5-Day Paris Itinerary from India: Budget Breakdown + Free Activities (2026)
Quick facts about Paris
| Best time to visit | April to June, September to October |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR). 1 EUR = approx. INR 112 (May 2026), verify before travel |
| Language | French (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Airport | Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY) |
| From India | Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai (approx. 8-9 hrs) |
| Visa | Schengen visa required for Indian passport holders |
| Getting around | Metro, RER, Bus, Walking |
| Time zone | CEST (UTC+2 in summer) |
| Best Paris pass | Paris Tourist Pass |
Paris did not bankrupt me. Let me tell you how.
Here is something most travel blogs about Paris will not tell you: a good chunk of the city is completely free. The Eiffel Tower neighbourhood? Free to walk. The Louvre's glass pyramid courtyard? Free to stand in. The banks of the Seine, Montmartre's cobbled streets, the view from the Sacre-Coeur steps? Not a single euro charged.
Paris has a reputation for being expensive, and yes, sit-down restaurants on the Champs-Élysées will prove that reputation right. But if you plan smartly, a 5-day Paris itinerary for Indian travellers does not have to drain your savings. This guide gives you the full budget breakdown, a complete list of free things to do in Paris, and a day-by-day plan that balances the paid highlights with plenty of no-cost wandering.
Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, this affordable Paris 5-day plan works for every type of Indian traveller.
Getting to Paris from India: what to know
Flights from Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) are direct on Air India and Air France, typically taking 8 to 9 hours. Connecting routes via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul can be cheaper but add travel time.
Book 3 to 4 months ahead for the best fares. April through June and September through October are the sweet spots: good weather, reasonable hotel rates, and fewer summer crowds than July and August.
- Visa: Schengen visa required. Apply at the French consulate in your city at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
- Airport to city: RER B train from CDG to central Paris in approx. 28–33 mins depending on your stop (Gare du Nord ~28 min, Châtelet ~31 min, Saint-Michel ~33 min) is the most affordable option. Note: the CDG airport ticket costs €14, separately from standard Metro tickets — load it at the airport machines onto your Navigo Easy card. Do not try to use a standard €2.55 single ticket at the airport gates. Taxis and Uber are available but cost considerably more. For more details, check the
- SIM card: Buy a local SIM at the airport or use an eSIM before you land. Staying connected is essential for navigating the Paris Metro.
Free things to do in Paris: the complete list
Before we get to the day-by-day plan, here is the full Paris 5-day free activities guide. These require zero euros and deliver a lot.
Always free
- Walking along the Seine riverbanks (Quai de la Tournelle, Quai Malaquais)
- Champ de Mars park beneath the Eiffel Tower
- Trocadero Esplanade (the classic Eiffel Tower view point, no ticket required)
- Montmartre neighbourhood walk and the steps of Sacre-Coeur
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, reopened December 2024; interior entry now available by advance timed reservation at notredamedeparis.fr (free). Do not miss this, it is the most significant cultural reopening in Paris in a decade.
- Le Marais neighbourhood stroll and Place des Vosges
- Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)
- Palais Royal gardens and arcades
- Canal Saint-Martin walk in the 10th arrondissement
- Pont des Arts bridge and surrounding riverbanks
- Moulin Rouge exterior on Boulevard de Clichy (the show requires a ticket, but the front is free)
- Street art in the Belleville neighbourhood
- Promenade Plantee: a raised park built on a disused railway viaduct in the 12th
- Sunday markets: Marche d'Aligre in Bastille, or the flower market at Place Louis Lepine
Usually free (confirm before visiting)
- Musée d'Orsay: free on the first Sunday of every month; however, advance online booking is now mandatory for all visitors, including free-entry visitors (required from March 2026 through summer 2028 due to renovation). Book your slot at musee-orsay.fr before visiting.
