5-Day Ultimate Paris Itinerary: Iconic Sights, Culinary Delights, and Cultural Experiences

Day 1: Louvre and Historic Heart

Paris, France on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Marly

Enjoy a Parisian breakfast overlooking the Louvre’s glass pyramid; savor croissants and espresso in a chic setting.
EUR25, 1h

9:00am

Louvre Museum

Explore the world's largest art museum and see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Open 9:00am-6:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR17 (book online in advance), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

A cozy spot near the Louvre offering classic French dishes with a modern twist.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk around Île de la Cité

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior view due to ongoing restoration) and Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning stained glass. Sainte-Chapelle is open 9:30am-6:00pm; last entry 5:00pm.
EUR11.50 for Sainte-Chapelle, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Luxembourg Gardens

Enjoy an afternoon stroll in this beautiful garden, a perfect spot to unwind and people-watch.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Dine at Paris’s oldest café, a historic venue serving classic French cuisine in the Latin Quarter.
EUR50, 2h

Day 2: Medieval Paris and Latin Quarter

Paris, France on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

One of Paris’s most iconic cafés where intellectuals once gathered; enjoy fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Panthéon Visit

Visit this grand mausoleum honoring notable French figures; discover its neoclassical architecture. Open 10:00am-6:30pm.
EUR11.50, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Shakespeare and Company bookstore

Browse this legendary English-language bookstore with literary history.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Papilles

A bistro offering a fixed-price menu with superb seasonal dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Musée de Cluny (National Museum of the Middle Ages)

Discover medieval art and the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Open 9:15am-5:45pm; closed Tuesdays.
EUR14, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along the Seine River banks

Enjoy a leisurely walk viewing the iconic bridges and bookstalls by the river.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Coupe-Chou

Eat in an atmospheric, romantic setting, serving traditional French fare.
EUR45, 2h

Day 3: Montmartre and Northern Paris

Paris, France on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Try their creative breakfast dishes and French coffee near Montmartre.
EUR18, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Explore this stunning basilica and enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the dome. Open 6:00am-10:30pm.
Free (EUR8 for dome climb), 2h

11:30am

Stroll around Montmartre Village

Walk through charming cobblestone streets and see the Place du Tertre where artists display their work.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Consulat

A famous traditional French bistro located in Montmartre with a vibrant atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Musée de Montmartre

Visit the museum dedicated to Montmartre’s artistic history, including Renoir’s gardens. Open 10:00am-6:00pm; closed Mondays.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk down to Pigalle and visit the Moulin Rouge (exterior)

See the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret building; no evening show planned to keep itinerary flexible.
Free, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Experience traditional French dishes at budget-friendly prices in this historic brasserie.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 4: Champs-Élysées and Iconic Monuments

Paris, France on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ladurée Champs-Élysées

Famous for their exquisite macarons and elegant breakfast offerings on the avenue.
EUR30, 1h

9:30am

Arc de Triomphe

Climb to the top for breathtaking views of Paris’ grand boulevards. Open 10:00am-10:30pm.
EUR14, 1h

11:00am

Walk down Champs-Élysées

Stroll this world-famous avenue, window shopping and soaking up Parisian atmosphere.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Enjoy a refined French dining experience with creative cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef.
EUR60 (lunch menu), 1h30m

2:30pm

Petit Palais and Grand Palais

Visit these beautiful exhibition halls and museums showcasing art and culture. Petit Palais open 10:00am-6:00pm, free entry for permanent collections; Grand Palais exhibitions vary.
EUR0 for Petit Palais permanent collections, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Parc Monceau

A lovely quiet park north of Champs-Élysées, perfect for a rest before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Fouquet’s

Iconic Parisian brasserie known for classic cuisine and glamorous ambiance on Champs-Élysées.
EUR70, 2h

Day 5: Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise

Paris, France on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Constant

A welcoming café near Eiffel Tower offering fresh pastries and strong French coffee.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Eiffel Tower Visit

Pre-book tickets to ascend the Eiffel Tower for panoramic city views. Open 9:30am-11:45pm.
EUR28.30 (summit ticket, booked online), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant

Dine on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower with spectacular views and classic French cuisine.
EUR55, 1h30m

2:00pm

Seine River Cruise

Enjoy a 1-hour scenic boat tour of Paris landmarks departing near Eiffel Tower; operates 10:00am-10:00pm.
EUR17, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Trocadéro Gardens

Ideal spot for photos with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower, great for relaxing in the afternoon.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Les Ombres

Enjoy modern French cuisine with Eiffel Tower views from the rooftop terrace of the Quai Branly Museum.
EUR70, 2h