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My Vacation Itineraries

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4 days in Paris

4 Days in Paris (Best First-Time Itinerary + Map)

  • February 27, 2024

Paris, the capital city of France, is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It’s a city of romance, magic, light and history. No matter if you’re looking for art, shopping, fine dining or history, the city has it all.

Paris started as a small Celtic village, situated in the tiny area of Île de la Cité. Today, nothing reminds of its humble beginning but the city’s name. It derives from the Celtic tribe called Parisii, who lived in the area.

Paris is known as the City of Lights. Not only because it was one of the first cities in Europe, which had gas street lighting. It is also because of its important role during the Age of Enlightenment.

4 Days in Paris itinerary

How to plan 4 days in Paris? It’s difficult to craft the perfect Paris itinerary, especially if this is your first time to the City of Lights. This detailed travel guide will help you decide what attractions to visit and where to eat.

Keep in mind that most of the restaurants work between 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM and 07:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Also, they often have different working hours during the weekends. So, always check the working hours before visiting (and better make a reservation).

My best advice is to buy either a Paris Museum Pass in advance or skip the lines ticket for each attraction you want to visit. Don’t count on that you’re visiting off the season and there won’t be lines for every site.

The second time I visited Paris was in late October. I decided that I’ll buy a Museum Pass from the first visited attraction. In my case, this was the Orangerie Museum.

There should be no lines at all (according to what I’ve read in many forums and blogs). And guess what? I’ve waited 2 hours in the pouring rain (in the low season). Don’t do this mistake! Paris is a super popular destination, so always buy tickets in advance.

Already have a hotel booked? Then check your hotel’s location and make sure it’s in a good area (see my guide where to stay in Paris ).

Find a map of this 4-day Paris itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the article.

4 Days in Paris (perfect itinerary for first-timers)

  • Day 1: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Triumphal Arch
  • Day 2: Palace of Versailles (day trip from Paris)
  • Day 3: Notre Dame Cathedral, Holy Chapel, Luxembourg Palace, Eiffel Tower
  • Day 4: Cruise on Seine river, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre

4 Days in Paris – Day 1

08:10 AM – 09:00 AM Start the first day of this 4 days in Paris itinerary with breakfast at Matamata Coffee Bar or  BO&MIE . Choose the BO&MIE bakery for a quick breakfast.

See Mona Lisa in Louvre Museum

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) served as a royal palace of the French monarchs until the 17th century. Also, it is one of the largest museums in the world.

The museum is vast and packed with exhibits. You’ll need days to see everything. So, prepare for your visit ahead and check out  what exhibits in Louvre will be interesting for you.

Louvre Museum

12:30 PM – 02:30 PM Stop for lunch at La Bonne Excuse or La Cordonnerie .

Tuileries Garden and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

02:30 PM – 03:00 PM Catherine de’ Medici created the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) in 1564. The garden once was a part of the Tuileries Palace , destroyed in 1871 by the Paris Commune.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is one of the three arcs on the Triumphal Way. It’s a historical axis of monuments that starts with the Grande Arche de la Défense to the west and ends with the Louvre Museum to the east.

Emperor Napoleon I commissioned Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to remind of his military triumphs.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

See the fountains at Place de la Concorde

03:00 PM – 03:20 PM Place de la Concorde is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. However, in the past things looked quite different. During the French Revolution , a guillotine was constructed and the square became an execution place. King Louis XVI of France and Queen Marie Antoinette lost their lives here in 1793.

Nowadays, in the centre of the square, you can see a giant 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk. The Obelisk of Luxor (Obélisque de Louxor) is decorated with hieroglyphics picturing the reign of pharaoh Ramses II. It was a gift to France from the Egyptian government in 1829. The obelisk is also known as Cleopatra’s Needle (L’aiguille de Cléopâtre).

Two beautiful fountains decorate the north and the south ends of Place de la Concorde. Their construction was inspired by the fountains on Piazza San Pietro and the Piazza Navona in Rome. The north fountain on Place de la Concorde represents the rivers and the south is dedicated to the seas.

Place de la Concorde

Admire the Art Nouveau Bridge Alexandre III

03:30 PM – 03:45 PM Bridge Alexandre III (Pont Alexandre III) is constructed at the end of the 19th century. It is a stunning example of Art Nouveau style.

After seeing the bridge, pass along the Grand Palais and Petit Palais and then continue on Champs-Élysées.

Bridge Alexandre III

Climb the Triumphal Arch

04:30 PM – 06:00 PM Triumphal Arch (Arc de Triomphe) commemorates all who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath the arch. Also, an eternal flame burns in memory of all unknown soldiers who died during the world wars.

Triumphal Arch

The 280 steps to the top of the arc are easy for climbing, as there is a museum on the way up. The views over the city, the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees are unforgettable. If you have time climb the arc right before sunset time and spend an hour on the top watching the sunset over the city.

If you are visiting in the high season, better buy a  Triumphal Arch ticket in advance (lines could be long).

View from Triumphal Arch

Try some delicious French cuisine at Chez Gabrielle or Le Bistrot d’Yves .

Take an Illuminations River Cruise

Wondering why Paris is called the City of Lights? Take this illuminations cruise along river Seine to find out.

More ideas for your 4 days in Paris – Day 1

To add more attractions to your first day, check out the suggestions below.

Go shopping at Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a huge shopping complex with a marvellous glass ceiling. Even if you are not into shopping, go and visit the rooftop terrace for some amazing views.

See an opera at Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier is the largest opera house in Europe. Learn more about its extravagant design by exploring the Palais Garnier on a self-guided tour .

Palais Garnier

Be amazed by Saint-Eustache Church

Saint-Eustache (Église Saint-Eustache) is a 16th-century church with a lot of history. This was the place, where young Louis XIV (the Sun King) received his communion. Also, Mozart chose the sanctuary for his mother’s funeral. Jean Baptiste Colbert, a French minister of Finance, is buried inside the church.

The church organ with its 8000 pipes is the largest pipe organ in France. Among the other treasures of the church, you can see paintings by Rubens, Vouet and Santi di Tito. Don’t miss the church concerts of Saint-Eustache choir . They are held every Sunday.

Saint-Eustache

Madeleine Church

Madeleine Church (La Madeleine) is an outstanding church, near Place de la Concorde. It was designed to serve as a temple to commemorate and celebrate the glory of Napoleon’s army.

Madeleine Church

4 Days in Paris – Day 2

To get to Versailles you’ll have to take RER C to Versailles-Château – Rive Gauche station (about 40min journey). It’s advisable to get there before the opening times, even if you already booked your tickets in advance.

Therefore my advice is to have an early breakfast at your hotel or stop for a quick bite at any bakery on your way.

Discover the Royal Palace of Versailles

08:45 AM – 12:00 PM Versailles (Château de Versailles) is one of the most famous palaces not only in France but in the world. Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, built the palace in 1682 and moved the court here from Paris. Versailles is a true masterpiece that represents the greatness of the Sun King.

Get there as early in the morning as you can. By booking online you’ll skip the first line. Keep in mind, that you still have to wait at the security check line. That is the reason why you’d better be here before the opening times.

If you haven’t booked a guided tour, you can rent an audio guide to learn more about the royal palace.

The entrance to Versailles is free on the first Sunday of every month from November to March.

Versailles

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Take a rest and have lunch at  Chez StefS or  Le Ble Noir . For a typical French bistro visit Chez StefS, for some crêpes – Le Ble Noir.

Gardens of Versailles, Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet

02:00 PM – 06:00 PM The gardens of Versailles are marvellous, but they are huge. You’ll need hours to see them, so be prepared for a long walk and wear comfortable shoes.

There are musical fountain shows during the weekends from April to October. In May and June, there are shows every Tuesday, too.

Gardens of Versailles

The famous Apollo Fountain, the Trianon Palace and Queen’s Hamlet are located in the gardens. Louis XIV commissioned the building of the Trianon in 1670. He used the palace when he wanted to get away and rest from court life in Versailles.

Marie Antoinette commissioned the construction of the Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine) in 1783. This rustic retreat served as her country house and a private meeting place.

Finish the day with a dinner at  Le Bistrot du 11 or  Le Cafe des Arts .

4 Days in Paris – Day 3

08:30 AM – 09:00 AM Start the third day of the itinerary 4 days in Paris with some delicious croissants. Choose from Au Petit Versailles Du Marais or Boulangerie La Parisienne .

Be amazed by the Holy Chapel

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM King Louis IX commissioned the construction in 1248 to house his collection of relics of Christ. The Lower Chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was used by all inhabitants of the palace.

The collection of relics was housed in the Upper Chapel. This Chapel was reserved only for the king and his family. It is a real masterpiece with its 6,458 square feet of stained glass windows and richly decorated wall surface.

Sainte-Chapelle

See Notre Dame Cathedral and explore Île de la Cité

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (due to the devastating fire in April 2019 you can no longer visit the cathedral) Located on Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris) is one of the city’s iconic sites. The construction of the cathedral took almost 200 years. Some of its treasures are the purported Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross and one of the Holy Nails.

Right in front of the cathedral is the Kilometre Zero (Point Zero des Routes de France). This is the starting point from which all major distances in France are calculated.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Don’t miss to explore the charming small island, Île de la Cité. Also, if you have enough time, take a stroll along the neighbouring island of Île Saint-Louis.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Have lunch at La Cuisine de Philippe or Hebe .

See the royal Luxembourg Palace

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) was the royal residence of the regent Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century. She built the palace for herself after the death of her husband, Henry IV. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to the public.

Don’t miss to see the replica of the Statue of Liberty while exploring the beautiful garden.

Luxembourg Palace

Climb the Eiffel Tower

03:30 PM – 06:30 PM Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) is the most iconic monument in Paris. It was erected in 1889 for the World Exhibition. The site is constructed from 12,000 iron pieces and named after its creator, engineer Gustave Eiffel.

The 360-degree panoramic view of the city is fascinating. There are three visiting levels. You can reach the first and the second by lift or stairs. The third one – only by lift.

Eiffel Tower

There is a light show every evening. For five minutes every hour on the hour, the tower is sparkling.

The most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower are from the Trocadéro gardens (the closest metro station is Trocadéro).

Plan your visit ahead and buy tickets in advance from the official website of the Eiffel Tower website. Choose the time of your visit. It will be stamped on your ticket. Then print the ticket or save it on your phone.

When you go to the tower, look for a sign “Entree Visiteurs Avec Reservation” (visitors with reservations). You won’t be allowed to enter more than 10-15 min earlier than the stamped time on your ticket. Don’t be late.

View from the Eiffel Tower

Finish the third day of the itinerary 4 days in Paris with dinner at  Au Bon Accueil or  Le Florimond .

More ideas for your 4 days in Paris – Day 3

Admire the architecture of hôtel de ville.

Hôtel de Ville is not a luxury hotel, as one could think taking in mind the name and its splendid exterior. It is, in fact, the City Hall. The building is gorgeous and it is right in the heart of the city. It totally deserves a few minutes of your time!

Hôtel de Ville

Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges is one of the most charming squares in the city. Built at the beginning of the 17the century, it is also the oldest planned square in the city.

Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge across the Seine river in the City of Lights.

Climb Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse)

Book a ticket for the Montparnasse Tower and visit one of the tallest skyscrapers in France. To get the best views of the city take the lift to the open-air roof terrace.

The Panthéon started its history as a church, but nowadays it is a mausoleum and a burial place of famous Frenchman. Some of the great men laid to rest in its crypt are Voltaire, Émile Zola, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and Soufflot, its architect. Marie Curie is the only woman honoured to be buried there.

If you are visiting in the high season or during the weekends, better buy your tickets to Panthéon in advance .

Panthéon

Saint-Etienne-du-Mont Church

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church (Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont) has a remarkable ornate rood screen that dates from the 16th century. The church also contains the oldest organ in Paris, built in 1631.

By the way, the stairs of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont may look familiar to you. This is the place from where the main character Gil (Owen Wilson) is picked up every night by a car from the past in the movie “Midnight in Paris”.

Saint-Etienne-du-Mont Church

See the Thinker in Rodin Museum

If you like the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, this museum has to be on your list. It houses the famous Rodin’s sculptures “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”.

If you’re visiting in the season, book Rodin Museum skip the line ticket .

4 Days in Paris – Day 4

09:00 AM – 12:00 PM Visit an attraction of your choice (see below) or take a cruise on the Seine river . You can also join a perfume workshop  or behind the scenes bakery tour . And if you’re a wine lover, don’t miss this  wine tasting experience .

Take a Cheese, Wine & Pastry Walking Tour

Join this Cheese, Wine & Pastry Tour to discover the most charming neighbourhood of Paris, Montmartre. You’ll visit eight local artisan shops to taste delicious cheese, charcuterie, wine, pastries, and chocolate!

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père-Lachaise cemetery (Cimetière du Père-Lachaise) is the largest and most visited cemetery in the city. It is named after King Louis XIV’s confessor, Father François de la Chaise d’Aix (called le Père la Chaise), who resided on the site. The cemetery was established by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804.

This is the final resting place of iconic figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Molière and many more.

To learn more about the history of the cemetery, book a guided tour of Père Lachaise .

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Tour the famous Catacombs of Paris

The Paris Catacombs (Catacombes de Paris) are underground ossuaries that house the remains of more than six million people. It is a lifetime experience, that can’t be forgotten.

The waiting lines are outrageous and visitors are restricted to 200 at any time. I went half an hour before the opening times and there were already about 30 people. And this was in late October.

Paris Catacombs

Orsay Museum (for impressionism lovers)

Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum) is housed in the former railway station Gare d’Orsay. The station is built in 1900 for the Paris World Exposition. Gare d’Orsay served southwestern France until 1939 when the platforms became unusable for the new longer trains.

The museum houses impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces dating from 1848-1914. Among the featured artists are Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, van Gogh, Rodin and Cézanne.

The museum is one of the most visited ones in Paris and the lines are long (buy here Orsay Museum skip the line ticket ).

Orsay Museum

Orangerie Museum and Marmottan Monet Museum

If you’re a huge fan of Claude Monet, don’t miss the Orangerie and Marmottan Monet Museum.

Orangerie Museum (Musée de l’Orangerie) is the home of eight Water Lilies murals by Monet. In any case, buy tickets in advance. I waited more than 2 hours in the rain in the low season. At least the view of the Water Lilies was worth every single minute of waiting.

You can book an Orangerie Museum skip the line ticket here .

Marmottan Monet Museum has the largest collection of Claude Monet’s works in the world. It also houses his notable work “Impression, Sunrise”, the painting that gave the name of the Impressionism movement.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Have a lunch at  Le Cabanon de la Butte or  La Boîte aux Lettres .

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Coeur) owes its shiny white colour to the travertine stone. Built in a Romano-Byzantine style, it is the most beautiful church in Montmartre. The basilica honours all soldiers who died during the Franco-Prussian War and the rule of the Paris Commune.

Due to its location on a hill, you have to climb a lot of stairs to reach it. You can also take the funicular that costs one metro ticket each way.

The views over the city from the hill are beautiful, but for truly breathtaking views climb the dome. There are about 300 steps to the top. The entrance to the dome is outside on the left side of the basilica.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Explore Montmartre

03:00 PM – 05:00 PM Montmartre is the most beautiful neighbourhood. It’s a romantic place with narrow cobblestoned alleys, old-style bistros and street cafes. The perfect place to wander and get lost!

One of the most picturesque squares in Montmartre is Place du Tertre, famous all over the world for its painters.

Montmartre cemetery (Cimetière de Montmartre) is a beautiful old cemetery from the beginning of the 19th century. It is built below street level on the place of an old quarry that was used for a mass grave during the French Revolution.

Another popular attraction is the world-famous cabaret Moulin Rouge with its iconic red windmill on the roof.

Moulin Rouge

Finish the day with a dinner at  Chez Toinette or  Can Alegria Paris .

Cabaret show at Moulin Rouge

Don’t miss to see one of the world-famous cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge . You can also attend a cabaret show at the Crazy Horse or Le Lido (see here a list of all cabaret shows ).

There are three major attractions, for which I strongly recommend buying tickets in advance.

Louvre Museum – 15,000 visitors per day (just imagine the lines), so book your skip-the-line ticket here .

Palace of Versailles – 27,000 visitors per day and there are two lines (one for tickets and one for security). I recommend not only to book tickets in advance here but also to get as early as you can (otherwise you’ll wait for hours).

Eiffel Tower – 19,000 visitors per day and tickets are timed entry. Plan your time ahead and book your tickets in advance here .

How to save money on your 4-day Paris itinerary

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, there is no real low season. The city is packed with tourists at any time of the year. And the waiting lines are hours long in most cases.

The best way to save money and hours of waiting is the Paris Museum Pass . I used it for both my trips to Paris and it was a lifesaver.

The pass includes:

  • free admission to over 50 museums and monuments
  • skip-the-line access
  • unlimited number of visits
  • avoid buying separate tickets for the major sites
  • river cruise (if you choose this option)

Please note that if you want to use the skip-the-line access to the Louvre, you have to book a time slot entry after you collect the pass. You can do it online here .

louvre mueum

4 days in Paris in the summer

If you’re visiting Paris in the summer, you can follow this itinerary without any modifications. My only advice is to book tickets in advance, as the summer is the busiest season. Also, don’t miss to add these activities to your itinerary:

  • have a picnic at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
  • take a late-night stroll along the Seine River
  • summer is the perfect time for a river cruise
  • watch the world go by at a café terrace

4 days in Paris in the winter

If you’re visiting Paris in the winter, you can still follow this itinerary with just a few modifications.

Skip the Tuileries Garden on the first day and the gardens of Versailles on the second day. In my Paris itinerary, you can find many options with which you can replace these sites. You just have to check the listed attractions after each day and choose according to your interests.

Also, winter is not a great time for a river cruise, but there are tens of Christmas markets! The biggest ones are at Notre Dame, Les Halles at Champs de Mars ( more info and dates here ).

Getting around in Paris

Find a map of this 4-day itinerary here .

The best way to get around the city is by using the metro or hop-on-hop-off buses . The city centre is big, so no matter where your hotel is, you’d probably use the metro 2-3 times a day.

During both trips, I used a carnet (a book of 10 single-use tickets, called t+ ticket ). It’s cheaper than buying a separate ticket every time. The carnet is valid on the metro, bus, RER (zone 1) and even the Montmartre funicular. Also, one carnet can be used by more than one person.

How to get to Paris

There are several major train stations in Paris: Nord Station (Gare du Nord), East Station (Gare de l’Est), Lyon Station (Gare de Lyon), Austerlitz Station (Gare d’Austerlitz), Montparnasse Station (Gare Montparnasse) and Saint-Lazare Station (Gare Saint-Lazare). All of them are well-connected to the rest of the city by the metro.

Check timetables and book train tickets online at SNCF official site . 

The city has two main airports – Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport.

The easiest way to get from either airport to the city centre is by booking a private transfer directly to your hotel. I recommend this airport transfer (160+ excellent reviews).

If you’re arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can also take the regional train (RER) to the city centre. 

There are no direct trains from Orly Airport to the city centre. You have to take the shuttle bus, Orlybus .

For those travelling with low-cost airlines like RyanAir or WizzAir, you’ll be arriving at Beauvais–Tillé Airport. It’s a small airport, located 70 km north of Paris. A shuttle connects the airport and Porte Maillot in Paris (1h15min journey). Yet, keep in mind that the journey could be longer if there is a traffic jam. 

Day trips from Paris

Palace of fontainebleau.

Palace of Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau (Palace of Fontainebleau) is located 60km south of Paris. It’s a 16th-century palace, as sumptuous as Versailles but less crowded. Here on April 6, 1814, Napoleon I signed his first abdication.

How to get to the Palace of Fontainebleau Take a train from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (40min journey). From there it’s about 30min walk to the palace. You can also take a bus (line 1) . 

Palace of Vaux le Vicomte

Palace of Vaux le Vicomte

Vaux le Vicomte is a 17th-century Baroque palace, situated 50km southeast of Paris. The palace served as a residence of Nicolas Fouquet, the finance minister of the Sun King.

How to get to the Palace of Vaux le Vicomte Take a direct train (Line P) in the direction of Provins from Gare de l’Est to Verneuil l’Etang station (40min journey). From there you have to take a shuttle bus to the palace .

Brussels

Brussels is the charming capital city of Belgium. It’s a great destination for a long day trip from Paris. You can explore the historic centre of Brussels only in a day (see my Brussels itinerary for more details).

How to get to Brussels Take a train from Gare du Nord to Brussel-Centraal (1h40min journey). Note that you have to change trains at Brussel-Zuid station. You can get off there, but it’s about 2km walk to the city centre of Brussels. Brussel-Centraal is closer to the historic part of the city.

Strasbourg

If you’re visiting Paris in December, then Strasbourg is a must. This French city is known as the capital of Christmas and there is a good reason behind that. 

Yet, keep in mind that the journey is about 2h30min by high-speed train (TGV). So, it’s best to have an overnight stay. 

How to get to Strasbourg Take a train from Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg Central train station. The historic city centre is just a short walk from there.

If you’re visiting Paris as a part of a European trip, you can easily combine it with London. The capital of the United Kingdom is located just 3h away by train. For more information take a look at my 4-day London itinerary .

