A Fabulous 5 Day Paris Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Bienvenue à Paris! Whether you’re here to marvel at the iconic landmarks, indulge in incredible food and wine, or simply soak up the city’s enchanting atmosphere, this fabulous 5 day Paris itinerary for first time visitors will help you make the most of your very first visit to Paris. I’m so excited for you to experience Paris for the first time!  It’s a city I’ve visited often and never get tired of; it’s genuinely one of my favorite places on earth.

I’ve packed as much as possible into this itinerary while ensuring you have time to really enjoy each experience without feeling too rushed. There are detailed instructions to get you from one point to the next on the Métro, and I’ve also included a few restaurant recommendations for lunch and dinner, with options for any budget. Ready? Allons-y! (Let’s go!)

Day 1: Paris 101 – Flying Buttresses, Stained Glass, and the Mona Lisa

Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Start your 5 day Parisian adventure on the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. Your first stop is the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral. While the interior is still under renovation from the 2019 fire, the exterior portions that are not covered with scaffolding are still beautiful to see. Walking around the cathedral much of its Gothic architecture, detailed sculptures, and those famous flying buttresses are still visible from various angles. Head to the nearby Pont de l’Archevêché for beautiful photo ops down the Seine river. You can also visit the Notre Dame Archeological Crypt which covers the history of structures and archeological remnants from old Paris. Buy Crypt tickets here.

Getting There: Take the Metro Line 4 to Cité or the RER B or RER C to Saint-Michel-Notre Dame.

Sainte-Chapelle

Just a short walk from Notre-Dame is Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning stained glass windows. The vibrant colors and intricate designs on the 1,113 stained glass windows really are awe inspiring. This royal chapel, built in the 13th century, was originally designed to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The upper chapel’s floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows are without a doubt the crown jewel of the chapel and depict over 1,100 scenes from the Bible. Buy tickets in advance here. Note that due to the location of the chapel next to a government building, at certain times when government is in session sometimes there is an initial check in point across the street. You’ll see signs directing you where to go first.

Nearby Lunch Options

1. Crêperie Genia – 7 Rue de la Harpe
   • A budget-friendly option with excellent savory buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes with a variety of fillings. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. Le Saint Régis – 6 Rue Jean du Bellay
   • Cozy and charming, this mid-priced café is perfect for enjoying a croque-monsieur, a fresh salad, and of course, a glass of wine.
   • Price Range: €€
   • Reservations: Not needed
3. Le Christine – 1 Rue Christine, 75006 Paris
   • Le Christine offers a refined dining experience with contemporary French cuisine in a charming, elegant setting. Just a short walk from Notre-Dame, it’s a perfect spot for a splurge-worthy lunch.
   • Price Range: €€€
   • Reservations: Recommended

Afternoon: The Louvre

After lunch, cross the Pont Neuf to the Right Bank and spend your afternoon at the Louvre Museum. Home to thousands of works of art, including a few you’ve probably heard of (the Mona Lisa anyone?), the museum itself is a former royal palace, and the glass pyramid entrance is an iconic modern addition. The Louvre is absolutely massive, so plan to spend several hours there and download a museum map to plan your visit in advance if there are pieces of artwork you don’t want to miss. Buy your entry tickets here.

Getting There: Walk, or board the Metro Line 1 at Pont Neuf and go one stop to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.

Nearby Dinner Options

1. Bistrot Victoires – 6 Rue de la Vrillière
   • This charming bistro offers a quintessentially Parisian dining experience with its cozy, vintage décor and classic French dishes like escargots, duck confit, and roasted chicken, all at very reasonable prices.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. Chez Fernand – 9 Rue Christine
   • A mid-priced option known for its onion soup, coq au vin, and tarte Tatin. This rustic, old-school bistro offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for a delightful dinner.
   • Price Range: €€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. Le Grand Véfour – 17 Rue de Beaujolais
   • An exquisite dining experience in an elaborately decorated dining room featuring foie gras, lobster, and a decadent dessert selection. Perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious night out.
   • Price Range: €€€€
   • Reservations: Required

After Dinner: The Seine After Dark

After dinner, take a stroll along the Seine River. The illuminated bridges and the reflections on the water really are magical. If you’re up for it, cross the Pont des Arts and head to the lively area of Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a nightcap at one of the many cafes and bars.

