5 Days in Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Versailles and the Louvre
Louvre Museum · Tuileries Garden · Eiffel Tower Ascent and Views · Macaron Tasting at Laduree · Palace of Versailles Tour · Stroll through the Gardens of Versailles
Reviewed by Shobhit Shrivastava · Founder
5-day Paris itinerary. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Paris delivers a specific blend of grandeur, art and romanticism that a city like Rome cannot fully match. While Rome offers ancient ruins and piazzas, it lacks the 19th-century Parisian scale, the vast Impressionist collections and the formal splendor of Versailles. This destination is built for experiencing high art, sophisticated cuisine, monumental history and elegant evening entertainment, over ancient history or rugged natural beauty.
Eiffel Tower Ascent and Views
Day 1 · Iconic Parisian Landmarks
Louvre Museum
Day 1 · World-Class Art Museums
Macaron Tasting at Laduree
Day 1 · Parisian Culinary Delights
Palace of Versailles Tour
Day 2 · Royal Palaces & Grand Gardens
Bateaux-Mouches Seine River Cruise
Day 3 · Seine River & Charming Neighborhoods
Duc des Lombards Jazz Club
Day 3 · An Intimate Jazz Club or Cabaret Show
Marché des Enfants Rouges
Day 3 · A Local Food Market or Specialty Street
La Cuisine Paris Cooking Class
Day 3 · A Hands-On French Cooking Class
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Paris transitions from crisp, damp winter days to warm, sunlit afternoons that stretch into the early evening during the height of summer. Expect variable conditions throughout the year and plan your outdoor walks for the late spring or early fall to avoid the extremes of heat and rain.
Best time to go: May, June, and September
The whole year
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47°F / 8°C (cold) | 38°F / 3°C (cold) | 11 | 8:39 AM – 5:21 PM |
| Feb | 50°F / 10°C | 38°F / 4°C (cold) | 10 | 7:59 AM – 6:10 PM |
| Mar | 56°F / 14°C | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 9 | 7:04 AM – 6:55 PM |
| Apr | 64°F / 18°C | 44°F / 7°C (cold) | 8 | 7:00 AM – 8:41 PM |
| May | 69°F / 21°C | 50°F / 10°C | 10 | 6:09 AM – 9:25 PM |
| Jun | 77°F / 25°C | 58°F / 14°C | 9 | 5:46 AM – 9:55 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 | 6:03 AM – 9:49 PM |
| Aug | 80°F / 27°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 | 6:43 AM – 9:05 PM |
| Sep | 73°F / 23°C | 55°F / 13°C | 7 | 7:27 AM – 8:03 PM |
| Oct | 64°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 9 | 8:11 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Nov | 54°F / 12°C | 44°F / 6°C (cold) | 9 | 7:59 AM – 5:10 PM |
| Dec | 49°F / 10°C | 40°F / 5°C (cold) | 10 | 8:37 AM – 4:53 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) & Hotel Check-in· 1 hr 30 min
USD 18 (~EUR 16)Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. Take the RER B train to central Paris (e.g., Chatelet-Les Halles, ~30-40 min, ~$13), then connect via Metro to your hotel area. Alternatively, a taxi can take you directly (~60 min, ~$55-65). Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon
- 1C
4:40 PM - Eiffel Tower Ascent and Views· 3 hrs
USD 32 (~EUR 29)Overlaps the next activity — check the time - Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Steak Frites in the 7th Arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 35 (~EUR 31)Iconic dish
LuvsMG481 (CC BY-SA 4.0)Savor a classic French Steak Frites at a traditional bistro in the 7th Arrondissement, a perfect end to a day of Parisian sightseeing.
Typical USD 18-35 (~EUR 16-31)
Where to Stay Tonight
Le Marais
· Le Marais is a historic and vibrant district, offering a central location with charming streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options. It provides good metro connections to other parts of Paris and is walkable to many attractions.- Morning
8:30 AM - Train to Palace of Versailles· 1 hr
USD 10 (~EUR 9)Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles-Chateau-Rive Gauche station for a day trip to the magnificent royal estate.
- Afternoon
1:30 PM - Lunch: Pot-au-feu in Versailles· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EUR 22)Try the dish
Muesse (CC BY-SA 4.0)Pot-au-feuSavor a traditional French Pot-au-feu, a comforting beef stew with vegetables, at a local eatery near the palace.
- Evening
5:30 PM - Train from Versailles to Paris· 1 hr
USD 10 (~EUR 9)Head back to Paris after a day of exploring the royal domain of Versailles.
7:30 PM - Dinner: Soupe a l'Oignon Gratinee in Montparnasse· 1 hr
USD 20 (~EUR 18)Iconic dish
Ludovic Péron (CC BY-SA 3.0)Enjoy a classic French onion soup, topped with melted Gruyere cheese, in the lively Montparnasse district.