- Louvre Museum: free on the first Friday of every month after 6 pm (except July and August), advance time-slot booking is still required even for free entry Louvre Museum: also free on Bastille Day (14 July), universal free entry regardless of visitor nationality. Advance booking still required.
- Musee de l'Orangerie: free for EU residents under 26 (check eligibility)
- Many smaller national museums on the first Sunday of each month
Alike tip: The first Sunday free museum rule applies to many Paris museums, but not the Louvre. The Louvre is free on the first Friday evening of each month (after 6 pm, except July and August). For other museums on their free Sundays, arrive at opening time and head straight to the rooms you most want to see, by 11am the most popular galleries get very crowded.
When free is not enough: the Paris Tourist Pass
Some of Paris's greatest experiences do charge admission. The Eiffel Tower summit, the Louvre guided tour, Palace of Versailles, Seine River cruises, and Disneyland Paris all require tickets. Buying them individually at the gate adds up fast.
For reference: Louvre admission is €32 for non-EU adults (which includes Indian passport holders). Eiffel Tower lift to 2nd floor: €29.40; summit by lift: €36.70. Versailles palace entry: approximately €21.50. These figures illustrate why bundling through the Paris Tourist Pass makes a meaningful financial difference across a 5-day trip.
The Paris Tourist Pass by Alike gives you access to 80+ Paris attractions at discounted rates on selected attractions. The savings model is progressive: the more you add to your Build Your Own Pass, the more you save per attraction. Bestseller Bundles are pre-curated for popular combinations like Eiffel Tower plus river cruise.
Explore the Paris Tourist Pass and see exactly how much you save versus buying tickets separately.
Alike tip: On Alike, you can also plan your entire Paris trip using Eia, Alike's AI trip planner. Eia builds a personalised itinerary around your dates, pace, and interests, and you can book directly from the plan. First-time users get a 10% discount on bookings made through Eia.
Your 5-day Paris itinerary for Indian travellers: day by day
Here is a structured Paris itinerary from India, designed to make the most of both free and paid experiences across five days.
Day 1: Arrive and get your bearings in central Paris
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Land at CDG, RER B to city centre, check in | €14 airport RER B ticket + hotel |
| Afternoon | Trocadero Esplanade + Champ de Mars stroll | Free |
| Evening | Walk along the Seine, dinner in the 7th arrondissement | Free + food budget |
Day 1 is about settling in and absorbing the city. The walk from Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower and then along the Seine covers a huge amount of Paris without spending anything. The tower lights up every hour after dark. Stand on the Champ de Mars at 10 pm, and you get the full sparkle for free.
Alike tip: The Trocadero fountain area is beautiful but busy with photographers and postcard sellers. For the quietest experience (and the least sales pressure), visit just before sunset on a weekday rather than weekend afternoons.
Day 2: The Eiffel Tower, a Seine cruise, and an evening in Le Marais
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit (pre-booked) | €29.40 (2nd floor lift) or €36.70 (summit lift), via Paris Tourist Pass |
| Afternoon | Seine River Sightseeing Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens | Paid - see Paris Tourist Pass |
| Late Afternoon | Walk through Le Marais, Place des Vosges | Free |
| Evening | Falafel on Rue des Rosiers, evening in the Marais | Food budget |
The Eiffel Tower is the single most booked attraction in Paris. Pre-book your tickets well in advance, especially for the summit level. The Seine cruise in the afternoon adds a totally different perspective on the city, passing Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the bridges of central Paris.
Le Marais is one of the best free neighbourhood walks in Europe. The Place des Vosges, Paris's oldest planned square, built in 1612, is completely open and one of the most pleasant spots to sit with a coffee.
Book Eiffel Tower + Seine Cruise via the Paris Tourist Pass and save on both in one go.
Alike tip: For the Eiffel Tower, book the lift (not stairs) access for the summit if you are travelling with older family members or young children. The line for walk-up stair tickets moves faster but the summit is lift-only regardless. Many visitors book stair access and are surprised to find they still queue for the lift at the top.
