A Detailed Paris Itinerary for 3-5 Days (Up to date 2023)

Final Up to date: 5/13/23 | Might thirteenth, 2023

Paris. It’s considered one of my favourite locations in the whole world and a metropolis that may take a lifetime to see.

I’ve been to town extra occasions than I keep in mind — I even moved there for some time — but I’ve barely scratched its floor.

Understandably, planning a visit to Paris is tough. Simply once you assume you’ve seen every part town has to supply, you discover new points of interest, new cafés, or new markets to discover (to not point out visiting Disneyland Paris). There are layers to this metropolis — which is partially why I like it a lot.

Most vacationers appear to go to Paris for round three days earlier than shifting on. They see the highlights, snap some pictures, and transfer on.

Whereas three days is healthier than nothing, I feel you want extra time than that. Ideally, I feel it is best to plan on spending a minimum of 5 days in Paris so as to see the naked minimal of what the Metropolis of Lights has to supply. There’s simply an excessive amount of to do.

That can assist you plan your journey to Paris and determine what to see, what to do, the place to remain, and the place to eat, right here’s my steered itinerary for a five-day go to (and another options in case you determine to spend longer there!)

 

What to See in Paris: Day 1

Spend your first day strolling round Paris. There’s rather a lot to see, and you may spend a superb half day (or complete day) wandering the cobblestone streets, parks, and neighborhoods of town. If you wish to orient your self with a free strolling tour, New Europe runs common strolling excursions that cowl the highlights. Simply ensure to tip your information on the finish.

For paid excursions, take a look at Get Your Information. They’ve every kind of strolling excursions (in addition to museum and meals excursions). There’s one thing for each curiosity!

Nevertheless, if you wish to comply with my very own strolling tour, right here’s my steered route for an “orientation stroll” round Paris:

Begin on the Champs-Élysées and see the Arc de Triomphe. There isn’t often a line, and also you’ll get sweeping views of town to start out your day. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées and thru Place de la Concorde, the place you will notice the Luxor Obelisk, which the French stole from the Egyptians. It’s over 3,000 years previous and stands 75-meters (246 toes) tall. This sq. was additionally the place they guillotined folks through the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Stroll down the Champs-Élysées by way of the Jardin des Tuileries, a phenomenal backyard that was as soon as residence to a palace that burned down within the 1800s. Cease and admire the Louvre earlier than persevering with down Rue Rivoli and crossing into the unique part of town on the Île de la Cité. That is the place the Romans constructed their authentic settlement, (known as Lutetia, which was the premise for the modern-day metropolis of Paris.

Benefit from the Pont Neuf and the statue of Henry IV. This stone bridge, the primary in Paris, was inbuilt 1578. Stroll to my favourite church of all time, Sainte Chapelle, with its unbelievable Twelfth-century stained glass. There’s often a line, so ebook tickets prematurely (11.50 EUR) if you wish to see the inside.

After that, head to the underground Roman ruins after which go to Notre Dame, the world’s most well-known Gothic church. It was broken in a hearth in 2019 and continues to be closed, nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless admire the constructing because it’s nonetheless being repaired.

Subsequent, head south towards the Latin Quarter. This space is relatively touristy however in case you get off the principle drag, you’ll end up in a labyrinth of alleys and café-lined squares which are distant from the native vacationer hangouts.

Go to the Pantheon and honor France’s most well-known lifeless residents earlier than heading west towards the Jardin du Luxembourg, the place you’ll be able to chill out and watch life go by. There’s nice people-watching right here, and it’s top-of-the-line parks within the metropolis.

After that, head north to see Saint Sulpice. When you’re into The Da Vinci Code, you’ll be on the lookout for symbols and hidden meanings all through this church. If symbols don’t curiosity you, simply marvel at how grandiose this place is.

By this time, it ought to be late within the afternoon and an ideal time to cease in a café, order some wine, and chill out the Parisian method.

 

What to See in Paris: Day 2

The Louvre

With over one million items of artwork, you possibly can spend an entire month within the Louvre and nonetheless not see every part. I don’t significantly get pleasure from medieval artwork; it’s too spiritual for me, and I can solely see so many footage of Mary and Jesus earlier than I get bored.

If that’s not your factor, there are many impressionist interval gems like Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and different masters. However, the museum is value seeing, and I spent about 5 hours exploring all of the masterpieces and marveling on the previous royal palace. You may simply spend extra time in case you’re an artwork buff too. When you’d identical to to see the highlights, count on to spend a few hours.