Typical USD 10-18 (~EUR 9-16)
Staying at Le Marais since Day 1
- Morning
11:00 AM - La Cuisine Paris Cooking Class· 3 hrs
USD 120 (~EUR 107)Participate in a hands-on French cooking class, learning to prepare classic Parisian dishes. This experience includes the meal you prepare for lunch.
- Afternoon
- Evening3C
6:00 PM - Bateaux-Mouches Seine River Cruise· 1 hr 30 min
USD 20 (~EUR 18)Doubles back across the city — check the order 7:30 PM - Dinner: Steak Frites in Saint-Germain-des-Pres· 1 hr
USD 30 (~EUR 27)Iconic dishLuvsMG481 (CC BY-SA 4.0)Savor a classic French Steak Frites at a traditional brasserie in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood, known for its intellectual and artistic history.
Typical USD 18-35 (~EUR 16-31)
Staying at Le Marais since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Crepe in the Latin Quarter· 1 hr
USD 9 (~EUR 8)Try the dish
David Monniaux (CC BY-SA 3.0)CrepeEnjoy a classic French crepe, either savory with ham and cheese or sweet with Nutella, from a local vendor in the vibrant Latin Quarter.
- Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Pot-au-feu in the 8th Arrondissement· 1 hr
USD 27 (~EUR 24)Try the dishMuesse (CC BY-SA 4.0)Pot-au-feuSavor a traditional French Pot-au-feu, a comforting beef stew with root vegetables, in a charming bistro in the elegant 8th Arrondissement.
Staying at Le Marais since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Savory Crepe in Montmartre· 1 hr
USD 12 (~EUR 11)Try the dishDavid Monniaux (CC BY-SA 3.0)CrepeEnjoy a traditional savory crepe, perhaps with ham and cheese, from a local creperie in the charming Montmartre neighborhood.
3:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEComplete hotel checkout formalities and collect stored luggage from your hotel in Le Marais before heading to the airport.
4:00 PM - Depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)· 5 hrs
USD 60 (~EUR 54)Transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your international flight, allowing ample time for check-in and security procedures.
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Top 6 dishes to try
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Croissant
Macaron
Day 1
Croque Monsieur
Day 1 · lunch
Soupe a l'oignon gratinee
Day 2 · dinner
Steak Frites
Days 1 and 3
Blanquette de Veau
Where to eat · Canal Saint-Martin, Le Marais, Montmartre
- Canal Saint-Martin · Paris — Relaxed riverside dining, casual eateries, and popular spots for younger crowds.
- Le Marais · Paris — Historic charm, boutiques, trendy cafes, and diverse food options from patisseries to traditional bistros.
- Montmartre · Paris — Picturesque streets with traditional bistros, charming cafes, and bakeries, especially around Sacre-Coeur.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, etiquette
- Meal times
- Lunch is typically served from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Dinner generally starts around 7:30 PM and continues until 10:00 PM or later. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
- Tipping
- Service is included by law ('service compris') so tipping is not strictly necessary. For good service, you can round up the bill or leave a small extra tip (1-2 Euro) in cash, but it's entirely discretionary.
- Water
- Tap water ('une carafe d'eau') is generally safe to drink and is often served automatically at restaurants. Bottled water is available but unnecessary for safety.
- Vegetarian
- Traditional French cuisine is often meat and dairy-heavy. Vegetarians should look for 'plat vegetarien' or dishes featuring eggs and cheese. Vegan options are becoming more common in specific restaurants but may require searching. For allergies, clearly state them in French ('Je suis allergique a...')
- Etiquette
- Always greet staff with 'Bonjour' upon entering and say 'Merci' and 'Au revoir' when leaving. Keep your hands on the table, not in your lap. Wait to be seated and avoid shouting or loud conversations.
Top 7 souvenirs
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Artisanal Macarons
French Pharmacy Skincare
Niche Perfume
Gourmet Mustard
Vintage French Books or Prints
Breton Stripe Shirt
Embrace timeless French style with a classic Breton stripe shirt, a comfortable and chic wardrobe staple from its country of origin.
Artisanal Chocolates
Experience exquisite, masterfully crafted chocolates from world-renowned French chocolatiers, many with unique Parisian-inspired flavors.
Where to shop · Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Le Marais, Haussmann (Grands Boulevards)
- Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen · Paris — Antiques, vintage furniture, unique collectibles, art, clothing.
- Le Marais · Paris — Independent fashion boutiques, art galleries, vintage clothing, unique homeware, artisanal food shops.
- Haussmann (Grands Boulevards) · Paris — Luxury fashion, beauty, homeware, gourmet food in grand department stores.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Non-EU residents have duty-free allowances for alcohol, tobacco, and specific goods. Be aware of restrictions on certain food items (e.g., unpasteurized dairy) when returning to some countries like the US.