How many days in Paris

Are 4 days in paris too much.

4 days is the perfect time to discover Paris if you’re visiting for the first time. You’ll need 3 days to visit the major attractions and 1 whole day for the Palace of Versailles. You’ll need one day for Versailles because this is a day trip from Paris (40min away by train). Plus, the gardens are vast, it will take you hours to explore them.

What if I don’t have 4 full days in Paris?

In this case, you can combine day 2 and day 4 from this Paris itinerary in one. Dedicate only half a day for Versailles (skip the Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet in the gardens). In the afternoon visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica and explore Montmartre.

3 or 4 days in Paris?

If you’re not into art, 3 days are enough for Paris. However, if you’re a museum person, I’d recommend you to dedicate 4 days. There are so many art museums to explore!

So my advice is, spend at least 4 days in Paris if you want to enjoy your time and not rush through everything. In addition, besides Versailles, there are two stunning palaces you can visit on a day trip (see more info further in the post).

Best time to visit Paris

Paris is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so there is no real low season. However, the busiest months are June, July, August and February (around Saint Valentine’s Day).

The best time to visit Paris is the months of April, May, September and October. The weather is warm and you’ll probably need only a light jacket. Keep in mind to check for annual events and exhibitions before booking your trip (to avoid the high hotel prices).

If you are visiting Paris in July plan your trip around the middle of the month. The French national holiday (Bastille Day) is on 14 July. On this day the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. The celebrations include a military parade on Champs-Élysées and spectacular fireworks on the background of the Eiffel Tower.

On the first Saturday of October, the White Night (Nuit Blanche) takes place. It is an evening art festival during which you can see free artistic installations and performances all over the city.

Of course, the Christmas season is not to be missed. It starts at the end of November when the Christmas lights are lit on Champs-Élysées. Visiting any of the Christmas markets will put you in the right Christmas mood.

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11 Comments

Thanks, Marco! 🙂

The Paris Museum Pass is a lifesaver! We skipped a lot of lines, some of which very long and saved a lot of money.

Hi Thomas, Totally agree with you! I found it very useful, too. 🙂

hi, hope you are doing well. i would like to know if i wanna go to Versailles,should i have to stay night there, or i can come back to my hotel on the same day? i just wanna make sure whether its possible to book one hotel for my 4 day trip. i am planning to stay near the center of paris. thanks

Hi Abir, There is no need to stay near Versailles. You can get there from Paris in about an hour. 🙂

Milena, Can you recommend a private tour guide for a tree day trip to Paris?

Hi Dennis, I’m sorry but I can’t. 🙁

no problem….great itinerary…i will use it.

What would you recommend budget wise? I.e. 100euros a day?

Thanks, James

It is hard to recommend a budget, especially when I don’t know which attractions (and restaurants) you plan to visit. I recommend you check the total amount of entrance fees (depending on your itinerary) and then look at the menu of some restaurants, which are on your list. Most restaurants have prices on their online menus (if not, there are often photos of the menu on the restaurant’s listing on Google Maps). In this way, you can easily decide how much a dinner or lunch will cost you. And plan the daily budget then. 🙂

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Wheatless Wanderlust

4 Days in Paris: How to Plan the Perfect Paris Itinerary

When you think of Paris, you will probably already have a picture perfect image in mind. Is it delicious food and wine, paired expertly by some of the world’s best chefs? Is it romantic walks on bridges over the Seine at twilight, with the lit up Tour Eiffel in the background? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of delving into the top notch art, from the ancient and medieval to the modern displays of the Palais de Tokyo?

In all cases, 4 days in Paris will allow you to experience a little bit of the best of what the City of Lights has to offer. 

We recently spent a week in Paris – we have both visited Paris before, Matt has been multiple times – and spent our days walking A LOT, exploring new neighborhoods that we never made it to on shorter, previous trips. Canal St. Martin and Montorgueil are two of our new favorites.

At the beginning of that trip, my French was gone. I had spent seven years in middle school and high school learning French and was a pretty strong speaker on my first two trips to Paris. But by 2021 I had not spoken French in almost 10 years, and I was stumbling over my words, accidentally speaking Spanish, and not able to understand anything. 

By day 3, I was back! I even got a compliment from a Parisian that my French was good – get this – “for an American.” What a nice, extremely backhanded compliment! High praise coming from a Parisian. 

4 day trip in paris

With that preamble out of the way, let’s talk about what you’re going to find in this guide. 

  • Some tips and tricks about Paris that we learned on our latest trip that we think will be helpful (for example, be prepared for everyone to be smoking at all times).
  • A detailed 4 day Paris itinerary , with a day-by-day structure to help you organize your trip and our thoughts on what to do and see in Paris. 
  • Our recommendations on what to do with more and less time in Paris .
  • A few important logistics – getting around, getting to and from the airport, etc – that you need to know to avoid speed bumps.

Thanks for bearing with us on the intro. If you’re still here, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, this is a long one. 

We’re proud of this guide, and think it gives you a blend of the “best-of” Paris and some experiences that most people don’t get, but are great opportunities to meet locals and learn about French and Parisian culture and history. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

4 day trip in paris

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into neighborhoods called arrondissements – each has its own history and personality. If you look at the city map, imagine a snail’s shell coming out from the very center and circling clockwise and you’ll get the logic behind the numbers. 

Don’t have time to read the entire guide below? Here’s a quick summary with some of our top picks.

  • If it’s your first time in Paris : Stay either in the 7th Arrondissement at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, or in the 2nd Arrondissement , our new personal favorite after our last trip.
  • If you’re looking for a romantic getaway : Stay in Montmartre (the 18th Arr.).
  • If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable area : Stay in either Canal St. Martin (a cooler area, but further out) or the 9th Arrondissement (central and affordable with great nightlife).
  • If you’re looking for the coolest neighborhoods: Stay in the Marais (the 3rd Arr.) or Sentier (the 2nd Arr.).

Below, we’ll give our best picks for accommodation in the Marais and Montmartre – two of the very best bases for anyone exploring the city during a 4 day trip. You can find the other areas in our guide to where to stay in Paris . 

Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements) – The Heart of Paris

4 day trip in paris

This is the very heart of the city, with gorgeous old apartment buildings with views of the Tour Eiffel and a maze of old streets with cobblestones and quaint shops.

You’ll rub shoulders with elegant suit-clad business people walking home with their baguettes in the evening, but will also get to mingle with the hipsters who go out to the area’s many bars and cafes. Bakeries are on every corner and you’ll be steps away from the Louvre, Notre-Dame cathedral and more.

The Marais is also a great place to shop. The Rue de Rivoli is lined with bigger brand stores going towards the Louvre, but if you stick around in the area of Rue Vieille du Temple and Rue des Francs Bourgeois you will find some more unique shops, from bespoke perfumeries to quaint fashionable clothes stores.

Places to Stay in Le Marais

The Hotel Les Tournelles , just near the Place des Vosges, is one of our favorite picks for staying in the Marais as it combines a modern, comfortable interior with an outstanding location for your 4 day trip to Paris. Upscale toiletries and rainfall showers are a lovely bonus and the room rate includes breakfast. 

For a boutique hotel, we recommend Hotel Georgette , a stone’s throw away from the Centre Georges Pompidou. Prices are in the mid-range for the quality of the accommodation and you get an exceptional buffet breakfast. 

Montmartre (18th Arrondissement) – Where Romance is Always in the Air

4 day trip in paris

Head to the 18 th Arrondissement in the footsteps of painters and romantics. At the foot of the gorgeous Sacré-Cœur church, you will find a maze of cobblestoned streets filled with artists ready to paint your portrait for a few euros. 

Once home to Degas, Picasso and Renoir, Montmartre continues to attract bohemians and has a jovial, friendly atmosphere with bars with cheap wine and live entertainment and throngs of tourists lining the streets.

If you choose to stay here, be aware that you’ll very likely hear the noise of the street until the early hours… unless, of course, you’re out there enjoying the atmosphere!

You can’t beat Montmartre for a romantic sunset view across Paris and you’ll be just a short hop on the metro away from the rest of the tourist hotspots. 

Places to Stay in Montmartre

The Hotel des Arts is one of the best picks for a romantic getaway, steps away from the Moulin Rouge and a short walk to Sacré-Cœur. You’ll also be very close to Rue des Abbesses with its great restaurants and independent shops. 

For an even more boutique experience, head to the Mom’Art Hotel on Rue d’Orsel, close to Sacré-Cœur and offering fantastic rooms for the location. It’s family run, every room is different, and even has an on-site bar, restaurant and spa. 

Important Tips For Visiting Paris

During your trip to Paris, you’ll come across some of the clichés about Parisians, as well as some specific French lifestyle elements that are worth knowing about. 

Set Your Expectations

Here’s the thing about Paris. Paris is very, very polarizing. 

Some people rave about it and can’t get enough of it. Some people come back from their first trip to Paris and say it was underwhelming and that French people are surly and mean. 

I think it all comes down to expectations. 

Paris is not a city in a fairytale, which I think is what many first-time visitors build it up to be. They have this romantic ideal in their head, where they’re strolling by the Seine with a red beret on their head, hand in hand with their lover on their way to a cozy bistro for dinner. 

While that can certainly exist in Paris, it’s leaving out the part where there are cars honking, you just stepped in dog poop and are frantically trying to wipe it off on a leaf or the curb, and you’re running late because the metro was delayed. 

The romantic ideal of Paris is forgetting that Paris is a real city, a city full of tourists, and a big city, which means it has its fair share of problems. It’s a little dirty (not as clean as Seville or Madrid , not as dirty as Rome ), it’s a little crowded (especially on the metro at peak times), and it’s true that sometimes, Parisians can come off as unfriendly.

But on the other hand, it’s also an amazing city full of world-class art museums, a pretty great food scene, romantic neighborhoods full of narrow cobblestone streets like Montmartre, and tons of history and culture to dive into and learn more about. 

If there are two things I want you to know before you go to Paris, it’s these two. 

First , remember that Paris is a real city, and that the people living there are real people. There are great things about Paris, and there are annoying things about Paris. We’ll do our best to help you see the great things and minimize the annoying things. Or at least be aware of them going in. 

Second , don’t try to fit it all in. Trust me, I’ve done that trip. I’ve run around from museum to museum, and seen it all, but absorbed almost none of it. Instead, focus on a couple of main attractions (we think they’re the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Rodin Museum) and save some time to connect with locals on a walking tour, food tour, or cooking class to learn more about what makes Paris tick. 

4 day trip in paris

Learn Some French – A Little Goes a Long Way!

Don’t be put off by the myth that Parisians are rude and unaccommodating to tourists . As long as you greet everyone with a Bonjour and make sure to be polite, most locals we’ve encountered have been absolutely lovely. It will help if you learn a few important French phrases. 

In our experience, people are always happier when you make an effort to use their own language. Not just in France, but just about everywhere in the world. 

Here are some useful phrases to learn, and my attempt at phonetic spelling. 

  • Bonjour (bone – jure) – hello / good day
  • S’il vous plaît (seal voo play) – please (“if you please”, literally)
  • Merci (mare – see) – thank you 
  • Je voudrais (jeuh voo – dray) – I would like (this is the polite way of saying it, I think)
  • Pardon – (par – do) – excuse me
  • Excusez-moi (excuse – ay mwah ) – excuse me (different way to say it)
  • Désolée (dez – oh – lay) – sorry

Here’s a more comprehensive guide to French phrases to learn, or you could pick up a small French phrasebook to help you learn French as you go. 

Other Things to Know About Visiting Paris

Here are some other things to know going in that we jotted down on our latest trip. Some are useful, some are funny, some are good to know, and we hope that all of them will help you have a more enjoyable trip. 

  • Many shops and convenience stores are closed on Sundays so check hours in advance. Even grocery stores and other places you’d expect to be open if you’re coming from the US or Canada. 
  • Similarly, museums and places of interest typically have a day a week when they’re closed , but it’s not always the same. Check before you go.
  • Paris is MASSIVE . We spent the first day or two trying to walk everywhere, and after multiple 30,000 step days decided to use the metro. With limited time, get acquainted with the metro and bus system, which will allow you to get around much more efficiently. We used this app for navigating the metro. It’s well worth investing in a Visite Pass , which gives you unlimited bus and metro rides (you only need zones 1-3, really). 
  • You’re still going to be doing a lot of walking on this itinerary, and you’ll need to watch where you step because there is dog poop everywhere .
  • Wear comfortable shoes , and leave the heels at home. There’s a lot of cobblestones and uneven footing in Paris, and if you’re doing a lot of walking, you’ll want your feet to be comfortable. 
  • Everybody in Paris smokes . Or it seems that way to us. It has to be at least 50% of adults. Anytime you’re eating or drinking outside, there is almost guaranteed to be someone smoking nearby. Good to know going in. 
  • Tipping isn’t as much of a thing . Servers in Paris get paid a living wage – something we should probably consider in the US (don’t @ me with “but small businesses”) – so tipping is more about rewarding good service than a requirement so the server can pay rent. It’s still nice to give a 5-10% tip at sit-down restaurants with good service, and you won’t get a receipt with a tip line – either tip in cash, or tell them the final amount you want to pay before they run your card (e.g. if the bill is 50 Euros and you want to tip 5, tell them “55 Euros, s’il vous plaît). 

4 day trip in paris

Our Version of a Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary

Paris truly has something for everyone. From history buffs to art lovers, to technology enthusiasts and those looking for architectural wonders, it’s all there. With so much to experience it’s definitely tempting to try to pack in all the sights, but then you’ll find you don’t have much time to “live like a Parisian”. And that would be a shame.

To make the most out of Paris, plan to do one or two major sights a day, and dedicate the rest to walking around the neighborhoods while leaving yourself energy to go out for a drink and some dancing or live entertainment in the evenings. 

We’d recommend no more than two or three big museum visits during a 4 day trip to Paris, so you can fully enjoy them and retain the information.

Regardless of your interests, we think the Louvre will give the best all around experience of all the art and history you can take in over the course of four days. We recently did this tour of the Louvre at closing time , and really loved it. Read more about our experience here .

Aside from the Louvre, we’d recommend adding the Musée d’Orsay to view the best collection of impressionist art in the world, which had its heyday in Paris in the 19th Century (here’s a good essay on Impressionism and the historical context surrounding it).

One other personal recommendation would be the Rodin Museum , but we actually decided to exclude it from the 4 day itinerary below because it just doesn’t fit.

That’s how much there is to do and see in Paris – despite having four full days, we still didn’t find a good way to fit in what is probably our favorite museum in Paris. You’ll find our thoughts on it in the “More Time” section below, if you’re interested. 

It’s nearly impossible to distill everything that Paris has to offer into just a few days of visiting, but the following itinerary tries to cover as much as possible without being overwhelming. Adjust the order depending on where you’re staying or what bookings you’re able to make while you’re there.

What to Book in Advance : In general, to make sure you’re actually able to make it to some of the top sights in Paris, we’d recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower (if you want to go to the top), and Versailles . This is particularly important if you’re visiting over the summer, when we’ve seen crazy lines for some of Paris’ top sights, and it’s less important in the off-season (though we’d still book the Louvre in advance). 

Here’s an overview of the 4 day itinerary you’ll find below:

Day 1: The Left Bank, Saint-Germain, and the Eiffel Tower

Day 2: gothic churches, a food tour, and the louvre.

  • Day 3: The Coolest Neighborhoods in Paris (Montmartre, le Marais, Canal St. Martin, and Montorgueil)

Day 4: A Day Trip to Versailles

Below the detailed itinerary, you’ll find some suggestions on what to do with more or less time on your trip to Paris, including options for compressing this itinerary into one, two, or three days. 

On your first day, start with a walking tour to get your bearings and learn tips and recommendations from a local guide, then make your way to the Left Bank, ending with sunset and an evening at the Eiffel Tower.

Important Note for the Day Ahead : We think the best way to experience the Eiffel Tower is with a picnic in the Champs de Mars, the park the tower calls home. Throughout the day, assemble materials for a picnic at the end of the day – bread, cheese, meats, wine, and whatever else catches your eye. Rue Cler, which is in the 7 th Arrondissement right near the tower, is a great place for finding those kinds of things. 

Start Your Trip with a Walking Tour

We always, always, always try to start our time in a new city with a walking tour. It does a couple of things for you that will set the rest of your trip up to be amazing. 

  • It usually includes a lot of the main attractions in a city (though Paris is big enough that you can’t possibly see them all in a couple of hours) and gives you the historical and cultural context around them. You likely won’t go into, say, the Louvre, but you’ll walk by and talk about it briefly. That way, you’ll have a nice overview and you’ll be able to decide what you want to come back to later. 
  • You’ll get a local’s perspective on the city, including things like what and where to eat and drink, how to get around, the best way to see the Louvre, and other super useful insider knowledge. Plus, you’ll get some valuable insight into Parisian culture that you’re really only going to be able to get by talking to a local. 
  • If you’re lucky, your tour guide will send you a list of restaurants, bars, things to do and see, and more at the end of your tour, which you can use to explore the city on your own later. We love getting our hands on those lists, and have used them extensively on our travels to discover places we definitely wouldn’t have found on our own. 

On our most recent trips to Colombia and Europe ( Portugal , France, Spain , and Italy ), we’ve come to believe – strongly – that you should pay for a tour rather than take one of the many free tours that are offered in cities around the world. 

The reason? The tour guide. Not to mention the fact that “free tours” aren’t actually free – the guides work for tips, which means you’ll be paying at the end of the tour one way or another.  

There’s a huge difference between doing a walking tour with someone who has only lived in the city for a few years and a true local. On a free walking tour, there’s a higher chance you’re getting a student reciting a script rather than a local who’s giving you their point of view on their city. 

There are exceptions to the rule that paid tours are better than free tours  – it all comes down to the guide – but we strongly suggest paying for a tour. 

This is the tour we’d recommend. Technically, it’s an electric bike tour. Paris is huge, and it would be nearly impossible to cover all the ground you need to on foot. This tour will give you an excellent overview of the city, and set you up nicely for the next few days of exploring Paris. 

The alternative is either focusing on a specific neighborhood or area, like this tour of Le Marais , or focusing on a specific moment in history, like this French Revolution tour . 

Saint-Germain and the Luxembourg Gardens

4 day trip in paris

Grab lunch after your tour – probably in Saint-Germain (we’d recommend LouLou for more brunch-y fare, or Georgette for French food) – then make your way through the bougie paradise that is Saint-Germain en route to the Eiffel Tower. 

Here’s a map of the rough route we’d take through Saint-Germain. There are a bunch of places to eat and drink along the way – Ladurée for macarons, Grom for gelato, and La Quincave for wine, to name a few. 

Head over the 6 th Arrondissement just across the street from the Le Bon Marché department store , a French institution dating back to the 19 th century selling upmarket fashion, beauty, and gourmet food. 

We love Les Grand Epiceries de Paris , a very bougie grocery store with all sorts of specialty food items – think a huge selection of artisanal breads, pastries, cheeses, etc – all under one roof. 

Grab a coffee at the Ten Belles coffee shop on Rue du Cherche-Midi and then make your way to the Jardin du Luxembourg , where you can sit among the flowers and enjoy the sunshine. 

4 day trip in paris

As you walk up towards Rue Bonaparte, you’ll pass the current Senate meeting place, the Palais du Luxembourg. Arrive at the Église Saint-Sulpice , best known today as one of the settings in The Da Vinci Code . The church took 150 years to build and has some beautiful frescoes by Delacroix inside.

Come back on Rue Bonaparte to reach Saint-Germain-des-Près , Paris’ oldest standing church built in the 11 th century. From here, you can see the famous Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots , the cafes where artists, writers and socialites spent all their time at the beginning of the 20 th century. Sit and have a coffee outside or look in at the gorgeous interiors, pretty much unchanged for over a century. 

Continue your walk on the Boulevard Saint-Germain with an optional detour by La Dernière Goutte, to browse through an excellent selection of wines and grab a bottle for your evening picnic. Any cheese fan will find something they like at the Fromagerie Laurent Dubois , after which you’ll finish your self-guided walking tour at the charming Shakespeare and Company – the iconic new and used bookstore that’s been attracting book lovers since 1951. 

4 day trip in paris

From there, walk west along the Seine to your next stop of the day, the best collection of Impressionist art in the world. 

Musée d’Orsay

4 day trip in paris

Since it’s your first day and you’re likely still getting your bearings, we’d recommend saving the Louvre for a different day and doing the Musée d’Orsay instead, which is one of the two  museums we’d recommend visiting in Paris. 

If you’re an art lover, this is the other big museum you must see in Paris aside from the Louvre (we also love the Rodin Museum, for what it’s worth, but it’s in the “more time” section because it’s one museum too many for us). 

Not only is the Musée d’Orsay a beautiful building in an old railway station by the Seine, with stunning architecture from the 1800s, it also houses some of the best impressionist art. You’ll feast your eyes on Cézanne, Degas, Monet, and many others.

Your museum map will point out a few highlights, but make sure not to miss the Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-August Renoir with its energetic, lively atmosphere; Edouard Manet’s quizzical Olympia ; Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Claude Monet’s Blue Water Lilies.

