First time in Paris? We know you can’t wait to see the iconic sites and local Parisian favorites. After many visits across seasons, we’ve found our favorite ways to see the highlights, go where locals go, enjoy the best food, and explore this complex yet amazing city. Five days in Paris is the perfect amount of time to see the city's art, history, fashion, and, of course, amazing French food! Keep reading for the full 5-day Paris itinerary!

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Day 1: Art Museums, Gardens, and Palaces

Your first day in the city of lights kicks off with an immersion in the city's rich artistic heritage by visiting one of the top-notch art museums, followed by lush gardens and internet-famous landmarks. Before calling it a night, dig into a sumptuous dinner followed by a captivating cabaret show - both of which you won't soon forget.

Visit One of Paris' Best Art Museums

The Louvre isn't the only art museum! Paris is full of art, culture, and history. Musée D'orsay, Rodin Museum, and the iconic Louvre Museum are all amazing museums to experience while in Paris. Unless you're an art fiend, pick one of these three museums for your first visit, take your time, and get inspired!

Relax in the Tuileries Garden

Tuileries Garden is a picturesque public garden with beautiful fountains, ponds, sculptures, and stunning views of the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. It's the perfect place to unwind and stretch your legs after wandering through art museums!

Visit Palais Royal & Colonnes de Buren/Les Deux Plateaux

The Palais Royal is a gorgeous 17th-century former French royal palace in the city center, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful gardens. Tickets are free! The Colonnes de Buren/Les Deux Plateaux, just outside the palace, features a series of striking black-and-white columns that serve as an art installation, often seen on Pinterest and Instagram.

Dinner Plans

From cozy bistros and classic French brasseries to Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy pop-ups, Paris offers something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for traditional French cuisine or international flavors, there are plenty of options.

Day 2: Chapels, Shopping, and the Seine

Day 2 will lead you through the sacred spaces before letting you lose yourself in the vibrant Latin Quarter. After a refreshing pause in the gardens and some retail therapy, prepare for an enchanting boat ride along the Seine, ending the day at the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Chapel Hopping

Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel known for its breathtaking stained-glass windows and intricate architecture, making it a true masterpiece. You only need about 30-45 minutes to visit, but the stunning craftsmanship makes this impressive chapel worth a visit! Just a short walk away, you'll find the iconic Notre Dame. Though Notre Dame was closed for years after the 2019 fire, the stately landmark has reopened after years of reconstruction! The church is free to enter.

Explore the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in the heart of Paris that offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage. After visiting the stately churches, take a short stroll through the Latin Quarter to wander and soak up the area's sights and vibes. And if you're a book lover, don't miss the infamous Shakespeare and Company bookshop, a beloved institution in the area. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you'll find plenty of awesome lunch options in and around the Latin Quarter.

Jardin du Luxembourg

This stunning public garden, in the heart of the city's chic 6th arrondissement, offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Stroll along the park's picturesque paths and admire the gorgeous flowers, fountains, and sculptures that dot the landscape.

Shopping, Sips, and Snacks

Paris is known for its fantastic shopping. And while everyone has their own style, some iconic shops, both trending and classic, should be on your list to at least window-shop while you're in the city. Foodies can spend hours strolling through the aisles of La Grande Épicerie de Paris, an upscale grocery store that’s essentially a paradise of French and international foods. Skincare lovers can fill their suitcases with a wide range of famous French pharmacy brands at affordable prices (aka a steep discount since they haven't been exported) at CityPharma. And those looking to shop French fashion should head to Sézane, a French fashion brand known for its chic and effortless style.

Rosa Bonheur sur Seine is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner downtown stop to relax and mingle with locals! This charming floating bar and café is located on the Seine River, offering stunning city views and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for kicking back and unwinding. Sip on a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine, nibble on some tapas or sandwiches, and soak up the local vibe as you watch boats pass by on the river.

Enjoy a Dinner on a Boat tour of the Seine River

Take a two-hour dinner cruise aboard the Paris en Scène. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as you soak up Paris's unforgettable beauty from a unique vantage point. This fully panoramic boat offers stunning views of the city's most iconic landmarks as you enjoy bistro-inspired cuisine. Book your spot in advance for an unforgettable evening!

