A Perfect Paris 5-day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Let’s Take You On A 5-Day Itinerary To The Capital Of Fashion—Paris!

Paris or you may call it as the “City Of Bridges” is a city saturated in an unmatched charm, history, and art that never ceases to enchant millions every year. The Eiffel Tower charm, the "Mona Lisa" mystifying smile located at the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame Gothic majesty are just the beginning. From the luxurious Palace of Versailles to the picturesque cobblestone Montmartre streets, Paris offers a variety of experiences for every visitor.  

Walking across the Champs Elysees, strolling through the beautiful Latin Quarter or feeling the tranquil of the Jardin du Luxembourg unveils the real charm of this City of Love. Wanting to delve into the city’s culture? Then a visit to the Sainte Chapelle and Musee d Orsay, the masterworks of architecture and art, is a must. Whether strolling the gardens or enjoying the delectable cuisine, Paris never disappoints.

In this blog, we’ve compiled a perfect 5-day itinerary that ensures the first-time visitors have a great experience exploring all Paris attractions, hidden treasures, restaurants, and more. Let’s dive right in!

Kick off your day early to witness the magical sunrise at Montmarte before it gets crowded. Then head straight to the Anvers Station to enjoy a leisure stroll and ascend up the steps, as you pass a beautiful carousel along the way. Once Sacre Coeur opens to the public, make sure to explore the charming basilica and try the dome climb to bless your eyes with wonderful vistas. Take a stroll through the legendary places like La Maison Rose, Le Moulin de la Galette, and Le Consulat. Sign up for a caffeine hit at the The Hardware Société, a casual Australian eatery before savoring their yummy breakfast options.

Walk downward and you will reach Abbesses through Rue Lepic and explore the beautiful Wall of Love with your partner. Take a small detour to the remarkable Moulin Rouge, which looks spectacular at night. For lunch time, try Bouillon Pigalle to have taste of the authentic French cuisine or go for Pink Mamma for its picture-worthy ambiance and delectable truffle pasta. In the afternoon, visit the Galeries Lafayette, which has amazing shopping options with mesmerizing architecture and roof top views. If you are exploring Paris during your Christmas holiday, then witnessing a beautiful Christmas tree decoration is must-see. Wrap your day with a tour of the incredible Opera Garnier and take a guided trip to gain insight into the rich bygones before letting it all out at Café de la Paix by enjoying their delicious coffee selections.

Explore the Eiffel Tower as the sun rises to start your second day in City of Love. Make sure to reach the place before it gets crowded then stop at Trocadéro metro to experience Place du Trocadéro. Stroll down to the beautiful Champ-de-Mars for instagram-worthy photos with the tower. If you want to munch on some affordable eats, then head straight to Ladurée on Les Champs Élysées for a delectable breakfast including French Toasts, and don’t forget to savor their house special macaroons before you leave. After this, explore the Arc-de-Triomphe where you can have a tour of the 11 peaceful districts around Place Charles-de-Gaulle and get to the roof for a spectacular panorama. Head over to Place de la Concorde, meander across the Alexandre III Bridge, and walk across the Tuileries Garden to burn some extra calories. An art enthusiast or a history buff? Then a visit to the Musée d'Orsay (book tickets in advance), Louvre, Palais Royal, and other nearby museums like Musée Rodin or the Musée d’Art Moderne is a must.

Begin your third day in Paris by visiting the flamboyant Rue Crémieux situated in the 12th arrondissement, making sure not to disturb the residents along your way. Walk along the Canal St-Martin to Place des Vosges an ancient and beautiful district especially in the fall season. Savor your breakfast on any quaint café on Rue des Archives in Le Marais and then head straight over to L'Ile de la Cité and L'Hôtel de Ville to witness the majestic Notre-Dame-de-Paris even if it’s under restoration. Take a tour of the surrounding roads and alleys at Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole, which is known as one of the metropolitan’s oldest eateries. Don’t forget the Sainte-Chapelle renowned for its wonderful colored glass windows. Continue your journey to the Latin Quarter and St-Germain-des-Prés, where you can try a delectable lunch or perfectly brewed coffee at the cozy cafes like Café de Flore. Take a tour of Église St-Sulpice, Église St-Germain and the vibrant shops alongside the Rue de Renne. Wrap up your day at Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful site to unwind and enjoy the views of the charming gardens.

Start your fourth day in Paris by exploring the Palace of Versailles, which is just an hour’s drive away from the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site, constructed by the Louis XIV, extends over almost 2000 acres on beautiful ground spaces. Begin with the enthralling Hall of Mirrors, then take a tour of the Royal Apartments comprising the Queen's and King's personal Bedrooms. Explore the Grand Trianons and Petit, with their mesmerizing green spaces. Don’t forget to catch sight of the Temple of Love, Orangery and the great grand gardens, with their beautiful fountains and live music shows on some selected days. Purchase your tickets prior to your visit and make sure to go through the opening hours, as the palace is not open to the public on Mondays. Wrap up your journey with an exploration of the Eiffel Tower’s wonderful nighttime light display.

One of the best things to see in Paris is its western side that combines art and nature beautifully like the Seine River. Kick start your last day with a visit to the Bois de Boulogne, a tranquil park with many gardens, lakes and a network of walking trails. Afterwards explore the Parc de Bagatelle’s rose garden for a further peaceful experience. Then visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a great architectural marvel by the famous Frank Gehry, for modern art exhibits. Have your lunch at Auberge du Bonheur and treat yourself to the yummy lunch options they serve. Later take a photo to make your exploration memorable at Bir Hakeim Bridge with mind blowing Eiffel Tower vistas on the background. Board on the wonderful Bateaux-Mouches cruise along the quiet Seine River for exceptional metropolis views. Wrap your journey in Pigalle, by exploring the Moulin Rouge or any options nearby for dinner.

In conclusion, there are endless things to do in Paris, whether you're exploring historical landmarks or enjoying the city's energetic neighborhoods. With careful planning, you can experience the best of Paris in a week, creating unforgettable memories while discovering its beauty, art, and culture.