5-Day Paris Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Paris packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — the city of light where every street corner tells a story. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Le Marais — medieval streets with galleries, falafel, and boutiques. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Eiffel Tower for your first taste of what makes Paris special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Le Marais — medieval streets with galleries, falafel, and boutiques area. Try Croissant — flaky buttery pastry, best from a neighborhood boulangerie — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Musée d'Orsay. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Saint-Germain-des-Prés — literary cafes and upscale antiques neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Steak Frites — pan-seared steak with crispy french fries at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Louvre Museum — one of Paris's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $18 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Champs-Élysées — grand boulevard from Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Crêpes — thin pancakes with Nutella, sugar, or savory fillings from street stands. Expect to spend around $45 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Canal Saint-Martin — tree-lined waterway with iron footbridges and cafes — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Promenade Plantée — elevated park above old railway viaduct, predecessor to NYC High Line. The Latin Quarter — Sorbonne University, bookshops, and bistros area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Paris's nightlife scene — Oberkampf — trendy bars and live music in the 11th arrondissement.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Rue Crémieux — pastel-colored houses on a quiet pedestrian street or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Galeries Lafayette — iconic Belle Époque department store with rooftop views — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Paris Metro has 16 lines covering nearly every neighborhood
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $180 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Greet shopkeepers with Bonjour when entering any store
• Safety: Watch for pickpockets on the Metro and at major tourist landmarks

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$60	$180	$500
5-Day Total	$300	$900	$2500

Final Thoughts

Five days in Paris is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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