5-Day Paris Itinerary 2026: Complete First-Timer Guide
Quick Answer
5-day Paris itinerary covering the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, Versailles, and neighborhood walks. Day-by-day plan with costs and tips. Total cost: $1,000 to $2,000 per person including flights from JFK.
Day 1: Arrival and Eiffel Tower
Land at CDG. Take the RER B train to central Paris ($12, 35 minutes). Check into your hotel in Le Marais, Latin Quarter, or Saint-Germain ($60 to $150 per night). Walk to the Eiffel Tower. Book timed tickets online in advance ($32 for summit access). Go at sunset for the best light and stay for the sparkly light show (every hour after dark for 5 minutes). Have dinner at a bistro nearby ($20 to $30 for steak frites and wine).
For cheap flights to Paris, see our complete Paris booking guide. For apartment rentals, see our Paris apartment guide. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead.
Day 2: Louvre and Seine
Start at the Louvre (book timed entry online, $22). Must-see: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory. Budget 3 to 4 hours. Have lunch at a cafe in the Palais Royal garden ($12 to $18). Afternoon: walk along the Seine to Notre-Dame (exterior only, still under renovation). Visit Sainte-Chapelle ($13 entry, the most beautiful stained glass in Paris). Evening: take a Seine river cruise ($15, 1 hour, best at sunset).
Day 3: Montmartre and Le Marais
Morning: take the Metro to Montmartre. Visit Sacre-Coeur Basilica (free, best view of Paris). Walk through the artists square (Place du Tertre). Have lunch at a Montmartre bistro ($15 to $25). Afternoon: take the Metro to Le Marais. Visit the Picasso Museum ($15) or the Carnavalet Museum (free, Paris history). Walk through Place des Vosges (oldest square in Paris). Have dinner at a Jewish deli on Rue des Rosiers ($12 to $20 for falafel).
Day 4: Versailles Day Trip
Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles ($6, 45 minutes). Visit the Chateau de Versailles ($22 entry, book ahead). Must-see: Hall of Mirrors, King State Apartments, Gardens (free on most days, musical fountains on weekends for $10). Budget 4 to 5 hours. Have lunch in the gardens or at a cafe in town ($12 to $18). Return to Paris by 5 PM. Evening: dinner in Saint-Germain ($20 to $35).
Day 5: Latin Quarter and Departure
Morning: explore the Latin Quarter. Visit the Pantheon ($11). Walk through the Luxembourg Gardens (free, most beautiful park in Paris). Have lunch at a creperie in the Latin Quarter ($8 to $12). Visit Shakespeare and Company bookstore (free). Walk along the Seine one last time. Take the RER B to CDG ($12, 35 minutes). Depart from Paris.
Trip Cost Breakdown
- Flights (JFK to CDG): $380 to $580
- Hotels (5 nights): $300 to $750
- Food ($30/day): $150
- Transport (Metro, RER): $40
- Activities and entrance fees: $100
- Paris Museum Pass (4 days): $70
- Versailles entry: $22
- Total: $1,062 to $1,712 per person
Paris Travel Tips
- Buy a Paris Museum Pass. $70 for 4 days. Covers the Louvre, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, Pantheon, and 50+ other museums. Skip-the-line access.
- Eat at boulangeries for breakfast. Croissant ($1.50) and coffee ($2) from a neighborhood bakery. Better and cheaper than hotel breakfast.
- Use the Metro. $2 per ride or $20 for a weekly pass (Navigo). Faster than walking and cheaper than taxis.
- Book the Eiffel Tower online. Timed entry saves 2+ hours of waiting. Go at sunset for the best experience.
- Watch for pickpockets. Especially on the Metro, at the Eiffel Tower, and at the Louvre entrance. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket. Cross-body bags are best.
- Dress smart casual. Parisians dress well. Avoid athletic wear in restaurants. Dark colors blend in.
- Learn 5 French words. Bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), sil vous plait (please), pardon (excuse me), parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?). Effort matters.
FAQs
Is 5 days enough for Paris?
5 days is the perfect amount for a first Paris trip. You can see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, Versailles, and still have time for cafe culture and neighborhood walks. You will want to return, but 5 days covers the essentials without rushing.
How much does a 5-day Paris trip cost?
A 5-day Paris trip costs $1,000 to $2,000 per person. Flights from JFK: $380 to $580. Hotels: $60 to $150 per night. Food: $25 to $40 per day. The Paris Museum Pass costs $70 for 4 days. Paris is cheaper than London or New York.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October are the best times. Mild weather, fewer crowds than summer. June has long days (sunset at 10 PM). January and February are cheapest but cold. July and August are crowded and hot.
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Yes, Paris is generally safe. The main risk is pickpocketing, especially on the Metro, at the Eiffel Tower, and at the Louvre entrance. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket. Avoid the Gare du Nord area at night. Violent crime is rare.
Do I need a visa for France?
US citizens do not need a visa for France (Schengen Area) for tourism up to 90 days. You need a passport valid for 3 months beyond departure. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just France.
What should I eat in Paris?
Must-try: croissant from a neighborhood boulangerie ($1.50), steak frites at a bistro ($18 to $25), crepes from a street cart ($5), macarons from Laduree ($3 each), cheese from a fromagerie ($5 to $10). Eat the daily special (plat du jour) at lunch for $12 to $15 including wine.