Only Itinerary For 5 Days in Paris You Need For 2024

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Can a perfect itinerary for 5 days in Paris exist? I think so! 

Spending 5 days in Paris is always a good idea. Whether you want to admire the famous art of Impressionists or stroll through lush gardens, you’ll love the things to see in Paris in 5 days! 

As someone who has lived in France and traveled to Paris extensively, I know how to put together a dream 5 day itinerary for Paris. I’ve visited the City of Lights at various times of the year between the chilly winter months and hot summer days. I’ve explored the hidden gems of the city as well as the popular tourist haunts. So I’ve got you covered! 

Between delicious food, beautiful neighborhoods, and exciting monuments and museums, this five days in Paris itinerary is sure to please anyone. 

Let’s get into it! 

flowers along a sidewalk at the Luxembourg Gardens

Perfect 5 Days in Paris France Trip

Before we dive into all the nitty-gritty details of how to spend 5 days in Paris, here is a quick reference guide you can refer back to at any time while trip planning and traveling! 

Day 1: Arrive and Explore the 1st Arrondissement 

  • Spend a morning walking along the Seine
  • Visit Musee de l’Orangerie
  • Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries 
  • Take a photo at the Palais Royale with the Colonnes de Buren
  • Late afternoon tour of the Louvre
  • Dinner near the Louvre

Day 2: Wander Around the Left Bank

  • Breakfast at Les Deux Magots
  • Explore Saint Germain
  • Grab food for a picnic at La Grande Epicerie
  • Picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Musee Rodin in the afternoon
  • Enjoy the sunset at the Eiffel Tower
  • Dinner near the Eiffel Tower or back in Saint Germain
View of the Eiffel Tower from a street

Day 3: Visit the Ile de la Cite and the Right Bank

  • Wander past Notre Dame
  • Visit Sainte-Chapelle
  • Breakfast at Carette
  • Place des Vosges
  • Shop around Le Marais
  • Late lunch at Marche des Enfants Rouges
  • Afternoon activity of choice
  • Chez Janou for Dinner

Day 4: Day Trip

  • Day trip of your choice from Paris to see more of France!
Exploring Versailles Palace - Paris to Versailles Day Trip

Day 5: Visit the Most Romantic Neighborhood in Paris- Montmartre

  • Pastries at Mamiche
  • Gustave Moreau Museum
  • Moulin Rouge
  • Wall of Love
  • Lunch at Le Vrai Paris
  • Place du Tertre
  • Sacre Coeur
  • Montmartre Museum
  • Rue de l’Abreuvoir
  • Drinks in Montmartre
  • Le Coq et Fils for dinner

Let’s continue with the full itinerary for Paris in 5 days! 

Only Itinerary For 5 Days in Paris France You Need

Rodin Museum in Paris exterior

Whether you’re here to see the famous Louvre and Eiffel Tower or you want to explore the exciting and enchanting arrondissements of the city, this is the ultimate Paris France 5-day itinerary! 

Day 1: Arrive and Explore the 1st Arrondissement 

Kat sitting by the fountain at the Louvre in a wide angle shot

Today is the day you land in the city! Okay, if you’re coming from around Europe or the East Coast of North America, chances are that you’ll likely land here in the morning. 

However, if you’re coming from other areas of the world, perhaps you’ll arrive in the late afternoon or evening before this day. Either way, today is a mostly full day of exploring the first arrondissement of Paris.

Located smack in the middle of the city on the Right Bank, the 1st Arrondissement is where you’ll find the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, and the Palais Royal. 

Kat and Chris balancing on the columns at Palais Royale

Now if you’re arriving in the morning, you’ll likely spend the remainder of the morning getting to your hotel, freshening up, and dropping off your luggage. If that is the case, you’ll begin your day with a quick walk along the Seine around the 1st Arrondissement as you spend the beginning of your afternoon at the Musee de l’Orangerie

If you arrive the evening before, you can take this morning slow and have a leisurely breakfast before strolling along the Seine to your heart’s content.

Either way, around noon, Musee de l’Orangerie is where you’ll want to be. Now, you’ll likely notice that I do not always include Musee d’Orsay in a lot of my itineraries of Paris. 

