I must make a confession. In a city that sees over 30 million tourists per year, it was quite difficult to make a Paris itinerary for 5 days that wasn’t full of the commonly known spots.
Let’s face it, you can only read so many guides that claim you “must see the Eiffel Tower!” before you start to think, hey, didn’t I read that somewhere else?
The truth is, the majority of people won’t veer off the typical tourist track. But you’re different. You want to see the authentic side of places you visit.
This five-day itinerary of Paris includes the city’s hidden gems, and with no mention of the Eiffel Tower! If you have a week to spend in Paris, here are the exact sites you should visit.
The Epic Paris Itinerary for Five Days
There are two sides to Paris. There’s a well-known, touristy side where you stay in the central arrondissements and never leave.
Then there is a secret side to Paris that has been clutched tight to the chest of each Parisian since the beginning of the city’s international popularity.
Off-the-beaten-path Paris guides like mine aren’t on a mission to expose their beloved secret Paris. Rather, we hope to provide valuable material for the small percentage of travelers who crave an authentic experience.
If you’re curious about the less-traveled side of Paris, then check out this five-day itinerary for Paris!
Day 1: Student Life in the Fifth Arrondissement
Your first day takes place in the fifth arrondissement and the surrounding neighborhoods. This is the most well-known of the arrondissements for its concentration of universities and prestigious high schools.
It’s known as the Latin Quarter, but you might also consider it the think-tank of Paris, where all the intellectuals live in the present day.
Start with breakfast at Jozi Brunch, which I enjoyed enough to add to the Paris restaurant guide. This quaint little spot has few spaces to sit, so there may be a line if you arrive later in the morning. They make a great cappuccino, and I loved the parfait bowl with fresh fruits.
Panthéon Monument
The Panthéon is an architectural masterpiece designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Its original intent was to be a church housing relics from Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Soufflot drew inspiration from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, giving it a distinct neoclassical look and a massive central dome.
Its use changed during the French Revolution when it became a mausoleum for significant fighters of that time.
Nowadays, you can visit here to see some of France’s most notable figures throughout history. Some recognizable names are Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas, all found inside the crypt.
Luxembourg Gardens
Next on your tour of the fifth arrondissement is the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg in French). The Luxembourg Gardens were created in 1612 by Marie de’ Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France.
The Luxembourg Palace is the seat of the French Senate, and the surrounding gardens are open to the public. You can find a lovely botanical garden, numerous statues, and fountains like the famous Medici Fountain (19th century by architect Alphonse de Gisors) and the Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde.
It’s no surprise that the gardens were the source of inspiration for artists including Henry James, Ernest Hemingway, and Victor Hugo. In his epic story Les Misérables, Hugo used the Luxembourg Gardens as the backdrop where Marius Pontmercy and Cosette first meet.
Dinner and Les Écoles Cinéma Club
It’s dinnertime at this point in the itinerary, so you will likely be ready to sit down for a meal. Do you know what is synonymous with college neighborhoods? Delicious, not-pretentious restaurants that run fairly cheaply.
Some of my favorites in the Fifth Arrondissement include Au P’tit Grec for savory crepes, La Pie Noir for their specialty razor clams, and Au Bistrot de la Montagne for snails and stunning vaulted ceilings. For something not French, try TranTranZai for Mandarin cuisine.
If you happen to get there early enough, there is also a fantastic open-air market called Rue Mouffetard Market. Here you can find all sorts of fresh cheese, wine, and ingredients for an impromptu meal. But beware, they close promptly at 1:00 pm every day.
Finally, finish your first day in Paris at the Les Écoles Cinéma Club. The theater is a long-standing neighborhood favorite that plays movies from the last century. Catching an independent movie in a foreign country is quite intimate, and for a moment, you might feel like a true resident of Paris.
Day 2: Creativity in the City of Light
Let’s do a deep dive into the City of Light (if you’re curious why Paris has this nickname, check below for the history). Paris has always been a hub for forward thinkers, artists, and visionaries.
Some of the world’s greatest writers have called Paris home. Echoes of that creative past are still heard today in some of the unique spots around town. Day two is all about uncovering the creative side of Paris.
