Epoque dining hall. Affordable and atmospheric.
Museum Pass Worth It?
For 5 days, the Paris Museum Pass (105 GBP 4-day) pays off if you visit Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and one more. It also skips ticket queues.
Day 3: Versailles Day Trip
Day 3: Palace of Versailles & Gardens
Train to Versailles
Take RER C from central Paris to Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche. Trains run every 15 minutes. The walk from station to palace takes 10 minutes.
Palace of Versailles
Arrive when doors open at 9am. The Hall of Mirrors is extraordinary. Royal apartments show how kings and queens lived.
Picnic in Gardens
Buy provisions at the market near the station before entering. The gardens have endless lawn space for picnics.
Gardens & Grand Trianon
The gardens are vast and spectacular. Rent bikes or take the mini-train. Visit Marie Antoinettes Hamlet if time allows.
Train back to Paris
Return by 6pm to rest before dinner. The day is tiring but unforgettable.
Light dinner near hotel
After a big day, a simple dinner works best. Crepes from a local creperie satisfy everyone.
Versailles Crowds
Tuesdays and weekends are busiest due to fountain shows. Wednesdays are often quieter. Book timed entry tickets online in advance.
Day 4: Montmartre & Latin Quarter
Day 4: Artists Village & University District
Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur
Take the funicular up to Sacre-Coeur basilica for panoramic views. Wander Place du Tertre where artists still paint. The area feels like a village within the city.
Moulin Rouge Photo
Walk down to see the famous red windmill. For adults only in evening, but the exterior makes a great photo stop.
Montmartre Cafe
Le Consulat or Pink Mamma offer atmosphere. For budget options, find bakeries on side streets away from Place du Tertre.
Latin Quarter Exploration
Metro to Luxembourg Gardens for the best playground in Paris. Children can ride ponies and sail boats. Walk through Saint-Germain to Shakespeare and Company bookshop.
Notre-Dame Area
The cathedral is still being restored after the fire but the exterior and Ile de la Cite are beautiful. Walk to Berthillon for the best ice cream in Paris.
Dinner in Le Marais
The Jewish quarter has excellent falafel and the gay district has stylish bistros. Vibrant atmosphere perfect for evening wandering.
Best Paris Neighbourhood
Le Marais has it all - history, food, shopping, and atmosphere. Stay here if you can for easy access to everything.
Day 5: Day Trip or Deep Dive
Your final day offers two excellent options depending on your interests.
Day 5: Option A: Giverny & Impressionism
Train to Vernon
Trains depart Saint-Lazare station. From Vernon, a shuttle bus takes 15 minutes to Giverny.
Monets Garden
The waterlilies, Japanese bridge, and flower gardens that inspired Impressionism. Simply magical in spring and summer.
Giverny Village
Several cafes and restaurants in the village. Les Nympheas has garden views.
Return to Paris
Back by 4pm for final Paris wandering.
Farewell Dinner
Splurge on a classic bistro. Le Comptoir or Chez Janou for a memorable final meal.
Day 5: Option B: Paris Deep Dive
Musee d Orsay
Impressionist masterpieces in a stunning former railway station. Less overwhelming than the Louvre and more child-friendly scale.
Cafe Campana inside Orsay
Behind the giant clock, overlooking the Seine. Beautiful setting for a special lunch.
Choose Your Adventure
Options include: Rodin Museum gardens, Canal Saint-Martin neighbourhood walk, or shopping at Le Bon Marche department store.
Eiffel Tower Sparkle
Return to Trocadero for the hourly sparkle show after dark. The tower twinkles for 5 minutes on the hour until 1am.
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Build My Packing ListGetting Around Paris
- Metro - Fast and efficient. Buy carnet of 10 tickets for savings. Kids under 4 free, under 10 half price.
- Walking - Paris is surprisingly walkable. Most central arrondissements are close together.
- RER - Regional trains for Versailles and airports. Same tickets as metro within central zones.
- Buses - Great for seeing the city. Route 69 passes major landmarks.
- Taxis - Use official taxis or Uber. Car seats rarely available so bring your own.
Where to Stay in Paris
- Le Marais (3rd/4th) - Central location, historic charm, excellent food scene. Best all-round choice.
- Saint-Germain (6th) - Classic Left Bank elegance, near Luxembourg Gardens. Higher prices but beautiful.
- Montmartre (18th) - Village atmosphere, lower prices, but removed from main sites.
- Opera/Grands Boulevards (9th) - Good transport links, department stores, mid-range hotels.
- Near Eiffel Tower (7th) - Residential and quiet, but less atmosphere and dining options.
Apartment vs Hotel
Apartments with kitchens save money on breakfasts and allow early dinners for tired children. French supermarkets stock excellent prepared foods.
5-Day Paris Budget
Estimated costs for a family of four:
- Accommodation - 600-1200 GBP (120-240 per night for family room or apartment)
- Attractions - 200-300 GBP (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Orsay, river cruise)
- Food - 400-600 GBP (mix of restaurants, cafes, and picnics)
- Transport - 80-120 GBP (metro tickets, Versailles train)
- Total - 1300-2200 GBP depending on choices
Save Money
Many museums are free first Sunday of the month. Picnic lunches in parks halve your food costs. Water is free at restaurants - ask for une carafe d eau.
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