Paris Travel Guide for First-Timers from India: 5 Days of Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre and Versailles

Every good Paris travel guide should start with this moment. It is 9 p.m. on a summer evening and you are standing on the steps of the Trocadéro, across the river from the Eiffel Tower. The sky has turned deep blue, the tower glows gold, and then, on the hour, it bursts into sparkle: 20,000 lights twinkling all over the iron lattice for five minutes as the crowd around you gasps, cheers and holds up phones. Couples kiss, children squeal, and you realise that the most photographed monument in the world is even more magical in person.

Paris is the city of art, fashion, food and romance, and for many Indian travellers it is the dream first stop in Europe. It has more world-class museums, beautiful boulevards, historic cafes and grand monuments than anyone can see in one trip. But a first visit can also feel overwhelming: which museums to book, how to use the metro, where to eat as a vegetarian, and how to avoid pickpockets and tourist traps.

This Paris travel guide answers all of that, with the Schengen visa, the best time to go, a 5-day itinerary, getting around, food, costs, packing and practical tips for Indian first-timers.

Visa for Paris

France is in the Schengen area, so Indian citizens need a Schengen visa. If France is your main destination, apply through the French visa application centres in India. The fee is €90 for adults plus service charges, and you need travel insurance with at least €30,000 of medical cover, bank statements, income tax returns, an itinerary, hotel bookings and flight reservations. Apply two to three months ahead for summer travel.

Best time to visit Paris

• April to June: spring blossoms, pleasant weather of 15 to 25°C and long evenings. One of the best times.
• September to October: golden autumn light, fewer crowds and mild weather. Also excellent.
• July to August: warm and busy, with long days; many Parisians leave the city in August, and some small restaurants close.
• November to March: cold and grey, but festive Christmas lights and markets in December, and fewer queues at museums.

A 5-day Paris itinerary

Day 1: The Eiffel Tower and the Seine

Start at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair and about 330 metres tall. Book tickets online weeks ahead for the lifts to the second floor or the summit, or climb the stairs to the second floor for a cheaper, quicker option. Walk through the Champ de Mars gardens, then take a Seine river cruise, which passes Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and a string of beautiful bridges. After dark, watch the tower sparkle from the Trocadéro.

Day 2: The Louvre and the heart of Paris

Spend the morning at the Louvre, the world's largest art museum and home of the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Book a timed entry and plan a route; it is impossible to see everything in one visit. Walk through the Tuileries Garden to the Place de la Concorde, then along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and climb to the top for views of the 12 avenues radiating from it.

Day 3: Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter and the Marais

Visit the Île de la Cité, the island where Paris began. Notre-Dame Cathedral, badly damaged by fire in 2019, reopened in December 2024 after a remarkable restoration. Nearby, Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel box of 13th-century stained glass that glows like a kaleidoscope on sunny days. Cross to the Latin Quarter for Shakespeare and Company bookshop and the Luxembourg Gardens, then explore the Marais, with its medieval lanes, boutiques, Place des Vosges and famous falafel shops.

Day 4: Versailles

Take the RER C train, about 40 minutes, to the Palace of Versailles, the extravagant royal residence of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Walk through the Hall of Mirrors, 357 mirrors reflecting chandeliers and painted ceilings, the royal apartments, and the vast formal gardens with fountains and canals. Rent a bicycle or a rowing boat, and visit Marie Antoinette's hamlet. Go early; Versailles is closed on Mondays and very busy on weekends.

Day 5: Montmartre, or Disneyland Paris

Climb to Montmartre, the hilltop village of artists, and the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica, with sweeping views over the city. Watch painters at work in the Place du Tertre and stroll the winding lanes. Alternatively, families can spend the day at Disneyland Paris, about 40 minutes by the RER A train, with two parks and parades. Finish with a farewell dinner or a cabaret show.

Paris for couples

• Take an evening Seine dinner cruise as the city lights come on.
• Picnic on the Champ de Mars with a view of the Eiffel Tower, with bread, cheese and pastries from a local bakery.
• Watch the sunset from the steps of Sacré-Cœur or the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette.
• Stroll across the Pont des Arts and along the quays of the Île Saint-Louis.
• Book a cabaret show at a historic venue for a glamorous night out.

Paris with children

Paris is wonderful with children. Beyond Disneyland, they love the carousel near the Eiffel Tower, the Jardin d'Acclimatation amusement park, the Cité des Sciences science museum, the Natural History Museum's Grand Gallery of Evolution, sailing toy boats in the Luxembourg Gardens, and climbing the Arc de Triomphe. Plan shorter museum visits, build in park time, and use buses rather than metro stairs with pushchairs.

Easy day trips from Paris

• Giverny: Claude Monet's house and water lily gardens, beautiful from April to October.
• Mont-Saint-Michel: the island abbey in Normandy, a long but unforgettable day.
• The Loire Valley: fairytale châteaux such as Chambord and Chenonceau.
• Reims and the Champagne region: a Gothic cathedral and historic cellars.