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Sparkling Views

Morning: The Eiffel Tower

Start your Parisian adventure with the quintessential symbol of the city: the Eiffel Tower. Arriving early means fewer crowds and a much more pleasant experience. You can purchase your tickets in advance here to skip the lines. Take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Yes, it’s a busy, stereotypical tourist attraction, but regardless, trust me, the views are worth it! Tickets tend to sell out so book in advance if you can. Also, if you want a slightly more streamlined visit or hate heights (me!) you can also get a ticket to go to the second level instead of the top which still affords excellent panoramic views of the city (or, if you’re really looking to burn off those croissant and cheese calories, you can climb UP the 674 stairs to the second level!).

Getting There: Take Métro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim station or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station.

Trocadéro Gardens

After your visit, cross the river to the Trocadéro Gardens. This area offers some of the best, classic views of the Eiffel Tower, perfect for those Insta-worthy shots.

Nearby Lunch Options

1. Bistro Linette – 16 Avenue Rapp
   • This affordable French bistro near the Eiffel Tower is known for its perfectly cooked escargots, beef tartare, risotto, and a must-try crème brûlée.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. Café de l’Homme – 17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
   • This mid-priced restaurant offers seasonal dishes, fresh seafood, and stunning Eiffel Tower views. A perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.
   • Price Range: €€€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. Le Jules Verne – In the Eiffel Tower
   • A splurge-worthy two-Michelin-starred dining experience located in(!) the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy haute cuisine with a spectacular view of Paris.
   • Price Range: €€€€
   • Reservations: Required

Afternoon: Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay

Next, visit the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a stunning old Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum is home to an incredible collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. You can purchase your tickets here. You can see a good portion of the museum in two hours. Be sure to save time for the top floor Impressionist galleries, the giant glass clock, and the outdoor terrace with excellent views over the city.

Getting There: Board the RER C at Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel and go two stops to Musée d’Orsay.

Nearby Dinner Options

1. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte – 20 Rue Saint-Benoît
   • Famous for its steak-frites, this restaurant only serves one dish: a perfectly cooked steak with a secret sauce and unlimited fries, with a salad to start. And, if you’re still hungry after all that, they also serve dessert.
   • Price Range: €€
   • Reservations: Not needed.
2. Le Comptoir du Relais – 9 Carrefour de l’Odéon
   • beloved bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés with excellent seasonal French cuisine.
   • Price Range: €€€
   • Reservations: Not accepted, so there may be a wait.
3. Le Cinq – 31 Avenue George V
   • A luxurious Michelin-starred dining experience in the Four Seasons Hotel, featuring lobster, caviar, and exquisite tasting menus. Perfect for a special night out.
   • Price Range: €€€€
   • Reservations: Required

After Dinner: Eiffel Tower Light Show

If you still have energy after dinner (trust me, this one is worth digging deep for even if you’re tired), head back to the Eiffel Tower for its spectacular light show. Every evening, the tower sparkles for five minutes at the top of each hour, which is magical and seeing it sparkle never gets old. Find a good spot in the Trocadéro Gardens or on the Champ de Mars to enjoy the view.

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Cobblestones

Morning: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre

Begin your day in the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Montmartre was once home to famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, and the area still retains its creative spirit. It’s also one of the few areas of Paris that wasn’t razed and rebuilt by Baron Haussmann, so it’s a peek into what the outskirts of Paris would have looked like before the 1850’s. Wander through the cobblestone streets, especially Rue de l’Aubrevoir, one of the most iconic locations in this neighborhood. Visit Place du Tertre, where local artists sell their paintings and offer to sketch your portrait.

Getting There: Take the Métro Line 12 to Abbesses.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from the steps is one of the best panoramas of Paris. Inside, the basilica contains a beautiful mosaic of Christ in Majesty. You can also climb to the dome for an even more spectacular view. While it’s a generally safe area, the steps can be very busy and is known as a common spot for pickpockets. Just make sure to keep your valuables against you and in your sight at all times and you’ll be fine (and don’t let that deter you from going – it’s a truly spectacular vista).

Getting There: Walk, or board the Metro Line 12 at Abbesses and go one stop to Lamarck-Caulaincourt. And, if you prefer to skip the 270 step climb (yes please) you can also us a regular Métro ticket to take a quick funicular ride from the base of Montmartre up to Sacré-Cœur.