- Tax refund
- Non-EU residents are eligible for a 12% VAT refund on purchases over 100 EUR from participating stores. Request a 'detaxe' form, get it validated at a PABLO terminal or customs desk at the airport/border, and submit it for processing.
- Payment
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and department stores. Smaller bakeries, cafes, and market stalls may prefer cash for purchases under 10-15 EUR, so always carry some euros.
- Bargaining
- Bargaining is generally not practiced in standard retail shops or department stores in France; prices are displayed and fixed. Exceptions include flea markets (like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen) and antique dealers, where polite negotiation for a small discount, especially for cash payments, might be possible.
The big events across the year
Tap any photo for more photos and the story.
Fete de la Musique
Jun 21
Tour de France
Jul 4 – 26
Bastille Day
Jul 14
Nuit Blanche
Oct 3
Christmas
Dec 25 – 26
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 5 days
USD 2,656Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 0
AccommodationUSD 720
- Paris · 4 nights1 roomUSD 720
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
ActivitiesUSD 1,006
- Day 1 · Louvre MuseumUSD 50
- Day 1 · Eiffel Tower Ascent and ViewsUSD 60
- Day 1 · Macaron Tasting at LadureeUSD 16
- Day 2 · Palace of Versailles TourUSD 27
- Day 3 · Marché des Enfants RougesUSD 10
- Day 3 · La Cuisine Paris Cooking ClassUSD 240
- Day 3 · Musée d'OrsayUSD 52
- Day 3 · Bateaux-Mouches Seine River CruiseUSD 39
- Day 3 · Duc des Lombards Jazz ClubUSD 66
- Day 4 · Guided Walking Tour of the Latin QuarterUSD 100
- Day 4 · Centre PompidouUSD 30
- Day 4 · Arc de Triomphe Ascent and ViewsUSD 36
- Day 4 · Crazy Horse Paris Cabaret ShowUSD 280
FoodUSD 750
- Paris · 5 daysUSD 750
Local transportUSD 180
- Paris · 5 daysUSD 180
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Moderate overall, but hotels often run 150-250 EUR/night for anything truly comfortable. Casual cafe lunches are 15-25 EUR, but bakery items and market finds offer cheaper meals (5-10 EUR). Tap water is safe to drink.
For 5 days, purchase a Navigo Easy pass (2 EUR) and load it with 'carnets' of 10 t+ tickets (16.90 EUR). This is cheaper than single tickets (2.15 EUR each) and avoids queuing at ticket machines.
Embrace the Parisian picnic. Visit local markets or supermarkets like Monoprix for fresh bread, cheese, charcuterie, and wine. A gourmet picnic lunch can cost 10-15 EUR per person, significantly less than a 25 EUR+ sit-down cafe meal.
Consider the Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days. A 4-day pass (around 62 EUR/person) pays for itself if you visit 3-4 major museums like the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay, and it saves time by skipping lines.
Allocate about 100-150 EUR for one memorable Parisian dinner. Choose a restaurant with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for a fantastic quality experience without the higher cost of a full Michelin-star meal.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Hotel in Paris
Nights 1–4 · Le Marais · about USD 720 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Eiffel Tower Ascent and Views
Day 1 · Book 2 months ahead · Eiffel Tower summit tickets are released in batches 2-3 months prior. Prime time slots sell out quickly.
Louvre Museum timed entry
Day 1 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Timed entry tickets are essential to avoid long queues, especially for major attractions like the Louvre.
Palace of Versailles Tour
Day 2 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Timed entry for the Palace is highly recommended to guarantee access and minimize wait times.
La Cuisine Paris Cooking Class
Day 3 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Popular cooking classes, especially in English, often sell out weeks in advance.
Musée d'Orsay timed entry
Day 3 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Timed entry tickets are recommended for the Musee d'Orsay to manage crowd flow and reduce wait times.
Centre Pompidou timed entry
Day 4 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Timed entry tickets are advisable for Centre Pompidou to ensure smooth access to exhibitions.
Travel tips
Pre-load a Navigo Easy pass (available at Metro stations for 2 EUR) with a Carnet (10 single tickets for 16.90 EUR) for public transport, offering better value than individual tickets.
When using Google Maps, specify 'Paris' for searches, as many French towns share similar street names, preventing misdirection to another region.
Carry a small tote bag or reusable shopping bag for purchases; the French government discourages single-use plastic bags, and many shops charge for them.
Book popular museum entries (Louvre, Musee d'Orsay) online several weeks in advance to secure specific time slots and avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
Confirm restaurant opening hours, especially outside major tourist zones, as many Parisian establishments close for lunch between 2:30pm and 7pm, or for entire weeks in August.
Explore independent bookstores like Shakespeare and Company or Gibert Jeune; government protectionist policies have kept them vibrant against online competition.
