A 5-Day Itinerary Around Paris
Dreaming of a phenomenal trip around Paris but feeling a bit overwhelmed on where to begin, the ideal destinations, the budget, or the timeframe? This itinerary will let you take in all of the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food. Let this be your travel guide, providing everything you need to put together a fantastic five-day journey around the region.
The reasons to visit Paris are plentiful. You'll find history, culture, world-famous landmarks, gorgeous architecture, and delicious cuisine. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Paris (3 days)
- Versailles (1 day)
- Giverny (1 day)
The Louvre, Paris
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Historic Sites
- Museums
- Nightlife
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
So much history is to be found in Paris. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.
You'll find plenty of great museums along the way, so make sure you take some time to explore. The museums of Versailles, Giverny, and Paris are particularly good.
Paris has plenty of hot nightlife spots that are worth visiting. The nightlife in Paris is especially festive.
Delicious food is one of the main reasons why many people travel, and a trip to Paris is no exception. You'll find so many amazing restaurants and local dishes worth tasting on this trip, so throw that diet plan away when you come. The food in Paris is especially delicious.
The stunning scenery of Paris is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Giverny, Paris, and Versailles for the beautiful scenery.
Don't want to plan everything yourself? Maybe you should consider an organized tour that takes away all of the stress of planning. Check out our articles for guided tour packages here: The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.
Versailles, France
Who is this itinerary for?
Paris has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for couples. If you're traveling with your better half, brace yourselves for an exceptional experience. Down below, you'll find plenty of insight around romantic activities for your trip. For romantic charm, Paris, Versailles, and Giverny especially should not be missed.
Giverny, France
Transportation
Getting around between these destinations in Paris isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 1 hours apart.
We selected Paris as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Paris, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Traveling by train through Paris is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
Generally speaking, buses are a great way to get around in the area. They are very affordable, quick, and easy. If you're traveling on a budget and don't want to drive yourself, check out the price options and consider this as a great alternative to other methods of transport.
Is five days enough time in Paris?
Yes, five days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of Paris. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in five days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around five days to see everything.
How much does a five-day trip to Paris cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this five-day trip through Paris is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | $311 | 3 | $933 |
| Versailles | $331 | 1 | $331 |
| Giverny | $176 | 1 | $176 |
| Total per person | $1,441 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,881 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this five-day itinerary of Paris costs $1,441 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Paris based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | $126 | 3 | $378 |
| Versailles | $125 | 1 | $125 |
| Giverny | $150 | 1 | $150 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $653 | ||
Hostel Prices
Seeking to stretch your travel dollars? Hostels are a fantastic option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel at each location. While privacy may be a bit limited in hostel dorms, the ambiance is usually social, creating a wonderful opportunity to form new friendships. Keep in mind that many hostels also offer private rooms, but at a higher cost compared to dorms. Moreover, you can benefit from amenities such as communal kitchens, social activities, and convenient locations. These average prices are computed using available hostel data from HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Paris | $40 |
| Versailles | $37 |
Paris Itinerary
1. Paris
3 Days
Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.
Paris offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.
The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world.
Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.
Since Paris is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.
Visitors come to Paris from all over the world to see its beauty, as it has a reputation of being absolutely stunning.
What to See in Paris
How to Spend 3 Days in Paris
Day 1:
When visiting Paris, you can't miss the Eiffel Tower as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Paris is known for its wide range of shows. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Paris is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Day 2:
Paris is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
The Louvre is worth visiting for around 6 hours, which is great for couples. Known for the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, huge collections of antiquities and artwork, amazing architecture, and more, entry is €22.
Make sure to set aside around 4 hours for Musée d'Orsay, which is €16. It's great for couples and is known for famous artwork from renowned artists such as Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
It's worth around 3 hours for The Musée de l’Orangerie. Entry is €12.50 with discounts for students and seniors. It's known for its Water Lilies series by Claude Monet and Impressionist masterpieces.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for Centre Pompidou. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its innovative architecture and collection of modern art. It's around €15 to €17, depending on the selected ticket option. Some tickets provide access to a variety of collections, while others are for specific events.
Musée Picasso is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its extensive collection of Pablo Picasso's artworks, entry is €12.
Make sure to set aside around 3 hours for Musée National Rodin, which is €14. It's great for couples and is known for its collection of Auguste Rodin's sculptures, including The Thinker.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for The Eiffel Tower. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for epic views, romantic charm, and interesting architecture. It's around €18 to €50 depending on the selected ticket and tour option. Tickets to the lower level start at €12 (kids half price) for the stairs or €18 with the lift. Tickets to the top cost €22 with the stairs or €29 with the lift. It's also possible to buy a glass of champagne or book a guided tour for additional costs.