There is nothing wrong with this museum, and it is where you’ll find many Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings among many other famous works. 

However, if I had to choose between Musee d’Orsay or Musee de l’Orangerie, I’d pick Musee de l’Orangerie every time. 

L'Orangerie Monet Exhibit

It truly is one of my favorite museums in Paris. This is the museum that houses the famed Water Lily paintings by Monet. We’re talking about ginormous canvases with only 4 in each of the 2 rooms! They almost take up the entire wall! 

These works are truly stunning and display different times of day and even areas of his dreamy garden. 

Not a bad place to begin your visit to Paris, right? 

After this, you can head to the basement of this museum to see paintings from other artists like Cezanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and more as this part of the museum houses the Walter-Guillaume collection. 

And this museum takes about 1-1.5 hours to visit, which is far less time than it takes to get through the Musee d’Orsay. 

One Day in Paris | Tuileries Garden fountain

So once you’ve enjoyed your time at Musee de l’Orangerie, you can grab a sandwich somewhere and savor it while you have a seat and admire the view in the Jardin des Tuileries

This garden sits between the Musee de l’Orangerie and the Louvre, making it a must-visit during your five days and five nights in Paris. 

So stroll through this garden, admiring the statues, beautiful basins, and perhaps the occasional goat who is hard at work “trimming the grass!”

If you have some time, you can also wander up to the Palais Royal to take photos with the Colonnes de Buren. This art installation is a popular spot with its black and white striped columns. 

Kats-back-to-the-camera-as-she-has-her-hands-up-with-peace-fingers-on-a-column-at-Palais-Royale

Then, it is time to see the most famous art museum in the world: the Louvre! So why am I suggesting a visit to the Louvre in the late afternoon? 

Well, I highly recommend going on this tour of the Louvre that goes until closing time, meaning you get to enjoy the Mona Lisa at her most peaceful. You get to follow an art history expert as they guide you through several of the famous artworks in the Louvre, giving context to each one.

Louvre at sunset

Then, right before closing when everyone is starting to head to the exit, you’ve got a few minutes to see the Mona Lisa without the crazy lines that you would normally encounter! 

Book it here!

Sphynx at Louvre

Most of the time, this tour runs from 3-6 pm, meaning you can grab dinner nearby before calling it a night. 

However, on Friday evenings, the Louvre is open late, meaning your tour will run from 6:45-9:45 pm. So this means you’ll want to get an early dinner at a nearby bistro beforehand. 

And if you’re landing in Paris this morning and have jetlag, perhaps you’d like to save this tour for another time during your trip. 

Regardless this wraps up the first day of your 5 day tour of Paris! 

Day 2: Wander Around the Left Bank

Sailboat at Jardin de Luxembourg

Today you’re going to be exploring the Left Bank of Paris, AKA Rive Gauche. This is the part of Paris that is south of the Seine. The Left Bank is full of great places to check out including the Eiffel Tower, Jardin du Luxembourg, and more! 

Today is also a day for the foodies because we’ll be stopping by one of my favorite shops in Paris for both food to enjoy that day, but also for foodie souvenirs! 

So let’s begin with having breakfast at the famed Les Deux Magots. This was once a Paris hot spot for authors, philosophers, artists, etc. Now this place is a fantastic spot to enjoy some people-watching while you sit at a charming table on the sidewalk. 

Les Deux Magots in Saint Germain

It is also the perfect place for breakfast because you get to try their ancient hot chocolate. This is one of my favorite places for hot chocolate in Paris! It feels as if you’re literally drinking a melted, creamy bar of hot chocolate. 

So have some hot chocolate and a croissant or tartine for breakfast before continuing your journey in St Germain. 

Overhead shot of coffee, bread, and hot chocolate at Les Deux Magots

Across from Les Deux Magots is the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. This is my favorite church to visit in Paris as it isn’t crowded at all, and it has the most beautiful starry-painted ceiling! Oh, and it is also the oldest surviving church in Paris, dating back to the 700s!

Inside of the Abbey in Saint Germain

Other things around the area you can see include stopping by Lauderee for their famous macarons, or Richart chocolatier for chocolates and macarons as well. 