Timed skip-the-line tickets price 17 EUR.

Musée du Louvre, 1st arrondissement, +33 1 40 20 53 17, louvre.fr. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and weekends from 9am–6pm, and Fridays from 9am–9:45pm. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is 17 EUR. Additionally they supply free admission for all guests on the primary Sunday of every month October-March and on Bastille Day (14 July). Admission can also be free for EU residents beneath 26. To keep away from the huge strains, enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance and also you’ll get proper to the ticket counter. You can even skip the strains you probably have a Paris Museum Cross.

Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay, positioned in shut proximity to the Louvre, homes the most effective impressionist and post-impressionist work in Paris. It’s one of many largest museums in Europe and my favourite museum in Paris. I all the time go after I’m on the town. The museum sees over 3 million guests annually and is residence to masterpieces by all the good artists of the world, together with Degas, Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh, to call just a few. I might spend hours right here and by no means get bored.

1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, seventh arrondissement, +33 1 40 49 48 14, musee-orsay.fr. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday from 9:30am–6pm and Thursdays from 9:30am–9:45pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 17 EUR (or 9 EUR after 4:30pm each day however Thursday). It’s free on the primary Sunday of the month.

Musée de l’Orangerie
End off a wild museum day with this Monet showcase. The museum shows eight tapestry-sized Nymphéas (water lilies), housed in two plain oval rooms. Monet painted these photographs later in his life, and every one represents a distinct time of day and season. There’s a backside ground that reveals different works too. It’s a phenomenal museum.

Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 1st arrondissement, +33 1 44 50 43 00, musee-orangerie.fr. Open Wednesday-Monday from 9am–6pm; final entry at 5:15pm. Closed Tuesdays. Admission is 12.50 EUR and is free on the primary Sunday of the month.

Finances journey tip: Get the Paris Museum Cross. This move covers over 50 museums and points of interest in Paris. It covers all of the museums above, so getting this move and utilizing it to see all of the points of interest listed on this article will prevent a ton of cash. A two-day move prices 55 EUR, a four-day move prices 70 EUR, and a six-day move prices 85 EUR.

NOTE: Individuals will say “That’s an excessive amount of to do in a day! These museums take a day every! And they’re proper. These museums can truly take DAYS to see. However, in case you’re brief on time, you’ll be able to see the highlights of every in a really lengthy day. Or don’t and take your time in every museum. This itinerary is only a mere suggestion anyhow!

What to See in Paris: Day 3

The Palace of Versailles

Positioned simply exterior of Paris, the Palace of Versailles was a looking lodge earlier than turning into the first residence of the Kings of France till the French Revolution. A decadent image of royal energy, the palace sees over 10 million guests annually.

It takes a full day to essentially get pleasure from a visit right here. Spend the day exploring the château, get misplaced within the surrounding gardens, and take in the extravagant way of life of France’s former monarchy. Be sure to see the property of Trianon (often called Marie Antoinette’s property) as nicely, which features a faux peasant village created to supply scenic views and recent milk and eggs for the Queen.

Versailles is very large and exquisite so don’t rush your go to. Most individuals see the Palace first, then the gardens, after which Marie-Antoinette’s property. When you do every part in reverse, you’ll be capable to keep away from the crowds. Moreover, go on a weekday to keep away from the worst of the crowds.

Right here’s a video tour of the Palace of Versailles to whet your urge for food:

Place d’Armes, Versailles, +33 1 30 83 78 00, en.chateauversailles.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5:30pm with the final entry at 5pm. Closed Mondays. “The Passport” ticket offers you admission to all of the palace excursions (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s property), the Musical Fountain Present, the Musical Gardens, and the exhibitions for 28.50 EUR (21.50 EUR through the off-season). Guided excursions with skip-the-line entry price 55 EUR.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

End off the day with a prepare journey east of town heart to go to Paris’s most well-known graveyard, the place you’ll see the graves of celebrities like Antonio de La Gandara, Honoré de Balzac, Sarah Bernhardt, Frédéric Chopin, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Camille Pissarro, Gertrude Stein, and Oscar Wilde.

In-built 1804, it’s named after Louis XIV’s confessor, Père François de la Chaise (1624–1709), who lived in a home close to the cemetery. Initially, the locals thought-about the cemetery too removed from town so directors devised a plan. They moved the stays of Jean de La Fontaine (fabulist) and Molière (playwright), two of Paris’s most well-known artists, to Père Lachaise, hoping that folks would wish to be buried close to France’s well-known heroes.