Make sure to set aside around 1 hour for The Arc de Triomphe, which is €13. It's great for couples and is known for its imposing stance over the Champs-Elysees, great views, and as a symbol of French victory.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for The Pantheon, which is €11.50. It's great for families and couples and is known for the tombs of famous people in French history and its epic views over the city skyline.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for The Catacombs of Paris. It's a nice activity for backpackers and are known for the eerie display of bones in maze-like underground tunnels. It's €29, children €10, or more if you book one of the many guided tour options available.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its historical Gothic architecture and its place in French history, entry is free.
It's worth around 2 hours for The Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Entry is free. It's known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views over the city skyline.
Sainte-Chapelle is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its rows of stained glass windows and famous religious relics, entry is €11.50.
The delicious food of Paris is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Public transit in Paris is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
Day 3:
Given that Paris is a large and popular city, give yourself a full day to uncover the diverse neighborhoods, captivating attractions, and engaging activities scattered throughout the area. Be sure to include visits to some of the city's premier landmarks and quintessential neighborhoods, too. It is one of the most popular tourist city's in the entire world. It's an iconic destination that is known for its beauty and beautiful architecture.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Palais Garnier. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for lavish and elegant architecture, the ballet, and the opera. It's €15 which includes an audio guide. Various professionally guided tours are available for additional costs.
Moulin Rouge is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its extravagant cabaret shows and historic significance, entry is €90.
It's worth around 3 hours for The Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Entry is free. It's known for high end shopping, beautiful cafes, and Parisian architecture.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for Montmartre. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its bohemian atmosphere, Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and artistic legacy. It's free.
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Paris. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Walking Tours in Paris, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Paris, The Best Versailles Day Trips and Tours from Paris, and The Best Cheap Louvre Tours in Paris.
Paris Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Paris is $311 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Paris here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $10 | $25 | $70 |
| Food2 | $33 | $85 | $221 |
| Entertainment1 | $31 | $89 | $284 |
| Alcohol2 | $11 | $29 | $76 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Paris is $126 based on the average from 1665 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Paris here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Paris, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $40. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Paris here.
Transportation
It's easy to take the RER trains out to Versailles from one of the main stations around Paris (1-2 hours).
Trains are a great way to get from Paris to Versailles, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
Taking a bus from Paris to Versailles is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
2. Versailles
1 Day
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence that has been turned into a public museum showcasing the decadent lives of the historic French royalty. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it's easily accessible as a day trip from Paris. It has become an iconic symbol of France's grandeur and opulence, renowned for its breathtaking architecture, sumptuous interiors, and sprawling gardens. This magnificent palace was originally built by King Louis XIII in the 17th century but was transformed into a lavish royal residence by his successor, King Louis XIV. With its magnificent Hall of Mirrors, ornate apartments, and impressive galleries showcasing artistic masterpieces, Versailles epitomizes the pinnacle of French Baroque architecture and interior design. The palace's extensive gardens, meticulously landscaped in the French formal style, feature fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured lawns, providing a stunning backdrop for leisurely strolls and elegant photos. Today, the Palace of Versailles is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a symbol of France's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at its splendor and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the French monarchy.
How to Spend 1 Day in Versailles
You'll want to maximize your time in Versailles by spending as much time as you can at the Palace of Versailles, including its famous Hall of Mirrors (Galeries des Glaces) and expansive gardens, so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for its long running history and its grand architecture, and you don't want to miss it.
There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.
It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.
There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.
Most people visit as a day trip from Paris, but those who linger can grab a drink at a pub or bar.
Versailles Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Versailles is $331 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Versailles here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $27 | $62 | $115 |
| Food2 | $60 | $135 | $253 |
| Entertainment1 | $23 | $53 | $104 |
| Alcohol2 | $9 | $21 | $39 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Versailles is $125 based on the average from 19 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Versailles here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Versailles, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $37. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Versailles here.
Transportation
Trains are a great way to get from Versailles to Giverny, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
Taking a bus from Versailles to Giverny is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
3. Giverny
1 Day
Giverny is a village in Normandy that is served as the home of the Impressionest Claude Monet. He lived and worked in the town between 1883 and 1926. Many people visit the town as a day trip from Paris. The house and gardens can be explored in 3 to 4 hours.
What to See in Giverny
How to Spend 1 Day in Giverny
You'll want to maximize your time in Giverny by spending as much time as you can at the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet, so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet, and you don't want to miss it.
You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.
Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).
There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.
It's generally considered a daytime destination so you won't find much nightlife here.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Giverny. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out Claude Monet's House and Gardens and Musée des Impressionnismes.
Giverny Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Giverny is $176 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Giverny here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $25 | $56 | $106 |
| Food2 | $30 | $71 | $145 |
| Entertainment1 | $13 | $30 | $59 |
| Alcohol2 | $3 | $8 | $15 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Giverny is $150 based on the average from 9 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Giverny here.
Suggested Hotels
Final Transportation
As this is the last destination in the itinerary, you can make your way back to Paris.
Trains are a great way to get from Giverny to Paris, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
Taking a bus from Giverny to Paris is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your five-day trip in Paris, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
More Itineraries
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