And if you’ve got the time, you can even stop by the Eugene Delacroix Museum to see lovely works from this famous artist. 

For lunch, walk over to La Grande Epicerie de Paris to shop for some amazing products! It is here that you can find food items from around the world as well as all over France! 

Grande Epicerie de Paris

I typically like to grab some mustard, candies, and butter while here. And yes, they can even shrink-wrap butter so you can take it home in your checked luggage! My favorite butter is the Payson Breton Aux Cristaux de Sel de Guerande which has nice chunks of salt in it! 

So grab some items here for a picnic including a baguette, fruits, veggies, butter, some cheese, and wine, and then walk over to Jardin du Luxembourg for a picnic lunch. 

Jardin de Luxembourg

Sit on a bench and enjoy the scenes of this beautiful park. Watch families playing with the mini sailboats at the water basin, admire the flowers and trees, and stop by some fun places like the Medici Fountain or the mini Statue of Liberty in the park. 

Take some time to enjoy this stunning garden before your next stop which is at the Musee Rodin

Admire the art of this famous sculptor both inside of the museum as well as outside in the gardens. There is a stunning sculpture garden you can wander around as you see ducks splashing in the fountain and hydrangeas flowering in the summertime. 

It feels like a little oasis in the midst of the city and well worth your time during a 5 day trip to Paris. 

Then, you can make your way over to the Eiffel Tower to admire this lovely French monument up close. You can find many great places to view it, including at the Trocadero, along the Seine, Rue de l’Universite, and even in the park in front of it called Champ de Mars. 

Photo-of-the-Eiffel-Tower-with-trees

Settle in around the Eiffel Tower and potentially see the sunset depending on when you visit this time of year. And, if you’re here on the hour starting when the sun goes down, you’ll get to see it sparkle! 

After this magnificent day, you can head to dinner somewhere in the 7th (the arrondissement where the Eiffel Tower is located) or head back to Saint Germain. 

Passageway with La Jacobine in Paris

I enjoy La Jacobine for its delicious duck confit, onion soup, and coq au vin! 

And if you’re up for a nice drink afterward, you can head to fun cocktail bars like the Castor Club, Prescription Cocktail Club, or Bar Josephine.

Drinks at Castor Club in Paris - Paris in 3 Days

Day 3: Visit the Ile de la Cite and the Right Bank

Okay, today you’re going to now explore the Right Bank AKA Rive Droite. But first, you can get a nice start to the morning by wandering over to the Ile de la Cite, which is an island in the middle of the Seine, to spot Notre Dame

Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

You can also check out Sainte-Chapelle while you’re here! This is a stunning chapel that is known for its incredible stained-glass windows! Seriously, they are otherworldly. I recommend perhaps visiting here at 9 am when it opens and getting tickets ahead of time to enjoy the chapel with the fewest crowds. 

After admiring these two churches earlier on the Ile de la Cite, it is time to cross over to Le Marais

This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris because it has great shopping, lovely museums, and some cute parks! 

So begin your visit to the Le Marais with breakfast at Carette. This is another cafe well-known for its hot chocolate. There are a few locations around the city, but the one at Place des Vosges is my favorite. 

Hot chocolate, coffee, and pastries at Carette

It is less crowded than the one at the Trocadero, and this place has a view of the Place des Vosges park across the street. 

Carette is where to get my favorite hot chocolate. This is also super rich and creamy and even comes with a side of whipped cream. It is heavenly. Pair that with a croissant or some eggs and have a nice breakfast to kick off your time in Le Marais. 

Next, you can walk around the Place des Vosges and perhaps even stop in the Victor Hugo House to see his former apartment in Paris. 

Garden at Place des Vosges
Bust of Victor Hugo

You can also go shopping in the area! This is a great part of Paris to go vintage shopping, with many amazing places to go to. There are also lovely boutiques around the neighborhood as well as dreamy perfumeries. 

So if you’re searching for your next signature scent, this is a great place to go! I picked up a delicious perfume from Parle Moi de Parfum, but there are other great shops in the area like Perfumer H, Sens Unique Parfumerie, and Penhaligon’s Francs Bourgeois. 