Day 3: Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and a free afternoon
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Louvre Museum (skip-the-line admission or guided tour) | €32 non-EU adults or free first Friday eve after 6pm (not July/Aug); via Paris Tourist Pass |
| Afternoon | Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal arcades | Free |
| Late Afternoon | Musee de l'Orangerie (Monet's Water Lilies) | Paid, or check the free Sunday schedule |
| Evening | Dinner in the 1st arrondissement or Saint-Germain | Food budget |
The Louvre is enormous. Do not try to see everything. Decide before you enter which wings interest you most: Italian Renaissance for the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, or Egyptian antiquities if ancient civilisations are your thing. Even a focused 2 to 3-hour visit is satisfying.
The Tuileries Garden connects the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and is one of Paris's greatest free outdoor spaces. Grab a crepe from a street stall and walk through. Palais Royal's covered arcades just north of the Louvre are a lovely detour.
Alike tip: At the Louvre, you may find the Carrousel du Louvre entrance (accessible from Rue de Rivoli, in the underground shopping mall beneath the museum) useful as an orientation point and alternative to the main Pyramid entrance. Note: with mandatory advance timed-entry booking now the norm, queue lengths at all entrances are much more predictable than they used to be, book your slot in advance regardless of which entrance you use.
Day 4: Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur, and the Arc de Triomphe
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Montmartre neighbourhood walk, Place du Tertre, Sacre-Coeur exterior | Free |
| Midday | Lunch in Montmartre (bakeries and cafes) | Food budget |
| Afternoon | Arc de Triomphe rooftop admission + Champs-Elysees walk | Paid - see Paris Tourist Pass |
| Evening | Sunset from the Champs-Elysees, drinks at a terrace cafe | Food budget |
Montmartre is one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods in Paris and almost entirely free to explore. The steps leading up to Sacre-Coeur give you a sweeping view over the city rooftops. The basilica itself is free to enter. Place du Tertre, the square filled with portrait artists, is touristy but worth a wander.
The Arc de Triomphe rooftop is genuinely worth the admission. The view down the Champs-Élysées from 50 metres up gives you the full Haussmann Paris layout: twelve avenues radiating out like a star. Go at dusk for the best light.
Add the Arc de Triomphe to your Paris Tourist Pass and combine it with other Day 4 paid attractions for progressive savings.
Alike tip: Around the Sacré-Coeur steps, you will likely encounter people trying to tie friendship bracelets on your wrist, a polite 'non merci' and keep moving is all it takes. This is common during busy daytime hours; no need to be alarmed, just stay relaxed and keep walking.
Day 5: Palace of Versailles day trip or a final Parisian morning
| Time | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | RER C to Versailles (approx. 40 min from central Paris) | Transport + admission |
| Midday | Palace of Versailles Grand Apartments and Hall of Mirrors | Paid - see Paris Tourist Pass |
| Afternoon | Versailles Gardens (free on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and most Fridays; paid on Tuesdays from May, and all Saturdays and Sundays April–November when shows run, ~ €10 supplement per person) | Free or small fee on show days |
| Evening | Return to Paris, final dinner, evening along the Seine | Food budget |
Versailles is a genuine full-day experience and a worthy end to a 5 day Paris trip from India. The Palace of Versailles is UNESCO-listed, and the Hall of Mirrors is one of the most recognised interiors in the world. Built under Louis XIV, it stretches 73 metres and contains 357 mirrors. The gardens alone cover 800 hectares.
If Versailles feels too much for Day 5, swap it for a slower morning in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, coffee at Cafe de Flore (a historic literary spot on Boulevard Saint-Germain), and a final Seine walk before your airport transfer.
Book Versailles tickets + audio guide via the Paris Tourist Pass and skip the on-site ticket queues entirely.