For a quieter experience in August, explore local spots like Canal St. Martin, as many Parisians are on holiday, making these areas more relaxed.
Use the arrondissement number (e.g., 'Paris 7e') in addresses for precise navigation; it dictates location relative to the city center and aids in orientation.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get EUR cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for France
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Transit card: Navigo Easy · Paris
Pen for arrival forms
Museum Pass
This trip front-loads the major landmarks and the extensive Versailles day early, allowing you to tackle the busiest sites while fresh. Day 1 is an arrival buffer, easing you into the city before diving deep into royal history on Day 2. The core of Parisian art, markets and cabaret is then explored over two packed central days.
It culminates with a more, walkable Montmartre experience on the final morning, which naturally leads to departure without a rush. This itinerary prioritizes Paris's core experiences: landmarks, royal palaces, museums and diverse culinary scenes including markets. It does not allow for a deeper dive into the Loire Valley, missing its chateaux like Chenonceau or Chambord.
You also won't have time for the medieval history and preserved ramparts of Provins, an UNESCO site a hour outside the city. This shape is right for travelers seeking the quintessential, packed Parisian experience; less so for those wanting extensive rural exploration or deeper historical dives beyond the capital. To extend your cultural immersion, add two nights for a trip to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy.
You can visit the American Cemetery and Utah Beach, offering a stark historical contrast to Parisian elegance. Or, add a day to focus on specific neighborhoods like Le Marais, allowing for more leisurely exploration of its historic streets, boutiques, and Jewish quarter.
Interest coverage
5 of 5 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | For US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens, stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period are visa-free for tourism in the Schengen Area (which includes France). Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Indian citizens typically require a Schengen visa, applied for at a French embassy or consulate in India prior to travel. All other nationalities should check the official French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specific requirements. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise increased cautionUpdated May 27, 2025 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18112 for European emergency number |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | Service included (service compris); round up for good service |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Round up to nearest €1–2 |
| Tipping: hotels | €1–2 per bag |
| Cards | Widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard) |
| Contactless | Very common |
| Cash | Cash useful at markets and small cafés |
| Payment tip | Chip and PIN is standard. American Express less widely accepted. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type C, E230V · 50Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Orange France eSIM | From 10 EUR for 10GB/14 days | Online before arrival via Orange website, or physical SIMs at Orange stores |
| SFR physical SIM | From 15 EUR for 20GB/30 days | SFR retail stores across Paris, airports |
| Bouygues Telecom physical SIM | From 20 EUR for 20GB/30 days | Bouygues Telecom stores, tabacs (newsagents) |
While WiFi is widespread, consider an eSIM or local SIM on arrival at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports for immediate data access and navigation. Activating physical SIMs may require showing ID in some stores.
About USD 2,656 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 5 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Citizens from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada typically do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Indian citizens generally require a Schengen visa. Always verify your specific visa requirements on the official French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before travel.
Paris is largely safe for solo female travelers, especially in central arrondissements, with well-lit streets and visible police presence. However, exercise caution in crowded tourist areas for pickpockets and avoid the northern suburbs (e.g., Saint-Denis) late at night. Public transport is generally safe, but remain aware of your belongings, especially on the Metro.
The currency in Paris is the Euro (EUR). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it's advisable to carry some small denomination Euro cash for smaller purchases at markets, local bakeries, or for public toilets, which may be cash-only.
Tipping is not customary or expected in Paris, as a service charge is already included in all restaurant and cafe bills ('service compris'). You may round up a taxi fare or leave a small amount (1-2 EUR) for exceptional service, but it's not obligatory and often not anticipated.
Pack stylish yet comfortable clothing suitable for walking and varied temperatures, including a fashionable lightweight jacket and a versatile scarf. Men should opt for long pants or knee-length shorts. A compact umbrella and a cross-body anti-theft bag are also highly recommended for navigating the city.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather (12-18 C) and moderate crowds, ideal for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) can be warm and crowded, though August sees fewer Parisians. Winter (November-March) is colder but offers fewer tourists and lower prices.
The RER B train is the most cost-effective option, taking about 30-45 minutes to Gare du Nord for approximately 11.40 EUR. Roissybus is a dedicated airport bus to Opera for around 16.20 EUR. Taxis offer flat rates: 55 EUR to Right Bank and 62 EUR to Left Bank addresses, taking 35-60 minutes depending on traffic.
The Paris Metro is the most efficient way to navigate the city, complemented by the RER suburban trains and an extensive bus network. Walking is excellent for exploring individual arrondissements. Consider using a Navigo Easy pass loaded with a Carnet of tickets for cost-effective public transport.
These 2 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
A Rooftop Bar with Panoramic Views
e.g., Le Perchoir Marais, Terrass'' Hotel Rooftop Bar
An Immersive Museum Beyond the Classics
e.g., Musée Rodin, Musée de l'Orangerie
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