5-Day Paris Itinerary: Eiffel Tower, Louvre & More + Trip Cost

Paris is best enjoyed at a human pace: one major museum, long walks, and time for cafés. This 5-day Paris itinerary covers the icons without turning your trip into a queue marathon — and includes best-time advice and trip cost ranges for planning.

Best time to visit Paris

April–June and September–October are widely considered the best months. Summer is lively but hot and crowded. Winter is quieter and atmospheric, especially around the holidays. Book Eiffel Tower and Louvre tickets online whenever you go.

Day 1 — Eiffel Tower & Seine

Start with the Eiffel Tower (summit or second floor — book ahead), walk Champ de Mars, then a Seine river cruise at dusk. Keep dinner near the river to avoid long late transfers.

Day 2 — Louvre & Right Bank classics

Louvre in the morning (go early), Tuileries stroll, then Palais Royal or Place Vendôme. Evening in Le Marais for food and wandering.

Day 3 — Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter

Notre-Dame exterior and Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass, then the Latin Quarter and a Luxembourg Gardens pause.

Day 4 — Montmartre

Sacré-Cœur, artists’ square, and the quieter streets behind the basilica. Sunset views over Paris are the point — arrive before golden hour.

Day 5 — Versailles or deeper Paris

Day trip to the Palace of Versailles, or stay in the city for Musée d’Orsay, Canal Saint-Martin, or shopping. Choose based on your appetite for crowds versus art.

Paris trip cost (excluding international flights)

Per person per day: Budget EUR 60–90; Mid-range EUR 100–180; Luxury EUR 250+. Museum passes can help if you visit several paid sites. Picnic lunches from bakeries keep costs sane without sacrificing joy.

FAQs

Is 5 days enough for Paris? Yes for a memorable first visit. Should you buy a museum pass? Calculate against your ticket list. Best arrondissements to stay? Central options near Louvre, Marais, Saint-Germain or the Latin Quarter minimise metro time.