Alike tip: Alike tip: Versailles garden show days run on Tuesdays (from May), Saturdays, and Sundays from April 1 to November 1, 2026, not just Saturdays, and Tuesdays begin in May, not June. On these days, the gardens charge a €10 supplement per person on top of palace admission. For the quietest and cheapest garden visit, go on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday when no show is scheduled, and garden entry is free.
Note: public holidays that fall on weekdays (e.g. Ascension Day, 29 May 2026) may also be show days — check chateauversailles-spectacles.fr before you go.
5-day Paris trip cost breakdown for Indian travellers (2026)
Here is a realistic Paris budget breakdown 2026 for a solo Indian traveller. Costs in EUR, approximate INR equivalent in brackets.
| Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (return from India) | INR 55,000–75,000 | INR 80,000–1,20,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | INR 5,000–8,000/night (hostel or budget hotel) | INR 10,000–18,000/night |
| Paris Metro (5 days) | Navigo Easy (€2) + tickets at €2.55/Metro ride or €2.05/bus ride — approx. EUR 40–50 total for 3–4 rides/day. Day pass option: €12.30 if taking 5+ rides. | Same (Metro is universal) |
| Food per day | EUR 15–25 (bakeries, markets, budget cafes) | EUR 35–55 (sit-down restaurants) |
| Paid attractions | EUR 60–80 via Paris Tourist Pass (≈ INR 6,720–8,960 at May 2026 rate) | EUR 90–130 without pass (≈ INR 10,080–14,560) |
| Versailles day trip | EUR 20–25 via pass (≈ INR 2,240–2,800) | EUR 30–40 walk-up (≈ INR 3,360–4,480) |
| Shopping/incidentals | EUR 30–50 | EUR 80–150 |
| Total (approx.) | INR 1,10,000–1,45,000 (corrected from INR 90,000–1,20,000) | INR 1,80,000–2,65,000 (corrected from INR 1,50,000–2,20,000) |
Note: All INR figures above use the corrected May 2026 rate of 1 EUR ≈ INR 112. Original article used INR 90 — a ~25% underestimate. Always verify the current rate before finalising your budget.
Booking your Paris attractions through the Paris Tourist Pass can reduce your paid-attraction spend by up to 20% compared to walk-up rates. For a family of four, that difference is meaningful.
Use Eia, Alike's AI trip planner, to build your Paris itinerary and get 10% off your first booking. Eia personalises around your dates, pace, and budget.
Where to stay in Paris for Indian travellers
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements. For a first visit, staying in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, or 7th gives you walking access to most major attractions. The 18th (Montmartre) is atmospheric but requires Metro commutes to the main sights.
- Budget: Hostels around Gare du Nord (10th arrondissement) or Bastille (11th/12th). Clean, well-connected.
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels in the Marais (3rd/4th)
- or Saint-Germain (6th). Expect EUR 100-150/night.
- Comfortable base: The 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower is pricier but incredibly convenient for a first trip.
Book accommodation 8 to 12 weeks ahead for April through June. Last-minute Paris hotels in peak season are either very expensive or very far from the centre.
What to eat in Paris on a budget
Parisian food does not have to be expensive. Here is how experienced travellers eat well without overspending.
- Boulangeries (bakeries): A croissant or pain au chocolat from a neighbourhood bakery costs EUR 1.20 to 1.80. This is the authentic Paris breakfast.
- Marche d'Aligre (12th arrondissement): One of Paris's best food markets, open Tuesday to Sunday mornings. Fresh cheese, charcuterie, and produce at local prices.
- Rue de la Huchette area: Tourist strip, often overpriced. Skip it.
- Cafe lunch sets: Most Parisian cafes offer a plat du jour (dish of the day) for EUR 13-17 at lunch, which is genuinely good value for a two-course meal.
- Falafel on Rue des Rosiers (4th): The best street-food value in central Paris. L'As du Fallafel is the most famous but the queue is long. The places next door are equally good and faster.
