Five Days in Paris, Thoughtfully Planned
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Most people don’t get Paris right the first time.
They either try to do too much, or they plan something that looks good on paper but ends up feeling rushed and exhausting once they’re there.
Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world, and one of my favorite cities to plan. I’ve planned dozens of Paris trips for families and couples, and while every trip looks a little different, the goal is always the same: helping you see as much as you can without feeling overwhelmed or tired.
If you have five full days, this is how I would do it.
This itinerary is structured around guided experiences, so you’re not spending your time figuring things out, but it still leaves space to slow down and enjoy the city.
At a Glance: 5 Days in Paris
Day 1: Arrival + Easy Introduction
Early morning arrival into CDG
Private transfer to hotel (expect to drop bags if room isn’t ready)
Guided vintage sidecar city tour to get your bearings
Champagne Seine River cruise in the evening
Day 2: Louvre + Eiffel Tower + Evening Out
Guided Louvre tour (private or small group)
Afternoon visit to the Eiffel Tower with pre-booked access to the top
Evening at Moulin Rouge (optional, but fits well here)
Day 3: Art + Food + Left Bank Wandering
Guided Musée d’Orsay tour
Food and wine tour in Saint-Germain or Le Marais
Late afternoon at leisure on the Left Bank:
Walk through Saint-Germain
See Notre Dame from the outside
Visit Sainte-Chapelle if open
Cross the Seine and wander
Day 4: Versailles or Free Day
Option 1:
Guided Versailles tour (half or full day)
Option 2 (often the better choice):
Sleep in
Revisit a neighborhood you liked
Long lunch, shopping, or just walking with no plan
Day 5: Departure
Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrive and Ease Into the City
You’ll likely land early, so don’t try to force too much into this day.
Plan for a transfer into the city and assume your room may not be ready yet.
A guided sidecar tour is a really fun way to start. You’ll see a lot of the city without having to think about directions, and it helps everything feel more familiar right away.
In the evening, a Seine river cruise with champagne is a nice way to settle in. Low effort, and a good first impression of the city.
Day 2: Louvre and Eiffel Tower
Start with a guided Louvre tour. The museum is huge, and having someone walk you through it makes it much more manageable.
In the afternoon, head to the Eiffel Tower with pre-arranged access to the top. This saves time and keeps things moving smoothly.
In the evening, you can keep things open or add something like Moulin Rouge if that’s of interest. It can fit into any night depending on your energy and preferences.
Day 3: Art, Food, and a Slower Afternoon
Start with a guided Musée d’Orsay tour. It’s easier to move through than the Louvre and often ends up being a favorite.
Later in the day, plan a food and wine experience in Saint-Germain or Le Marais.
After that, keep things open. Stay on the Left Bank and just walk:
through Saint-Germain
toward Notre Dame
into Sainte-Chapelle if it’s open
across the river if you feel like it
Day 4: Versailles or Stay in Paris
You have two good options.
If you want to see Versailles, do it with a guided tour. It’s large and crowded, and having someone walk you through it makes a big difference.
Otherwise, stay in Paris.
Sleep in, go back to a neighborhood you liked, sit down for a long lunch, or have a picnic in a park with wine, fresh baguettes and some good cheese, don’t plan much. This tends to be a favorite day.
Day 5: Departure
Where to Stay in Paris
For this itinerary, I like keeping things central so the days feel easy and walkable.
All of these options are in or around the 2nd arrondissement, which works really well for a first trip.
You’re close to the Louvre, within reach of the Marais, and surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and places you’ll actually want to stop into.
These are all well-located, 4-star boutique hotels with a good mix of style, comfort, and atmosphere.
Grands Boulevards Experimental
Feels a little tucked away, even though it’s central
Design-focused but still comfortable
Rooftop and courtyard give it a bit more personality
The Hoxton Paris
Lively, social, always something going on
Big open spaces, multiple restaurants and a busy bar
Feels like a mix of travelers and locals
Hotel Bachaumont
Right in Montorgueil, one of the easiest areas to walk around
Surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops
Nice balance between lively and relaxed
Maison Favart
Smaller, quieter, more classic feel
Indoor pool and spa (rare for Paris)
Very straightforward location for a first trip
One thing to keep in mind
Rooms in Paris are almost always smaller than what people expect.
Location matters more than room size here. Being able to step outside and walk to everything will make a much bigger difference to your trip.
If you’re not sure what fits best
This is usually the part where it helps to talk it through a bit.
Everyone’s trip looks a little different, and the right hotel depends on how you want your time in Paris to feel.
Travel is not one size fits all.
This is a well-paced way to see a lot of Paris in five days, but everyone’s trip looks a little different. If you’re planning something similar and want it tailored to how you like to travel, you can reach out here to start planning your trip.