The Musée d’Orsay is a short walk across the Seine from the Louvre – take the Pont des Arts and check out all the couples’ padlocks tied to it. The regular opening hours are 9.30 am to 6:00 pm every day except Monday. 

We always recommend a guided tour at art museums for the richer experience it provides. You’ll get the stories and context that bring the static pieces of art to life, and your guide will help you decide what to focus on in a sea of amazing art. More on this in the section on the Louvre below, which we’d DEFINITELY recommend a tour for. 

Here’s the tour we’d recommend . 

Though we haven’t done it ourselves, it checks all the boxes in terms of what we’re looking for – it’s led by an art history expert, it includes skip-the-line tickets to avoid spending hours standing in line at the ticket office (at least during the high season), and it gets great reviews. 

If you only have the budget for a single guided tour, do the Louvre and do this one independently. 

Details for Visiting Independently : The museum is closed Mondays, and open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (though it’s open late – until 9:45 pm – on Thursdays). Tickets are 16 Euros (13 Euros for reduced price tickets for students), and you can buy them in advance here . Which we’d recommend doing to avoid the lines at the ticket office.  

4 day trip in paris

Finally, before the day is over, wander the mouthwatering Rue Cler and pick up the last items for your picnic. There’s another Amorino, or the Ladurée bakery with its world famous macarons, as well as a must visit shop for tea lovers: Mariage Frères makes exquisite blends, from the latest harvest of Darjeeling to a host of teas from Japan and beyond. You may need advice from the shop assistant.

  • The Eiffel Tower

4 day trip in paris

One of the most iconic images you’ll see during your 4 days in Paris, the Eiffel Tower can be glimpsed from all around central Paris, including beautiful views from the bridges across the Seine (the Pont d’Iéna links the Jardins du Trocadéro with the Champ de Mars where the tower stands) and from the Hôtel des Invalides (which is worth checking out during your walks around the city for its golden roofs and imposing stature).

Our favorite way to experience the Eiffel Tower is from the Champs de Mars, the park that the tower calls home. Particularly from the southeastern side of the tower, where there is a nice grassy area practically begging you to sprawl out for a picnic. 

4 day trip in paris

Lucky for you, you’ve just come from Rue Cler, which is one of the better areas to pick up picnic supplies. Assemble a collection of French cheeses, a baguette (or three), a bottle of wine (or sparkling water), and head to the Champs de Mars. 

After your picnic, we’d also recommend heading over to the opposite side of the river for great views of the tower. In particular, there’s a great spot at river level with a pretty unbeatable view of the tower – it’s roughly here on Google Maps.  

4 day trip in paris

On a clear summer evening, it’s worth sitting in the Jardins du Trocadéro to enjoy the light show that takes place at the top of the hour every hour for five minutes. 

Climbing the Eiffel Tower

If you want to get a postcard perfect view of Paris, we actually recommend going to the top of the Arc de Triomphe or the Tour Montparnasse, as the Eiffel Tower will then be included in the view. The problem with the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is that, well, you can’t see the Eiffel Tower. 

But, of course, the attraction of climbing it is irresistible. You have a few options to get to the top – you can take elevators to the second or third floor viewing decks, or tackle it on foot up to the second floor platform, which involves more than 1,500 steps in total. 

You’ll need to get tickets either way and we recommend booking skip-the-line tickets online to avoid huge lines. 

On your second day in Paris, start by visiting two of the most impressive Gothic churches in the world before diving into the food culture of Paris with either a cooking/baking class, or a food tour to try some of Paris’ best eats according to locals. 

Then, once you’re nice and fueled up, spend the afternoon and early evening at the Louvre, exploring one of the greatest art collections in the world. Ideally, with a guided tour. 

Notre Dame and Sainte-Chappelle

Start your day relatively early to make it to two of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Paris. Both happen to be churches.

4 day trip in paris

For medieval art lovers and those looking to stroll through some of the most romantic church aisles, you cannot miss the Notre Dame Cathedral . Depending on how much detail you want to take in, you can walk through relatively quickly, admiring the gothic arches and the beautiful stained glass windows. Climb up to the tower for gorgeous views. 

Important Update : Unfortunately, the cathedral is currently closed following the fire that broke out in April 2019, but you can still admire it as you pass by. 

If you’re in Paris on a sunny day and have a couple of hours to spare marveling at some of the best stained glass windows in the world, then we wholeheartedly recommend Sainte-Chappelle . 

4 day trip in paris

You can find this small gem of a church within the Palais de Justice, just a few blocks away. It’s a small, maybe not particularly imposing building from the outside, but the real spectacle can be found inside the chapel. It is considered Paris’ most exquisite Gothic monument and well worth a detour.

Choose Your Own Foodie Adventure

Diving into the food culture in places we’re visiting is one of our favorite aspects of traveling, and we try to include a food tour, cooking class, or market tour in most places we visit. 

Unfortunately, the reality is that because Matt has Celiac Disease and can’t have even a speck of gluten without being sick for days, a food tour or cooking class wasn’t in the cards for us in Paris. 

HOWEVER. That does NOT mean it shouldn’t be for you! We’d highly recommend it because it gives you a local’s perspective on the city’s food scene – what and where to eat and drink – and you get to connect with fellow travelers and try some amazing food.

Here are some options for you, split between food tours and cooking classes. Our bias is to do a cooking class, because we LOVE to cook, but we also enjoy a good food tour. 

Option 1: Dive Into French Cuisine in a Cooking Class

We’ve done all sorts of cooking classes around the world (read about our cooking class in Mexico City here ), and while the gluten-filled nature of most French food made it nearly impossible to find one in Paris that meets our needs, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. 

After all, haven’t you always wondered how to make the perfect croissant? Spoiler: you’re probably not going to want to do it more than once. 

Here are a few cooking classes that would definitely be on our list if, you know, Matt could eat gluten. All three of them are baking classes – because Paris is known for pastries – with Matthieu, a French chef who has a nice space in the heart of Saint-Germain (the 6th Arrondissement). 

Learn to Make Macarons : Exactly what the title sounds like – learn how to bake macarons from start to finish, and walk away with your very own box of 15-18 to devour later. 

Learn to Make Croissants : Croissants might be the most iconic French pastry… and also the biggest headache to make. Where better to learn to make croissants than with the help of a real chef? 

Learn to Make Baguettes : The famous french form of bread, you’re likely to see at least seven Parisians walking to and fro with a baguette in their hands during your time in Paris. Learn how to make a perfect French baguette, then enjoy the fruits of your labor by pairing it with a variety of local items. 

Option 2: Learn About Food Culture Through a Food Tour

Here are some food tours that caught our eye though, sadly, we also skipped these because of the whole gluten and cross-contact issue. 

Mingle at the Market – Taste Paris : This is part market tour, part tasting. You’ll meet at a local market over in the 11th Arrondissement and learn about Parisian food culture through experiencing the market and tasting a selection of foods at different stalls. It’s a small group with a maximum of six guests, so you’ll have plenty of time and space to ask questions and really learn about Paris through the eyes of Natasha, the host, and her team. 

NO DIET CLUB : First of all, their website starts with “Bye Boring Food Tours” and has a hilarious logo of a woman in a bikini riding a hot dog with a stein of beer and her middle finger up. But what about their tours? They have several tours in Paris where they take you around to their favorite spots in a specific neighborhood, which is the style we’d recommend. The tours last between three and four hours, and you need to show up hungry otherwise you’ll lose steam halfway through. They have lunchtime tours in le Marais and Canal St. Martin , and an evening tour in Montmartre . If we had to choose, Canal St. Martin would be our pick.

4 day trip in paris

At the Louvre, you’ll encounter the best and most eclectic art collection of your trip. The museum is worth spending at least three hours in, even if you just plan on ticking off a few highlights. The vast palace started as a fortress in the early 13th century, becoming a national museum in 1793. 

The exquisite collection was built by subsequent French governments, sometimes controversially, bringing in art from all over Europe, as well as Assyrian, Etruscan, Greek, Coptic and Islamic art and antiquities.

Make sure you check out the Mona Lisa, the Victory of Samothrace (or Winged Victory), the Venus de Milo and the moving paintings The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault and Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix (the famous scene you’ll have seen of the symbol of the Republic, Marianne). 

Ask just about anyone to name the best art museum in the world, and those who have had the privilege of visiting Paris will likely say the Louvre without much hesitation. We like the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence too, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the Louvre has the most impressive and comprehensive art collection in the world, at least that I’ve ever seen. 

Which is… a bit of a problem. The Louvre is massive. There’s plenty of art to keep you busy for multiple days. And it’s from all different periods of history, too, spanning thousands of years. So how do you choose what to focus on?

A Note on Timing : The afternoon is generally the best time to visit the Louvre for slightly more manageable crowds. The late afternoon / early evening will give you a marginally more peaceful experience, which is why we’ve organized the itinerary in this particular way. 

4 day trip in paris

Invest in a Guided Tour of the Louvre

On our three month European adventure that took us to Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Paris, we had the chance to see multiple famous art museums. 

We quickly realized that we’re just not really art museum people. But after a tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence , I had an epiphany as to why. 

Walking around an art museum and looking at pretty paintings is cool and all, but the real pleasure is when you actually understand the story behind each work of art, and the role they played in history and the progression of art history. Which, as two normal people, is something we don’t really have in our repertoire. 

We highly, highly recommend investing in a guided tour of the Louvre (we love Take Walks, and we’ve done multiple tours with them in Europe – read about our Colosseum Tour with them, which was amazing). If you’ve only got the time or budget for a single guided tour in Paris, this should be your choice. 

We’ve both done it independently – Matt multiple times – and have come to realize that unless you’re an art historian, it’s really, really hard to visit a huge art museum independently and come away with much else than “well that was pretty” or “whoa, they have so much art!”

A guided tour with an art historian is going to give you the context and stories behind each work of art, which are the things that really bring the experience to life. Plus, arguably more importantly, they’re going to help you understand the important pieces and periods to focus on. 

We opted to skip the Louvre on our latest trip, but we absolutely would have taken a guided tour if we were planning on doing it. Here are three tour options we’d recommend (they were on our list until we decided to skip it). 

We love the “ Closing Time at the Louvre ” by Take Walks, which aims to take you through the top sights at the least busy times. Starting at 6:45 pm, this is the most peaceful way to visit the museum, although it means adjusting your itinerary to suit. 

Another great tour option is the Semi-Private Louvre Highlights Tour , which will include a visit to the Mona Lisa, the French Romantics, top Italian artworks and the Crown Jewels. It only takes two hours but you won’t have to wait in line or wander the halls in search of your favorite painting. Once the tour is over, you can spend the next couple hours delving into the areas that have caught your eye.

Visiting the Louvre Independently

If you plan to go on your own, the Louvre is open daily except Tuesday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the exception of January 1, May 1 and December 25. 

We suggest booking tickets online , costing 17 Euros, as you might not find any at the museum (although they will be a tiny bit cheaper at 15 Euros). 

If you’re not doing a tour, it’s worth investing in the audioguide to give you at least a little bit more of the context around each piece of art. It’s not nearly as good as a live guide, but it’s better than nothing 

Rive Droite: A Walk on Paris’ Right Bank

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As the Seine splits Paris across the middle, it sections it into the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) and Rive Droite (Right Bank). Explore the latter if you have energy left after your time at the Louvre, and we’d recommend walking from there to the Arc de Triomphe. 

  • The Jardin du Palais Royal – A beautiful garden in the heart of the city, built around the 17 th century Royal Palace. A great place to stop and smell the roses (literally!).
  • Head on to the Tuileries Gardens , where Parisians enjoy sitting on the lounge chairs by the fountains or taking walks with their friends. Cross it from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde to end up in the wide square with the Obelisk (it is 3,300 years old and engraved with Egyptian hieroglyphics).
  • Carrying on along the Seine you’ll find the Grand Palais – built for the 1900 World’s Fair, it is home to several exhibitions. Check out the amazing 8.5-ton art nouveau glass roof!
  • Finish your walk on the Champs-Élysées , strolling towards the Arc de Triomphe . 

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The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées

Close out your day in Paris with a trip to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, which was built by Napoleon in the early 19 th Century to commemorate a victory at Austerlitz. Napoleon LOVED his triumphal arches. 

A quick side note: If you’re interested in Napoleonic history, I have a recommendation for you. At the beginning of our latest three month trip to Europe that took us to Spain , Portugal , and Italy , we heard Napoleon’s name over and over, and to be honest, the only things I really knew about him were that he was short and spoke French in a funny way (because he wasn’t a native speaker – he was Corsican). 

So, to learn about the man who shaped modern Europe in many ways, I started this podcast about Napoleon , and love it. It’s a deep dive into Napoleon’s life and impact on Europe during his brief stint at the top. 

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

The Champs-Élysées are pretty “meh” for us – it’s lined with the exact same kinds of shops and stores you’d see anywhere else in the world, and it really isn’t all that charming or interesting. 

Continue all the way up to the Place de l’Étoile, where you’ll be looking up at the Arc from below. 

From the Place de l’Étoile (now known more commonly as Place Charles de Gaulle), looking up, you’re bound to be charmed by the Arc de Triomphe . The height of Hausmannian architecture and city planning is on display here: from the star-shaped arrangement of tree-lined boulevards to the elegant buildings. 

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We recommend crossing the busy roundabout to have a look at the monument and climb the 284 steps to the viewing platform at the top, from where you can see the avenues in their full splendor.

The view from the top is worth the effort, and it’s one of the best views in Paris. We think it’s better than the Eiffel Tower because it includes… the Eiffel Tower. Go around sunset for soft golden light washing over the sprawling city, and stay for a bit when the lights come on, and you’ll understand how Paris got the nickname “City of Lights.” 

The Arc de Triomphe can be reached through an underpass from the northern side of the Champs-Élysées, bringing you to just underneath the arch. You can buy tickets to the viewing platform in the tunnel (though you should buy them in advance to skip past the sometimes long lines at the ticket office).

Costs & Hours:  You can buy tickets in advance on the official website , which we’d recommend to avoid the long line. Admission costs 13 Euros for adults, but there are a long list of people who can get in for free, including people under 18 and E.U. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 (be prepared to show proof!). More information on opening hours, costs, and other practical information here . 

Day 3: Explore the Coolest Neighborhoods in Paris

Today, there are no tourist attractions (in the traditional sense) on the agenda. Instead, we’d recommend a long self-guided walk from west to east (roughly) through the Rive Droite and some of Paris’ most interesting neighborhoods.

Those neighborhoods are Montmartre , the gem atop the hill where you’ll find Sacré-Cœur and charming cobblestone streets, Le Marais , Canal St. Martin , and Montorgueil . The latter two are our new favorite areas in Paris after our recent trip.

A Morning in Montmartre

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A lot of guides – both books and travel blogs – will recommend Montmartre as an afternoon/evening destination. It’s easy to understand why – the view at sunset is sublime (at sunrise, you’re looking into the sun from Sacré-Cœur), the romantic vibes come out after dark, and the neighborhood comes alive with people. 

We actually preferred Montmartre in the morning, before the crowds of people showed up. Which is why we have you here at the beginning of the day instead of the end. 

Start your day at KB Coffee Roasters , who have two things going for them. One, their patio on a cute square – complete with a carousel, which in my mind is a quintessentially Parisian phenomenon – at the base of Montmartre is an exceedingly pleasant place to sip your morning coffee in the Parisian sun. Two, their coffee is damn good. 

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From there, make your way up the hill to the crest of Montmartre. You can either take the steep stairs that will take you straight up the hill, or meander up the winding cobblestone streets. At the top of the hill is the white church on the hill – Sacré-Cœur – which boasts one of my favorite views in Paris.

One Thing to Know : There will be people waiting at the base of the hill up to the church trying to sell you all sorts of things, but the most common is a scam where the person puts a bracelet on your wrist (without you asking for it) and then asks you to pay for it. A firm no thank you usually does the trick.  

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At the top, admire both Sacré-Cœur itself, and the view from the platform just below it, which looks back towards the Seine and the center of Paris. You can also climb the tower of Sacré-Cœur for even better views – it’s 200+ steps, and like most church towers, they’re narrow and claustrophobic. 

After Sacré-Cœur, make your way back down the hill, this time taking your time to wander a little bit. Here’s the route we’d suggest, which takes you past the only winery in Paris, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris (La Maison Rose), and along some of the most romantic streets in Paris. 

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End with a stroll down Rue des Abbesses , which is the bustling hub of activity in Montmartre. It’s lined with shops and restaurants, and is worth a walk through. 

To get to your next stop – Le Marais – it would be best to take the Metro from Pigalle ( here on Google Maps) to Bastille ( here on Google Maps). See the “Getting Around” section below for the best way to use the Paris Metro, which is super efficient. 

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Le Marais literally means “marsh” – it was converted to farmland in the 12 th century and became a fashionable district in the early 17 th century when Henry IV built the Place Royale (now the Place des Vosges). 

It is now full of funky bars and restaurants, as well as home to many designer boutiques. 

The most fashionable area is moving slowly north, with Haut Marais (upper Marais) now commanding the attention of rising talent with vintage fashion and hip places to eat.

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Le Marais 

4 day trip in paris

Take this self-guided walking tour to see the best of the Marais. 

Start at Place de la Bastille , which as you might have guessed is where the storming of the Bastille took place, igniting the French Revolution in 1789.

From there, make your way through the 3rd Arrondissement, which is much more busy and commercial than the 4th Arrondissement, which is where you’ll end your tour. Here are the stops to make along the way. 

  • Place des Vosges : One of Paris’ best green spaces, we came here mid-morning and found it full of school children doing laps around the fountain in the middle, and people soaking up the sun with a good book. It’s impeccably manicured, and chances are good that you’ve seen pictures of it before. Victor Hugo’s house is at the southeastern corner of the square. You can visit to see the reconstruction of his apartment with authentic furniture, and a collection of sketches and other pieces from his life. More info here . 
  • Next up, stroll down the Rue de Rosiers past some favorite take out places of Parisians, such as L’As du Falafel , through the Jewish quarter and on to where the Rue de Rivoli turns into Rue Saint-Antoine and you enter the very hip area of La Bastille. Check out the Fromagerie Laurent Dubois for an exquisite cheese collection!
  • Along the way, you’ll pass the quaint shop of Nature et Découvertes on the Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie. Browse the shelves for cute trinkets before carrying on.
  • Head north on Rue Vieille du Temple , one of the oldest streets in Paris, and poke your head into the Jardin des Archives Nationales , another of the neighborhood’s amazing green spaces. Follow the old cobblestone street north, and turn left to arrive at the famous covered market, the Marché les Enfants Rouges .

End your little meander in the Marais at the Marché les Enfants Rouges , a 1615 covered market that is the oldest market in the city, full of any food you might crave at lunchtime. This is an excellent place to have lunch. 

4 day trip in paris

A good alternative would be Breizh Cafe , which is the place to go if you’re craving a crêpe. They have sweet crêpes and savory galettes, traditionally made with buckwheat flour, along with French cider, which is definitely worth a try. They have a bunch of locations in Paris, including one a few blocks south of the market on Rue Vieille du Temple  ( here on Google Maps). 

Around the market, you’ll find the hippest part of Le Marais. This is the 4th Arrondissement, and it’s always bustling with activity. There are some fantastic green spaces – like the Square du Temple – Elie Wiesel ( here on Google Maps) – and the area immediately east of the Marché les Enfants Rouges is a collection of some of the coolest bars, restaurants, stores, and coffee shops in Paris.

We’d recommend Candelaria for agave-based cocktails and Mexican food, Fringe Coffee for a rotating list of coffee roasters from all over Europe, and La Maison de Mochi for mochi-based treats (NOT GLUTEN FREE, SADLY).

Canal St. Martin

4 day trip in paris

Canal St. Martin is one of our new favorite neighborhoods in Paris, and it’s partially because it feels like Parisians actually live there. There are young families walking along the canal, young couples 

From the 4th Arrondissement, it’s an easy walk to get to the canal, which is in the 10th Arrondissement, northeast of where you end your tour of Le Marais.

We’d recommend doing a big loop around the canal, stopping along the way for food, drinks, and whatever else your heart desires. Here are some other places along the canal that we enjoyed. 

One place we LOVED was La Cidrerie . We’re suckers for cider, and La Cidrerie is the place to go to try different kinds of French cider. We showed up around opening time, and chatted with the owner as he poured us a few different kinds of French Cider.

They even had one of our favorite American ciders on tap – the Chile Guava from Stem Ciders in Denver – which was a fun surprise! If you want to try French cider along with a collection of ciders from around the world, we’d highly recommend it.

4 day trip in paris

  • Boulangerie Chambelland : It’s a little bit south of the canal, but it’s worth the detour if you’re eating gluten free. This is the best gluten free bakery in Paris , bar none. Their breads are outstanding, and their pastries are similarly spectacular. We’d highly recommend it if you or someone in your group eats gluten free and is looking for the full French pastry / bread experience. 
  • Paname Brewing Company : A cool brewery on the canal at the northern end of the neighborhood. One of the first movers in the craft beer scene in Paris, which was a little slow to take off. 
  • El Cártel del Taco : Authentic Mexican tacos! Hooray!
  • Breizh Café : If you skipped their crepes and galettes earlier, here’s another chance! This location is right on the canal. 