- Supermarkets: Monoprix, Carrefour City, and Franprix are everywhere in Paris. Self-catering breakfast or picnic lunches from a supermarket can save EUR 20 per day per person.
Alike tip: Avoid any restaurant that has a menu translated into 6 languages displayed on a stand on the street. These are almost exclusively tourist traps with mediocre food at inflated prices. Walk one or two streets away from any major sight and prices drop noticeably.
Getting around Paris: the Metro and walking
The Paris Metro is the fastest and most affordable way to move around the city. A Navigo Easy card (costs €2 to purchase, then loaded with single tickets) costs €2.55 per metro/RER journey across all central Paris zones. Bus and tram journeys use a separate ticket at €2.05 — you cannot transfer between metro and bus on the same ticket. Note: paper magnetic tickets are being phased out in 2026; use the Navigo Easy card or the Bonjour RATP app on your phone. RER trains to Versailles (RER C) and the airport (RER B from CDG) operate on the same card with a separate fare.
- Walk whenever possible: Paris's central arrondissements are very walkable. Many iconic areas (Le Marais to Notre-Dame, Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower) are 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
- Avoid taxis for short trips: Paris traffic is heavy and taxi meters run fast. The Metro is almost always faster inside the Peripherique.
- Night bus: The Noctilien network runs overnight when the Metro stops (after 1am on weekdays, 2am on weekends).
Best time to visit Paris from India
April through June is the sweet spot for a 5 day Paris itinerary for Indian travellers. The weather is mild (15 to 22 degrees Celsius), the city is in full bloom, and daylight stretches past 9pm in June. September and October are equally good, with slightly fewer crowds and often lower hotel rates. July and August are peak season: very hot, very crowded, and noticeably more expensive. December is cold but atmospheric, with Christmas markets running throughout the month.
Is Paris safe for Indian travellers?
Paris is broadly safe for solo female travellers and is well-policed in tourist areas. The Metro can feel uncomfortable very late at night on certain lines (particularly line 13). Stick to busy carriages, keep your phone in your bag rather than your hand in crowded areas, and trust your instincts. Pickpocketing is the most common concern, particularly around the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, and on the Metro. A money belt or hidden pouch for your passport and bulk cash is genuinely useful, not paranoid.
Alike tip: At major tourist sites, be alert around anyone who approaches offering a signed petition to sign or a free gift. These are common techniques used to distract tourists while an accomplice pickpockets them. A polite non and keep walking is all that is needed.
Plan your trip with Eia, Alike's AI trip planner - get a personalised 5-day Paris itinerary and 10% off your first booking.
Paris is not a city you just see. It is one you keep returning to.
Here is the thing about a 5-day Paris itinerary for Indian travellers: five days is enough to fall for this city, but not enough to feel you have finished with it. The Louvre alone could occupy a week. Versailles deserves more than a day. And there are neighbourhoods like Belleville, Oberkampf, and the Canal Saint-Martin that most first-timers never reach.
But that is also the point. Go once with a smart plan, a realistic Paris budget breakdown, and the knowledge of which experiences deserve your euros. Use free mornings to walk streets that no itinerary lists. Eat from boulangeries, not tourist menus. Book your paid attractions through the Paris Tourist Pass and let Eia handle the planning logistics.
Then come back. Paris does not disappoint repeat visitors. It just reveals different layers each time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit Paris from India for a 5-day trip?
What is the best time to visit Paris from India for a 5-day trip?
How much does a 5-day Paris trip cost for an Indian traveller?
How much does a 5-day Paris trip cost for an Indian traveller?
What are the best free things to do in Paris for 5 days?
What are the best free things to do in Paris for 5 days?
Do I need the Paris Tourist Pass, or can I just buy individual tickets?
Do I need the Paris Tourist Pass, or can I just buy individual tickets?
Is Paris a good destination for solo Indian travellers?
Is Paris a good destination for solo Indian travellers?
