5-Day Paris Solo Travel Itinerary for Independent Explorers

Visit the basilica (interior) and enjoy panoramic city views from Sacré-Cœur and wander the charming cobblestone streets of Montmartre.

Drift through Montmartre’s cobbled lanes from the painters’ square at Place du Tertre to quieter backstreets where Toulouse‑Lautrec and Picasso lived and worked. Start near Sacré‑Cœur so most of your walk is downhill, wear good shoes for steps and uneven stones, and pause for a café crème or crêpe on Rue Norvins or Rue des Saules between photo stops.

Explore Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist icons inside the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux‑Arts train station turned museum. Start on the upper floors for the big names and clock‑window views over the Seine, then work your way down; pre‑book tickets and choose early morning or late afternoon for a calmer visit.

Walk around Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame exterior and the Île's atmosphere (free).

Climb into Sainte‑Chapelle’s upper chapel and let your eyes adjust before circling the 15‑meter walls of stained glass. Book a timed ticket to shorten security waits, aim for late morning or early afternoon when the sun lights up the panels, and do a full lap close to the windows to spot tiny narrative details in the glass.

Market tour followed by a hands-on cooking class — social setting, you'll cook and share a meal with others.

Spend the night at La Nouvelle Eve in Pigalle, an intimate Belle Époque–style cabaret with feathers, sequins and live singers. Book tickets in advance for better seating, arrive 30 minutes early to settle in with a drink, and check the dress code so you’re comfortably polished without overpacking.

Cut through the Louvre efficiently with a guide who links Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory and other icons into one clear storyline. Use the tour to learn shortcuts between wings, note your favorite sections to revisit later, and focus on a handful of masterpieces instead of trying to see the entire museum in one go.

Cross the Tuileries on its wide gravel paths between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, pausing at fountains, statues and long sightlines. Claim one of the green chairs around the basins for a short rest, then use the garden’s central axis for quick, symmetrical photos toward the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and the Obelisk of Luxor.

Evening group cruise on the Seine — relaxing, social and offers great views of illuminated monuments.

Relaxed morning stroll in the Luxembourg Gardens — popular with locals and a nice social spot.

Pair indoor masterpieces like The Thinker and The Kiss with a slow wander through Musée Rodin’s gardens. Go earlier in the day for more breathing room around the statues outside, and take a short break on a bench with the Hôtel Biron façade as your backdrop.

Independent shopping and boutique browsing in Le Marais — great for unique finds and social cafes.

Spend an evening at Olympia Bruno Coquatrix, the legendary red‑seated concert hall that has hosted everyone from Edith Piaf to modern headliners. Book tickets as soon as dates open, arrive early to soak up the marquee and crowd energy on Boulevard des Capucines, and check your seat view online if you’re picky about angles.

Visit the Eiffel Tower with pre‑booked access to the summit or second floor and swap long lines for extra time in the views. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your time slot for security, bring a light layer for the wind at the top, and keep your camera ready as the elevators open straight onto the panorama over Paris.

Cross to the Trocadéro Gardens for that classic full‑frame Eiffel Tower shot across the Seine. Arrive at sunrise for near‑empty steps, or at blue hour when the tower sparkles on the hour; use the fountains and balustrades to frame your photos and keep an eye on your bag in the busiest spots.

Leisurely walk along the Champs-Élysées, window shopping and stopping at cafés; social and iconic area.

Climb the Arc de Triomphe for 360° views over the Champs‑Élysées and the city’s radiating boulevards. Time your visit for sunset or blue hour for moody photos, use the underground passage to reach the base safely, and pause at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to catch the eternal flame before heading up.