Nearby Lunch Options

1. Le Consulat – 18 Rue Norvins
   • A budget-friendly option, this incredibly charming historic café on a cobblestone lane serves classics like onion soup and escargot.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. Le Moulin de la Galette – 83 Rue Lepic
   • A mid-priced option offering classic French dishes in a historic windmill. A fun spot for lunch with a touch of history.
   • Price Range: €€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. La Maison Rose – 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir
   • A splurge-worthy option with gourmet French cuisine in a incredibly picturesque setting. Perfect for a memorable lunch.
   • Price Range: €€€
   • Reservations: Recommended

Afternoon: Musée de l’Orangerie

Musée de l’Orangerie

After lunch, head to the Musée de l’Orangerie to see Monet’s famous Water Lilies series in the museum Monet helped design specifically to display them. This intimate museum, located in the Tuileries Garden, is sometimes overlooked, but is a haven for lovers of Impressionist art. In addition to Monet, you’ll find works by Renoir, Cezanne, and Matisse. The museum is fairly small and you can make your way through in about an hour. The two oval rooms with Monet’s Water Lilies panels are really special and worth checking out. Buy your tickets here.

Getting There: Board the Metro Line 12 at Abbesses and go six stops to Concorde (note that Concorde is closed for the Summer Olympics until Sept 21, 2024, so get off one stop earlier at Madeleine).

Dinner Options

1. Food Breizh – 31 Quai Anatole France
   • This budget-friendly food stand on the walkway by the Seine has a variety of delicious traditional sweet and savory crêpes and galettes. If the weather is nice, grab a crêpe, a glass of wine, and a chair by the river, and watch the city lights come to life around you.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. L’Avenue – 41 Avenue Montaigne
   • This mid-priced restaurant offers modern French cuisine with a chic ambiance. Ideal for a stylish and delicious dinner and some excellent people watching. The tuna tartare is excellent.
   • Price Range: €€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. L’Ambroisie – 9 Place des Vosges
   • A luxurious dining experience featuring truffle dishes, seafood, and exquisite desserts. Perfect for a special night out.
   • Price Range: €€€€
   • Reservations: Required

After Dinner: Montmartre at Night

If you’re up for more after dinner, head back to Montmartre. The area is lively at night with artists and street performers, especially around Place du Tertre. Visit one of the many bars or cafés, or head to the famous Moulin Rouge for a cabaret show if you’re in the mood for something extravagant (book tickets in advance here).

Getting There: Take Line 12 to Abbesses.

Day 4: Gardens, Palaces, and the Seine

Morning: Jardin des Tuileries

Start your day in the Jardin des Tuileries, a beautiful manicured garden in the heart of Paris, originally created by Catherine de’ Medici in the 16th century. Grab an incredibly pastry (I recommend the Ispahan croissant) and an espresso to go at the Pierre Hermé location at 4 Rue Cambon, find a chair by the fountain, and soak in the classic Parisian park ambiance. 

Getting there: Take Métro Lines 1, 8, or 12 to Concorde. (Note that the Concorde station will be closed for the Summer Olympics until Sept. 21, 2024, so Lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royale can be used as a substitute.)

Mid-Morning: Palais Royal

Next, head to the Palais Royal and its unique black-and-white striped columns, an Insta-worthy photo location. The gardens are a surprisingly peaceful retreat from the bustling Louvre area. Also check out the covered shopping arcades and the quirky boutiques that line the palace’s courtyard.

Getting There: Walk, or board the Metro Line 1 at Tuileries and go one stop to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.

Nearby Lunch Options

1. Le Nemours – 2 Place Colette
   • A budget-friendly option with salads, sandwiches, and pastries. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal in a charming setting.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. Angelina – 226 Rue de Rivoli
   • A mid-priced option famous for its legendary hot chocolate, pastries, and French classics.
   • Price Range: €€€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. Le Meurice – 228 Rue de Rivoli
   • A splurge-worthy dining experience offering gourmet French cuisine in a luxurious setting. Perfect for a special lunch.
   • Price Range: €€€€
   • Reservations: Required

Afternoon: Seine River Cruise

In the afternoon, rest your legs on a Seine River cruise. You’ll see many of Paris’s landmarks from a unique perspective, including Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Opt for a cruise that offers commentary to learn more about the history and architecture of the buildings you pass. Some popular options include Bateaux Parisiens which has comfortable boats with large windows and decks and departs from a dock by the Eiffel Tower, or Batobus, which is a hop-on-hop-off boat tour, with nine stops along the river. On Batobus, you can ride as much as you like with a day pass.