Museum passes and bookings

• Paris Museum Pass: gives entry to more than 50 museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle and Versailles, for two, four or six days. You still need to reserve time slots at some sites.
• Book ahead: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Versailles all sell timed tickets online. Summer slots sell out.
• Free days: some museums are free on the first Sunday of certain months; expect crowds.

Getting around Paris

• Metro and RER: the fastest way around, with stations every few hundred metres. Use a Navigo Easy card or contactless payment.
• Walking: central Paris is very walkable, and many of the best moments happen between sights.
• Buses: scenic, and good for older travellers who want to avoid stairs.
• Taxis and ride apps: useful late at night and with luggage.
• From the airport: the RER B train connects Charles de Gaulle Airport with central Paris in about 35 to 45 minutes.

Food in Paris for Indian travellers

Paris is a food lover's dream, and vegetarians have more choice than ever. Try buttery croissants and pain au chocolat from a local bakery, crêpes with cheese, mushrooms or chocolate, quiche, French onion soup (ask about the stock), ratatouille, cheese boards, and macarons from famous patisseries. The Marais is known for excellent falafel, and there are many vegetarian and vegan restaurants across the city. For Indian food, head to the area around La Chapelle and Gare du Nord, often called Little India, with South Indian, North Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants and grocery shops.

Shopping in Paris

Paris is a shopper's dream. The grand department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann have spectacular domes and free rooftop terraces. Luxury flagships line the Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, while the Marais is full of independent boutiques. For bargains, visit the outlet village of La Vallée near Disneyland. Good souvenirs include perfume, macarons, chocolate, scarves and prints from the bouquinistes, the green book stalls along the Seine. Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on eligible purchases above a minimum amount; ask the shop for a tax-free form.

Sundays are quieter in Paris, and many shops close, so plan shopping for other days and use Sunday for parks, markets and museums.

Where to stay

• Near the Eiffel Tower (7th arrondissement): elegant and romantic, but pricey.
• Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain: charming, central and lively.
• Le Marais: historic, trendy and full of cafes and shops.
• Near Gare du Nord or Opéra: good transport links and more hotel choice; check reviews for the exact street.

How much does a Paris trip cost?

• Return flights from India: typically ₹50,000 to ₹90,000 per person.
• Schengen visa and insurance: roughly ₹11,000 to ₹16,000 per person.
• Hotels: ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per night for a good three or four-star hotel.
• Attractions: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Versailles together cost roughly ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 per person; a Museum Pass may save money.
• Disneyland Paris: roughly ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 per person per day.
• Food: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person per day.

A comfortable 5-day Paris trip typically costs ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per person, including flights, visa, hotel, attractions and food. Group tours that combine Paris with Switzerland often offer better value.

What to pack

• Comfortable, stylish walking shoes; you will walk 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day.
• Layers and a light rain jacket or umbrella, even in summer.
• A warm coat, scarf and gloves from November to March.
• A cross-body bag with a zip for safety.
• A universal adapter for European two-pin sockets.

Safety tips

• Watch for pickpockets around the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur and on the metro.
• Ignore petition and "friendship bracelet" scams near major sights.
• Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy.
• Buy tickets only from official websites or counters.

Mistakes to avoid

Not booking the Eiffel Tower and Louvre in advance. Queues can last hours.

Visiting Versailles on a Monday. It is closed.

Trying to see the whole Louvre. Choose a few highlights.

Eating only near major sights. Walk a few streets away for better food at better prices.

Plan your Paris trip with The Vacation Code

This Paris travel guide is just the start. Our Switzerland and Paris Romance package and 10-day Europe tour include the Eiffel Tower, a Seine cruise and more, with Indian meals and a tour manager. Read our Switzerland and Paris itinerary, our Switzerland trip cost guide and our guide to choosing a Europe tour package from India, or browse all our international tours.

Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for Paris?

Yes. France is in the Schengen area, so Indians need a Schengen visa, with a fee of 90 euros for adults plus service charges and mandatory travel insurance.

How many days are enough for Paris?

Four to five days covers the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and a day trip to Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

How much does a Paris trip from India cost?

A comfortable 5-day Paris trip typically costs 1,50,000 to 2,50,000 rupees per person including flights, visa, hotel, attractions and food.

When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?

The Eiffel Tower sparkles with thousands of lights for five minutes at the start of every hour after dark.

Is vegetarian food available in Paris?

Yes. Crêpes, falafel, quiche, cheese and many vegetarian restaurants are available, and the La Chapelle area near Gare du Nord has many Indian restaurants.

Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?

It can save money and time if you plan to visit several museums and monuments, such as the Louvre, Orsay, Arc de Triomphe and Versailles, within two to six days.

What is the best time to visit Paris?

April to June and September to October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer. December is festive but cold.