An Evening in Montorgueil

4 day trip in paris

Rue Montorgueil runs north to south through the heart of the 2 nd Arrondissement, and is one of the best places for dinner and drinks in the city (in our opinion, anyway). We stayed nearby (in Sentier, another sub-neighborhood in the 2 nd Arrondissement), and fell in love with this area.

There’s just so much to eat and drink within a few blocks! It seems as though, on every corner, there’s a quintessentially Parisian bistro with the requisite outdoor seating and people smoking over dinner and drinks. 

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Here are some places we enjoyed, but you should know that there’s an unlimited amount of options here. 

  • Kapunka : Solid Thai food, which was a welcome alternative to all the pastries we were consuming. 
  • Grom : Our favorite gelato shop in the world. No, seriously. It’s that good. 
  • Substance Café : My favorite coffee experience in all of Paris (read about it in my guide to the best coffee in Paris). The barista is an award-winner, and his philosophy around slow coffee is a welcome respite in a city that is “vite vite vite!”
  • Ma Cave Fleury : Two words: champagne bar. They make their own champagne at a winery in… Champagne. It’s biodynamic, and the woman running the shop was super friendly, explaining about the winery as she poured the wines for us. 

4 day trip in paris

Literally crown your 4 day trip to Paris with a visit to the palace of the Sun King. Louis XIV transformed his father’s hunting lodge on the outskirts of Paris into the monumental Château de Versailles in the 17 th century, creating the most famous and grandest sight in France. 

It is enormous and splendid at the same time, with all you might expect in terms of lavish ornaments. Make time for the impeccably maintained gardens strewn with sculptures and several notable stops, too.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Versailles is on the RER C from central Paris (make sure to go for the Versailles Château station and NOT the Porte de Versailles, which is in a different place altogether on the 12 line). 

Trains run every 15 minutes from 5:30 am and we recommend getting there early (the trip takes around 40 minutes from Invalides, to give you an idea). Tickets cost €3.65 and you can buy them at the station you’re leaving from. You will find helpful signs as you exit the station.

Visiting Versailles

We recommend a full day of visiting to get the most out of your trip to Versailles. Book your tickets online and you will get a time slot for your visit, helping you plan the day. You can also download a free mobile app instead of taking an audio guide around. It has maps and extra information, too. 

A full ticket costs €20 for access to the whole estate and is the best option for seeing the palace, the gardens, and anything you might have time for.

Note : The palace opens at 8:00 am and is closed on Mondays. 

Versaille’s Top Sights

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The Château and grounds are so vast that the best way to see all the notable parts is to hire a guide. However, here are some must do activities:

  • Visit the Royal Apartments.
  • Wander through the Hall of Mirrors and imagine you’re at a ball.
  • Roam through the gardens and stop at Bassin de Neptune with its 99 fountains.
  • If you can, time your visit so you’re there for the Musical Fountains Shows (day and night time displays of water “dancing” set to music, taking place in the summer – extra fees apply, see details here ).

Guided Tours of Versailles

To take the stress out of getting to the palace and marching through the whole property on your own, here are our picks for guided tours:

  • Context Travel Versailles Palace and Garden Tour – A four hour experience taking you through key sights while a historian tells you the stories behind them.
  • Take Walks Closing Time at Versailles – Go in at the final entrance time of the day and spend four and half hours in a small group, taking in the gardens during the afternoon and then visiting the palace once most of the crowds have left. 

4 day trip in paris

What to Do with More Time in Paris

Here are five things to consider adding to your itinerary if you find yourself with more than four days in Paris, including a few day trips from Paris. 

The Rodin Museum : Our new favorite museum in Paris! The reason we like it is that, rather than being a huge collection of art cobbled together by some rich family centuries ago, it follows the life of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, and shows his progression throughout his life from his first official works to world-famous pieces like the Thinker and the Gates of Hell. The garden (really, it’s a sculpture garden) is gorgeous too, and well worth walking around. Get the audioguide! It’s in the 7th Arrondissement – more information like hours and costs here . 

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Taste Some French Wine and Cheese : Another food-related experience that was on our list was this French wine tasting experience with an expert in French wine. Oh, and there’s cheese too. You’ll explore the world of French wine with a tasting of five different varietals, all paired with various French cheeses. 

The Catacombs : The Catacombs of Paris are a spooky experience. Rather than exploring the City of Lights above ground, you’ll descend into the dark underworld that is the series of tunnels that exists under the streets of Paris and explore a darker side of the French capital. Here’s a guided tour to add to your itinerary. 

Visit the Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is southwest of Paris, and is full of fairytale castles – châteaux, including the one that supposedly inspired the Beauty and the Beast – and good wine. On this guided day trip that includes transportation, you’ll go to Chateau de Chambord, do some wine tasting, and explore a smaller town in the Loire Valley. 

Full Day Cooking Experience : We decided not to include this full day cooking class as an option in the itinerary above because it’s a long day – probably too long for a 4 day itinerary. But if you have extra time, then it makes for an amazing food experience in Paris. You’ll first do a market tour, which is one of our favorite things to do in cities around the world, and then you’ll dive into a 4.5 hour French cooking experience where you’ll learn things like salmon tartare and coq au vin, the latter is a classic French dish that I made in French class wayyyy back when. 

Champagne : No, we don’t mean that you should drink champagne. Well, actually, we do mean that. But what we really mean is that you should drink champagne in Champagne on a guided day trip from Paris. This tour was on our list, but we opted to spend an extra day exploring Paris rather than doing a day trip. It includes transportation (which is important here – it’s hard to do your own version of this tour independently if you don’t have a rental car), multiple champagne houses, and a three-course lunch at a local winemaker’s house. 

4 day trip in paris

What to Do with Less Time in Paris

With less time in Paris, we’d recommend cutting the number of things you’re trying to fit in. The alternative – trying to fit the same number of attractions into a shorter time – will leave you needing a vacation from your vacation. I’m speaking from experience here. 

The first thing to cut is the day trip to Versailles . It’s cool, sure, but at the end of the day it’s just a rich person’s palace with some beautiful gardens. We love the Jardins du Luxembourg in the 6 th Arrondissement (they’re in the itinerary above), which are a little less manicured, but are a good substitute. 

3 Days in Paris

With three days in Paris, cut the day trip to Versailles and follow the itinerary as written above for days 1-3. This is an easy one.

2 Days in Paris / A Weekend in Paris

If you’ve only got a couple of days in Paris, the first thing we’d do is choose between the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay . There’s so much to see in Paris that, with only a couple of days, we don’t think it makes sense to spend 3-4 hours on each museum, which is the amount of time you’d need to do them both justice. 

The second thing we’d recommend is to pick two of the neighborhoods on day 3 , and we’d recommend that you choose Montmartre and Le Marais (sorry, Canal St. Martin!). 

Here’s what two days in Paris could look like.

  • Day 1: Montmartre, Le Marais, and the Eiffel Tower
  • Day 2: The Gothic Cathedrals, a Foodie Adventure, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe

You can still use the relevant sections of the detailed 4 day itinerary above to plan out the specifics of your weekend in Paris.

One Day in Paris

Our first tip for spending a day in Paris is to book a second (or third). 

Joking aside, trying to see it all in a day just isn’t going to happen, which means you’ll need to prioritize and make some hard choices on what to save for next time. 

One big assumption we’re going to make here is that you want to see the Louvre . If that’s true, that’s going to eat up a significant chunk of time that you’re going to have to plan around. You could easily swap the Louvre for the Musée d’Orsay, if you’ve already done the Louvre before, or want something a little different. 

We’d also highly recommend investing in a 24 hour Metro Pass to make getting around Paris more efficient. 

Here are the things we think you should focus on with one day in Paris: 

  • The Louvre OR the Musée d’Orsay
  • The Gothic Cathedrals and Le Marais

We’d start with the Louvre when they open (go to Telescope Coffee , some of the best coffee in Paris, nearby for coffee and pastries beforehand!) and spend the morning exploring their extensive collection, preferably on this guided tour , which we recently did and loved.

Then, make your way east through Le Marais, stopping at the Marche des Enfants Rouge for lunch and exploring the 3 rd and 4 th Arrondissements en route to the two Gothic Cathedrals, Notre Dame (the interior and bell tower are closed indefinitely, but it’s worth admiring the twin towering bell towers from outside) and Sainte-Chappelle . 

To end your day, take the metro over to the 7 th Arrondissement to end your day in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower . Stop by Rue Cler for picnic supplies – bread, cheese and cured meat, fruit, and wine if you’re up for it – and head to the grassy area at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. 

Relax there for a bit, then walk under the tower (go up to the top if you want – make sure to book tickets in advance) and take in the view from Trocadéro , which is across the river to the west and has our favorite views of the tower. 

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The Best Time to Visit Paris

As a multicultural European city that’s home to over 2 million people, Paris has plenty to offer all year round, regardless of weather or events. However, there are some particularly worthy aspects of each season in the city. 

Summer in Paris is hot and sunny, and there are tons of local events to enjoy. If you visit in June, you’ll be able to take in night-time street entertainment during the Fête de la Musique which takes place on the longest day of the year, June 21. 

Go in July and you might catch the fireworks of Bastille Day on the 14 th while you enjoy a picnic on the Champ de Mars. But be aware that August is a so-called “dead season” as most Parisians take their annual summer vacation then.  

Prices in Paris are highest in summer because it’s the peak tourist season, but you can have an amazing time in the city in fall or spring , when temperatures are mild and you can catch some amazing scenery in the many parks and public gardens. The Jardin du Luxembourg is enchanting with its rose garden and orchids. If you visit Versailles , prepare for long strolls through the grounds admiring fall foliage. 

Finally, winter in Paris can be cold and gray, without snow but a disagreeable drizzle that cuts to the bone. However, there are many indoor attractions to warm you up. You can enjoy the open-air skating rink at Jardin du Trocadéro or get into the holiday spirit by strolling through the Christmas markets. 

How Many Days in Paris?

Paris is massive. Which begs the question, how many days should you spend in Paris?

We think that 4 days is the absolute minimum you should spend. Anything less will have you jetting around from sight to sight with no time to relax and experience what truly makes Paris special. The cobblestone streets in Montmartre. Wandering Le Marais. Relaxing on the banks of the Seine.

That being said, 4 days is enough time to see the major sites and leave plenty of time for exploring.

This itinerary is meant to help you see the best of the city without needing a vacation from your vacation.

If you have more time, we have recommendations above on how to spend it. However, you could also just pick a neighborhood and spend a day wandering from shop to shop, coffee to coffee, wine bar to wine bar.

That sounds like a perfect day in Paris to us. 

Getting to Paris

Traveling into Paris is most convenient by plane and you’ll likely arrive at Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) , a short train or taxi ride from the city center. 

Flying to Paris

Most international flights touch down at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . The RER B train is the most convenient way to get to the city center once you land. It’s a popular mode of transportation and you’ll find it really crowded at times, but it’s the most affordable option you’ll find. Check out all you need to know in this guide .

The other big air hub for Paris is Orly Airport (ORY) , frequently a point of arrival for budget airlines or flights from within Europe. You can take the RER B Train into the center of Paris (you’ll be almost at the other end from Charles de Gaulle) or a dedicated bus called Orlyval. Here is the detailed guide on each option. 

From either airport, Uber works well for getting into the city center and doesn’t cost a fortune. It can be a great alternative if you have a lot of bags or are traveling in a group, so you don’t have to put up with busy public transportation. 

Arriving by Train

From within France or neighboring European countries, you can arrive in Paris at various train stations throughout the city. The Gare Du Nord is – as the name suggests – on the northern end of town and in a slightly seedy neighborhood, so we recommend jumping straight onto the metro from there to your accommodation. 

Other train stations include the Gare de Lyon , Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare de Montparnasse , among others. Where they are in the city reflects which part of the country they’re coming in from. All are well connected to the Metro system that will take you to your accommodation easily. 

Getting Around Paris

Paris is famous for its efficient Metro network with scenic entrances that adorn many posters (especially from Montparnasse). It is a great way to get around Paris if you need to cover longer distances or if you’re staying a bit out of the center. This guide will tell you all you need to know about using the metro.

If you plan to use public transportation, the RATP (Paris Transport Authority) has a useful app for planning your journey and a helpful website in English. A pass will get you a trip on the metro or buses and you can even take advantage of a good network of night buses (the metro runs until 1:00 am roughly). 

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a travel pass, you can buy a ticket at the machines upon entering a metro station (you can pay by card and they are all also in English) or a bus ticket from your driver (you’ll need cash).

At the same time, there’s no better way to really get to know the city than on foot. This Paris itinerary has been designed with walking in mind, allowing you to cluster together different essential aspects of Parisian tourism each day. 

Finally, if you plan to take taxis, our recommendation is to use a pre-paid app like Uber for upfront pricing and peace of mind. 

Bonus Tip : As any city with a major river, Paris can be explored by boat! The péniches are a great way to see the sights from the Seine. Cruise dinners like this one leave from the center and take you around the city at night. You can opt for dinner or drinks while on board and there’s an app to listen to key information about what you’re seeing.  

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More Paris Travel Guides

Planning a trip to Paris? Matt, who speaks French “really well for an American” (as multiple French people have told him – it’s his proudest achievement in life), loves Paris.

As you get into planning your trip, you might find some of these other detailed guides we’ve written about Paris helpful.

  • 4 Days in Paris: How to Plan an Amazing Paris Itinerary
  • Wondering Where to Stay in Paris? Here are 6 Perfect Areas
  • Gluten Free Paris: A Complete Guide for Celiacs
  • A Coffee Nerd’s Guide to the Best Coffee in Paris
  • Closing Time at the Louvre: Our Favorite Guided Tour of the Louvre

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Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

What an amazing amount of information. I just booked the ChouChou Hotel in the 9th arrondissements foe what will be our first trip to Paris. Your information will definitely be used to help plan our trip. Abs when the time comes to book tours I will certainly use the links you have provided as this much information is surely worth you making a few dollars off anyone that uses it as a guide. Just a thanks for taking the time to give such detailed information about the sights and sounds of Paris. I am truly looking forward to see this magnificent city in April of 2023.

Paris is great (as long as you go in with the expectation that it’s a real city where real people live, not a fairytale). The 9th is a nice home base – definitely don’t miss Aji Dulce, a Venezuelan place there with amazing arepas! It was a food highlight of our trip, for sure. Enjoy!

WOW!! THANK YOU so much for all of this AMAZING information! We are more excited than ever to go now in 3 weeks for our 2 year anniversary. All of the info, links, maps…is priceless. You have made planning our trip so much easier as we were a bit overwhelmed and do not speak French. Thank you!!! We will definitely be sharing your blog with others. We so appreciate all of the work you put into creating this great site! MERCI! Wendy & Kevin

Hey Wendy and Kevin! A bit late here, but I sincerely hope you loved your honeymoon. Thanks for the kind words – cheers!

This was amazing. Almost perfect for my trip with my daughters in early November to celebrate our bdays. Ty so much

Hey Iris! Hope you had a great trip. Thanks for the kind words – we appreciate you taking the time to write them. Cheers!

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She Wanders Abroad

  • The Perfect Paris in 4 Days Itinerary for First Timers

Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, Paris

Paris is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities to explore in Europe . Boosting many beautifully manicured green parks, world-class museums, stunning landmarks, and gourmet cuisine – it’s got a bit of something for everyone.

But if this will be your first visit to the French capital, you’re probably wondering exactly what to do in Paris for 4 days?

I can tell you one thing, even with 4 days in Paris you will never run out of things to do! With a bounty of attractions, it can be hard to decide which ones most appeal to you and plan how you’ll squeeze everything.

If you follow this perfect Paris in 4 days itinerary, I can guarantee you that you won’t miss out on anything while visiting Paris!

Disclosure: *This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

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The Perfect Paris in 4 Days Itinerary

Table of Contents

Useful Info for Visiting Paris

How to get to paris.

Paris is one of the most visited cities in Europe so there is no shortage of options when it comes to getting there. If you’re based in Europe, you can choose from numerous low-cost airlines, trains, and buses. From the US, you can find direct flights to Paris from most of the bigger cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, or San Francisco.

Paris is served by two main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). CDG is the major international airport in Paris, located 23 km (14 miles) northeast of Paris. The easiest and most budget-friendly way to get to the city center from the airport is using the RER B train line. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the city center by train and a one-way ticket costs €11.40.

ORY is the second most important airport, located 13 km (8 miles) south of Paris. Unfortunately, there are no direct train lines to get to the city center. First, you need to hop on the Orlyval train which will take you to the Antony train station, where you can change to RER B. The journey takes around 30 minutes and it costs €12.50.

Best time to visit Paris

Paris is a true year-round destination and there is no bad time to visit Paris. However, each season is quite different and the best time to visit Paris highly depends on what are you planning to do and of course, your budget.

If you want to maximize your 4 days in Paris, it’s best to visit in the summer when days are really long. The sun usually rises around 6 am and sets around 10 pm which gives you plenty of time for sightseeing. However, since this is the peak season for tourism, you will need to be prepared for massive tourist crowds and higher price tags.

Generally speaking, late spring and early autumn is the best time to visit Paris if you want to avoid the mass crowds but you still want to enjoy warm weather. As a bonus, in spring you can see the flowers in full bloom and in autumn you can admire the beautiful fall foliage in Paris.

The holiday season is also magical in Paris with festive lights and Christmas decorations set up all around the city. Paris is actually a lot warmer than other European cities during winter with an average temperature of around 5-8°C (41-46°F) during the day, which is still quite pleasant for sightseeing.

View of Paris with the Eiffel Tower

How to get around in Paris

Paris is a fairly walkable city and most of the must-see spots are close to each other and easy to reach. So the best way to get around in Paris is actually by foot! As you will see in this 4 days in Paris itinerary, you can cover many of the must-see spots by just walking.

That said, Paris is a big city and since you will want to explore as much as you can on your 4 days in Paris, you will need to use your time wisely. Luckily Paris has a fantastic public transportation system that will help you cover more ground in the city.

Paris has 16 different metro lines with more than 300 metro stations. That means you can reach practically everything with a metro! If this wouldn’t be enough, there are 4 tram lines and countless bus lines as well.

Of course, you can find many taxis and ride-hailing companies such as Uber around the city but with a public transportation system like this, you won’t really need them.

Typical Parisian architecture in Paris, France

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is not only one of the  most beautiful cities in France  but it’s also one of the most visited ones in whole Europe. Therefore you will find a wide selection of accommodations in the city, starting from cheaper hostels and guesthouses to 5-star hotels and luxury apartments.

Paris is divided into 20 administrative units that are called arrondissements. The  best arrondissement to stay in Paris  completely depends on what you want to do as a tourist and how much time you have in hand.

If you’re  visiting Paris for the first time , you will probably like to stay near the Seine River (1st to 7th arrondissement), where the major tourist attractions are located.

Are you dreaming of waking up to the view of the Eiffel Tower? Then you need to check out my posts about the  best Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower view ! In case you’re looking for other views, check out these amazing hotels in Paris with a view including Arc de Triomphe views, Sacré-Cœur views, and more!

If you’re looking for a quick solution, below you can find some of the best hotels to stay in during your 4 days in Paris, depending on your budget.

Beautiful terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower at Hotel San Regis in Paris

LUXURY – Hôtel San Régis

This incredible 5-star boutique hotel is housed in a 19th-century private mansion and is richly decorated with tasteful wallpaper, springy carpets, and antique furnishings. Rooms are also equipped with a modish marble bathroom.

citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

MID-RANGE – citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

CitizenM Paris Champs-Élysées, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, is less than a kilometer from Arc de Triomphe, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Eiffel Tower. A restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a shared lounge are among the amenities available at this property.

Hotel Opera Maintenon

BUDGET – Hotel Opera Maintenon

For a budget-friendly option in the heart of Paris, consider the Hotel Opera Maintenon. This property is a short walk from the Opéra Garnier and has tastefully furnished and quiet rooms with modern amenities.

Overview of Your 4 Day Paris Itinerary

The section below includes an overview of your Paris in 4 days itinerary with all the best highlights that I recommend visiting during each day of your trip. While I’ve included some of the more touristy attractions that you have to see at least once, in Paris, I’ve also included a few of the more off-the-beaten-path locations as well.

Breakdown of your 4 days in Paris itinerary

DAY 1: Louvre, Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Jardin du Palais-Royal, Jardin des Tuileries, Champs-Elysées, Pont Alexandre III, Rue de l’Université, La Tour Eiffel, Dinner in Paris

DAY 2: Trocadéro, Pont d’Iéna, Champs de Mars, Les Invalides, Musée Rodin, Catacombs, La Tour Montparnasse, Seine River Cruise

DAY 3: Pompidou Centre, Montmartre (Sacré-Cœur, Rue Maurice Utrillo, Musée de la Vie Romantique​, Montmartre Cemetery, Moulin Rouge), Canal St Martin, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre nightlife

DAY 4: Ile de la Cité, Notre-Dame du Paris, Sainte Chapelle, Latin Quarter (Shakespeare and Company, Odette Notre-Dame Café, Parthenon, Grande Mosquée de Paris, Jardin des Plantes, le Jardin de Luxembourg), Latin Quarter nightlife

Map for the best things to do in Paris in 4 days

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Paris itinerary. I marked your 4 days in Paris with different colors – I used blue for the first, green for the second, red for the third, and yellow for the fourth day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?