Dinner Options

1. Les Fous de l’Île – 33 Rue des Deux Ponts
   • A budget-friendly option offering traditional French dishes with a modern twist. A great spot for a delicious and affordable dinner.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. Chez Janou – 2 Rue Roger Verlomme
   • A charming, cozy bistro specializing in delicious Provençal cuisine and also known for its extensive pastis selection.
   • Price Range: €€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. Le Train Bleu – Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand
   • A luxurious dining experience with gourmet French cuisine in a lavish historic train station setting. Perfect for a memorable dinner.
   • Price Range: €€€€
   • Reservations: Required

After Dinner: Rive Gauche Jazz

After dinner, immerse yourself in Paris’s vibrant Latin Quarter jazz scene. Head to Le Caveau de la Huchette, one of the city’s oldest jazz clubs located in a 16th century dungeon for some live music and dancing. Or check out Le Caveau des Oubliettes, another historic venue also in a former dungeon which is well known for its jam sessions.

Day 5: Trendy Boutiques and Modern Art

Morning: Le Marais

Spend your morning exploring the Le Marais district. Known for its narrow medieval streets (like Montmartre, some of it was not razed in the late 1800’s to make way for Haussmann’s Paris), trendy boutiques, and buzzing atmosphere, it’s a perfect place to wander, shop, and people watch. Visit the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, surrounded by elegant townhouses and lush greenery, making it a nice spot for a coffee break or a photo shoot.

Getting There: Take Metro Line 1 to Bastille.

Lunch Options

1. L’As du Fallafel – 34 Rue des Rosiers
   • Renowned for its falafel sandwiches, this casual spot is a staple in Le Marais. Some claim it is the best falafel they’ve ever had. While that’s a pretty high bar, I can say from personal experience the falafel is excellent.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not accepted; there will likely be a line but it moves quickly.
2. Breizh Café – 109 Rue Vieille du Temple
   • Specializes in sweet and savory crêpes and galettes made from scratch and ciders. The caramel au beurre salé crepe with banana is my favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. There are multiple locations throughout Paris that have a similar menu.
   • Price Range: €€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. L’Ambassade d’Auvergne – 22 Rue du Grenier Saint-Lazare
   • This splurge-worthy restaurant specializes in regional specialties from Auvergne, such as aligot and duck confit. Perfect for a traditional, gourmet French meal.
   • Price Range: €€€
   • Reservations: Recommended

Afternoon: Modern Art at Centre Pompidou

Visit the Centre Pompidou before it closes in 2025 for renovations. It’s a striking building known for its high-tech architecture and impressive collection of modern art. The exterior of the building, with its colorful pipes and exposed structural elements, is as much a part of the experience as the art inside. Inside, you’ll find works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp, among others. The rooftop also offers exceptional views over the city.

Getting There: Walk, or board the Metro Line 11 at Rambuteau and go one stop to Hôtel de Ville.

Nearby Dinner Options

1. Chez Hanna – 54 Rue des Rosiers
   • A budget-friendly option offering falafel, hummus, and other Middle Eastern dishes. Perfect for a casual and tasty meal in the heart of Le Marais. If you did not already eat at L’As du Fallafel, this place is a slightly less hectic option for excellent falafel.
   • Price Range: €
   • Reservations: Not needed
2. Le Georges – Centre Pompidou
   • This mid-priced restaurant on the rooftop of the Centre Pompidou offers contemporary French cuisine with panoramic views of Paris. Ideal for a stylish and enjoyable dinner. If you can reserve a table around sunset, the views are epic.
   • Price Range: €€€
   • Reservations: Recommended
3. Epicure at Le Bristol Paris – 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
   • A luxurious dining experience offering Michelin-starred tasting menus. Perfect for a special and unforgettable night out.
   • Price Range: €€€€
   • Reservations: Required

Farewell Paris: Rooftop Cocktails with a View

End your trip with a memorable evening of fancy cocktails at one of Paris’s rooftop bars. Head to Le Perchoir in Marais, located on the rooftop of the BHV Marais department store, for stunning views of the city skyline. Or check out Windo Skybar, on the 34th floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline.

Final Thoughts

As cheesy as it sounds, Paris is a city that really does include unforgettable experiences around every corner. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to charming neighborhoods and incredible food (and wine!), this itinerary covers some of the best of what Paris has to offer. Visiting a busy city with a packed agenda can be tiring, so try to take your time (cut something out of your agenda if it will save your sanity!), savor each moment, and let the magic of Paris sweep you off your feet – it’s always done that for me. Bon voyage!

Feel free to reach out with any questions or for more personalized recommendations and make sure to check out the other posts in my Ultimate Guide to Paris to plan your perfect Parisian adventure.