Complete Paris 5-Day Itinerary
Day-by-day guide with queue-skipping tips, transport details and the best restaurants.
Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars & Seine River Cruise
Eiffel Tower
Book summit tickets 2+ months in advance on the official Eiffel Tower website. Go at sunset (30 min before) for the best light — you'll be inside when the Tower sparkles at nightfall (every hour after dark). NEVER buy from street touts.
Seine River Cruise (Bateaux Parisiens)
A 1-hour Seine cruise from the Eiffel Tower pier at dusk gives you postcard views of Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and bridges with the golden light. Buy tickets directly on the dock (€17–19). Skip the Bateaux Mouches — same views, less money-back-guarantee.
Two of Paris's most historic literary cafes. Overpriced but iconic. Order a croque monsieur and café au lait and soak in 100 years of Parisian intellectual history.
The Louvre, Tuileries Garden & Palais Royal
Louvre Museum
Book timed entry in advance at Louvre.fr — never queue on the day. Go to see the Mona Lisa first (Room 711, Denon Wing — before 10 AM). She's smaller than imagined but the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo are far more impressive in person.
Tuileries Garden & Orangerie Museum
Walk through the geometric Tuileries Garden to Musée de l'Orangerie — it houses Monet's famous Water Lilies murals in two oval rooms designed specifically for them. One of Paris's most moving art experiences. Book online (€12.50).
Paris's best high-value wine bar — extraordinary small plates, natural wine, and a buzzy neighbourhood feel in the 2nd arrondissement. Book or arrive early.
Palace of Versailles & Gardens
Château de Versailles
Take RER C from Paris (35 min from Invalides or Gare d'Austerlitz). Arrive at the gates by 9 AM when they open. Buy the FULL PASSPORT ticket (€32) that covers the palace AND both Grand Trianon palaces — the smaller palaces are far less crowded and equally magnificent.
The legendary Angelina tea room has a branch inside Versailles. Their hot chocolate (chocolat chaud l'Africain) is the richest in France — the perfect Versailles experience.
Notre-Dame, Marais District & Pompidou
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 after the 2019 fire restoration — it is now more magnificent than ever, with new Gothic interiors and dazzling gold leaf. Entry is free but queues are long. Book a time slot at notredamedeparis.fr.
Le Marais District
The most beautiful neighbourhood in Paris — medieval lanes, Renaissance palaces, and Place des Vosges (Paris's oldest planned square, 1612). Stop at L'As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers for the best falafel outside Tel Aviv. Browse the vintage shops on Rue de Bretagne.
Paris's most famous falafel restaurant — queues stretch down the street. The Special (fried aubergine, hummus, cabbage, hot sauce, tahini in pitta) is extraordinary for €7.
Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur & Departure
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Arrive in Montmartre early (8 AM) when the village streets are quiet. Climb to Sacré-Cœur for one of the best views in Paris. Walk down Rue Lepic through the authentic village market. Avoid the tourist portraitists on Place du Tertre — they pressure you into paid sketches.
An institution on Abbesses street — giant salades composées topped with roasted potatoes and duck confit at reasonable prices. One of Montmartre's great bistros.
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