Paris Itinerary: A Complete 5D4N Guide For First-Timers!

Klook Team

Last updated 13 May 2024

Credits: Anthony DELANOIX (Unsplash), @thaolette (Instagram), Rodrigo Kugnharski (Unsplash)

Paris itinerary including must-dos and travel tips

Known as the City of Lights and the City of Love, Paris is perhaps one of the most romantic places in the world. If you've spent your whole life watching romcom protagonists fall in love by the Eiffel Tower, maybe now it's your turn to do the same 😉.

This Paris itinerary includes all the must-see landmarks for first-time visitors. Like the Eiffel Tower, Musée du Lourve and Arc de Triomphe! Plus travel tips including the best way to get around Paris, hotels in Paris, and more.

Getting around Paris

Much like other metropolitan cities, Paris has its own complex web of underground train systems. The Paris Métro is what you’ll probably be using the most, as it’s the fastest way to get around, with 16 lines spanning across the entire city.

You can hop on a metro as early as 6AM and as late as 12:45AM from Sundays to Thursdays, and 1:45AM on Fridays and Saturdays. In the case of outskirts-of-Paris excursions, you can use the Réseau Express Régional (RER), which connects the Paris city center to the suburbs.

Other ways to get around Paris include trams and buses. There’s even a night service bus called The Noctilien that offers late-night workers and party-goers rides around Paris from 12:30AM to 5:30AM.

Day 1: Panthéon, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre

Panthéon

Whether you landed the night before or on the day of, it’s best to keep your first day in Paris chill and flexible — long plane rides are no joke.

We suggest starting with the Panthéon, a famous attraction with centuries of stories hidden within its walls. Right after its inception, the Panthéon functioned as a church, as intended. Soon after, it was treated as a mausoleum to commemorate important French figures who had passed.

Afterward, consider taking a moment to view Notre Dame Cathedral (just 1km away!), an emblem of Gothic architecture and a testament to Paris's rich history and cultural heritage, despite its current restoration.

Opening hours: 10AM - 6PM (Daily)

Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

As soon as you’re done admiring the beauty and history of the Panthéon, head over to The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, a monumental church that’s been standing strong for over 100 years.

Sacré-Cœur can be translated to Sacred Heart, highlighting this religious structure as a sanctuary. This building is pretty hard to miss — standing at a 130-meter vantage point, with some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the French capital.

With Roman-Byzantine architecture and a white exterior that stands out against the blue sky, Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is favored by both locals and tourists for its beauty that’s present both physically and spiritually.

Opening hours: 6:30AM - 10:30PM (Daily)

Montmartre

After, make your way to Montmartre, the same charming village where Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located. A walk down the cobblestone streets will make you feel like you’ve been transported into a film set. Vineyards, artists offering live portrait drawings, and whimsical cafes inviting passersby to enter, Montmartre is said to be the city’s cutest neighborhood, and every corner is picture-worthy.

Consider going on a local walking tour to learn more about Montmartre's vibrant past — this French neighborhood was once frequented by renowned painters like Van Gogh and Picasso! You'll also learn more about the intriguing history of the Moulin Rouge.

As a post-lunch activity, we suggest visiting the Musée Montmartre. Here, you’ll learn about the artists who flocked to the village in the 1870s, turning Montmartre into a fluorescent creative hub. Fans of Suzanne Valadon are in for a treat as one of the permanent exhibitions in this museum is a recreation of the famed French painter’s atelier-apartment.

Day 2: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Latin Quarter

Arc de Triomphe

A national symbol, a tangible ode to those who died fighting for France, the Arc de Triomphe is a must-visit for lovers of history and stories of victory. It was first built in 1806 to mark Napoleon I’s success in battle, and construction continued for another 30 years before reaching completion.

This monument isn't just nice to look at — the roof grants you access to a bird’s eye view of the Champs-Élysées! There’s a spiral staircase that leads to the top of the arc, where you'll also find a museum and a gift shop.