Day 1 of Your Paris in 4 Days Itinerary

The Louvre is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris and is a fabulous starting place to immerse yourself in this artistic city. Its collections span the likes of Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, and Liberty Leading the People. Before you even step foot inside you can gawp up at the glass pyramid that marks the entrance. Designed by architect Ming Pei, this giant structure is just a taste of what you’ll find indoors!

The courtyard with the glass pyramids at Musée du Louvre in Paris

Admission to the Louvre is €15 when purchased at the museum or €17 when purchased online . This option includes quick entry to the museum which I do recommend because the gallery gets so busy.

Since you’re going to explore the largest art museum in the world, it’s worth considering going on a guided tour in the Louvre . With this option, you can enjoy fast track entry and you can also learn a lot from your knowledgeable guide who will show you all the best treasures in the Louvre.

The gallery is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday between 9 am – 6 pm, and on Friday from 9 am to 9.45 pm (closed on Tuesdays) so plan carefully. Expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring the Louvre during your 4 days in Paris. However, if you’re an art lover you might want to devote your whole morning to exploring the most beautiful artworks in the Louvre.

If you love photography, it’s worth arriving before the museum opens so you can have the whole courtyard all to yourself. The courtyard opens at 7 am (it’s closed on Tuesday such as the museum itself) and it’s worth getting there early as it usually gets more and more crowded as the time passes.

Girl in a red dress standing in front on the Louvre, one of the most instagrammable places in Paris

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

Either before you enter the Louvre or when you come out, check out the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. This isn’t the famous arch of Paris (we’ll come to that one later!) but it’s equally splendid, despite being half its size.

In honor of Napoleon’s victories, the construction of Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel began promptly in 1806. Commemorative military reliefs are carved into the rose-pink hue of the marble. At the top of the monument, you will see a sculpture of Peace charging her triumphal chariot.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris

Brunch at Marcel 3

If you want to grab some lunch nearby, you can visit one of my favorite cafés in Paris. Marcel 3 serves tasty, healthy and light meals which will fill your tummy. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Louvre.

Brunch at Marcel 3 in Paris

Jardin du Palais-Royal

You can walk off your lunch by taking a 10-minute stroll to the Jardin du Palais-Royal. These manicured gardens take you to the Palais-Royal itself. This resplendent complex is a former royal residential but nowadays it’s used by the Ministry of Culture, the Conseil d’État, and the Constitutional Council.

The patio outside the palace features the iconic black and white striped columns that were designed by the French artist Daniel Buren. When these were installed during the mid-80s, there was outrage that they were not appropriate for the historic palace, although the controversy soon blew over.

Palais-Royal is undoubtedly one of the most instagrammable places in Paris so don’t forget your camera at home!

Girl in a pink-white striped dress standing in Palais Royal, one of the best Paris Instagram Spots

Jardin des Tuileries

From the Palais-Royal you can take a 10-minute walk to the Jardin des Tuileries. These gorgeous gardens were commissioned by the queen consort Catherine de Medici in 1564.

Originally a private garden, they were the setting for many royal events and exclusive banquets. Since 1667, following the French Revolution, the gardens have been the domain of the public.

If you want to see Monet’s celebrated water lilies then pop into the Musée de l’Orangerie. Admission is €12.50 and the gallery is open from Wednesday to Monday between 9 am – 6 pm.

As with the Louvre, it’s closed on Tuesdays but if you happen to be there on the first Sunday of the month, admission is free!

Jardins de Tuileries in Paris

Champs-Elysées

Place de la Concorde marks the end of Jardin des Tuileries on the western side, from where you can start your walk along the iconic Champs-Elysées. With a total length of 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles), the avenue is one of the most luxurious commercial streets in the world!

If you’re a shopaholic you’ll want to take your time as the avenue is home to a mix of different designer and high street shops ranging from Tiffany’s to Nike. Even if you don’t want to shop, you shouldn’t miss the chance to soak up the majesty of this beautiful street.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth I recommend a pitstop at Laduree for their world-famous macaroons. Want to catch a play or see a movie during your 4 days in Paris? Come back here at night.

Pont Alexandre III

Once you’ve had enough of the shops and glamour on Champs-Elysées, make your way on foot to the River Seine.

Paris is a city of bridges that connect the Left and Right Bank. While exploring Paris in 4 days, you will spot many of these. One of the most impressive bridges which you will use to cross the river now is the ornate Pont Alexandre III. Giant art nouveau lamps decorate the bridge as well as a menagerie of nymphs, cherubs, and winged horses.

No pictures do justice to how beautiful the bridge is in real life! And if its beauty in itself weren’t enough, it also offers an impressive view over the city and you can even spot the Eiffel Tower from the bridge!

Pont Alexandre III in Paris

Rue de l’Université

As you transition to the Left Bank, you will come to a long street called the Rue l’Université. I’m flagging this street because it epitomizes those sophisticated boulevards that we all love Paris for, but also for the incredible view of the ultimate Parisian landmark, the Iron Lady. The Rue l’Université provides an unsurpassed view of the Eiffel Tower which is located right at the eastern end of the street!

Girl in a yellow skirt twirling in front of the Eiffel Tower in Rue de l'Université, one of the best Paris Instagram spots

La Tour Eiffel

It will take you around 30 minutes to walk the length of Rue l’Université before you reach the grand finale, la Tour Eiffel. At 324 meters (1,063 feet), the Eiffel Tower quivers above the rest of the capital.

There’s no better way to absorb the City of Lights than from its second-floor viewing deck with a chilled glass of bubbles in your hands.

To wrap up the first of your Paris 4 day itinerary, you can ride the lift to the top of the observation deck and watch the sunset over the rooftops of Paris.

In terms of costs, there are different costs for visiting the Eiffel Tower. Riding the lift straight to the top of the tower costs €28.30. But if you’re happy to walk to the second floor and then take the lift, you can make a small saving – this costs €21.50.

As wait times for the attraction can be long especially during summer, I recommend  booking your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance! If you want to learn more about the history of the Eiffel Tower and other interesting facts while visiting, consider booking a guided Eiffel Tower tour !

View of the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars in Paris

Dinner in Paris

After surveying the views I think it’s about time you surveyed a menu! For your first night, tuck into some French cuisine around the tower.

Girafe serves elegant seafood within an equally elegant setting – what more could you want? Book a table here on a warm evening and you can dine alfresco on their terrace with a view of the tower. The closest metro is Trocadéro.

Another nearby option is Linette , which dishes up all your favorite French plates. Order a spread of Burgundy snails and a glass of wine while you pick your main and you’ll know you’re in Paris! Linette’s closest metro is Champ de Mars.

Day 2 of Your Paris in 4 Days Itinerary

Trocadéro (sunrise).

At some point during your 4 days in Paris, you should experience the city at first light. My ultimate recommendation for watching the sunrise in Paris is at the terrace of Trocadéro. Located across the Seine in a direct line of sight from the Eiffel Tower, you get some of the best views of the icon.

You can expect to have the entire area practically to yourself if you come here for sunrise, which is great for flexing your photography skills. You can also look forward to a peaceful wander through the Jardins du Trocadéro.

Getting to Trocadéro is quite easy, you just have to take either metro line 6 or 9 and get off at the Trocadéro metro station. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a taxi or an Uber – you did wake up super early after all!

Girl in a pink skirt twirling in front of the Eiffel Tower at Trocadero, one of the most instagrammable places in Paris

Champs de Mars

Another day in Paris, another day to explore this postcard-pretty city on foot. Cross the Seine via the Pont d’Iena – stopping as often as you like to take photos of the tower.

As you step your feet onto the Right Bank you will be greeted by a magnificent carousel. This fairground attraction doesn’t open until mid-morning so you can capture some more photos of the Eiffel Tower with the ride in the foreground.

You can then spend some time exploring the large park that cushions the base of the Eiffel Tower. The neat gardens of Champs de Mars provide yet more fabulous shots of the tower and it’s worth making the most of the lack of crowds this early in the day.

Eiffel Tower with roses from Champ de Mars

Kozy Bosquet

After this early start, I’m sure you’ll be starving so take a pause and grab some brunch nearby. Kozy Bosquet will welcome you with fluffy pancakes, avocado toast, and strong coffee to put a spring in your step.

Brunch at Kozy Bosquet in Paris

Les Invalides

A 10-minute walk from Kozy Bosquet is Les Invalides, a collective of museums, a church, and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. If you’re interested in military history then you’ll want to check out Musée de l’Armée des Invalides, otherwise referred to as The Army Museum.

This is one of the largest military history and art collections in the world! You’ll see the armor, weapons, and personal effects of previous French monarchs and pivotal figures such as Françis I, Louis, and Charles de Gaulle.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and admission is €16.50 You can book your tickets in advance online or buy your ticket in person. Plan to spend at least 1 hour exploring.

Les Invalides in Paris

Musée Rodin

Musée Rodin opened in 1919 to showcase the work of Auguste Rodin – considered by many as the founder of modern sculpture. Among the collections, you will recognize The Thinker, The Kiss, and the Gates of Hell. The setting itself within the 18th-century mansion, Hôtel Biron, is spectacular in itself.

Admission tickets are €13 and the museum and gardens are open daily from 10 am to 6.30 pm, excluding Sundays when it remains closed.

The Musée Rodin is directly next door to Les Invalides and again you should expect to spend at least 1 hour here. In case you don’t want to spend your whole afternoon in museums, feel free to choose the one that sounds more interesting to you and skip the other.

Rodin Museum in Paris

Les Catacombes de Paris

Not for the fainthearted, Les Catacombes de Paris (Catacombs of Paris) is a labyrinth of tunnels beneath the streets of the 14th arrondissement. Containing the bones of over six million Parisians, the catacombs are one of the things to see in Paris in 4 days if you fancy something edgier. To access these tunnels you will clamber down 131 steps and then follow the 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) circuit.

The catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9.45 am – 8.30 pm (closed on Mondays). Tickets cost €29 and include an audio guide. You need to book your ticket online in advance – this also saves time queuing. Expect to spend 1 hour exploring the ossuaries.

The catacombs are a 40-minute walk from Les Invalides. Alternatively you can take the metro from Varenne to Denfert-Rochereau (change at Paris Montparnasse Vaugirard).

La Tour Montparnasse

Once you emerge into the light of day, you can walk 20 minutes to the Montparnasse Tower. It’s not the prettiest monument in Paris, but, once you reach the 56th floor your memory of the exterior will be history. From there you will spot everything from Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Notre Dame.

Admission is €18 and whilst it’s not mandatory it’s worth booking your tickets online in advance to avoid having to queue. The tower is open daily from 11 am to 10.30 pm.

It’s a 20-minute walk from the catacombs. Alternatively, you can take the metro from Denfert-Rochereau to Paris Montparnasse Vaugirard.

Aerial view of Paris from Montparnasse Tower

Seine River Cruise

You’ve spent the first two days of your Paris 4 day itinerary crisscrossing over the Seine, now it’s time to take a scenic tour along the waterway. I recommend taking a cruise at nighttime as experiencing the landmarks of Paris when they’re all lit up is really magical!

You can find many different cruises online, ranging from budget to luxury. If you’re happy to splash out, you need to check out this  Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine ! You can choose between a short, 75-minute cruise starting from 6 pm or a longer, 2.5 hours long cruise starting from 8.30 pm. There are also lots of different options for menus, wines, and seating so take the time to read through all the options!

A more wallet-friendly alternative is this 1-hour long Seine Cruise & Crepe Tasting Near Eiffel Tower . During the Summer season the cruise is available daily with departures every 30 minutes. The first departure is at 10:00 AM, and the last departure is at 11:00 PM. During the winter season, departures are every 45 minutes between 10:30 AM and 9:00 PM. Moreover, your ticket also includes a delicious French crepe that you can enjoy before or after the cruise. Best deal ever, right?

Pont Alexandre III with Eiffel Tower in the background

Day 3 of Your Paris in 4 Days Itinerary

Brunch at 5 Pailles in Paris

Pompidou Centre

20 minutes down the road, the Pompidou Centre has one of the most innovative exteriors you will ever see in a museum! The museum was commissioned by Georges Pompidou, the former President of France, as a home for contemporary artworks.

It gives you the chance to see pieces by the likes of Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Marcel Duchamp.

The entrance is €15 and the museum is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, except Tuesdays. You can buy tickets online or on-site.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the myriad of streets that form Montmartre. To easily get to Montmartre, you can take the metro from Étienne Marcel to Barbès Rochechouart.

In addition to ticking off some of the attractions I’ve listed below, make sure you factor in time to wander the alleyways where painters and street musicians are at work. And grab a café au lait from one of the Parisian eateries that spill over these picturesque streets, such as La Maison Rose or Café des Deux Moulin (the café from Amelie ).

Sacré-Cœur

This Roman Catholic church stands loftily over Montmartre atop the highest hill in Paris. Sacré-Cœur is dedicated to the Heart of Jesus and once indoors you will spot a huge mosaic that shows the Risen Christ. If you fancy mounting the 300 steps to the dome, you’ll find another breathtaking view across the Parisian skyline.

There is no admission fee to visit Sacré-Cœur unless you want to visit the dome and crypt. The dome costs €7, however according to their official website the crypt is closed to visitors at the present time. Sacré-Cœur is open daily from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, Paris

Rue Maurice Utrillo

This modish side street is located on the eastern side of Sacré-Cœur, in the northeast corner of the Square Louise Michel. It’s not a tourist attraction per se, but it treats you to a unique perspective of Paris and some gorgeous architecture. Add 10 minutes to your Paris 4 day itinerary to visit one of the most Instragrammable places in Paris !

Girl in a pink dress standing on the stairs at Rue Maurice Utrillo in Paris

Le Musée de la Vie Romantique

Le Musée de la Vie Romantique (Museum of Romance) is housed within a quaint house that used to be the residence of the painter Ary Scheffer. The permanent collections are free to explore and exhibit some of Scheffer’s artworks. If you want to view one of the temporary exhibitions or order some tea, you’ll need to pay a small fee.

Musée de la Vie Romantique is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am – 6 pm (closed on Mondays). The museum is a 15-minute walk from Sacré-Cœur.

Montmartre Cemetery

It might sound a little strange that I’m sending you to see a cemetery! But in actual fact, the Montmartre Cemetery is a marvelous and serene place to add to your Paris in 4 days itinerary.

It’s home to the graves of acclaimed figures including Émile Zola, Gustave Moreau, and Dalida. The cemetery is a 20-minute walk from Sacré-Cœur and it’s free to visit.

Canal St Martin

This 4.5-kilometer canal that connects the Canal de L’Ourcq with the Seine was first commissioned by Napoleon I in 1802. Today it is one of the hippest places to hang out in central Paris and is popular with locals. If you’re a fan of Amelie you will recognize the canal as the one where the heroine likes to skim pebbles.

You can board a boat for a scenic cruise or stretch your legs along the canalside. Hôtel du Nord and Le Verre Volé are two of the many places to stop off for a drink or some Parisian fare.

You can walk to the northern point of Canal St Martin from Montmartre in around 30-40 minutes. Or take the metro from Anvers and alight at Jaurés.

Canal St Martin Paris

Arc de Triomphe

Once you’ve had your fill of the canal, board the metro at the closest station and disembark at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. You will be at the foot of the famous Arc de Triomphe!

This monument honors those who sacrificed their lives for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath the archway lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

You can appreciate the reliefs and the architecture from the ground – it looks resplendent at night so plan to arrive before sunset. If you’d like, you can also climb the 280 stairs for a panoramic view across Paris. Admission is €13 and the observation deck is open until 10 pm (winter) and 11 pm (summer).

Sunset at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Montmartre nightlife

The great thing about visiting Paris in 4 days is that you can visit some places twice! For your penultimate night in Paris, I suggest that you head back to Montmartre. This is one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife and it’s a different experience from what you get during the day.

Grab dinner at La Boîte aux Lettres , Chez Plumeau  or  La Taverne de Montmartre , each offer the quintessential Parisian dining experience.

Moulin Rouge

While you’re back in Montmartre, swing by Moulin Rouge to see its legendary red windmill all lit up. Féerie shows are pricey but if you’re wondering what to see in Paris in 4 days then experiencing the Belle Époque for yourself is something you’ll never forget.

Shows run nightly at 9 pm and 11 pm and prices start at €88. You can book online in advance. If you want to spend this evening elsewhere, remember to pay a visit to Moulin Rouge earlier in the day.

The entrance of Moulin Rouge in Paris

Day 4 of Your Paris in 4 Days Itinerary

île de la cité.

Start your final day in Paris on the Île de la Cité. This natural island in the middle of the River Seine is home to a number of historic sites.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Construction of this medieval cathedral began in 1163 and took 200 years to complete, only for it to be damaged during the 16th and 18th centuries. Tragedy struck again with the 2019 fire, but the Notre-Dame de Paris is bouncing back and you can now see more of it once again since the scaffolding has been removed.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to enter the most visited monument in Paris while it undergoes repair. But in terms of what to see in Paris in 4 days, catching a glimpse of Notre Dame is absolutely a must!

The famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France

Sainte Chapelle

Next door to Notre Dame, the Sainte Chapelle is often overlooked yet this is a worthy companion to the cathedral that I urge you not to miss.

Within this French Gothic chapel, you will find a wonderland of stained glass windows that tell biblical stories. If you want to see them with your own eyes, admission is €11.50. But you can also just enjoy the architecture from the outside.

Beautiful stained glass inside the Sainte Chapelle in Paris

Conciergerie

This gothic fortress is a former French Revolution prison and was where Marie Antoinette herself spent her final weeks prior to her execution. If you go inside the attraction you can see a recreation of her former cell.

The entrance to Conciergerie is €11.50 but if you want to visit Sainte Chapelle as well you can buy a combi-ticket for €18.50.

Concierge in Paris

Latin Quarter

Cross over the Petit Pont and you will be within the Latin Quarter. The 5th arrondissement is packed with some of the best things to see in Paris in 4 days!

Shakespeare and Company

A charming English-language bookshop with a big backstory! Syliva Beach opened the original Shakespeare and Company bookshop in 1919 and it swiftly became a hangout for the likes of Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and other popular writers.

This bookshop was closed during the Second World War, but the legacy was continued in 1951 when George Whitman opened the existing Shakespeare and Co in its new location. Shakespeare and Company is a 5-minute walk from Notre Dame via Petit Pont.

Odette Notre-Dame Café

Pick up a coffee and some choux à la crème at Odette , a super adorable café just a short walk from the bookshop. Alternatively, there are tonnes of eateries in the Latin Quarter where you can grab lunch but if you trust me, you won’t skip this one!

Girl in a pink dress sitting in front of Odette Paris

Panthéon

This imposing neo-classical mausoleum from the 19th-century contains the remains of notable French figures including Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.

Entrance to the Panthéon is €11.50 normally but admission is free on the first Sunday of the month (1 November – 31 March). The Panthéon is a 10-minute walk from Odette.

Pantheon in Paris, France

Grande Mosquée de Paris

When you’re planning what to do in Paris in 4 days you know your trip is going to involve a lot of churches. But don’t forget to also pay a visit to the largest mosque in France, the Grande Mosquée de Paris.

The mosque is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. It costs €3 to explore the interiors and evocative Eastern-style gardens.

Jardin des Plantes

This lush botanic garden is a true heaven for flower lovers and photographers! Jardin des Plantes was originally a garden for medical plants which later became a research hub for French botanists and zoologists. Entrance to the gardens is free and they are open daily between 7.30 am – 5.30 pm, you can check the  official website  for further information regarding the opening hours. Jardin des Plantes is a 15 minute walk from the Panthéon.

Girl in a pink-white striped dress standing under an archway of roses at Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France

Le Jardin de Luxembourg

Sitting pretty behind the riot of flowers that form le Jardin de Luxembourg, you will see the former royal residence – Palais du Luxembourg. It’s a serene spot to rest your feet after all the walking. These gardens are a 10-minute walk from the Panthéon.

Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, France

Nightlife in the Latin Quarter

It’s the final few hours of your 4 days in Paris so let’s use them wisely. In addition to all the attractions and monuments, the Latin Quarter is also a great district to let your hair down and experience some of the best nightlife in Paris. Sip wine and nibble on charcuterie to a soundtrack of live music at Le Bar de Fer or split some French tapas at Les Baux de Paris .

Alternatively, you could spend your final evening revisiting your favorite arrondissement to see it all lit up by the Parisian lights.

Planning a trip to Paris?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Paris. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Hotel Guides:

  • Top 8 Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris
  • Top 21 Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views
  • 23 Incredible Hotels in Paris with a View
  • 23 Best Apartments & Airbnbs in Paris with Eiffel Tower View
  • Stylish Parisian Stay: Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet Hotel Review

Travel Guides:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris for the First Time
  • One Day in Paris Itinerary: How to See the Best of Paris in a Day
  • Top 25 Most Instagrammable Places in Paris
  • 12 Best Day Trips from Paris You Can’t Miss
  • 155 Amazing Paris Captions for Instagram (Quotes, Puns & More!)