Perfume shopping in Paris

After you’ve had your fair share of shopping, you may be a bit hungry. So it is time to walk over to the Marce des Enfants Rouges to grab a bite to eat! 

This covered market is full of restaurant stands where you can enjoy anything from Japanese food to Moroccan food and anything in between! Have a seat and enjoy a nice afternoon dining at this unique market with many locals on their lunch break. 

Marche les Enfants Rouges food stand

After lunch, you have a few options for this area. You can stay in this area for more shopping, or visit more museums. The museums here are well worth visiting including the Musee Carnavalet, known as the History of Paris museum with exhibits from ancient times through today in Paris. 

You could also explore the Musee National Picasso-Paris to see more works by Picasso. There is also the Musee Cognacq-Jay, the Museum of Hunting and Nature, and the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism

Carnavalet Museum - History of Paris
Painting and sculpture by Picasso

Now there is also the option to head over to the Opera area to the Palais Garnier to check out this famous opera house. This is also next to the Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps Haussman department stores.

And at the top of the Galeries Lafayette, you can even get a great view of the Eiffel Tower! 

View of Paris during the holiday season from Le Printemps

Just know that you obviously can’t visit all of these places! So pick a museum or the Opera to visit and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring more of the Right Bank before grabbing dinner in Le Marais at Chez Janou

This is a great French bistro to enjoy things like escargot, steak, duck, cheese, and more! 

Day 4: Day Trip

Hotel de Ville in Epernay

Day 4 of your 5 days in Paris France is perfect for a day trip. You’ve spent 3 whole days in Paris and have seen the main sights, so it is time to get out of the city during your France 5-day itinerary! 

There are ample day trip ideas from Paris, and I actually dive deeper into each and which one to choose based on what you’re looking for in my 4 days in Paris itinerary.

Here are some great options for best day trips during your 5 day Paris itinerary:

Corridor in Versailles
Kat in front of Chateau de Versailles
  • Versailles. This is an easy day trip to make from Paris as it isn’t far from the city via train. I loved going on a bike tour of Versailles so that you get to see both the town and local market as well as most of the estate including the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, the gardens, and the Palace itself! 

Book it here!

Kat frolicking in front of Chateau de Chenonceau
  • Loire Valley. Visit fairytale castles and taste lovely Loire Valley wine during a day trip to the Loire Valley. Check out this amazing chateau tour that includes stops at Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau de Chambord, and even a smaller castle called Chateau de Villesavin. 

Book it here!

Monet's Gardens in Giverny 10
  • Musee d’Orsay and Monet’s Gardens in Giverny. This tour is great for witnessing the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris before going to the Monet House and Gardens in Giverny. 

Book it here!

Mont Saint Michel 34
  • Mont St Michel. Want to explore this dreamy tidal island in Normandy? You can do that on a long day trip from Paris to Mont St Michel. Learn about the island, the tidal phenomenon, and how the abbey at the top of the island came to be.

Book it here!

Utah Beach
American Cemetery in Normandy 5
  • D-Day Beaches Tour. Going on a tour of the D-Day Beaches in Normandy is honestly incredibly moving. Hear stories of the soldiers from the events of this day and the immense amount of effort it took to begin the liberation of France. This tour takes you to Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery. 

Book it here!

Ruinart Champagne Bottles
  • Champagne. You can either do this yourself or go on a tour. You can easily take the train over to Epernay or Reims and go Champagne tasting around the town. However, you’ll want to book tastings in advance either on the Champagne house’s website or on Champagne-booking.com to guarantee your space on the tour and tasting.

You can also let someone take care of all this for you if you go on a guided tour of Champagne from Paris. 

Book it here!

Bruges at night
  • London or Bruges. Hop on the Eurostar to either London or Bruges for the day to explore one of these exciting cities! This is great if you want to see more of Europe during your 5 days in Paris. 
Deauville Beach Lifeguard stand
  • Deauville. Visiting in the middle of summer and it is super hot outside? Want to go to the beach but know that the South of France is much too far for a day trip? You can take the train over to Deauville for the day to cool off in the English Channel at this large, sandy beach in the cutest Normandy town! 
  • Skip the Day Trip and Stay in Paris! You don’t have to go on a day trip if you don’t want to! There is plenty to see in Paris. 

