Ultimate 9-Day Paris Itinerary: Art, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks

Paris, France on May 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with an iconic Parisian breakfast at Café de Flore, famous for its rich coffee and fresh croissants in a historic Bel-Air setting.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Eiffel Tower

Experience the breathtaking views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower. The tower is open from 9:30am to 11:45pm, giving ample time for sightseeing and photography.
EUR26.80, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Bistro Parisien

Enjoy lunch by the Seine with classic French dishes such as coq au vin and escargot, just steps from the Eiffel Tower.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk along the Seine and visit Pont Alexandre III

Stroll along the Seine River to admire Paris’s ornate bridges, focusing on the exquisite Pont Alexandre III with its vibrant sculptures and stunning views.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Walk up the Champs-Élysées to reach the Arc de Triomphe, a triumphal arch honoring those who fought for France. Arc de Triomphe is open until 10:30pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Fouquet's

Dine at the prestigious Le Fouquet's on Champs-Élysées known for its refined French cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
EUR70, 2h0m

Day 2: Art & River

Paris, France on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Angelina

Try the famous hot chocolate and freshly baked pastries at Angelina near the Louvre, perfect to fuel your art day.
EUR20, 1h0m

9:30am

Louvre Museum

Visit the world’s largest art museum to see Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and countless masterpieces. Open 9am-6pm with late opening until 9:45pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
EUR17, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Marly

Enjoy gourmet French dishes in an elegant setting overlooking the Louvre’s glass pyramid.
EUR45, 1h0m

2:30pm

Seine River Cruise

Relax with a scenic 1-hour boat cruise along the Seine to see Paris from a unique perspective. Cruises run frequently until dusk.
EUR15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame Cathedral

Visit the historic heart of Paris with its famous cathedral (still for exterior viewing due to renovations) and beautiful medieval streets.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Deux Magots

Experience iconic Parisian café culture and classic dishes in one of Saint-Germain's most famous cafés.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 3: Montmartre & Art

Paris, France on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your day with delicious Australian-style breakfast in Montmartre, known for creative dishes and excellent coffee.
EUR18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit the stunning white basilica atop Montmartre hill and enjoy panoramic views of Paris. Open 6am-10:30pm daily.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Montmartre including Place du Tertre

Wander the cobbled streets where famous artists lived and worked, including the lively square with painters and cafés.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Consulat

Taste classic French fare in a charming historic café known for entertaining impressionist painters.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Musée de Montmartre

Discover the history of this artistic neighborhood through paintings, photographs, and gardens. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Square Louise Michel

Enjoy the green park just below Sacré-Cœur with beautiful views of the city, perfect for a break.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Experience authentic French dishes at a classic Parisian bistro with affordable prices and lively atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Historic Marais

Paris, France on May 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Breizh Café

Enjoy delicious Breton crepes and cider to start your day in the fashionable Marais district.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Place des Vosges

Visit the oldest planned square in Paris, famous for its elegant architecture and lush gardens.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Musée Carnavalet

Discover the history of Paris through wonderful collections and exhibits in this beautiful mansion. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at L’As du Fallafel

Famous for the best falafel sandwiches in Paris, grab a quick and delicious lunch in the Jewish quarter.
EUR12, 30m

12:45pm

Shopping and wandering in Le Marais

Explore trendy boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops in one of Paris’s most vibrant areas.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Pompidou Center

Experience modern and contemporary art at this unique architectural landmark, open 11am-9pm except Tuesdays.
EUR15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Progrès

Enjoy a cozy, traditional bistro meal popular with locals, with a great wine selection.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 5: Latin Quarter Charm

Paris, France on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Organic breads and pastries await in this wholesome bakery café near the Sorbonne.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Panthéon

Explore the resting place of many French greats including Voltaire and Marie Curie. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR11, 1h30m

11:00am

Wander Luxembourg Gardens

Relax in one of Paris's most beautiful gardens with fountains, statues, and flowerbeds.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais

Savor classic bistro dishes in this beloved bistro near Saint-Germain-des-Prés with a lively atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Cluny Museum (Musée de Cluny)

Experience medieval art and artifacts in this fantastic museum housed in a Gothic mansion. Open 9:15am-5:45pm.
EUR11, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Stroll through historic cafés and boutique shops that defined Parisian intellectual and artistic life.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café de la Nouvelle Mairie

Dine at this charming café offering well-crafted French cuisine in relaxed, authentic surroundings.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 6: Day Trip Versailles

Versailles, France on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Grab a quick bite before heading out to Versailles to maximize your day.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Versailles

Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, about 1 hour journey.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Palace of Versailles

Explore the opulent palace, King's State Apartment, Hall of Mirrors, and stunning gardens. Open 9am-6:30pm. Closed Mondays.
EUR20, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine in a quiet part of the gardens by the Grand Canal.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Versailles Gardens and Trianon Palaces

Walk through the elaborate gardens and visit the Petit and Grand Trianon palaces with fewer crowds.
Included in palace ticket, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Paris

Take the RER back to central Paris for a relaxed evening.
EUR7, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chez René

A local favorite near your accommodation, offering classic French bistro dishes in a cozy setting.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 7: Modern Paris & Shopping

Paris, France on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Holybelly 5

Taste creative, hearty breakfasts with excellent coffee in a stylish setting near Canal Saint-Martin.
EUR20, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit La Défense

Explore Paris’s modern business district with impressive architecture and the Grande Arche. Open year-round, outdoor area accessible anytime.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Les Quatre Temps Food Court

Have a casual lunch at one of the biggest shopping malls in Europe with many diverse food options.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps

Return to central Paris for high-end shopping at these iconic department stores, open 10am-8pm.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Opéra Garnier

Take a guided tour of the luxurious Palais Garnier, home to Paris Opera, open 10am-5pm.
EUR14, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café de la Paix

Enjoy upscale French cuisine in this legendary restaurant near Opéra Garnier.
EUR60, 2h0m

Day 8: Museums & Gardens

Paris, France on May 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ladurée Champs-Élysées

Indulge in exquisite pastries and the famous macarons at one of Paris’s most elegant tea salons.
EUR25, 1h0m

9:30am

Musée d'Orsay

See masterpieces from Impressionists including Monet and Van Gogh in this stunning former train station. Open 9:30am-6pm, closed Mondays.
EUR16, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant du Musée d'Orsay

Enjoy elegant dining inside the museum with classic French cuisine and great views of the clock.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Jardin des Tuileries

Relax in the beautiful formal gardens that connect the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Musée Rodin

Explore the works of Auguste Rodin in a charming villa and garden setting. Open 10am-6:30pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine on the rooftop with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and excellent French cuisine.
EUR60, 2h0m

Day 9: Leisure & Farewell

Paris, France on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Du Pain et des Idées

Experience some of the best bread and pastries in Paris at this beloved bakery in the 10th arrondissement.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sainte-Chapelle

Admire breathtaking stained glass windows in this Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:45am

Time for last-minute shopping or café visits

Spend your last morning wandering your favorite Paris neighborhoods, picking up souvenirs or sitting at a café.
Varies, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Café Constant

Enjoy a relaxed and authentic French meal at this charming bistro near the Eiffel Tower.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Unwind in one of Paris’s most picturesque parks with waterfalls, cliffs, and charming bridges.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Prepare for departure

Head back to your accommodation to pack and get ready for departure.
Free, 1h0m