Guimet Museum
Start your day in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This area of town is known for Place du Trocadero (Trocadero Park), where you’ll get a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. Stop here as early as you can in order to get a view unobstructed by crowds.
Next, hop over to one of the cafes in this area. Fgood is a nice spot for a more substantial breakfast. Athena Art Cafe is also lovely. Café Lamartine is your typical French café; great for a morning croissant and coffee.
Paris is a city of art, and so you will get a TON of museums. The 16th arrondissement has quite a few of them within a close range.
Walk over or take the metro (Iéna stop) to the Guimet Museum. This fabulous hotel houses ancient treasures from Asia. It’s a wonderful stop if you’re enamored by Asian cultures. There are pieces from all over the Eastern hemisphere, from Tibet up to Japan, Afghan Buddhas, and sprawling tapestries.
Alternatively, if Asian art isn’t your thing on this particular day, you can check out Palais Galliera, a prominent museum displaying Paris fashion. It’s only a few minutes away from the Guimet Museum, so you can still hop off at the Iéna metro stop to arrive here.
Check out the Hôtel des Invalides
One more alternative museum option is the Hôtel des Invalides. It’s a massive museum that essentially covers every detail you can imagine about France. It’s most well-known for hosting the final resting spots for some prolific army generals, including Napoleon.
This museum is so huge that it would take days to go through the whole thing, but it is a heaven for history nerds.
Day 3: French Cuisine on Your Paris Itinerary
If you love a good repurposed building, then you’ll appreciate Cent Quatre. It’s a bit further out of town, located in the 19th arrondissement. It’s a huge multipurpose space dedicated to the arts of all varieties, and I really mean all.
It stands as a live music venue for everything from raves to jazz performances. You can take a directed dance class here, or watch a ballet. The activities are usually held in French, though it’s a great way to mingle with locals and learn about the Paris art scene.
Beyond that, there are also shops and restaurants inside. There is literally always something going on here, so I suggest checking out the calendar for your travel dates and seeing if there’s something of interest.
Schedule an EatWith Dining Experience
Food and culture go hand-in-hand because a culture defines the food eaten. I love EatWith because it’s the easiest (and most fun) way to have a totally immersive cultural experience—in someone’s kitchen!
EatWith connects you with dinner experiences cooked by locals. So you can browse through a selection of available experiences in Paris, make a reservation, and then show up at someone’s actual home.
In some cases, you can cook dinner with them, and at other times, you may have a seat and relax while they cook dinner for you.
Day 4: Montmartre and Bohemian Vibes
Start at the base of Montmartre, a large hill in Paris with Sacré-Cœur Basilica at its summit. There is a large set of stone stairs that takes you all the way up 292 steps to the top, but if you choose some of the winding streets up the hill, you’ll also see some infamous Parisian sites.
Pro tip: You can also take the Funiculaire Gare Haute up to the top of Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Explore the artistic Place du Tertre
When you’re ready to move on from Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the next stop is the surrounding neighborhood of Place du Tertre.
If the lovely cobblestone streets of Place du Tertre don’t win your heart, then perhaps the relaxed, bohemian lifestyle will. This specific neighborhood in the 18th Arrondissement has been the home of Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
This is truly the artist’s square of Paris. Enjoy the slow stroll and take in the sights. Do as the Parisians do and order a coffee at an outdoor terrace cafe.
If you’re hungry at this point, I suggest stopping at Sanukiya, a down-to-earth Japanese spot for ramen and soba noodles. It’s right by the Pyramides metro stop.
Near the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, you’ll find a few notable historic sites that don’t require an entry fee to visit:
- Colonne Vendôme: A massive column with bas-reliefs and a statue of Napoleon at the top
- Place de la Concorde: A significant public square that was once a public execution site.
- Obélisque de Louxor: A 2000-year-old Obelisk transported to Paris from Luxor, Egypt
- Fontaine des Mers: A circa-1840 fountain decorated with marine life and mythological figures.
Finish your night at Harry’s New York Bar, a landmark bar where Ernest Hemingway used to hang out during the time of the Lost Generation in Paris.
Day 5: Art and Culture in the City of Light
There are so many museums in Paris that you probably wouldn’t be able to see them all in one lifetime (I’m curious if anyone has attempted this).
