5-Day Paris Itinerary for Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Exploration Without Museums

Day 1: Historic Heart Exploration

Paris, France on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with organic pastries and fresh coffee at Le Pain Quotidien near Notre-Dame, open from 7:30am to 8:30pm.
EUR15, 1h

9:15am

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior and Surroundings

Explore the iconic façade and the charming Île de la Cité promenade, soaking in Parisian history and architecture without entering the museum areas.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Walk to Sainte-Chapelle

Admire the stunning stained glass from outside if you prefer no interior visits. The exterior is beautiful for photos and the surrounding square offers a peaceful vibe.
Free, 0.5h

11:30am

Walk through Latin Quarter

Stroll cozy medieval streets, stopping at local shops and quaint cafés; ideal for casual sightseeing and people watching.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Procope

Enjoy a traditional French meal at Paris’s oldest café, open from 11:30am to 3:00pm, known for its historic literary connections.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Luxembourg Gardens

Spend your afternoon wandering beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures; perfect for a leisurely and peaceful experience.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee at Angelina

Savor the famous hot chocolate or coffee and pastries at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli, open till 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Deux Magots

Dine at this famous café with a classic Parisian atmosphere, offering excellent French cuisine; open until 11:30pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 2: Montmartre & Bohemian

Paris, France on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy a creative Australian-style breakfast in Montmartre, open from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

10:00am

Walk up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit the hilltop basilica for panoramic views of Paris, appreciating the exterior architecture and the lively artists' square nearby.
Free, 1.5h

11:45am

Explore Montmartre Streets and Place du Tertre

Discover the artistic charm of cobbled lanes and street artists at Place du Tertre, perfect for souvenirs and atmosphere.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Consulat

Taste classic French bistro dishes in this cozy historic restaurant, open from noon to 3:00pm.
EUR28, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Wall of Love (Le mur des je t’aime)

Admire the unique art installation featuring 'I love you' in over 300 languages, a romantic photo opportunity.
Free, 0.5h

3:15pm

Walk or take metro to Canal Saint-Martin

Explore trendy shops, cafes, and waterside strolls in this boho, off-the-beaten-path area.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Verre Volé

Enjoy a natural wine bar experience with excellent small plates, open till 11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Iconic Sights & River

Paris, France on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day at one of Paris’s most legendary cafés, famous for excellent coffee and pastries, open from early morning.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Walk Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe

Stroll the famous avenue, taking in shops, theatres, and street life leading up to the iconic Arc de Triomphe.
EUR13 (Arc de Triomphe ticket, optional), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ladurée Champs-Élysées

Relish classic French light fare and their famous macarons in a luxurious setting, open 7:30am to 1:00am.
EUR35, 1h

1:30pm

Seine River Cruise

Take a relaxing one-hour sightseeing cruise from Pont Neuf to enjoy Paris landmarks from the river; companies operate 10:00am to 10:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Chill at Tuileries Garden

Wander through peaceful paths, fountains, and sculptures just off the Seine between Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Coffee break at Café Marly

Enjoy fabulous views of the Louvre's courtyard with refined café dishes, open till 7:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Indulge in their famous steak-frites with secret sauce, a Parisian culinary institution since 1959, open until midnight.
EUR50, 1.5h
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Day 4: Chic Neighborhoods

Paris, France on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Bretagne

Enjoy fresh crepes and coffee in the heart of Le Marais, open from 8:00am.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Explore Le Marais District

Stroll through historic streets filled with boutiques, art galleries (exterior viewing), and charming squares like Place des Vosges.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Breizh Café

Sample authentic Breton galettes and cider in a casual and delightful setting, open 12:00pm–10:00pm.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Walk to Canal Saint-Martin

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, pop into funky shops and relax by the water.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Coffee at Ten Belles Café

Recharge with specialty coffee and pastries in this popular canal-side café, open until 6:30pm.
EUR10, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Enfants du Marché

Dine on creative French fare using fresh market ingredients in a lively bistro atmosphere, open till 11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Relax & Shopping

Paris, France on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Angelina

Relish a final decadent Parisian breakfast with renowned hot chocolate, open from 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h

9:15am

Stroll in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Visit this scenic park for waterfalls, a temple, and panoramic views of the city, perfect for a morning walk.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette

Explore this iconic department store for French fashion and souvenirs, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Free entry, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Coupole

Enjoy classic brasserie dishes in an art deco landmark, open from noon - 3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h

3:00pm

Relax along the Seine

Finish your trip with a leisurely walk or rest on the banks of the Seine, enjoying local life and street performances.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Celebrate your last night with traditional French dishes in a vibrant, affordable setting, open till 11:00pm.
EUR30, 2h
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