Paris 5-Day Travel Itinerary
The complete day-by-day guide to experiencing the best of Paris in 5 days
April-June or September-October for perfect weather
€560-3600 depending on travel style
Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Montmartre
Day-by-Day Paris Itinerary
Arrive in Paris, check into hotel
Your Hotel
Visit Eiffel Tower (book tickets in advance)
Champ de Mars
Seine River cruise at sunset
Port de la Bourdonnais
💡 Pro Tip:
Book Eiffel Tower tickets online 2-3 months ahead. Skip-the-line tickets save 2+ hours.
Louvre Museum (arrive at opening)
Rue de Rivoli
Tuileries Garden & Place de la Concorde
1st Arrondissement
Notre Dame area & Latin Quarter dinner
Île de la Cité
💡 Pro Tip:
Louvre is massive - focus on highlights (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory). Wednesday/Friday open until 9:45 PM.
Explore Montmartre neighborhood
18th Arrondissement
Sacré-Cœur Basilica & panoramic views
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
Moulin Rouge area & artist square
Place du Tertre
Dinner in Le Marais district
4th Arrondissement
💡 Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes - Montmartre is hilly. Visit Sacré-Cœur early to avoid crowds.
Train to Versailles (RER C)
Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche
Palace of Versailles tour
Place d'Armes
Gardens of Versailles
Versailles Estate
Return to Paris, relax or explore local neighborhood
Paris
💡 Pro Tip:
Book Versailles tickets online. Gardens are free except on fountain show days (Tue/Fri/Sat/Sun in summer).
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
8th Arrondissement
Last-minute shopping or museum
Various
Departure to airport
CDG/Orly
💡 Pro Tip:
Check out by 11 AM. Store luggage at hotel or use luggage storage services near train stations.
Best Time to Visit Paris
✓ Pros:
Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds than summer
✗ Cons:
Occasional rain
✓ Pros:
Mild temperatures, beautiful autumn colors, harvest season
✗ Cons:
Shorter days
✓ Pros:
Long days, outdoor events, café culture
✗ Cons:
Crowded, expensive, many locals on vacation
✓ Pros:
Lowest prices, festive atmosphere, no crowds
✗ Cons:
Cold, short days, some attractions closed
Paris 5-Day Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | €240-600 | €400-800 | €800-2000 |
| Meals & Drinks | €150-250 | €300-500 | €600-1000 |
| Attractions & Museums | €80-120 | €120-180 | €200-300 |
| Transportation | €40-60 | €60-100 | €150-300 |
| Shopping & Extras | €50-100 | €150-300 | €500+ |
| TOTAL (per person) | €560-1130 | €1030-1880 | €2250-3600 |
Paris Transport Tips
Buy a Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited metro/bus (€22.80/week)
Paris Visite pass includes airport transfers
Metro runs 5:30 AM - 1:15 AM (2:15 AM Fri/Sat)
Uber/taxis expensive - use metro for most trips
Walking is best for central Paris sightseeing
Vélib bike-sharing for longer distances
Common Paris Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Not booking Eiffel Tower tickets in advance (2-3 hour waits)
Trying to see everything in one day
Eating only in tourist areas (overpriced, lower quality)
Not validating metro tickets (€50+ fine)
Skipping Versailles due to distance (it's worth it)
Forgetting museums are closed on Mondays/Tuesdays
Paris Travel FAQs
Get answers to common questions about planning your Paris trip