While there is always more to see and explore in Paris, five days in Paris can be enough time for your first-time visit to the city. With five days, you can see many of the famous landmarks and attractions, experience the local culture, and get a sense of the city’s history.
During our five-day Paris trip, we visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles, and the Catacombs of Paris, among other iconic sites. We also explored Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Of course, the amount of time you spend at each attraction and the pace at which you travel is up to you. You might move slower than we did. You might prefer to take their time and really soak in the culture. Either way, with five days in Paris, you can definitely have a fulfilling and enjoyable first-time visit.
Transportation in Paris
Paris has an extensive public transportation system that makes it easy to move around the city. Here are some options:
Metro: The metro is the quickest and most efficient way to get around Paris. It is a network of 16 lines that connect the city’s various neighborhoods and landmarks. You can purchase tickets at metro stations or using a Paris Visite Pass.
Bus: Paris also has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Buses run less frequently than the metro, but they can be a good option if you want to see the city from above ground. Bus tickets can be purchased on board or using a Paris Visite Pass.
RER: The RER is a regional train system that connects Paris to its suburbs. It can be a good option if you want to visit places like Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
Taxis: Taxis can be found all over Paris, but they can be expensive and difficult to hail during rush hour. Uber is also available in Paris.
Walking and Biking: Paris is a walkable city, and many of its landmarks and neighborhoods are within walking distance of each other. Biking is also a popular option, and there are many bike rental companies throughout the city.
No matter what mode of transportation you choose, it’s always a good idea to plan your route in advance and check for any service disruptions or delays.
Paris city Pass
The Paris 3-day pass is a great tourist product that offers several advantages. If you are planning to visit more than 5 places, I strongly suggest buying the pass. There are 1-, 3-, and 5-days passes. We bought 3 days pass and saved more than 200 euros with the itinerary below. You can also skip the long lines at many museums and move quickly through the entry process. This can save you a significant amount of time.
5 days in Paris -Itinerary for first time visitors
Day 1
We landed in Paris late afternoon, took taxi to the hotel, dropped the luggage and headed straight to the Musée d’Orsay.
The Musée d’Orsay
The museum houses art and sculptures from the period between 1848 and 1914. The museum is famous for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, and Van Gogh. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, except on Mondays. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in lines.
We spent about 2,5 hours in the museum and headed to Acr de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe
This is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. It was built to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for a panoramic view of the city. It is open from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm, and it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
After Arc de Triomphe we walked to the Eiffel Tower, the walk is about 25 minutes, you can take a taxi if you like.
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris and one of the most visited landmarks in the world. Visitors can take an elevator or stairs to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. It is open from 9:00 am to 12:45 am, and it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Champs-Élysées
Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, known for its luxury shops, cafes, and theaters. It is a great place for a leisurely walk and to soak in the Parisian atmosphere.
Dinner: Crepes are a must-try food in Paris. There are many places to try crepes, but some of the best places are La Crêperie de Josselin and Breizh Café.
Day 2
Day trip to Versailles
Versailles is a city located outside Paris and is famous for its Palace of Versailles, which was the residence of French kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has beautiful gardens and fountains. You can take a train from Paris to Versailles and spend a day exploring the palace and gardens.
Day 3
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palace of Justice, and Conciergerie.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a famous cathedral in Paris and is known for its Gothic architecture. The Palace of Justice is a historic building that houses the Court of Appeals and the Court of Cassation. The Conciergerie is a former prison that was used during the French Revolution. You can buy a combined ticket for all three attractions.
Sainte Chapelle
It is a stunning Gothic chapel famous for its stained-glass windows. It was built in the 13th century and is a must-visit attraction in Paris. It is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Day 4
The Louvre
The Louvre is a world-renowned art museum located in Paris, France. It is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, with over 38,000 objects on display and attracting approximately 10 million visitors annually. I strongly suggest to visit Louvre even if you have just half day.
How to make the most our of your half day visit to Louvre
The history of the Louvre dates back to the late 12th century, when King Philip II of France built a fortress on the site. Over the centuries, the building was expanded and repurposed several times, serving as a royal palace, a prison, and a government office before being transformed into a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution.
The Louvre’s collection initially consisted of art seized from the French monarchy and the Catholic Church, but it has since grown through acquisitions and donations. Today, the museum’s collection includes works from a wide range of cultures and time periods, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, Greek and Roman sculptures, European paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, and Islamic art.
In addition to its extensive collection, the Louvre is also known for its iconic glass pyramid entrance, which was designed by architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1989. The museum has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of a new wing in 2012 to house the Islamic art collection
Sorbonne University and Latin Quarter
Sorbonne University is one of the oldest universities in Europe and is famous for its contribution to education and research.
The Latin Quarter is a historic district in Paris and is known for its lively atmosphere, cafes, and bookshops. Visitors can also see the gargoyles on the buildings in the area.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica:
Montmartre is a historic district in Paris that is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, cafes, and street artists. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a beautiful church located at the top of the hill that offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can take a funicular or climb the stairs to reach the top.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a neoclassical building that houses the remains of many famous French people, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo. Visitors can climb to the top for a great view of the city.
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg) is a public park located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. It covers 23 hectares and is known for its beautifully manicured gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
Day 5
Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs are underground tunnels that house the remains of over six million people. It is a unique and eerie experience that is not for the faint-hearted. I suggest booking tickets in advance as only a limited number of visitors are allowed in at a time.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
A historic cemetery that is the final resting place of many famous people, including Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. It is a peaceful place to walk and reflect.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is located in a beautiful 17th-century mansion and houses a large collection of works by Pablo Picasso. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures, and ceramics by the famous artist.
Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a complex of buildings that houses museums and monuments related to the military history of France. Visitors can see the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and learn about the history of the French army.
Overall, this five-day itinerary allows visitors to explore the best of Paris, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in lines and to make the most of your time in the city.