Other Amazing Destinations in France: Alsace | French Riviera | Provence

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The Perfect Paris in 4 Days Itinerary

2 thoughts on “The Perfect Paris in 4 Days Itinerary for First Timers”

Your website is fantastic. I’m taking my daughter and her best friend to Paris for her college graduation. She has never been to Europe. I love your four day trip but we have two extra days. Do you have suggestions for a day 5 and a day 6. I was so impressed with your website I think I’m going to have the girls follow your 4 day trip. I loved that you covered so much ground but it made great sense since every place was so close to one another. Thanks again for such knowledgeable information and a wonderful tour plan. Looking forward to hearing back from you!!!!

I believe I already replied to your email but going to share the response here as well, maybe it will be useful for other readers too 🙂

I don’t know if you’ve already seen this but I have a detailed post about the best day trips from Paris which can be useful for planning your 5th and 6th day. Personally, I would definitely pay a visit to the Palace of Versailles and I also really loved Disneyland Paris too 🙂

Also, if your daughter has never been to Europe it might be worth taking a look at a day trip to London! With the high-speed train, you can get there in 2.5 hours and it can be a great experience. I’m not sure about the different entry requirements though so this might be a bit harder to execute than it sounds.

Hope you will have a fantastic trip!

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Full Suitcase Travel Blog

4 Days in Paris: Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips (Perfect for 1st Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

4 Days in Paris: Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips (Perfect for 1st Visit)

Visiting Paris for 4 days and wondering how to best plan your time so that you can make the most of your trip?

In this guide, we share a suggested Paris 4 days itinerary based on our recent trip (and taking into account what can actually be done!). It includes all the must-sees, a few amazing places that are often overlooked by first-time travelers, and some lesser-known gems that will make your trip even more special. Take a look!

The capital of France, Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With such an old history and an incredible number of landmarks, I’m sure you understand that there is no way to see ‘everything’ in Paris in four days. But if you plan well, you can definitely see all the musts and get a good feel of what Paris is truly like.

Below, you’ll find our suggested 4-day Paris itinerary that covers all the main landmarks and most interesting places in the most efficient way. Of course, there are many ways to plan any visit to Paris and this is just one of them. But if you want to see the very best of Paris, but also get a bit off the beaten path and truly experience the city, this guide should help you do just that.

Good to know: This itinerary is quite packed, but it’s based on our personal experience and on what can actually be done . It takes into account opening times/ walking distances/ metro and the time you need to visit each place. Plus, when possible, you’ll be at the most popular places at the best possible time. We also include some alternative suggestions so that you can personalize and plan your own perfect trip based on what interests you the most.

We also created an interactive map indicating all the sights. That way, you can have a better idea of how it all fits together.

Please note that the hours in the itinerary below are only indicated for your reference and are based on our personal experience. That way you have a better idea of how much time you need and can also decide to skip some places if you rather take it easier.

PRO TIP! Where applicable, we also share practical info and tips on which tickets to prebook. Without advance reservations , you will waste many hours waiting in lines and won’t be able to see as much. In fact, you may not even be able to visit certain places at all. Paris has changed a lot in recent years, and planning a spontaneous visit as we often did in the past is no longer straightforward.

Furthermore, by booking in advance, you can immediately see if the place is open on the day of your visit and can avoid unpleasant surprises. We had to adjust our itinerary several times based on the availability of some tickets (like Moulin Rouge , for example, where almost all the shows appeared to be sold out 3 weeks before our trip, or Paris Opera which was exceptionally closed on several days during our visit).

As a minimum, book the tickets/ tours/ experiences for those sights which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

For some of the most popular attractions in Paris, booking in advance will save you money but also lots of time! You can go straight to the entrance without having to queue at the ticket desk.

Good to know: If you visit at least 2-3 museums per day and stay in Paris for a few days, Paris Museum Pass offers excellent value for your money. It includes most of the ‘musts’ and offers skip-the-line access at most attractions. However, keep in mind that you will first have to pick it up at a certain location and you’ll also have to book timed-entry slots for several of the most popular places. That’s why we personally opted to just get timed-entry tickets for each place separately.

If you are visiting Paris with kids, teens, or young adults , you will be glad to know that most Paris landmarks offer FREE entry to everyone under 18 (and for EU residents, even under 26). However, you also need a timed reservation for the free tickets.

READ ALSO: Paris Travel Tips & Tricks

  • DAY 1: Île de la Cité, Arc De Triomphe, Champs Elysées, (optional) Les Invalides and/or Rodin Museum, Place de La Concorde, Tuileries Gardens, Louvre Museum.
  • DAY 2: Musée d’Orsay, Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Seine Cruise.
  • DAY 3: Place Vendôme, Opera, Galeries Lafayette, Hidden Passages, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge.
  • DAY 4: Hôtel de Ville, Pompidou Center/ Stravinsky Fountain, La Marais, Pantheon, Latin Quarter, Luxembourg Gardens, Catacombs, Montparnasse Tower.
  • Where to stay

MAP of this 4-day Paris itinerary

To help you plan your visit to Paris, we created a map indicating all the places mentioned in our guide.

As you can see below, each day has a different color, so you quickly get a good overview of how it’s structured. We tried to group the sites in the most logical way so that you can walk between the sights as much as possible. When possible, we also take into account the best times to be at each place.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Île de la Cité – Arc De Triomphe – Champs Elysées – Les Invalides or Rodin Museum or l’Orangerie (optional) – Place de La Concorde – Tuileries Gardens – Louvre Museum (at the quietest time).

Day 1 – planning info/tickets to book:

  • Sainte-Chapelle – timed entry tickets .
  • Arc De Triomphe – skip-the-line tickets are valid the entire day and save you time at the ticket desk.
  • Louvre – timed-entry tickets or a guided tour (recommended). We opted for this tour – Closing Time at the Louvre: Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful . It covers all the musts in 3 hours at the quietest time of the day.
  • Optional: Les Invalides or Rodin Museum or l’Orangerie .

Good to know: All of these places are included with the Paris Museum Pass . Even if you decide to visit the Louvre with a guided tour as we did, this pass can still be good value, depending on your overall Paris itinerary. The Louvre and l’Orangerie are closed on Tuesdays and Rodin Museum is closed on Mondays. Other places are normally open daily.

Île de la Cité: Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame & More

Île de la Cité is a small island in the middle of the River Seine, best known for the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This was the birthplace of Paris in the 3rd century BC.

If you come here before 9 am, you could walk around the island and explore it a bit deeper. In that case, you may want to start at Pont Neuf , the oldest stone bridge in Paris, with 384 grotesque face ornaments lining its sides. Next, head to Square du Vert-Galant , the westernmost point of the little island. The views from here are quite nice.

Then walk past Place Dauphine , a cozy town square at the western end of this little island, and on to the Conciergerie and its Clock Tower. Built in the 14th century, this is the oldest public clock in France, and you can see it from the street.

The Conciergerie is a former courthouse that also served as a prison. Nowadays, this is a museum that you could consider visiting if you have at least an hour to spare. With 4 days in Paris, and depending on your interests, I’d just see it from the outside.

Clock Tower of Conciergerie - Ile de La Cite in Paris

The most impressive place to visit on Île de la Cité is Sainte-Chapelle . This is the 13th-century royal chapel that I can only describe as the most beautiful chapel in the world. It will take your breath away!

Please note that there are actually two chapels here, connected by a small staircase. The lower level (where you enter) was used by servants and the upper chapel – by the Royal family. They are both very impressive, but the upper one is absolutely stunning, so if it’s not too busy as you enter, head there first.

TIP: You really have to reserve your tickets in advance for Sainte-Chapelle!!! For this itinerary, it’s best to book the tickets for 9 am and arrive at least 15-20 minutes before it opens. You will still have a small queue at the security check, but it will be incomparably quieter than later during the day.

Sainte-Chapelle - Paris itinerary for 4 days

Near Sainte-Chapelle, you can visit a flower market . It’s just a short photo spot, but quite nice to see.

If interested, you could also walk to see Au Vieux Paris , aka the most charming café in Paris. It usually only opens at lunchtime, but most people come here just for the picture of its exterior anyway.

It’s definitely not a must and we saw many other cafés in Paris that looked at least just as charming, but it’s just a small detour. You could also come for lunch here, but it will likely be much too early for that.

Flower market of Ile de la Cite in Paris

Next, head to Notre-Dame Cathedral . At the moment, it’s being rebuilt after the 2019 fire. Behind the fences, you can still see the two towers of Notre Dame, but that’s really it. You can’t even step on the iconic ‘Point Zero’ from which all the road distances in France are measured.

Anyway, it’s still worth a few minutes of your time to see this famous Paris landmark.

Good to know: Based on the official sources at the moment of the last update, Notre-Dame Cathedral is supposed to reopen on December 8, 2024.

Paris Notre Dame Cathedral under construction after the fire

Arc De Triomphe

11-12.30 PM.

Time for the next place on your Paris itinerary – Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile . The distances are big and you’ll be walking a lot as it is. So to get there, it’s best to take the metro.

Arc de Triomphe needs no introduction. Commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate all his victories (he never lived to see its completion), this is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Paris. Under the arch, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame that is rekindled at 6.30 pm every evening. Inside, there’s also a small exhibition.

While you can just see the arch from a distance, we highly recommend that you also visit the rooftop . The views from here are among the best in Paris! Keep in mind that there are 284 steps to reach the top. They also have a small elevator which is reserved for people with reduced mobility, but it stops at the exhibition level, so you’ll still have to do some stairs.

Good to know: Do not attempt to cross the busy roundabout in order to get to Arc De Triomphe. There is a well-indicated underground passage for that!

TIP: While not absolutely needed, booking a ticket in advance will save you at least one queue (you’ll still have a security check, as in most places). If you are visiting in the high season, definitely book upfront! Even with the skip-the-line tickets or Paris Museum Pass , count at least 45 minutes for a visit here.

READ ALSO: Best Views in Paris

Paris skyline with Eiffel Tower - view from Arc de Triomphe

Champs-Élysées & Lunch

12-1.30 PM.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées is probably the most famous street in Paris. This wide avenue is nearly 2 kilometers in length, but the liveliest part with most shops and restaurants is right next to Arc de Triomphe.

Here, you will find some of the most expensive designer shops in the world. Amazingly enough, there are often huge queues to get inside the luxury stores of Dior, Moncler, or Louis Vuitton, to mention just a few. Most of the restaurants in this area are also on the pricier side and very busy.

Time for lunch !

You’ll find many traditional Parisian brasseries and restaurants in this area, or you can just get a sandwich at PAUL’s or similar (this will save you a lot of time vs sitting down for lunch). For a truly Parisian experience, you could also opt for some sweet pastries and macarons at the iconic Ladurée. And yes, there are fast-food restaurants here too, but come on – you are in Paris!

Good to know: If you want to be sure to have a table at a specific restaurant, be sure to reserve in advance! For example, without a reservation, you’ll likely waste at least 30-40 minutes in line at Ladurée, maybe even more in the high season.

Just keep in mind that these are not the places where you go if you are hungry ; rather for a special treat. I always have to laugh at my husband’s experience at Ladurée years ago. He ordered a coffee and a sandwich and ate the one-bite snack thinking that it was something extra served with coffee. He then sat there waiting for his sandwich to arrive. But it never did. It turned out that the tiny bite was in fact the sandwich that he ordered. We’ve been to Paris many times, but there is no way I can ever convince my husband to go for ‘lunch’ at Ladurée again. 🙂

In fact, we have similar stories about a few other restaurants on Champs-Élysées. Let’s just say this area is really touristy and you won’t find the best value or service. But I guess it’s just part of visiting Paris for the first time…

TIP: There’s one traditional Parisian restaurant that we quite liked near Arc de Triomphe. It’s called La Flamme and is located on one of the side streets, so not on Champs-Élysées itself. On our recent visit, we had dinner here and found that the service, as well as the food, were excellent. The prices were also very reasonable for this area.

Laduree on Champs-Elysees in Paris

Jardin des Champs-Élysées – Grand Palais – Petit Palais – Pont Alexandre III

1.30-2.30 PM.

After lunch, continue east down the Champs-Élysées. You’ll soon reach the greener area with several small parks on both sides of the boulevard. If you have some time, it’s nice to explore these gardens a bit more.

Be sure to also check out the two iconic buildings known as Grand Palais and Petit Palais . These Art-Nouveau-style buildings date from the early 1900s.

At the moment, the Grand Palais is being renovated and is not open to the public.

Petit Palais houses an art museum which is free to visit. However, it sometimes closes for special events, which was the case every time we were in Paris… Anyway, it’s worth seeing it from the outside too, and if it’s open when you are there, be sure to take a look inside!

TIP: Check out the “Bouquet of Tulips” sculpture in the gardens behind the Petit Palais. This huge hand holding a bouquet of colorful flowers is the work of American artist Jeff Koons.

Petit Palais in Paris

Just nearby, you can see one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris – Pont Alexandre III . Even if you decide not to walk to Les Invalides on the other side of the river, it’s well worth making a small detour to see this bridge.

This remarkable Beaux-Arts style bridge was inaugurated in 1900. It is lined with beautiful lampposts and lots of impressive sculptures. On each corner, you can also see four winged horses which represent Sciences, Commerce, illustrious Arts, and Industry. 

From the bridge, you also have great views over the River Seine and Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris, France

Les Invalides OR Rodin Museum OR Musée de l’Orangerie (optional)

If you are not going shopping at Champs-Élysées and want to pack as much as possible into your day, there are a few interesting places in this area that you could add to this itinerary.

Hôtel des Invalides (or simply Les Invalides) and Rodin Museum are located just next to each other on the other side of the river, about 15 minutes walk from the bridge. Alternatively, you could visit Musée de l’Orangerie which is conveniently located on the way to the Louvre.

TIP: Depending on your interests, I’d only visit one of these museums or not even at all, or you risk getting a ‘museum burnout’ on your first day in Paris already. You can get tickets for Rodin Museum , or for Les Invalides , or l’Orangerie separately, but if you decide to come here in addition to all the other places mentioned in our guide, then it’s definitely better to get the Paris Museum Pass . That way, you can just decide if/which of these museums you want to visit on the day itself.

While not unknown, these places are not on the must-see list of most first-time visitors to Paris. But you really need either a skip-the-line ticket or a museum pass so that you don’t waste any time in lines, definitely in the high season.

  • Built as an accommodation and a hospital for wounded soldiers in the 17th century, the Hôtel des Invalides is now a military museum. It’s best known for the incredibly grand Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte . While you likely need at least 2 hours for all the museums here, you could visit the tomb in about half an hour.
  • Rodin Museum is dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, showing how his technique and style evolved over time. The must-see here is the Sculpture Garden and his most famous work “The Thinker” ( Le Penseur ). However, there are multiple copies of this sculpture worldwide and you can also see one inside the D’Orsay Museum (see day 2 of this itinerary).
  • Musée de l’Orangerie is a recently-restored art museum mostly focused on impressionism and post-impressionism. The most famous works here are “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, but you’ll also find paintings by Picasso, Renoir, Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Modigliani, and many others.

READ ALSO: Best Museums in Paris

Napoleon's Tomb in Hotel des Invalides in Paris

Place de La Concorde – Tuileries Gardens

5 – 6 PM.

Next, return to the northern side of the river and walk to Place de La Concorde . This is the largest square in Paris, and since there’s lots of traffic here, it’s an experience in itself. Be careful when crossing the streets! Even if it’s green, be sure to look well in all directions – also for bikes, e-steps, tourist rickshaws/ pedicabs, etc.

While navigating the crazy traffic, don’t miss the Egyptian Obelisk and the beautiful fountains !

Interesting to know: During the French Revolution, this square was the site of many public executions, including that of the last king of France, Louis XVI, and his wife Marie Antoinette.

Next, walk to Tuileries Gardens (this is also where Musée de l’Orangerie is located). These beautiful gardens connect the Place de la Concorde to the Louvre and are popular among tourists and locals alike. There are chairs around the big pond in the middle and benches throughout the park. It’s a nice place to sit down, rest a bit, and do some people-watching.

Place de La Concorde fountain and Egyptian Obelisk in Paris

TIP: If you are not planning on doing shopping or visiting any of the museums, you’ll have quite some free time left. You may want to stop for some afternoon tea at Angelina Paris , just next to Tuileries Gardens.

This is a very popular 120-year-old tea room that – according to the locals – serves the best hot chocolate in the world. However, it’s pricey and very busy. Try to reserve in advance or prepare to wait for a while.

Next, check out the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel , right in front of the Louvre. Built in 1806-1808 to celebrate Napoleon’s victories, this ornate arch is a predecessor of the more famous Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile that we mentioned earlier.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris

Louvre Museum

End your first day in Paris with a visit to the most famous museum in the world, The Louvre . It’s also one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Paris, so it’s always busy here. But if you come in the evening, a few hours before the closing time, you will be able to avoid the biggest crowds.

Louvre Museum is so big that you could spend several weeks inside and still not see everything. But most people come here for the most known artworks such as La Gioconda (Mona Lisa) by Leonardo da Vinci, the ancient Greek sculpture Venus de Milo, or the Winged Victory of Samothrace (the Nike), etc. For the highlights, you need at least 2-2.5 hours, plus count that it will also take you some time to get inside.

Good to know: The opening times of the Louvre Museum depend on the season and on the day when you visit. But since you need to get timed tickets anyway, you can immediately see what is available. In the high season, it’s normally open late (9-9.45 PM), so you could come here at around 6-6.30 PM.

Alternative – if visiting Paris in the low season. In the low season, the Louvre is normally open until 6 PM (unless on Fridays when it remains open until 9.45 PM). In that case, you will have to adjust this itinerary. You can come here after visiting Notre-Dame and then continue with all the other places as described above and end your day at Arc de Triomphe which remains open late.

PRO TIP: No matter when you visit, be sure to get timed-entry tickets for the Louvre in advance. But in all honesty, this is one place where it really pays to visit with a guided tour . Otherwise, it can get very overwhelming just trying to figure out which entrance to take and where to go or what to see inside.

We opted for this closing time at the Louvre tour (Mona Lisa at her most peaceful ). It’s a great way to skip the queues at the entrance and see all the musts in a short time. It wasn’t our first time at the Louvre, but we learned so much from our guide! Highly recommended.

As you exit the museum, take the time to enjoy the Louvre Pyramids . You can take some nice pictures here, especially around sunset.

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Pyramid and Museum - a must in any Paris itinerary

Colonnes de Buren

Just a few minutes walk from the Louvre, you can also check out the Colonnes de Buren at the courtyard of the National Royal Palace. It’s just a quick photo stop and there are quite some restaurants nearby, so you could come here before dinner.

Alternatively, you can also visit here on day 3 of this sightseeing itinerary. This square is also the start of many walking tours that visit the covered passages of Paris .

Colonnes de Buren in Paris

For dinner , you’ll find lots of restaurants in all price categories in the area to the north/northeast of the Louvre. We reserved a table at Pizzeria Popolare , which is located about halfway between the Louvre and the hotel where we stayed .

This is a very trendy Italian restaurant, one of the Big Mamma Group restaurants in Paris. They are all excellent and extremely popular with long queues every evening. So it really pays to reserve a table in advance.

The interior of Pizzeria Popolare restaurant in Paris

Riverside walk (optional) – Musée d’Orsay – Versailles – Eiffel Tower – Seine Cruise – Eiffel Tower Lights & Sparkles.

Day 2 – planning info/tickets to book:

  • Musee d’Orsay – timed entry tickets .
  • Versailles Palace & Gardens – timed entry tickets . We opted for this guided tour .
  • Eiffel Tower – timed entry tickets on the official site . If certain times are not available, or if you rather have someone guide you, be sure to also check the best options on GetYourGuide . If you don’t mind waiting longer (it can be really crowded and take a few hours though), you can get the tickets on the spot too. If you want to visit the Summit, be sure to book weeks ahead!
  • Seine Cruise – see all the cruise options here . Sunset cruises with dinner are also available. This is one of the best-value cruises (departs close to Champs-Elysees).

Good to know: Orsay Museum and Versailles Palace are included with the Paris Museum Pass (although we really recommend a guided tour in Versailles). Also, extra shows in Versailles Gardens are not included. Keep in mind that both – Orsay Museum and Versaille Palace – are closed on Mondays , so adjust your itinerary if necessary.

Riverside walk

You could start your morning with a stroll on the Seine riverside . The first stop on your itinerary today is Orsay Museum, so you could start from Ile de La Cite or from the Louvre, and walk to the museum enjoying the nice views of the river and the surroundings.

Of course, this is not a must, and you can just take the metro straight to the museum.

Typical book and posters kiosk on Paris riverside

Musee d’Orsay

10 AM-noon.

Start your day with a visit to one of the best museums in Paris – Orsay Museum . It’s located inside an old railway station and the building is worth seeing in its own right. As you walk inside the huge covered hall, it’s easy to imagine steam trains arriving and departing from here a hundred years ago.

D’Orsay museum is probably best known for its incredible collection of impressionist- and post-impressionist art. It’s here that you will find some of the best works of Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

You can see lots of other masterpieces here too, including some fantastic temporary exhibitions. When we visited, we could also see the works of Edvard Munch, but also some incredible and touching contemporary art by American artist Kehinde Wiley.

