Experience the most iconic landmarks and world-class museums that define Paris. This itinerary covers the Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle, Versailles, the Musée d'Orsay and several smaller art museums in a well-paced cultural journey.
This plan is built around the city’s best-known sights, in a sensible order to keep travel time low. Opening days and times change, so check the official website of each place before you go. Not sure 5 days is right? Read how many days you need in Paris.
Not in this plan. The Louvre is not part of this plan. If you want to add it, give it a half-day of its own: see Louvre tickets and is the Louvre worth it?
Know before you go
Best Time to Visit
May–June is Paris at its finest — mild weather (18–24°C), café terraces in full swing and the city at its most beautiful before the summer crowds arrive. Perfect for outdoor markets and long evening walks.
July–August brings warm weather and the tourist peak. The Louvre and Eiffel Tower queues can be brutal — book everything in advance. Many Parisians leave in August, giving the city a quieter, more local feel.
September–October is the connoisseur's choice: back-to-school Paris, fashion week energy, golden light on the Seine and shorter queues at major attractions. Ideal for first-time and returning visitors alike.
Getting Around Paris
Métro is the fastest way around — 16 lines covering the entire city. Buy a carnet (pack of 10) for savings if staying several days.
Walking is ideal for the central arrondissements (1st–8th). The distance from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower is just 4km — Paris is a wonderfully walkable city when the weather cooperates.
RER Bconnects both airports: CDG to Châtelet-Les Halles takes 35 minutes; Orly via OrlyVal to Antony takes 35 minutes. Taxis are metered and reliable but expensive during peak hours.
More on neighbourhoods, food and practical tips in our Paris city guide.
Eiffel Tower & Seine Magic
Arrive and experience Paris's most iconic monument with a river perspective
- Morning
Eiffel Tower
Ascend to the top of Paris's most recognizable landmark for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The iron monument offers multiple levels with exhibits and restaurants.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch near Trocadéro
Enjoy a meal at a café or bistro with views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro Gardens area.
- Afternoon
Trocadéro Gardens Walk
Stroll through the iconic gardens and squares offering the best photo vantage points of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding Paris.
- Evening
Paris Evening Cruises
Glide along the Seine as Paris lights up, passing illuminated monuments including Notre-Dame and the Louvre. A magical way to see the city's landmarks from the water.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Gothic Masterpieces & Historic Islands
Explore medieval Paris: Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, and the Latin Quarter
- Morning
Sainte-Chapelle
Marvel at the stunning 13th-century stained glass windows that seem to glow with divine light. This Gothic jewel is one of Paris's most breathtaking interior spaces.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Late Morning
Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Walk
Stroll through the medieval streets of Île de la Cité, admire the architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and explore charming squares and bridges.
- Afternoon
Lunch in the Latin Quarter
Enjoy traditional French cuisine at a bistro in the vibrant Latin Quarter, home to students, intellectuals, and authentic Parisian charm.
- Afternoon
Panthéon
Visit this neoclassical monument housing the tombs of French luminaries like Voltaire and Rousseau. Climb to the dome for city views.
🎟️ Book tickets →
World-Class Art & Museums
Immerse in masterpieces at Musée d'Orsay and explore the city's finest art collections
- Morning
Musée d'Orsay
Explore one of the world's great Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station. Works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh await.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch along the Seine
Dine at a riverside restaurant or café near the Musée d'Orsay, enjoying views of the Seine and Parisian bridges.
- Afternoon
Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris
Discover modern and contemporary art in this impressive museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
Petit Palais
Visit this beautiful Beaux-Arts museum housing fine arts from antiquity to 1900, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Palace Splendor & Iconic Landmarks
Experience royal grandeur at Versailles and Paris's triumphant monuments
- Morning
Palace of Versailles
Explore the magnificent royal residence with its opulent halls, stunning gardens, and centuries of French history. A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Versailles Gardens Stroll
Wander through the expansive formal gardens with their fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined avenues—a perfect complement to the palace visit.
- Late Afternoon
Return to Paris & Arc de Triomphe
Visit this monumental arch celebrating military victories. Climb to the top for 360-degree views of Paris radiating from the Champs-Élysées.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
Champs-Élysées Walk
Stroll down Paris's most famous avenue, lined with shops, cafés, and theaters leading to the Arc de Triomphe.
Art & Culture: Masterworks & Hidden Gems
Discover Picasso, Monet, and Belle Époque elegance in intimate museum settings
- Morning
Musée national Picasso-Paris
Explore the world's largest collection of Picasso's works in the beautiful Hôtel Salé mansion. Paintings, sculptures, and drawings spanning his entire career.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch in the Marais District
Enjoy lunch in this charming historic neighborhood known for its galleries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants.
- Afternoon
Musée Marmottan Monet
Discover the world's largest collection of Monet paintings, including the famous Water Lilies series, in an elegant mansion museum.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
Palais Garnier
Tour the opulent 19th-century opera house with its grand staircase, ornate interior, and rich theatrical history. An architectural and cultural masterpiece.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Tickets for this itinerary
Popular sights sell out or have long ticket lines in high season. Booking ahead fixes your time slot; prices are shown live on the booking page.
- Day 1Eiffel TowerBook →
- Day 1Paris Evening CruisesBook →
- Day 2Sainte-ChapelleBook →
- Day 2PanthéonBook →
- Day 3Musée d'OrsayBook →
- Day 3Musée d'Art Moderne de ParisBook →
- Day 3Petit PalaisBook →
- Day 4Palace of VersaillesBook →
- Day 4Return to Paris & Arc de TriompheBook →
- Day 5Musée national Picasso-ParisBook →
- Day 5Musée Marmottan MonetBook →
- Day 5Palais GarnierBook →