Opening hours: 10AM - 10:15PM (Daily)

Champs-Élysées

Now that you’ve seen Paris’ most visited avenue from afar, it’s finally time to experience it up close. There’s something for everyone at Champs-Élysées, and we mean that earnestly.

The avenue is first and foremost, an avid shopper’s dream. It's almost 2km of retail shops — stretching all the way from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe!

Be sure to stop by Galeries Lafayette! Even if you’re not into luxury fashion, there are plenty of other things to see in one of Paris' most iconic department stores. Browse through Ladurée’s colorful macaron selection, sniff your way through Guerlain’s entire fragrance library, and maybe stop by Théâtre du Rond-Point to watch a local theatre performance!

Latin Quarter

The next location is the Latin Quarter. Its name alone indicates its status as one of the oldest districts in Paris — Latin was widely spoken between the 10th and 15th centuries. Its cobbled streets and abundance of quaint shops make this district a charming one worth visiting.

Not far from here, the Jardin du Luxembourg offers a peaceful retreat within the Latin Quarter where visitors can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

The Latin Quarter is where you’ll find Paris’ most popular bookstore: Shakespeare and Company. Oftentimes, you’ll find a line of eager tourists queuing up to purchase one of their uber popular self-branded tote bags, and who can blame them? The store’s merchandise is equally beautiful as it is practical. You even get your newly purchased book stamped with the bookstore’s logo, making it a fantastic souvenir to commemorate your trip.

Day 3: Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (MAP), Musée d'Orsay, Eiffel tower

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (MAP)

If you’re into vintage goods, you can’t miss out on Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, the world’s largest antique market. It isn’t your typical flea market with just a couple of rows of vendors — it’s an extensive web of shops and warehouses filled with the most unique goodies you’ll ever find. Think of it as a market of markets.

Short on time? Check out Marché Dauphine where you can find vintage vinyls and books, art galleries, and intricately woven tapestries all under one roof. Another major antique market in Paris is Paul Bert Serpette, where you’ll come across artful furniture and interior decor like chandeliers and silverware.

There are other unique markets in the area, so strap on your comfiest pair of shoes and have fun exploring Paris!

Opening hours: 8AM - 12PM (Friday), 10AM - 6PM (Saturday & Sunday), 11AM - 5PM (Monday), Closed Tuesday to Thursday

Musée d'Orsay

An homage to an art movement born in the city of love, Musée d'Orsay is dedicated to preserving, restoring, and showcasing some of the most important artworks from the impressionist era. This museum houses paintings created by the likes of Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Gustave Caillebotte as well as sculptures by Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel, and Edgar Degas.

You’ll be surrounded by impressionist and post-impressionist art the moment you step inside, making Musée d'Orsay the best museum to see pieces from that era. Whether you’re well-acquainted or a stranger to these art styles, do allocate at least a couple of hours to this museum — it’s jam-packed with things to see and learn!

Opening hours: 9:30AM - 6PM (Tuesday to Wednesday & Friday to Sunday), 9:30AM - 9:45PM (Friday), Closed on Monday

Eiffel Tower

A feat of engineering and a celebration of a century-long history, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. Did you know that this iconic 300-meter-tall monument was completed in just 2 years?

There are 4 levels for visitors to explore. The first is the ground floor — The Esplanade — where you get a view of the Eiffel Tower from below. Next, is the 1st Floor, where you'll find some restaurants. The 2nd Floor of the Eiffel Tower is actually 125 meters above the ground, home to Jules Verne Restaurant and a gift shop!

Then there's The Top (276 meters) where you’ll see the beauty of Paris from above. You can choose between taking the stairs or the high-speed elevator, but note that the latter will cost more.

Klook Tip: Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night! The light show takes place from 8PM to 1AM, for the first five minutes of every hour. The night closes with the lengthiest display of lights which lasts 10 minutes. In summer, the light show runs until 2AM. Head to the Champ de Mars — the public park in front of the Eiffel Tower — to enjoy the show.