Don’t miss the impressive station clock on the top floor. From here, you also have nice views of the city and the river, and the clock makes for some nice pictures too.

TIP: The impressionist collection is located on the top floor and it’s the most popular area of the museum, so you may want to head there first before it gets too busy. For that, walk straight all the way to the back of the museum. Against the back wall, a bit to the left, you’ll find escalators that can take you all the way to the top floor.

Giant clock at Orsay Museum in Paris

Train to Versailles and quick lunch

Right next to Museum d’Orsay, there is a train station from where you can take a direct train to Versailles . There are regular trains throughout the day and the journey takes about 30-35 minutes. You can get a ticket at the station (a regular Paris metro ticket will not be sufficient).

Important! You will need line C in the direction of Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The same line splits in many different directions and there are lots of trains on the same track too, so double-check the direction so that you do not get on the wrong train!

In the old town of Versailles, you will find plenty of cafés and restaurants. However, if you don’t want to waste too much time, you can also just get a sandwich or something small to eat. We stopped for a sandwich at Madeleine just across the station and it was excellent (and quick). It’s conveniently located right next to the GetYourGuide office, which was the meeting point of our guided tour of Versailles .

The exterior of the Palace of Versailles

Versailles Palace and Gardens

1.30-4.30 PM.

Together with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. And once you see this grand palace with its opulent royal chambers and impressive vast gardens, you’ll understand why.

There is a lot to see in Versailles. In fact, you could easily spend an entire day here. But if you just want to see the main palace and some of the gardens, you’ll need about 2-3 hours. That’s what we recommend if you have just 4 days in Paris because there are just so many other amazing places to see.

Versailles Palace boasts more than 2,300 rooms. The most impressive are the King’s and the Queen’s bedrooms and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. And while the gardens are huge and have a lot to offer too, some of the nicest ones are located right next to the main building. So with just a few hours in Versailles, concentrate on the main sights.

TIP: While you can easily visit Versailles on your own (be sure to get a timed entry ticket !), we highly recommend taking a guided tour . It’s not just the best way to see all the ‘musts’ in a few hours, but you’ll also appreciate it all so much better. With a good guide, the walls and the furniture come to life and you leave Versailles with a much better understanding of how unique this place really is.

We opted for this highly-rated tour and it was really worth it. Alternatively, you can also opt for a tour that includes a guide/transportation from Paris ; this is a good option if you are worried about the practical side of getting to Versailles (it’s really not difficult though).

Hall of Mirrors in Versailles Palace

Train to Champ de Mars & Eiffel Tower Views

4.30-5.30 PM.

After visiting Versailles, take a train back to Paris and get off at the ‘Champ de Mars’ station. This is right at the Eiffel Tower, which is the next destination on your itinerary.

If you have some time to spare before visiting the tower, you could first walk to the nearby bridge Pont de Bir Hakeim . It’s located just next to the train station.

This metal multi-storey bridge is a sight in itself, but the main reason to come here is the amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. This bridge is just a tiny bit further away from the tower and gives you a nice perspective. Plus, it’s not nearly as busy as the Pont d’Iéna bridge right in front of the Eiffel Tower and is lined with street vendors and hundreds of tourists posing for pictures.

Cross the bridge and walk to Trocadéro Gardens . From the upper terrace here, you have an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower.

Of course, you can also visit all these places after visiting the tower, but if you want to go to the top at around sunset, it’s probably better to do this first.

Eiffel Tower view from Pont de Bir Hakeim in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower is at the top of any Paris bucket list. So if this is your first time in Paris, you will likely want to go to the top of the tower too. There are a few things you should know.

First, there are several types of Eiffel Tower tickets. First, you have to make the choice of visiting up to the 2nd floor or going all the way to the summit . To keep things cheaper, you could also opt to climb to the 1st/2nd floors via the stairs instead of taking an elevator. Depending on the day, this might also mean that you’ll spend less time queuing.

I find that the city views are best from the 1st and the 2nd floors of the Eiffel Tower. The only reason to go all the way to the top is to tick the box and have done it all so that you have no regrets later. It is a special experience, that’s for sure, but not an absolute must.

No matter which option you choose, if you want to visit Eiffel Tower at a specific time without wasting too much time in lines, it’s best to book your timed tickets online in advance . And if you can time your visit so that you are at the top about half an hour before sunset , it might make it even more special. But remember that a nice sunset is never guaranteed, so don’t obsess about this.

For the tickets, at the moment, the cheapest option is booking via the official site . Just keep in mind that these tickets are non-refundable and you can’t change the dates either. Also, sometimes summit tickets are not available on the official site anymore, but can be available via other websites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets .

The biggest advantage of booking Eiffel Tower tickets via GetYourGuide is that – for most tickets – they allow free cancelation up to 24 hours before your visit. On this website, you can also find some guided tour options, or get a ticket where you’ll also meet a host and get some guidance on where to go, etc.

Good to know: You can always just queue at the tower upon arrival and get your tickets on the spot, but – depending on how busy it is – it can mean that you are queuing for a few hours. Also, even with the timed tickets, arrive at least 30-40 minutes earlier so that you have enough time to get through the first security check before you even get to the actual queue to go up (and the second security check).

Eiffel Tower and Carousel in Paris

Seine Cruise (with dinner)

+ -8.30 PM.

To end your second day in Paris, you could opt for another typical Parisian experience – a Seine cruise . It’s something that’s popular not just among tourists, but also business travelers, and locals who take their guest for a special treat. This is especially the case with the cruises that include dinner.

There are many various cruise options , and most Seine cruises depart from one of the bridges at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. So if you want to do this at any time of your trip, this is the best moment in this itinerary.

The most popular option is the 1-hour cruise . You can take any boat which suits your schedule best and see all the highlights next to the river. On the way, you’ll pass many of the most famous landmarks of Paris, including the Louvre and Notre Dame. It’s a really nice way to see the city from a different angle and something I really recommend doing.

Alternatively, you can opt for an evening cruise that includes dinner. There are also quite a few options here and the choice can be overwhelming. This highly-rated dinner cruise offers really good quality and it starts/ends at the Eiffel Tower, so it would be a great fit for this itinerary. The fact that it’s also popular with the locals says it all.

Paris sunset cruise on River Seine with view on Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower Lights and Sparkles

As it gets dark, the Eiffel Tower is lit up every evening . In addition, it also sparkles for a few minutes every hour. It’s an unforgettable sight!

So after returning from your (dinner)cruise wait for the tower to sparkle. If you are visiting in the summer when it gets dark late, you could first go for dinner nearby. If you take a dinner cruise, it should be dark by the time you get back. In the winter, it’s quite likely that the tower will lit up when you visit it or even before that.

Good to know: Eiffel Tower light installation is automatic and it switches on a few minutes after sunset. At the moment, the tower remains lit until 11.45 pm. The sparkles go on on the hour every hour, between dusk and 11 pm. The spectacle lasts for about 5 minutes.

TIP: Some of the best places to enjoy the view on the sparking Eiffel Tower are Champ de Mars , a park southeast of the tower or Trocadero Park northwest of the tower, on the other side of the river. When the weather is nice, you will see hundreds of people (often with picnic blankets and wine bottles) enjoying the views of the beautifully-lit tower. It’s always a great atmosphere! You will usually see street vendors walking around selling wine and champagne (and also paper cups), so you can join in with the fun.

Eiffel Tower lit and sparkling at night

Place Vendôme – Opera – Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and (optional) Printemps Haussmann – Grévin Wax Museum or Covered Passages (optional) – Montmartre – Moulin Rouge Show.

Day 3 – planning info/tickets to book:

  • Opera – skip-the-line tickets.
  • Grévin Wax Museum – entry tickets (booking isn’t a must, but can save you some time).
  • Montmartre – a guided walking tour or a self-guided tour is really recommended.
  • Moulin Rouge show (with dinner) – you really should book the tickets long in advance.

Good to know: None of these places are included in the Paris Museum Pass . Also, your overall itinerary on this day (and how much time you’ll have everywhere) will depend a bit on which Moulin Rouge tickets you get – an early show with dinner (+-7 PM), just the show (+- 9 PM), or the late-night show (+-11.30 PM). So if you opt for a later show, you’ll have more time everywhere and/or be able to get back to your hotel to change if you like.

Place Vendôme

In the morning, you could visit Place Vendôme , one of the famous squares in Paris. This huge square is lined with some of the most expensive designer clothing- and jewelry stores. It’s much more exclusive than the luxury stores on Champs-Elysees or pretty much anywhere else in Paris.

One of the most luxurious hotels in Paris – the Ritz – is also located here. This is where Princess Diana stayed on her last night in the city.

The main landmark on the square is Colonne Vendôme . This is a 44 meters high bronze column that dates from the early 19th century and was ordered by Napoleon. It was made using over 1,200 cannons that were seized from the enemy during the battle of Austerlitz, and was dedicated to the French soldiers.

You don’t really need much time here, but since the next place on this itinerary is nearby, you could make a small effort and visit Place Vendome in the morning. Alternatively, just head straight to Palais Garnier (see below).

Place Vendome in Paris

Palais Garnier (Paris Opera)

Opera Garnier is one of the places you really should see in Paris! I have to admit that it took me multiple trips to finally make the time for it, and wow, we should have done it right from the start. The architecture and the grandeur of this palace is absolutely dazzling!

Built in the late 19th century, Palais Garnier is the largest opera house in Europe. It’s not only its size that is impressive, but mostly the interior. I can’t even start to compare it to any other opera house we had seen (and we visited quite a few of them all over Europe including some of the most famous opera houses in Italy).

It’s not just the main hall/stage that is worth seeing, but there are so many other impressive halls and chambers. Everywhere you look, it’s a real feast for the eyes! In fact the Grand Foyer inside Palais Garnier is so exquisite that it could compete with the famous Hall of Mirrors in Versailles!

Good to know: Paris Opera is normally open for visits daily from 10 AM. However, it sometimes closes for special events. You can immediately see if it’s open on the day of your visit when you check the availability and buy your ticket . If needed, adjust your Paris itinerary, but don’t miss it!

Of course, you could also check their calendar and see if there are any performances that you could potentially visit during your stay in Paris.

TIP: For a small additional fee, you can get an interactive audio/tablet guide at the opera. If you have time to explore deeper, it’s worth it. And otherwise, just walk around and enjoy!

Palais Garnier (Paris Opera) - the main hall and ceiling

Galeries Lafayette – Printemps – Lunch

11 AM – 1 PM.

Right across the street from the Opera, you will find the most famous department store in Paris – Galeries Lafayette Haussmann . This is where the richer tourists come to do some shopping, but even if you are not interested in buying anything, you should really take a look inside!

The central area with an impressive glass dome is absolutely not to be missed! However, in addition, be sure to also visit the rooftop terrace ! The views from here are really nice and there is now a big ‘Paris, je t’aime’ (Paris, I love you) sign where you can take some nice pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

TIP: If you are looking for a similar experience without the crowds, check out the nearby Printemps Haussmann department store as well. Its top floor also has a very impressive glass dome, and they also have a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. There was one other tourist here when we visited; for the rest – only locals.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann - the most beautiful department store in Paris

Good to know: Both of these department stores have some nice restaurants and cafes where you could sit down for lunch .

If the weather is good, you could also try to find a table at one of the cafés on the rooftop terraces (both, at Lafayette and Printemps). However, if you are just looking for a more simple quick meal, then you’ll find much better options in the nearby streets.

We really enjoyed crepes at La Crème de Paris , about 12 minutes walk from here, but there are tons of other nice options in this area too. And no worries – I indicated all the places mentioned here on our map, so you don’t have to write down or remember all the names.

4 day trip in paris

Grévin Wax Museum or Covered Passages (optional)

In this same area, you can visit Grévin Museum . If you have been to a wax museum (like e.g. Madame Tussauds), it’s a very similar experience. Except that here, you will see more famous French people. But there are plenty of big international names too.

You can get the tickets for this museum in advance and in the high season, it can help you to skip the lines, but they aren’t very well organized so it’s not always the case. Or you can just see how busy it is on the day itself and decide if you want to visit at that time.

Another nice alternative in this same area are the covered passages . There used to be about 150 covered galleries in Paris, out of them about 20 remain today. You can see a couple of them here – on both sides of the street next to and opposite the museum.

Good to know: There are some tours that also visit these – and many other – covered passages. Or you can also opt for the self-guided audio tour . Just keep in mind that almost all of them start at Colonnes de Buren (close to the Louvre – see day 1 of this itinerary), which is about 15-20 minutes walk from the Opera or Grevin Wax Museum. If you are interested, I think that the self-guided tour will be the best option for this itinerary since it gives you complete flexibility on when to start/end.

TIP: It’s also really easy to adjust this itinerary so that you start with the self-guided covered passages tour in the morning (you can start as early as you like). The tour ends close to Grevin Wax Museum and you can then visit the Opera and the department stores nearby.

Passage Jouffroy and Grevin Museum in Paris

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Next, make your way to Montmartre , one of the most iconic neighborhoods of Paris. You could walk here or take the metro which will take about the same amount of time.

A good place to start your visit to this area is Abbesses metro station at the foot of Montmartre. From here, you can walk/ take a funicular to Sacré-Cœur Basilica which is located on the hill.

I highly recommend that you take a guided tour of Montmartre , or you risk missing all the best parts of this neighborhood!

There are really nice tours of Montmartre , and many of them start at around 3-4 PM. So it could work for this itinerary really well.

If you rather explore on your own, you can also opt for this great self-guided audio tour (this is what we did since we weren’t sure how the timing would work out). Despite having visited Montmartre many times in the past, we’ve learned so much more and saw some nice areas that we would have missed otherwise.

Place du Tertre in Montmartre, Paris

The main landmark of Montmarte is the Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart). Most tours will end here allowing you plenty of time to see it inside.

TIP: If you are fit and can do 300 steps, be sure to climb the Dome of Sacré-Cœur . The 360° views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. Normally, the Dome is open until 8.30 PM and you can just get the ticket on the spot. When we recently visited Paris in October , there was no queue at all and we could just walk in (despite it being quite crowded at the Basilica itself).

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Montmartre

Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmarte, Paris

Moulin Rouge Show (with dinner)

Next and final stop on this itinerary is the iconic Moulin Rouge , the most famous cabaret in Paris. It’s located just near Montmartre and so you could easily come here after seeing all the rest.

If you are wondering whether a Moulin Rouge cabaret show is a good idea, I’d say don’t hesitate. It’s an amazing experience and so typically Paris. You can even do it with kids, just prepare them for the fact that there will be some nudity. And yes, there are quite a few other cancan shows in Paris (and you could easily visit one or two more), but if you choose just one, make it the Moulin Rouge!

A few things to keep in mind. They do have a certain dress code , so ideally, you don’t come here in jeans and sneakers (shorts are definitely not a good idea). But it’s not like you need evening attire either. When we visited, we saw everything – from very casual pants/blouses to high heels and evening dresses (these were rather an exception and not the rule). So if you want to go back to your hotel to change, foresee some time for this. Or simply dress up a bit more during the day already.

Normally, there are two shows every evening , one at around 9 PM and one at around 11.30 PM. You can also opt for dinner+show option , which usually starts at around 7 PM. This is a really high-quality dinner created by an award-winning chef, so the food is excellent.

PRO TIP: No matter which option you choose, be sure to book your Moulin Rouge tickets asap! Because this is a very popular experience in Paris (also among locals and business travelers), the shows usually sell out a few weeks in advance. Sometimes, there are only late shows available, which was the case when we booked tickets 3 weeks (!) before our visit.

Moulin Rouge show in Paris

Our experience: Due to it being the only available choice, we booked a late show at the Moulin Rouge and it worked out really well. Since our hotel wasn’t that far away, we went back to change our clothes. At 9 PM we had dinner at a very popular restaurant Bouillon Pigalle , just a few blocks from Moulin Rouge.

I indicated this and one other good restaurant in this area on our map. Try to reserve in advance because both of these restaurants are really popular and very busy! Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of other places to dine in this area.

Based on our experience, I say don’t worry about the late show . In fact, it’s maybe even better if you don’t mind staying up late. It leaves you more time for sightseeing and you can also get back to the hotel to change your clothes and have a quiet dinner before coming here. So just see what works best for you.

TIP: If the Moulin Rouge is sold out, you should be able to find tickets for one of the other cabaret shows . A popular (and also more budget-friendly) choice is Paradis Latin , the oldest cabaret in Paris. We once also went to see the Crazy Horse show and it was excellent too.

Moulin Rouge bar

Hôtel de Ville – Centre Pompidou – Stravinsky Fountain – Le Marais neighborhood – Pantheon – Latin Quater – Luxembourg Gardens – Catacombs + Montparnasse Tower .

Day 4 – planning info/tickets to book:

  • Le Marais neighborhood – book a guided tour (walking tours or bike tours). We opted for this amazing food tour . Optional Picasso Museum .
  • Pantheon: skip-the-line ticket .
  • Catacombs: timed-entry tickets are a must! We wanted to do this tour , but unfortunately, it was sold out (4 weeks before our trip!).
  • Montparnasse Tower: skip-the-line ticket .

Good to know: The Pantheon and Picasso Museum are included with the Paris Museum Pass .

Hôtel de Ville – Pompidou Center – Stravinsky Fountain

Start your day at the Hôtel de Ville , the city hall of Paris. It’s a beautiful neo-renaissance-style building that is well worth seeing.

In front of the city hall, there is also a large square with fountains where various events are held. For example, in December, you’ll find a Christmas market here. During our last visit, Paris was already in preparation mode for the 2024 Summer Olympics, with colorful Olympic Rings set right in front of the city hall.

Paris City Hall (Hotel de Ville)

Next, walk to the Centre Georges Pompidou . This iconic building dates from the 1970s and is best known for its unique architecture.

You can see colorful piping all over the facade and each of the colors actually means something. Yellow pipes are for electricity, green – for water, blue – for ventilation and air-conditioning, and red for lifts and escalators. The building has several functions including a library and a modern-art museum. There is also a rooftop restaurant with nice city views.

You could spend a few hours here, but with just four days in Paris, we suggest only seeing this remarkable building from the outside. Also – if you would like to visit – keep in mind that it only opens later in the day. In that case, you’ll have to adjust your itinerary.

Good to know: Centre Pompidou will be closed for renovation starting from late 2024 until 2030. Even so, it’s still worth coming here – see below.

Colorful facade of the Pompidou Center in Paris

Just next to the Pompidou Center, on the southern end of the square, you can see another famous Paris landmark – the Stravinsky Fountain .

Built in the early 80s, this colorful fountain is made up of 16 moving figures, each representing different works of composer Igor Stravinsky. It’s very unique and makes for some fun photos.

The fountain has been recently reopened after a complete renovation, so the colors are as bright as ever!

Stravinsky Fountain in Paris

In this same neighborhood, you could also walk to Forum des Halles , a huge modern shopping mall.

Next to it, you can also visit an impressive Saint-Eustache church . You could also start here early in the morning, but nothing will be open yet.

This is not really a must, but something to consider depending on the rest of the plans for this day.

Les Halles shopping center in Paris

Le Marais Neighborhood (walking/food tour)

10 AM – 2 PM.

With 4 days in Paris, you should be able to have at least a few hours to get a bit off the beaten path, beyond the main landmarks. For that, we highly recommend a walking tour through the charming Marais neighborhood .

Located in the heart of old Paris, this is the best-preserved medieval area of the city and also the heart of the Jewish community . Despite its proximity to so many popular landmarks and touristy places, this is a wonderful area with a feel of authentic Paris.

Le Marais is a great place to taste all kinds of food, which is as diverse as the residents of this neighborhood. From traditional Parisian and French food to Moroccan and middle-eastern cuisine and typical Jewish dishes, there’s truly something here for everyone.

And if you need some more convincing to visit this neighborhood, you might want to know that Le Marais is also home to the Picasso Museum , which is located in a beautiful building that is worth a visit in itself.

Medieval buildings of Le Marais neighborhood in Paris

TIP: If you decide to visit this neighborhood, I highly recommend that you consider a guided tour. There are quite a few tours that come here (on foot or by bike), sometimes in combination with some other neighborhoods nearby. Without a guide, you might not appreciate this area unless you do lots of research in advance and know exactly the best spots.

We opted for this amazing food-tasting tour and it was by far the best tour we did in Paris. We also considered this walking tour (which doesn’t include any food and is much cheaper) and met a few people who did it and said it was excellent. As you can see, there is truly something for everyone and all budgets. Needless to say, 3-4 hour tours that include food tasting will be much more expensive than walking tours of less than 2 hours.

Good to know: Your overall itinerary on this day will depend on the tour that you choose here (if any). As you can see in the indicated timing, we foresee about 4 hours for this area (based on the tour that we did). If you join a shorter tour, you could also visit Picasso Museum, or simply continue with the rest of this itinerary allowing yourself more time at the other places indicated further below.

Also, pay attention to the starting times of the tours when deciding as this might be different depending on the season, etc. Ideally, you finish at no later than 2.30-3 PM so that you still have plenty of time for the rest of this itinerary.

READ ALSO: French Food: Best Local Dishes to Try in France

Jewish area in Le Marais neighborhood in Paris

Panthéon

2.30 – 3.30 PM.

