Paris Itinerary 5 Days (2025): Must-See, INR Costs & Metro Hacks [Map] : Komfytrip

A first trip to Paris is the stuff of dreams. From the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower to the artistic treasures of the Louvre, the city promises a whirlwind of unforgettable moments. But for a first-timer, planning can feel overwhelming. How do you fit everything in without spending all your time in queues or on the Metro?

This strategic 5-day itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Paris efficiently. We’ve clustered sights by neighbourhood to save you precious time and provided the latest 2025 updates including the triumphant reopening of Notre-Dame, new museum rules, and a complete guide to the city’s evolving transport system.

Quick Overview:

5-day plan: Day 1 Île de la Cité + Marais; Day 2 Louvre → Tuileries → Orsay; Day 3 Eiffel Tower → Arc de Triomphe; Day 4 Montmartre → Opéra; Day 5 Versailles. Book timed tickets for the Louvre (mandatory summer 2025) and popular slots; the Eiffel Tower summit is typically closed for maintenance in Jan–early Feb; Notre-Dame reopened Dec 8, 2024; Centre Pompidou begins a multi-year closure in 2025. Metro: paper tickets are being phased out; load tickets/passes to Navigo Easy or your phone/Apple Wallet.

The Perfect 5-Day Paris Itinerary.

This plan minimizes travel time by grouping attractions that are close to each other.

Day 1: Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter & Le Marais

1. Morning: Start at the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité. Go early to see the magnificent interior of the newly reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral. Afterwards, marvel at the stunning stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle and explore the historic Conciergerie.
2. Afternoon: Cross the bridge to the vibrant Latin Quarter. Wander through its charming streets, grab a coffee at a classic café, and then head over to the chic Le Marais district to relax in the beautiful Place des Vosges.
3. Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Seine or cap off your day with a magical sunset river cruise.

Day 2: Louvre → Tuileries → Musée d’Orsay

1. Morning: Dedicate your morning to the world's most famous museum, the Louvre (closed on Tuesdays). Remember to reserve your timed entry slot well in advance.
2. Afternoon: After the museum, take a refreshing stroll through the elegant Tuileries Garden. At the other end, you'll find the Musée de l'Orangerie, home to Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies murals.
3. Evening: Cross the river to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning former train station. For a less crowded experience, take advantage of its late opening on Thursdays.

Day 3: Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro & Arc de Triomphe

1. Morning: It’s time for the main event! Ascend the Eiffel Tower for unparalleled city views. Book tickets far in advance, especially for the summit.
2. Afternoon: Walk across to the Trocadéro for the classic postcard-perfect photos of the tower. From there, stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
3. Evening: Climb to the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe for a spectacular golden-hour view of the city's grand avenues.

Day 4: Montmartre, Opéra & Covered Passages

1. Morning: Head up to the charming hilltop neighbourhood of Montmartre. Watch the sunrise from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and get lost in the artistic, cobbled lanes.
2. Afternoon: Journey down to the opulent Palais Garnier (the Paris Opéra). Afterwards, explore the nearby historic covered passages, like Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas.
3. Evening: Enjoy a classic bistro dinner in the lively Grands Boulevards area.

Day 5: Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles

1. Full Day: Take a day trip to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Dedicate the day to exploring the opulent Château, the vast gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and Marie Antoinette's estate. Be sure to reserve a time slot for the Château, even if you have a Museum Pass.

2025 Museum Update: Centre Pompidou Closure Please note that the Centre Pompidou, Paris's premier modern art museum, is scheduled to begin a multi-year closure for renovations in 2025. Plan your modern art fix at other excellent venues like the Musée d’Art Moderne or the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

Your Paris Budget in INR (Per Person, Per Day)

Plan your spending with these daily estimates (excluding flights and accommodation). We're using a planning rate of €1 ≈ ₹90.

1. Shoestring: ₹7,200 – ₹10,800 (€80–120). This covers a hostel or budget hotel share, meals from bakeries and casual eateries, using single-ride Metro tickets, and visiting one paid site per day.
2. Comfort: ₹13,500 – ₹19,800 (€150–220). This allows for a 3-star hotel, meals at cafés and bistros, using a multi-day Paris Museum Pass, and taking a day trip to Versailles.
3. Splurge: ₹22,500 – ₹36,000 (€250–400). This covers a boutique or 4-star hotel, fine dining experiences, a Seine dinner cruise, and other premium activities.

Paris Metro Hacks for 2025 (Save Time & Money)

Parisian transport is changing fast. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Ditch Paper Tickets: The iconic little cardboard tickets are being phased out in 2025. The system is moving to rechargeable cards and phone-based ticketing, with a simplified single ride fare of €2.50.
2. Choose the Right Tourist Pass:
3. Paris Visite (1, 2, 3, or 5 days): Offers unlimited travel and includes transfers to airports (CDG/Orly), Versailles, and Disneyland.
4. Navigo Découverte (Weekly): Incredible value if your trip falls within a single calendar week (Monday to Sunday). It costs €5 for the card itself (bring a small passport-style photo) plus the weekly fare.
5. Use Your Phone as a Ticket: You can now add a Navigo pass to your Apple Wallet and use Express Mode to tap through gates without unlocking your phone. You can buy single tickets, day passes, and Paris Visite passes directly in the Wallet or the Île-de-France Mobilités app.
6. Smart Airport Transfers: Check your pass! A Paris Visite for zones 1–5 or a Navigo Découverte for zones 1–5 will cover your RER B train journey to/from CDG Airport. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a separate point-to-point airport ticket.

Smart Ticketing for Sights: What to Reserve in Advance

1. Louvre: A timed reservation is mandatory in summer 2025 and strongly recommended year-round to guarantee entry. Closed on Tuesdays.
2. Eiffel Tower: Book e-tickets weeks (or months) in advance. Note: The summit is typically closed for annual maintenance from early January to early February (Jan 6–Feb 7 in 2025).
3. Musée d’Orsay: Consider the Thursday late opening for fewer crowds. Closed on Mondays.
4. Versailles & Sainte-Chapelle: Even if you have the Paris Museum Pass, you are often required to book a free time slot online to manage visitor flow. Don't forget this step!

Where to Stay: Best Arrondissements for First-Timers

1. Le Marais (3rd/4th): Central, charming, and packed with history, boutiques, and great food.
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th): Classic Parisian vibe with literary cafés, art galleries, and easy access to the Louvre and Orsay.
3. Opéra / Grands Boulevards (9th/2nd): Great for shoppers and conveniently located with excellent Metro connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Louvre closed on Tuesdays? Do I need a timed slot?

A: Yes, the Louvre is always closed on Tuesdays. A timed booking is mandatory for visits during summer 2025 and is highly recommended at all other times of the year to avoid disappointment.

Can I visit the inside of Notre-Dame Cathedral now?

A: Yes! The cathedral officially reopened to the public on December 8, 2024, after extensive restoration. Expect very high demand, so plan to go early in the day.

Is the Centre Pompidou open in 2025?

A: It is scheduled to begin a multi-year closure sometime in 2025. Check their official website for the exact date and information on their "Constellation" program of off-site exhibitions.

What’s the simplest transport setup for a 5-day trip?

A: If your 5 days happen to fall within a single Monday-to-Sunday week, the Navigo Découverte Week pass is the best value. If not, the Paris Visite 5-day pass is the most straightforward option, covering all your travel, including to and from the airport.