It labored, and in the present day it’s town’s most iconic graveyard — and probably the most visited cemetery on the earth. Simply be sure you’re out earlier than it closes at 5:30pm.

Guided excursions price 20 EUR and final three hours.
 

What to See in Paris: Day 4

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most iconic monument. Constructed within the Eighties for the 1889 World Truthful, it was truly disliked by many individuals when it was first constructed. In the present day, the locals like it; it’s an emblem of town and probably the most acknowledged buildings on the earth. Standing 324 meters (1,062 toes) tall, it provides the most effective views of the whole metropolis. To beat the crowds, get right here early within the morning. When you wait till the afternoon, you’ll end up ready in line for hours.

Afterward, have a picnic on the grass and benefit from the sunshine and the views. It’s considered one of my favourite issues to do within the metropolis.

Champ de Mars, seventh arrondissement, +33 8 92 70 12 39, toureiffel.paris. Open each day (9am–midnight) through the summer time, with barely shorter hours throughout the remainder of the yr. Admission is eighteen.10-28.30 EUR per particular person, relying on how excessive you go. You can even pay for direct entry to an elevator that takes you to the highest for 52 EUR.

Wander Rue Cler
Positioned close to the Eiffel Tower, this road is full of good Parisian eateries. You’ll discover cheese, meat, bread, vegetable, and chocolate shops to discover. I by no means stroll away from this road with out a pile of meals and wine.

Every time I’m right here, I eat my method by way of this road after which purchase extra for later. It’s considered one of my favourite streets in Paris.

Paris Sewer Museum
This tour is unquestionably an off-the-beaten-path attraction and isn’t too distant from the Eiffel Tower. You’ll study concerning the fascinating historical past of Paris’s sewer system.

You might be postpone by the concept of a “sewer tour,” however don’t be. It doesn’t scent down there and also you’ll learn the way trendy Paris got here to be. Earlier than there was an appropriate drainage system, waste from town simply ended up within the river. It then unfold illness and polluted the whole space, placing the whole metropolis in danger. It wasn’t till town developed a fancy sewer system that it was capable of overcome illnesses, increase commerce, and become the world-class metropolis that it’s in the present day.

Pont de l’Alma, Left Financial institution, reverse 93 Quai d’Orsay, seventh arrondissement, +33 1 53 68 27 81, musee-egouts.paris.fr/en/. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am–5pm. Admission is 9 EUR.

Les Invalides (The Tomb of Napoleon)
Often known as Hôtel Nationwide des Invalides, this huge advanced was inbuilt 1670 by Louis XIV as a hospital for wounded troopers. These days, it’s residence to a number of museums and monuments, together with the Musée de l’Armée (the Navy Museum of the Military of France) and Napoleon’s tomb. It is among the most complete historical past museums I’ve ever visited, and also you’ll want a minimum of three hours to see it correctly.

Whereas navy historical past could appear boring, this museum can be a historical past of France, the Revolution, and Napoleon. It’s fascinating and unbelievable in its depth. I can’t suggest it sufficient.

Place des Invalides, Musée de l’Armée, 129 Rue de Grenelle, seventh arrondissement, +33 810 11 33 99. Open each day from April by way of October (10am–6pm; Tuesdays till 9pm), and 10am–5pm from November by way of March. Admission is 14 EUR.

The Museum of the Shoah (The Holocaust Museum)
Regardless of having a superb exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Museum of the Shoah by no means attracts lots of people. It’s an actual disgrace, as the data and assortment right here is de facto nice and in-depth. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums, and this is among the finest and most detailed on the earth. I extremely suggest it.

17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 4th arrondissement, +33 1 42 77 44 72, memorialdelashoah.org. Open Sunday–Friday 10am–6pm and Thursdays from 10am–10pm. Closed Saturdays. Admission is free and a free guided tour is given at 3pm (in English) on the second Sunday of each month.
 

What to See in Paris: Day 5

Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are a captivating however grim vacationer attraction. They go on for miles (nobody actually is aware of how far) and the infinite winding tunnels home 1000’s of bones. Solely a small part of the tunnels is open, and there’s a ton of historical past and details about the expansion of Paris. The Catacombs themselves are literally previous stone quarries that had been positioned far exterior the sting of town throughout medieval occasions. There’s all the time a protracted line, so ebook your skip-the-line tickets on-line beforehand and don’t wait exterior!