Watch the Eiffel Tower Turn on Its Lights

Once the sun sets and the city lights up, you'll see Paris in a new light - literally! After disembarking from your dinner cruise, stroll to the Eiffel Tower and watch it light up, enjoying the city in a warm, romantic glow. It's the perfect end to a perfect evening in Paris.e River, offering stunning city views and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for

Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Day 3 takes you on a day trip just outside the city. Head out early for an incredible taste of French history, elaborate gardens, and a ridiculous amount of grandeur. After Versailles, take the train back to Paris for a night on the town!

Brunch in Paris

Midway through an amazing trip, let yourself sleep in just a little, then enjoy a beautiful brunch! We recommend trying Kozy, Holybelly, or LouLou.

Spend the Day at the Palace of Versailles

In the 11th century, Versailles was a small country village with a castle and the church of Saint-Julien. Today, it is mainly known for the lavish Château de Versailles, which served as King Louis XIV's home and Napoleon's summer palace. It also saw the historic signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 in the now-legendary Hall of Mirrors. You will need at least five hours to explore the palace and its expansive grounds.

Day 3: Champs-Élysées & Montmartre

Make the most of the day by hitting the city's final highlights from Sunrise to Sunset. Seize the opportunity for a photoshoot before you brunch and shop, then scale the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic city views. Spend the afternoon taking one more peek at iconic French art, then visit bohemian Montmartre, where you can explore its charming streets, enjoy local cuisine, and watch a breathtaking sunset from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Spend the Day Along the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées offers plenty of excellent brunch options. After brunch, take some time to shop and stroll along the beautiful Champs-Élysées as you walk to your next stop(s)! While you’re here, get a bird's-eye view of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe! You can see it from the street, but the climb to the top is absolutely worth the views! If you're interested in fashion and history, La Galerie Dior is a must-see museum in Christian Dior's private mansion. If you're more interested in art and sculpture, the Petit Palais is a hidden gem with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from ancient times to the early 20th century.

Explore Montmartre in the Afternoon

While you're exploring, have a late lunch and, later, dinner in Montmartre. This neighborhood has so many fantastic eateries! And one thing you shouldn’t leave Paris without doing is watching the Sunset from the steps of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. For your last night in Paris, you cannot miss watching the sunset from the top of the cathedral's stairs. The Sacre Coeur Basilica sits atop Montmartre Hill, offering spectacular panoramic city views, especially at dusk. From this vantage point, you can admire Paris as the sky changes color, casting a warm glow over the city's iconic landmarks.

Day 5: Disneyland Day Trip

Day 5 takes you on a day trip just outside the city. Get ready to head out early and experience a taste of Disney magic with a uniquely French twist! Disneyland is easily accessible by train from the city center and offers two parks to explore all day.

Take an Early Morning RER Train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy Station

Buy a Zone 5 round-trip RER ticket to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy Station (Disneyland's station) from Paris.

Start the Day in Disneyland Paris

Get a little lost and feel like a kid again as you soak up the familiar yet slightly different sights and sounds of this European Disney park. A few highlights from Disneyland Paris that you can't find in the U.S. Disney Parks are Alice's Curious Labyrinth - An Alice in Wonderland-themed Maze, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril - an Indiana Jones-themed outdoor roller coaster, and La Tanière du Dragon - Sleeping Beauty's dragon under the castle.

Spend a Few Hours in Walt Disney Studios

This park is relatively small compared to its neighbor but is still worth a visit. We consider it a mix of Epcot and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida. Here are a few highlights you can't find in the U.S. Disney parks: Crush's Coaster, an indoor/outdoor Finding Nemo-themed roller coaster; RC Racer, a half-pipe coaster in Toy Story Playland; and Cars Road Trip, a half-French, half-English slow tour around Cars props and memorabilia. If you're an OG Disney Parks fan, this is a re-theme of the old Backlot Tour, formerly in MGM (now Hollywood Studios) at Walt Disney World.

Finish the Day Back in Disneyland Paris

Ride whatever you still need to get around to, or explore corners you haven't seen! Wait to leave before you catch a parade or the incredible fireworks show at the end of the evening! It's truly remarkable. Check your Disneyland Paris app for details on time and availability.

5-Day Paris Itinerary for Your Perfect First Trip