But before we get into the art, you must experience the living museum of Paris: French market culture. Start your morning at Marché d’Aligre.
I suggest you check this place out early, either grabbing a breakfast of fresh bread and coffee from the market or stopping at a cafe afterward. There is an excellent flea market attached to the main strip of grocers.
After the market, take a leisure stroll through Coulée Verte René-Dumont.
This used to be an old railway raised above the ground. Now it’s a footpath that’s lovely to walk on during the summer months. You can find it close to the Gare de Lyon train station (which, by the way, has one of the most stunning restaurants inside it).
Housewares Museum
I saw a lovely Art Deco jewelry exhibit here in 2022 and absolutely loved it. The space is quaint (you can easily see the entire exhibit in under forty-five minutes), and not that many people know about it.
My family and I happily browsed with perhaps thirty other people at the same time, and it wasn’t overcrowded.
D’Orsay
Alternatively, there’s also the D’Orsay. This museum gets very busy, but rest assured, it will be worth your time. The building used to be a train station, with observable remnants being the large clock faces and floral cement details on the ceiling.
Fun fact: Did you know you can rent a hotel room with the famous glass clock in the background?
Pro tip: There are 136 museums in Paris, many of which are rarely visited by tourists! Your next favorite Paris museum might be unknown to the general population.
FAQs
Where to stay in Paris
Each arrondissement has its own vibe, so your experience and perception of Paris will change depending on where you go. The central arrondissements (second, third, fourth, and fifth) are always a popular and safe option.
While you will likely deal with a fair share of street noise into the night, these are the best spots to stay for convenience, walkability, and safety. As well, there are some exceptional hotels in these areas with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Why is Paris called the City of Light?
Paris earned the name “City of Light” for a few reasons. Literally, Paris was one of the first cities to adopt street lighting. In the 17th century, King Louis XIV commissioned thousands of street lamps all over the city to increase safety and order. Figuratively, the nickname has to do with a period of intellectual and philosophical movement in Europe. In the 18th century, Paris was a center for education, ideas, and art, making it an attractive place to live for free thinkers.
Is Paris safe?
Yes, Paris is quite safe, despite being a major city with a ton of inhabitants. As a tourist, you won’t have to worry too much about violent crimes as they’re quite rare. The biggest threats to you are pickpockets (beware on the metro) and scams on the street. Stay alert with your surroundings and keep your valuables in a place where they aren’t easy to grab. A good crossbody bag usually works well in keeping your things secure.
What should I bring to Paris?
I wrote an article on everything you should bring on a Paris trip, but here’s a condensed version. The summer months are extremely hot and sticky, so bring portable deodorant wipes and this cute handheld fan. Noting the hot and sticky weather, there is also a lot of sun. I like these travel-friendly polarized sunglasses because they fold into a little pouch. Also, a UV-proof sun hat is a must. Make sure you capture all of your best memories on a lightweight mirrorless camera and bring a few SD memory cards as backup. You’ll also want a comfortable pair of cute shoes for walking those long steps up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Is the Louvre worth it?
Absolutely, yes, you should visit the Louvre at least once. You will find some incredible pieces of art. Perhaps the most sought-after is the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci. Aside from the well-known artists, you will find exquisitely preserved art from ancient Egypt and artists from all centuries throughout Europe. The Louvre is absolutely massive, so I suggest dedicating a few hours to your visit. The Louvre is best enjoyed on a rainy day, but it does require purchasing tickets beforehand.
Where can I see the Eiffel Tower?
Glad you asked! There are some excellent viewing spots for the Eiffel Tower. Personally, I like Trocadero Square the best because there is a direct view of the tower. It’s the perfect location to see the Eiffel Tower fireworks on Bastille Day. You can also hang out on the Champ de Mars, a long park that sits at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Paris?
Try visiting Paris in the Spring, between April and May, or later in the year, in October. You’ll either get to see the flowers as they bloom or see lovely fall foliage around the city.
What is an arrondissement?
The arrondissements in Paris are districts of the city, with the earliest arrondissements (i.e., the first numerals) sitting right in the center. The numbers spiral out in a clockwise motion, a bit like a snail shell. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and lifestyle of residents. It’s always a good time to simply walk around and experience each one in its unique form.