You could explore more areas in the city like the lovely Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Canal Saint-Martin, the CLUNY Museum (aka the Museum of the Middle Ages), Arene de Lutece, and more! 

Canal Saint Martin in the late afternoon in Paris
Beautiful Lady and the Unicorn tapestries at Cluny Museum

You can also spend the day around some of Paris’s largest parks like the Bois de Vincennes or the Bois de Boulogne. 

And honestly, if you want to have a relaxing day in Paris, you can do that too. Have a spa day at a place like O’Kari, Spa Clemens, Les Bains du Marais, and more! There are so many great hammams in Paris to enjoy! 

After either a day trip or another great day in the city, you can have dinner near your hotel and then head to bed. 

Day 5: Visit the Most Romantic Neighborhood in Paris- Montmartre

Montmartre in Paris

For your last day in Paris, you’re going to want to explore the most romantic neighborhood in the city (in my opinion): Montmartre

This famous neighborhood was once the Bohemian part of the city, where many artists lived and painted. It is also where many of the famous cabarets were located.

This area looks like a village on its own, thanks to its hilly cobblestone streets and charming buildings. 

So today you’re going to wrap up what to do in Paris in 5 days by exploring Montmartre. 

Okay, but before you get up to Montmartre, be sure to head to the Pigalle area and grab a pastry or two at Mamiche. This place makes some delicious croissants and pain au chocolats! 

Mamiche Croissants

Then, go to one of the best smaller museums in Paris: Musee Gustave Moreau. This was formerly the Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau’s home and studio. 

Today it is a museum full of his works including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. You can explore his home and studio, and this is such a beautiful museum with its giant spiral staircase connecting the two floors of his studio. 

Stairs at Gustave Moreau Museum

After visiting the Musee Gustave Moreau, it is time to wander up toward Montmartre, stopping at Moulin Rouge on the way for a photo! 

Then, continue on the Rue des Abbesses to the Wall of Love, or Le Mur des Je t’aime. This wall features “I love you,” written 311 times in 250 languages! It is fun to find your native language and take a photo at the wall, especially with a lover! 

Kat and Chris kissing in front of the Love Wall in Paris

Also along the Rue des Abbesses is a little restaurant called Le Vrai Paris which is a lovely spot to enjoy lunch during your time in Montmartre. And if you’re really hungry, be sure to order the cafe gourmand after. 

A cafe gourmand is featured at a lot of restaurants, and it is basically a plate full of mini desserts with a little coffee to go with it. It is perfect for those who are unsure what they want for dessert! 

Vrai Paris

To walk off lunch, you’ll continue up the hill, passing the Place Emile Goudeau and heading to the Place du Tertre. The Place du Tertre is a stunning plaza full of painters, cafes, and more! 

It is fun to wander around and people-watch here. 

Then, you can wander over to the Sacre-Coeur, another famous church in Paris. You can either go inside if you wish or admire the view over Paris from the top of the hill here. 

Sacre Coeur in Paris

Although if you’re hanging out by the steps of the Sacre-Coeur, beware of pickpocketers! This is a popular place for them as it is packed with people. 

An idea instead of going inside the Sacre-Coeur, though, is actually another church next door called the Eglise Saint-Pierre that you can visit. This is a 12th-century church that is far less crowded even though it is next to this very famous basilica. It is also the second-oldest surviving church in Paris! 

Once you’ve finished exploring the top of the hill where Sacre-Coeur is, you can go explore another fun museum called the Montmartre Museum. Learn about the history of this neighborhood, including its cabaret past at this amazing museum.

View from Montmartre Museum

Plus, you can visit the recreated workshop and apartment of Suzanne Valadon here. 

And there is also the famous Montmartre Vineyard at this place.

To wrap up your sightseeing of Montmartre, head to the prettiest street in Paris: Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This street is stunning with the cobblestone sidewalks, Maison Rose at the top, ivy-covered walls, and even views of the top of the Sacre-Coeur up ahead. 

Photo of Kat in Montmartre

And once you’ve spent all day sightseeing in Montmartre, it is time for a drink in the area. Have some small bites with a cocktail or glass of wine before your dinner. Some great places to go include Soif, La Cave des Abbesses, or Marlusse et Lapin. 