1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 14th arrondissement, +33 1 43 22 47 63, catacombes.paris.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9:45am–8:30pm; final admission at 7:30pm. Closed Mondays. Examine the web site earlier than you go — the Catacombs are generally closed with out warning or rationalization. Admission is eighteen EUR for last-minute tickets bought the day of. The audio information is 5 EUR. Superior tickets are 29 EUR (together with the audio information).

Rue Mouffetard
This pedestrian road is full of cafés and retailers and has an out of doors market. It’s nice to only wander down or for sitting in entrance of a café and watch Parisian life go by. Be sure to cease by the close by Place de la Contrescarpe too. There are some good and cheap eating places within the space, making it a pleasant place to cease for some time and watch life go by.

Musée de Cluny
The Cluny Museum, also called the Nationwide Museum of the Center Ages, is the best surviving instance of medieval structure in Paris. Constructed within the fifteenth century, it was the previous residence of the abbots of Cluny and now homes Roman and medieval artwork, together with many architectural fragments discovered throughout excavations across the metropolis.

The museum additionally accommodates the adjoining rooms of a Roman tub, which the abbey was constructed over. It’s by far probably the most fascinating historical past museums within the metropolis and price each euro of the admission price!

6 Place Paul Painlevé, fifth arrondissement, +33 1 53 73 78 16, musee-moyenage.fr. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am–6:15pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 12 EUR and free on the primary Sunday of each month.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France
One of many grandest libraries on the earth, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France was based in 1368 by Charles V. Cease in for a fast go to and you should definitely take a peek on the previous rotunda of the artwork library and the 20-foot globes within the everlasting assortment. The gathering is very large at over 40 million objects, together with some 15 million books and over 5,000 manuscripts from Historical Greece.

Quai François Mauriac, thirteenth arrondissement, +33 1 53 79 59 59, bnf.fr. Open Monday from 2pm-8pm), Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-8pm, and Sundays from 1pm-7pm. Admission is free.

Montmartre

One other creative heart of Paris, that is the place artists and writers like Hemingway spent their time. There’s nonetheless numerous artwork, and also you’ll discover galleries and artists all through the world. The streets are quiet and exquisite to wander round. Sacré-Cœur (the church right here) provides an excellent view of town and is a superb place to have lunch. You can even see the well-known “sinking home” right here too (an Insta-famous home that, from the best angle, seems to be prefer it’s sinking into the hill).

Within the night, the steps close to the church replenish with folks watching the sundown, chatting, and ingesting. There are often a number of buskers right here too making it top-of-the-line locations within the metropolis to absorb town within the night.
 

The place to Eat in Paris

In search of some steered locations to eat? Listed here are a few of my favourite locations to eat after I’m in Paris:

• Café Père & Fils — Café Père & Fils is a Parisian brasserie and low store with out of doors seating for lunch and drinks.
• Florence Kahn — This excellent little store has a blue mosaic shopfront. They make actually scrumptious sandwiches — strive the pastrami.
• ISTR — ISTR is extraordinarily fashionable and often busy for dinner, however I extremely suggest its joyful hour, when the wine and oysters are low cost.
• King Falafel Place — A few of the finest falafel in Paris. There’s often a line nevertheless it strikes rapidly.
• La Crêperie des Pêcheurs — This tiny to-go crêperie is the most effective in all of Paris (in my view). Low cost, scrumptious, and huge parts — you’ll be able to’t go flawed right here.
• Le Dit Vin — The costs are cheap, there’s a giant wine choice, and the meals is wealthy, savory, and scrumptious. The menu modifications each day relying on what’s recent.

***

Admittedly, even with 5 days in Paris, you’ll barely scratch the floor of town. It’s simply too huge, nuanced, and layered. The historical past, the structure, the appeal — it’s not like another place on the earth.

Nevertheless, you’ll nonetheless be capable to see most of the highlights and get a way of simply how superb Paris actually is. However wish to get away from the crowds? Need different suggestion? Right here’s an inventory of off-beat points of interest, distinctive strolling excursions, and day journeys from town.

Paris is finest explored slowly. It’s a metropolis meant to be unraveled, found. There’s a lot that simply pops up that you simply wish to be like an area and simply let your day unfold unexpectedly. Meander within the gardens and parks, take a protracted lunch, watch that band, sit by the Seine, and linger over that bottle of wine. Dwell your finest life in Paris.

Use this steered itinerary as your start line and see the place your journey takes you. I promise it gained’t disappoint!