Your Perfect 5 Days in Paris: The Best Day-by-Day Itinerary for Food and Fun
Paris doesn’t need a hard sell, but most visitors waste precious time bouncing between neighborhoods without a plan. This day-by-day itinerary pairs the city’s best dining and activities by location so you spend less time on the Métro and more time actually living the trip. Bookmark this, send it to the group chat and thank us later.
Day 1: Notre-Dame and the Seine
Start at Kozy, a wildly popular brunch spot near Notre-Dame known for pancakes piled high with toppings and “Sexy Benny” eggs. Expect a line. After breakfast, walk to Sainte-Chapelle, home to breathtaking stained glass that’s often overlooked in favor of Notre-Dame but arguably more spectacular. Book tickets in advance.
For lunch, head to Maslow, right on the Seine, for vegetarian-forward sharing plates — look out for the fried cauliflower wings and the wine list. End the night at Chouchou, a French-Moroccan fusion spot in a warm, romantic setting. The duck confit and salmon tagine are must-tries, and the cocktails are excellent.
Day 2: Le Marais
Kick off at Le Ju’, a Le Marais staple known for its colorful umbrella-draped exterior. It opens early and serves until 2am. Lunch is at Bistrot Instinct, a Le Marais gem that’s Michelin-recommended with a rotating seasonal menu. Try the tasting menu at lunch for creative dishes at a great value.
Spend the afternoon at Jardin du Luxembourg — it’s free, and sitting in one of the iconic green chairs by the fountain watching the city go by is peak Paris. Then grab dinner at Neonato in the heart of Marais for modern Italian fare. Be sure to get the tiramisu.
Day 3: Montmartre
Morning fuel comes from Bon Bouquet Café in the 9th arrondissement, with its stunning pastel interior design and beautiful presentation. It’s known for avocado toast, pancakes and coffee. Then climb the seemingly endless stairs through Montmartre to Sacré-Coeur Basilica for the views and the gorgeous white basilica — go early to avoid crowds, then explore the area.
Lunch is at Le Poulbot, a cozy Montmartre bistro where the lamb and French onion soup are the moves. Dinner is at Sacrée Fleur Montmartre, a classic French steakhouse near Sacré-Coeur that’s only open for dinner. Book by email in advance.
Day 4: Champs-Élysées and Beyond
Begin at Baguett’s Café, right next to the Louvre, known for eggs benedict on a croissant. Walk off breakfast with a stroll through Tuileries Garden — it’s free and stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, dotted with sculptures and fountains. Lunch is at Bouillon République, a classic Parisian bouillon experience serving traditional French cuisine at incredible value. The duck and bone marrow are standouts — book ahead. For dinner, head to La Plume Rive Droite, a stunning rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, indoor and outdoor seating, signature cocktails and caviar.
Day 5: The Grand Finale
Your last morning starts at Azur Café near the Champs-Élysées, known for Turkish eggs and exceptional mocha with friendly staff and solid value. Lunch is at C’est Comme À La Maison, an intimate, highly rated spot with a daily-changing menu featuring whatever’s fresh. Reserve ahead.
Spend the late afternoon at the Eiffel Tower — go up for the views, but even just sitting on the grass below at night to watch it sparkle on the hour is magical. Book tickets online well ahead. Close the trip at Restaurant Guy Savoy, a 2-Michelin-star splurge on the Seine and a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
