5-Day Ultimate Paris Itinerary: Iconic Sights, Gourmet Dining & Cultural Gems

Day 1: Historic Center

Paris, France on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with traditional French breakfast of croissants and café au lait at this iconic Parisian café, open from 7am.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit the famous Gothic cathedral, admire its stunning facade and stained-glass windows (note: interior visits may be limited due to renovations).
Free, 1h

11:00am

Louvre Museum

Explore the world’s largest art museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Open 9am-6pm (closed Tuesday).
EUR17, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy a chic bistro menu featuring classic French dishes close to the Louvre, open from noon for lunch.
EUR35, 1.5h

4:15pm

Walk along the Seine River

Stroll on the picturesque riverbanks, browse the bouquinistes’ green bookstalls, and soak up the Parisian atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine with a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night, serving refined French cuisine. Reservations recommended.
EUR70, 2h

Day 2: Montmartre Charm

Paris, France on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy Australian-style brunch delights near Montmartre, open from 8am on weekends and 9am weekdays.
EUR20, 1h

10:00am

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Climb up to this iconic white basilica and enjoy panoramic views of Paris. Open daily 6am-10:30pm.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Explore Montmartre Village

Wander through cobblestone streets, visit Place du Tertre with its artists, and see the Montmartre Museum showcasing local art history.
Museum EUR14, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Consulat

Historic café serving traditional French fare right in the heart of Montmartre, open from noon.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Espace Dalí

Visit this quirky art space dedicated to Salvador Dalí’s surreal works, open 10am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday.
EUR12, 1h

5:00pm

Walk around Pigalle

Discover the lively Pigalle district with its theaters, cabarets, and trendy bars.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Traditional French dishes at great value in a vintage-style setting, open for dinner from 7pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 3: Iconic Paris

Paris, France on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Carette

French pastries and café inside Place du Trocadéro, the perfect start for the Eiffel Tower day, open from 7:30am.
EUR22, 1h

9:30am

Eiffel Tower Visit

Ascend the landmark early to avoid crowds, open 9:30am-11:45pm. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Seine River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing one-hour boat cruise along the Seine, seeing many famous landmarks from the water. Cruises run frequently from 10am-10pm.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Les Cocottes

Jean-François Piège’s stylish eatery near Eiffel Tower, famous for hearty French casseroles, open for lunch from noon.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:30pm

Walk Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Stroll along Paris’s most famous avenue to the Arc de Triomphe, climbing to the top for views if desired (open 10am-10:30pm).
EUR13, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile

Exquisite French cuisine near Arc de Triomphe with an open kitchen concept, a perfect upscale dinner option, open until 11pm.
EUR85, 2h

Day 4: Cultural Gems

Paris, France on April 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Procope

Dine at the oldest café in Paris dating from 1686, located in the Latin Quarter, open from 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Luxembourg Gardens

Relax in these beautifully manicured gardens with fountains and statues, perfect for a morning walk.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Musée d'Orsay

Explore masterpieces of Impressionism housed in a stunning former train station, open 9:30am-6pm (closed Mondays).
EUR16, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Campana

Modern café inside Musée d'Orsay offering light meals and pastries, open during museum hours.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Latin Quarter

Wander historic streets, visit Shakespeare and Company bookstore and the Sorbonne University area.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Coupe Chou

Cozy, romantic restaurant serving classic French dishes in a charming old Parisian setting, open evenings from 7pm.
EUR45, 2h

Day 5: Versailles Day Trip

Paris & Versailles, France on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hôtel near Gare Saint-Lazare

Quick breakfast before departing to Versailles, many hotels offer early options or grab a pastry from nearby bakery.
EUR15, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Versailles

Take RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, approximately 1 hour journey.
EUR7, 1h

9:45am

Palace of Versailles

Tour the opulent palace, gardens, and Trianon estates, open 9am-6:30pm (closed Mondays).
EUR20, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Charming restaurant inside Versailles gardens serving Italian and French dishes, open from noon.
EUR35, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return train to Paris

Head back to Paris to enjoy your last evening in the city.
Included, 1h

6:30pm

Le Marais Evening Stroll and Dinner

Walk through the vibrant Le Marais district and dine at Chez Janou, serving Provencal specialties with lively atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 2h