For dinner, head to Le Coq et Fils. This is such a great place to try a famous French dish: roast chicken. 

Soif Wine Bar

Order roast chicken with incredible sides like their mac and cheese, pureed potatoes, or seasonal greens. Yum. 

After a hearty meal of roast chicken and some wine, it is time to head back to your hotel. But perhaps on the way, you can spot the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night from the hills of Montmartre. What a way to end your 5 days in Paris! 

If You Have More Than 5 Days in Paris

Wisteria in Paris

Is an itinerary for 5 days in Paris enough? Absolutely! 5 days is a perfect amount of time to really get to know the city and perhaps spend time exploring the countryside of France on a day trip. 

However, if you have even more time than five days in Paris, then you’re in luck- as there is SO much left still to do! I’ve visited Paris so many times and I still find new things to do each time! 

Arenes de Lutece in Paris

You could take another day trip as I mentioned above on day 3, or perhaps enjoy the things I mentioned instead of a day trip that day. Have a spa day, explore the large parks just outside the city, and go to places like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Canal Saint-Martin, the CLUNY Museum (aka the Museum of the Middle Ages), Arenes de Lutece, and more!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! I also have a guide all about how to spend 7 days in Paris you can check out too for a full week of things to do in the City of Lights!

And for more inspiration, check out the hidden gems of Paris plus my Paris bucket list!

If You Have Less Than 5 Days in Paris

Pigalle in Paris

If you have less time than a 5 day tour in Paris, luckily, I have itineraries for you for 1-4 days in Paris! You can check them out here:

This should help you figure out what to do if you have less than 5 days in Paris during your trip. 

Ultimate 5 Days in Paris Guide: Where to Stay in Paris

Where to Stay in Paris - beautiful old street

I have a whole guide about where to stay in Paris based on your travel style, so you can refer to that to help you pick the perfect place. As you’re planning to travel all over the city during your 5 days in Paris, France, you can really stay anywhere I talk about there. 

However, here are a few favorites of mine: 

Maison Souquet: If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy getaway, this is a fabulous place to stay. This 5-star hotel is lush with its decor, spa, reading room, and more! 

Book it here!

Hotel Jeanne d’Arc: Right in Le Marais, this is a great place for exploring the city on foot, and the rooms here are nice and cozy. Note this place does not have A/C.

Book it here!

Metro Sign - Where to stay in Paris

Le Temple de Jeanne: Also in Le Marais, this is a great spot for exploring but is also next to the metro!

Book it here!

Hotel des Atmospheres: This is in the Latin Quarter area, where there are a ton of great restaurants, shops, and more! Plus, the rooms here are lovely! 

Book it here!

Hotel des Artes-Montmartre: This hotel in Montmartre is near great places to shop and dine. Plus, you’re close to the sights of Montmartre as well as the amazing bars in the area. 

Book it here!

When to Visit For Your Itinerary For 5 Days in Paris

Springtime in Paris trees

Not sure when is the perfect time to explore what to do in Paris in 5 days? Don’t worry, I have you covered in this blog post all about when is the best time to visit Paris

Honestly, it really is up to you! The winter brings in shorter days and cooler, rainier weather, but it is far less busy than during the summertime.

Conversely, summer has long, sunnier days and is a lot warmer. However, it can be quite crowded in touristy parts of the city and the heat can be a lot. 

Spring in Paris

I personally love visiting in the spring. There really is something about Paris in the spring. The city is full of color, especially around the parks with all the flowers in bloom. It is a fabulous time to visit, and it isn’t too busy yet. 

Autumn is also another great time to come as the weather is finally cooling down and the crowds start to thin a bit. 

However, you may also want to visit for certain occasions like the Christmas markets, concerts, or even Paris Fashion Week! 

How to Get to Paris For Your 5 Days in Paris Itinerary

Kat and Chris standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Getting to Paris is easy, thanks to its well-connected train stations and airports. 

If you’re coming from nearby in Europe or within France, you can easily take a train to one of the many train stations in the city. 