Opening hours: 9:30AM - 10:45PM (Daily)

Day 4: Catacombs, Louvre Museum, Seine River

Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris comes with a dark history — the reason why there are over 6 million human remains in this underground tunnel is due to the cemeteries in the 18th century overflowing with bodies. The relocation of the remains aided in combating 2 of the city’s biggest problems simultaneously: the spreading of diseases, as well as the collapse of underground cellars and passageways.

If you’re visiting the catacombs, there are a couple things to keep in mind. Firstly, the catacombs are not wheelchair accessible. Secondly, the temperature inside always remains at 14℃, so bring a jacket if you’re here during the warmer months.

Opening hours: 9:45AM - 8:30PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Closed on Monday

Louvre Museum

What was once a palace is now an art museum, and what was once a piece of history, remains culturally significant. The Louvre Museum, also known as Musée du Louvre, is the place all travelers should visit while in Paris. If you can only visit one art museum on your trip to Paris, this should be it.

With 400 rooms and over 35,000 artworks on display, the Louvre is the biggest museum in the world. It’s impossible to cover the whole museum in a few hours, in fact, some suggest that it takes a few days to see everything. Most of us don’t have the luxury of time, and the museum itself recommends visitors to spend the couple of hours they have at the Denon wing — where the famous Mona Lisa is.

Opening hours: 9AM - 6PM (Saturday - Thursday), 9AM - 9:45PM (Friday)

Seine River

The Seine River cuts through the middle of Paris, separating the left and right banks. The left bank is often linked to the arts, with the presence of bookstores and cafes, while the right bank is for business and commerce. With its length at a whopping 777km, it’s safe to say that walking from one end to the other is impossible.

One of the best things to do in Paris is to take a Seine River sightseeing cruise. As you cruise down the river, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. This cruise would be a sweet conclusion to your days in Paris, a summary of all the places you’ve visited and the things you’ve experienced.

This Seine River Sightseeing Cruise departs from Bateaux Parisiens or Bateaux Mouches, depending on the time of day. It also runs for about an hour — ample time to soak in the sights.

Day 5: Palace of Versailles, Le Marais

Palace of Versailles

As the main place of residence of the French monarchy for many years, one can only imagine the sheer grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. It started as a hunting lodge before becoming the primary palace, and now, it’s open to all as a museum.

The compound is enormous, consisting of a park, gardens, an estate, a tennis court, stables, and the palace itself. Rooms ornately decorated with golden fixtures and chandeliers, and water fountains scattered across across the gardens, this palace is a true testament to the beauty that comes with wealth and power.

The Palace of Versailles itself is about an hour away from Paris, so we highly recommend starting your day early. It opens at 9AM and if you want to make the most out of your day, it’s best to leave your hotel by 8AM. It can take up to a full day to cover the whole palace, so do plan accordingly!

Opening hours: 9AM - 5:30PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Closed on Monday

Le Marais

Le Marais, or The Marais, is the perfect place to be for one final hoorah. This district perfectly encompasses the Parisian experience with art, architecture, food, and shopping.

Le Marais is full of iconic landmarks and historical sites. In other words, every building in this town has a story to tell. Here, you can stroll around the oldest square in the city: Place de Vosges. This is also where Hôtel de Ville, home to Paris’ city council, is. You should also stop by Musée Picasso, a museum dedicated to the Spanish painter.

Accommodation in Paris

The best way to get the most out of your trip is by ensuring that you get a good night’s rest every day! Being exhausted before you even step out of your hotel lobby isn’t fun, so here are some hotel recommendations that’ll leave you feeling refreshed the moment you wake up.

Under USD$200/night

Under USD$100/night

Under USD$80

Other things to add to your Paris itinerary

Just a quick 35-minute train ride on the RER A train from Nation Station, Disneyland Paris offers a whimsical escape for all ages. From iconic attractions to beloved Disney characters, immerse in a day filled with joy and wonder with thrilling rides, enchanting parades, and delicious dining options.

Want to venture out of Paris? Consider going on a day trip to Normandy to see the iconic Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! There are different tour options to choose from (guided, unguided or audio guide), to suit your type of travel.