If you’re flying to Paris, there are 2 airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly. You’ll likely fly into CDG if you’re coming from outside of Europe and not on a discount airline. CDG is the larger of the two airports and is meant for bigger flights. 

Orly is more for discount airlines or for those flying within Europe. 

From CDG you can take public transportation, an official taxi from the taxi stands, or an Uber into the city. If you want to take public transportation, there are 2 options you can choose from. The first is by taking the RER B train into the city. 

The other option is to take the Roissybus into downtown Paris. 

From Orly, you can take the Orlyval to the Antony station and get the RER B train into the city. You can also take the Orlybus to downtown as well. And, of course, you can also take an Uber or a taxi from the taxi stands. 

For flight prices, I like checking Skyscanner. And for train times and tickets, I always check The Trainline

Getting Around Paris in 5 Days

Metro station in Paris

Thankfully, there are plenty of options for getting around the city. The first option is walking to a lot of places during your itinerary for 5 days in Paris. 

Honestly, one of my favorite things to do in Paris is to just walk around! You’ll see a lot just from walking from place to place!

However, if you’re trying to get across the city, public transportation is a better option. Thankfully, there are buses, trams, and metro lines around the city to use! Metro tickets cost €2.15 per trip.  

To get around using the metro, it helps to download the Bonjour RATP app to map it all out. Google Maps also works too.

You can just buy a bunch of tickets when you get there to use if you wish. There is also the Paris Visite Travel Pass which includes unlimited travel in Paris from Zones 1-3 starting at €13.95 per day. 

Now I wouldn’t necessarily purchase this unless you plan to use the metro a lot. I’ll be honest in that I probably only take the metro up to like 4 times a day… so this means I’d only spend €8.60, which is less than a day pass. But if you want to use the metro a lot, then it is worth it. 

There are also bikeshares throughout the city you can use too. 

Other Tips For Visiting Paris in 5 Days

Petit Palais in Paris

Before you embark on your bucket list-worthy Paris for 5 days trip, let’s talk about a few key things to know. 

  • Be vigilant. Sadly, pickpocketing is a thing in Paris, so you have to be careful. I keep my passport, extra credit cards, and extra cash stored in my hotel safe and only carry around enough cash for the day and 1-2 credit cards in my purse. That way, if something happens, I still have my important documents and spare cash/credit cards locked away in the safe at the hotel. I also keep my hand on my bag in crowded places like the metro, don’t have my phone out near the metro doors, and keep my belt bag in front of me at all times, even when I’m at a restaurant. For more ways to protect yourself from scams and pickpocketing, check out my Paris solo travel guide.
  • What to pack? Luckily, I have an extensive guide on what to wear in Paris on my other blog that is full of great things to wear in Paris (and what NOT to wear)!
  • How much do 5 days in Paris cost? I have you covered here too. I wrote a full guide on my other blog about how much a trip to Paris costs and it discusses what a 5 days in Paris budget looks like based on your travel style. 
  • Make dinner reservations ahead of time! Paris is a busy city, and many restaurants can be fully booked for dinner. So it really helps to make a reservation ahead of time, especially for these dinner restaurants I’ve listed above. You can book online if there is an option on the restaurant’s website. If not, reach out to your hotel and have them make a reservation for you! 
  • Always say “Bonjour/Bonsoir!” This is SO key when it comes to cafes, shops, etc. Always begin with “Bonjour or Bonsoir.” It is considered rude not to and could be the reason people may not get the best customer service in France if they don’t do this. A little “hello” goes a long way. I typically switch from “bonjour” to “bonsoir” around 5pm or whenever it’s dark outside.
  • Learn a little French. You don’t have to be fluent, and luckily many people speak English here, especially at the museums and tourist attractions. But it always helps to know some basics like “yes/no”, “hello”, “goodbye”, “thank you”, “please”, etc. You can find that and more on my post about 17 useful French phrases to know
  • Want more tips? Check out my Paris First Timer Tips

This wraps up the only itinerary for 5 days in Paris that you need! Between amazing places for dinner, exciting museums, and lovely parks, you’ll likely fall in love with this city by the end of your trip! 

Would you like to visit Paris for 5 days? 

Want more Paris travel tips? Check out these posts! 

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