Built in the 18th century as a church, the Paris Panthéon later became the burial place for many famous French personalities, artists, and intellectuals, since the time of the French Revolution.

In the underground crypts of the Pantheon, you can see the tombs of French writers such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas, but also the scientists Pierre and Marie Curie, and many others.

The building itself is really grand too and the interior is very impressive. Plus, you can climb to the top of the dome from where you have nice views of central Paris.

Good to know: Unless you have the Paris Museum Pass , get the tickets for the Pantheon online in advance. This was one place where we didn’t book upfront and we wasted almost 45 minutes in line (and it wasn’t even high season). The tickets are not timed and are valid the whole day, and it can save you a lot of time.

Paris Pantheon

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church (optional)

3.30-3.45 PM.

Right next to the Pantheon, you will see the church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont . And while there are countless beautiful churches that you can visit in Paris, this one is truly one of the most impressive ones (and it fits this itinerary really well, so you don’t have to go out of your way to see it).

The interior of this impressive church is even more breathtaking than its exterior. Inside, you can also see the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris . On the right side close to the altar, you’ll find an impressive glass coffin containing her relics.

There is no fee to visit and it only takes a few minutes of your time. I highly recommend that you check it out!

TIP: If you’d like to see more churches in Paris, you may want to make a small detour and visit the Église de Saint Germain des Prés . It’s a bit out of the way, but still in the same neighborhood. It’s beautifully restored and many Parisians say it’s now one of their favorite churches to show to tourists. We didn’t get there anymore – there’s just so much you can squeeze in a day. But if you have some time to spare, you’ll find it indicated on our map.

The interior of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church in Paris

Latin Quarter – Luxembourg Gardens

Next, explore the Latin Quarter a bit more and walk to Luxembourg Gardens . These gardens are among the must-sees in Paris and really worth a visit at any time of the year.

You could start at Luxembourg Palace . This former Royal Palace is now used by the Senate. Then check out the beautiful pond in the middle, and walk south all the way to the “4 Corners of the World” fountain .

From here, it’s just a short walk to the next stop on this itinerary – the Catacombs.

Luxembourg Palace and Gardens in Paris

5.30-6.30 PM.

It took me many years and many trips to Paris to finally visit the Catacombs . And now that I did, I highly recommend considering adding this unique place to your Paris sightseeing itinerary. It’s a truly unique place that will show you the dark side of the City of Lights.

Paris Catacombs date from the 18th century when the city was expanding and the decision was made to clear up the overflowing cemeteries. The remains of about 6 million people were carefully moved to this new location. Already at that time, it became a quirky attraction. They even organized midnight concerts here…

It’s really special to descend deep under the streets of Paris and discover this huge labyrinth lined with millions and millions of bones and skulls. We have visited numerous catacombs and bone chapels in Italy ( Rome , Naples ) and Portugal (Evora) before, and each and every one of them is so different.

The Paris Catacombs are absolutely massive! To give you an idea, you exit them about 0.5 km further than where you entered.

Good to know: While it’s not a spooky place, a visit to this ‘Empire of Death’ can be quite confronting. Plus, you will be underground for about 1 hour, so it’s not suited for people with claustrophobia. There are also some stairs that you have to negotiate, but nothing too strenuous.

TIP: Book your tickets for the Catacombs in advance ! The tickets are timed and they only allow a certain number of people inside. It usually sells out, so you really can’t count on being able to visit without a reservation. On Tiqets , you can usually book the tickets weeks upfront. On the official site , they only start selling 7 days upfront. The price is normally the same everywhere, but not all time slots are available on all sites. If it’s available, get them as soon as you start planning your itinerary; and if not, mark your calendars and try the official site 7 days before your visit.

Alternatively, if available for your travel dates, you could consider visiting the Catacombs with this tour . They take you to some chambers inside the Catacombs that are not open to the general public. This tour has fantastic reviews, but it is often sold out. It was also fully booked when we traveled. A self-guided visit is also ok, but I’m sure we would have learned so much more with a guide.

Skulls and bones in Paris Catacombs

Montparnasse Tower

The last place on this 4-day Paris itinerary is one more amazing viewpoint – the rooftop terrace of Montparnasse Tower . This is the second-highest viewing terrace in the city (after the Eiffel Tower summit) and the views are really nice. In fact, the view is better than from the Eiffel Tower since you are looking at it.

Depending on the time of the year, you could time it to be here around sunset. But it’s worth it either way!

TIP: Get your ticket in advance and skip the queues at the entrance. People with reduced mobility get a big discount – in that case, get the ticket once you get there.

There is also a nice restaurant here if you are looking for a special treat for your last evening in the city (in that case, be sure to reserve in advance!). But there is really no shortage of good restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars, and pubs in this part of Paris, so you’ll find plenty of nice places to eat nearby. I indicated a few of them on our map.

Paris city view from Montparnasse Tower at sunset

Where to Stay

There are so many nice areas where you could stay in Paris and there is really not one ‘best’ place. As a general rule, try to stay in the heart of the city center, close to the metro, next to lots of local restaurants, and – ideally – within 15-20 minutes walking distance to places like the Louvre or Opera. That way, you are really centrally located for most sights.

Good to know: Many hotel rooms in Paris are tiny ! Often, there is just enough place in the room for a double bed and one person can hardly turn around in the bathroom. Pay attention to this when making your choice so that you know what to expect!

Advice based on our multiple trips to Paris. If your main focus of visiting Paris is sightseeing and getting to know the city a bit deeper, I recommend staying in the area north of the Louvre and east of the Paris Opera. There are many nice hotels here for various budgets, this area has lots of restaurants, and so many of the main landmarks are within easy reach from here. Some of the best department stores are also located in this area.

Here are some hotel recommendations in this area for various budgets:

€€€€€ InterContinental Paris Le Grand . €€€€ Chouchou Hotel . €€€ Leonardo Boutique Hotel Paris Opera (we recently stayed here – see below for more info). €€+ Hotel Choiseul Opera (one of the most popular 3* hotels in this part of Paris). €+ Hotel des Arts – Cite Bergere .

Our recent experience: On our recent visit on which this 4-day Paris itinerary is based, we stayed at Leonardo Boutique Hotel Paris Opera (previously Hotel Prelude Opera). This hotel is located very close to Grevin Museum, next to some of the nicest covered passages of Paris, about 15 minutes walk from the Opera and 20 minutes walk from the Louvre.

The location of the hotel was excellent, with the metro just behind the corner and lots of good price/quality restaurants. It’s a very good-value mid-budget 4* hotel that has been recently renovated. Also, by Paris standards, the rooms are of a rather comfortable size.

On a somewhat higher budget, a very nice choice in this area is La Maison Favart , with an indoor swimming pool and big family rooms for up to 4 people. You’ll find lots of other options for all budgets nearby too.

Hotel Prelude Opera in Paris, France

So, this sums up our recommendations on how to spend 4 days in Paris.

I hope that this very detailed guide will give you a better idea of what can be done in Paris in about four days. Of course, you can also skip the places that don’t interest you that much and take it easier leaving more time to relax and explore deeper.

So use this itinerary as it is or adjust it to your interests and plan your own perfect trip.

TIP: Be sure to also take a look at our first-timer’s guide to visiting Paris . It contains lots of useful information and tips for your trip to the City of Light. Check it out!

Enjoy Paris!

More travel inspiration for Paris:

  • Traditional French Food
  • Best Views in Paris
  • Top Museums in Paris
  • Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum
  • Best Things to Do in Montmartre
  • Paris Itinerary for 1 Day
  • Paris in October

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Paris in 4 days - what to see, detailed itinerary, and useful tips

More travel inspiration for some of the most beautiful cities in Europe:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Antwerp, Belgium
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Bern, Switzerland
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  • Brasov, Romania
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  • Bruges, Belgium
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  • Colmar, France
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  • Toledo, Spain
  • Venice, Italy
  • Verona, Italy
  • For more… check our  destinations page.

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Friday 2nd of February 2024

Q: what is the train station for Varersaille, to purchase entry tickets I want to ensure there is a train leaving early enough for a 9:30 entry. Thank you

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

Hi Terri, depending on where you are coming from in Paris, here are some of the best train stations from where you can take a train: Invalides 'close to d'Orsay Museum or Invalides', Champs de Mars (close to the Eiffel Tower), or Pont de l'Alma (a bit in between). You need to take a train line C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche Station. There are trains running more or less every 15 minutes throughout the day and you can just get tickets at the machines at any station. There is no need to book train tickets in advance. And yes, there are plenty of trains in the morning and the journey from the center takes about half an hour. In addition, it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the Palace from the station in Versailles. TIP: You can use Google Maps to find the best route and see the train schedule. Choose the little train icon instead of a car or a pedestrian and you'll see all public transport options. Ideally, check it the day in advance or on the day itself - that way, you get the most up-to-date info. Hope this helps.

Michael Cicchi

Monday 17th of April 2023

I have not been at Place Vendrôme yet but I hope to have high tea at the Ritz next time in Paris. That is probably all I can afford there.

@Jurga, Yes, I just googled Angelina and it sounds like a great place.👍👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I still haven't been inside the Ritz either, Michael. Locals recommended Angelina tea house (they have several locations in Paris, including one not too far from this area). That might be a more affordable choice for your high tea experience ;).

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Thank you SO much for putting this blog together! It has been extremely helpful as I plan our trip this spring! I have a couple questions. I love that we can reserve skip the line and timed entry tickets ahead of time. I've noticed though, for skip the line we aren't given the opportunity to select a specific time... Does this mean that we can show up any time during that day and are able to skip the line? That will be helpful in planning but I noticed when I go to reserve tickets I'm not prompted to select a given time. And for the Cruise/Bistro dinner tour. That also doesn't inlcude a time? Will more information come after we book it or do we just show up to the destinition sometime during that day and it works? I'm sure I'm making this more difficult than it needs to be. Any help appreciated! Thank you!!

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

@Jurga, Thank you so MUCH for you quick response! That was extremely helpful! I will start reserving times when my planning is nailed down. There are a few things I can't reserve yet because some calendars only go till March. The dinner cruise in our budget is the $54 one. 1 hour sight-seeing cruise with Bistro dinner. That is the one within our budget. Sorry. It won't let me link it. But it's on the list of ones you shared in that section. Thank you so much for all your help!

Hello Jacque, many Parisian attractions have timed entry tickets (e.g. Sainte-Chapelle, Musee d'Orsay, etc.). But there are many others where you just get a ticket that is valid the whole day and it doesn't matter when you arrive. So it really depends on the specific attraction that you book. I linked to the tickets as we bought them throughout the article. For the Seine dinner cruise, if you mean this one, it shows 8.30pm for me as a starting hour. I now realize that maybe you haven't chosen the date when looking at tours/tickets - you need to do that first in order to see the possible hours. So when you open a specific ticket or tour on the GetYourGuide website, you have to select participants, travel date, and in some cases, you can also choose between different languages. When you do that, you either see the hours to choose from or - like for the dinner cruise - you see the only possible starting time. Alternatively - for tickets to the main attractions - you can also try booking tickets on this website. Maybe it's simpler for you to understand. Also here, you have to select the travel date, choose your timeslot (where applicable), and then the number of tickets that you need. Hope this helps.

The Intrepid Guide

How to Spend 4 Days in Paris: Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Paris

Paris itinerary 4 days - What to do in Paris in 4 days

Going Paris for the first time? Only got 4 days? This itinerary will show you all the best places to visit plus I’ll share my awesome time-saving tips to seeing all of Paris’ top attractions without the queues.

Whether you’ve been to Paris once or twenty times, there is always a musée (museum) or charismatic rue (street) you’re yet to explore. Paris is full of major bucket list items most of us dream of visiting way before we eventually go.

You’ve seen these places immortalised in films like Midnight in Paris and Last Tango in Paris and romanticised in the artworks of the impressionists. Going to Paris and not seeing these iconic places is unthinkable.

Unfortunately, every man and his dog have the same idea. So, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter tickets queues that trail around corners with an equally long queue to the entrance, both of which eat into your precious time in this culturally rich and beautiful city.

However, there is one way around this which I swear by. I do this in every major city and it always pays dividends. Are you ready? My secret weapon is always getting a city pass. In this case, I got the Go City Paris Pass . 

I was a bit unsure at first, seeing as it required a small investment, but I knew it would be money well spent if it meant it would get me out of the queues and inside the museums toute de suite! (that’s french for asap)

Of the five days and four nights I spent in Paris, I covered a lot of ground. I worked out that with all the queue skipping I did  I was able to see more and save myself at least four and half hours of waiting around in queues. And it wasn’t even full peak season!

While not everything is included in the Paris Pass , it definitely made a difference in being able to stick to my jam-packed itinerary. The  Paris Pass  is available as a 2, 3, 4 or 6-day pass. If you’re unsure which one to get, just round up! I got the 3-day pass thinking it would be enough. Well, it wasn’t. But, as luck would have it, after visiting the Rodin Museum on the final day of my pass, a kind American lady gave me her 6-day pass which wasn’t due to expire for another 2 days! Even though her name was on the pass, no one ever checked. Thank you, Margaret, wherever you are :)

So, what’s included in the Paris Pass I hear you ask? Well, there’s lots of good stuff, like the hop-on hop-off bus ride, free public transportation, and entrance to over 60 attractions, but my favourite is its fast-track entry to the most important attractions. For more, visit my guide on cheap and free things to do in Paris.

Updated Aug 2021: Due to the major fire that took place at Notre Dame on April 15, 2019, the cathedral is temporarily closed until further notice whilst restoration works take place. Updates can be found and donations can be made via the official Notre Dame website.

Wondering how to plan your 4 days in Paris? Here’s my complete Paris 4 day itinerary!

Map of Things to do in Paris in 4 Days

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner. 

Click on this interactive map and see where this itinerary will take you. I’ve created this map using Google Maps which you can save and use as you travel around.

The coloured pins represent different pockets of the island to explore each day. Click on any pin for more information. Day 1 – Blue pins Day 2 – Orange pins Day 3 – Pink pins Day 4 – Yellow pins

Day 1 Itinerary – Blue Pins

1. get lost in the world’s largest museum, the louvre.

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - lourve

As Paris’ biggest drawcard you won’t want to wait until the last day before checking the world’s greatest art museum off your list. My advice? Go the morning of your first day in Paris. You’ll need all the time you can get to see all 675,000 square feet of the world’s largest art museum.

This beautiful building was originally built to protect Parisians against Viking attacks in the 12th-century.

Can you believe that in the 15th-century the French kings refused to go inside since they disliked the huge building? It wasn’t until 1793 that it became a museum during the French Revolution.

Apparently, if you wanted to see everything in the Louvre it would take 100 days and that’s if you looked at each item for 30 seconds, all day without a break! There are also several hundred thousand items not on display! That’s a lot of art!

The three unmissable pieces in the Louvre are, of course, the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo (an Ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite), and Winged Victory.

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - amor et psyche statue in the louvre

Amor et Psyche / Cupid and Psyche

Beyond these masterpieces, your best bet is to focus on whatever interests you the most, Ancient Rome, Renaissance, Ancient Egyptian,… the list goes on. My personal favourite thing to see is the works of Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio.

But for all its beauty, the Louvre can be a scary place. A mummy called Belphegor is said to haunt the museum while the nearby Tuileries Gardens are said to be haunted by a man dressed in red.

Tips on getting into the Louvre FAST!

  • About 8 million people visit the Louvre every year so you’re bound to encounter queues no matter that time you visit!
  • One tip to getting in quick is to enter through the shopping centre ‘Carrousel du Louvre’ from Rue de Rivoli. A lot of people don’t know that you can reach the main entrance underground simply by bypassing the entrance at street level.
  • Alternatively, head straight to the ‘Pyramide du Louvre’, flash your  Paris Pass card at the fast track queue and save yourself at least an hour in the queue. 
  • [Updated August 2019] As of the 1st August 2019, Paris Pass holders must pre-book a time slot for their visit to the Louvre. You can book by visiting the Paris Pass Redemption Centre when you collect your Paris Pass, or through the official Louvre website   but only once you have received your pass, as you will need your Paris Museum pass number.
  • To shave off more waiting time, avoid taking a backpack to avoid the security bag check.
  • After three hours in the Louvre you’ll be well and truly musée’d out. At this point, you’ll want to chillax in the sun and wander around Tuileries Gardens (Jardin des Tuileries). But before that, let’s swing past another top Parisian attraction.
  • The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

2. Get to know the gargoyles and chimera at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - view from notre dame

Believe it or not, the most visited monument in Paris is the Notre-Dame cathedral!

Cathédrale de Notre-Dame (Cathedral of Our Lady) is the symbolic heart of Paris and, for many, of France itself. Napoléon was crowned here, and kings and queens exchanged marriage vows before its altar.

There are a few things worth seeing inside the Gothic cathedral, but the real highlights are the exterior architectural details and the unforgettable view of Paris, framed by stone gargoyles, from the top of the south tower.

Construction began in 1163 and wasn’t completed until 1345. It was severely damaged during the Revolution and restored by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, Notre-Dame may not be France’s oldest or largest cathedral, but its beauty and architecture are indisputable.

paris top attractions notre dame

Tips on getting into Notre-Dame Cathedral FAST!

  • Gaining access to the cathedral itself is pretty quick, regardless of the length of the queue security is relatively quick. Again, lose the backpack if you can to speed up the process.
  • To access the tower for a beautiful panorama over Paris stretching from Sacré-Cœur all the way to the Eiffel Tower, just flash your  Paris Pass . Hot tip: During high season you’re required to book your entry via the free app “Jefile”. Check Paris Pass for more details.

Updated April 2019: Even though the cathedral is close, it’s still worth visiting. Access to the cathedral grounds will be restricted but you can get a decent view from Pont des coeurs and from the Left Bank (La Rive Gauche). Don’t forget that updates can be found and donations can be made via the official Notre Dame website.

3. Cross Pont Neuf

On your way to the next stop, stroll across Paris’ oldest standing bridge, Pont Neuf (‘Bridge Nine’). Its name, which was given to distinguish it from older bridges that were lined on both sides with houses still stands after all of those which were replaced.

4. Relax in the sun at Jardin des Tuileries

Now it’s time to relax!

Located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde is Tuileries Garden. There are park benches, chairs a plenty with the occasional baguette vendor and ice-cream stall.

These gardens were created by Catherine de Medici as the garden of the Tuileries Palace in 1564. After the death of her husband, Henry II, Queen Catherine de Medicis decided to move from her residence at the Chateau of Tournelles, near the Bastille, to the Louvre Palace. She decided to build a new palace there for herself, separate from the Louvre, with a garden modelled after the gardens of her native Florence.

5. See Monet’s Nymphéas (Water Lilies) at Musée de l’Orangerie

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - Musee de l'Orangerie

If you’re a keen Monet fan, then make a pit stop at Musée de l’Orangerie to see Monet’s famous water lily series.

While there are more works downstairs, personally, I only made a visit here to see Monet’s impressive works, which fill two large oval-shaped rooms.

There are eight, massive Nymphéas (water lilies) paintings which Monet painted late in his life. Monet immortalised his ‘jardin d’eau’ at his house in Giverny. The tableaux have an intense, dreamy quality which reflects the artist’s absorption in the private world of his garden.

Head downstairs for the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection of Impressionism and the Cézanne and Renoir portraits, along with works by Modigliani, Rousseau, Matisse, Picasso and Derain.

To get the most out of your visit, pay the 5 Euro for the audioguide.

Tips on getting into Musée de l’Orangerie FAST!

  • Normally you can expect long queues here, but when I visited Musée de l’Orangerie it was fairly quiet because the day before all the museums were open for free.
  • If you’re visiting any other time, just show your  Paris Pass and walk straight in!

5. Stroll along Avenue des Champs-Élysées

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - champs elysees

You’ve heard about it, you’ve seen it in countless photos, but can you pronounce it?

Repeat after me. Shomps-eh-lee-zeh.

Now that you can pronounce it, now let’s learn more about it!

The Champs-Elysées meaning “Elysian Fields” (heaven or paradise) is one of the most luxurious and expensive streets in the world. Only London’s Bond Street is more expensive.

The houses on Champs-Élysées have annual rents as high as €1.1 million (US$1.5 million) per 1,100 square feet (92.9 square meters) of space.

Up until 1616, Champs-Élysées was full of market gardens and open fields. Queen of France, Marie de Medici, decided to lengthen the Tuileries Garden by planting trees, the horse chestnut trees still stand today. When it was extended, the avenue wasn’t yet named Champs-Élysées, this didn’t happen until 1709.

The French proudly call their world-famous boulevard “la plus belle avenue du monde” (“the world’s most beautiful avenue”).

6. Visit Paris’ most beautiful bridge, Alexandre III Bridge

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - Pont Alexandre III

Whilst strolling along Champs-Élysées, take a slight detour and visit one of the most elegant bridges in the world, Pont Alexandre III (Alexandre III Bridge).

It was originally built for the Exposition Universelle of 1900, an international world’s fair that introduced talking films, escalators, Russian nesting dolls, wireless telegraphy (radio), and the most powerful telescope ever built. Rudolf Diesel exhibited his new combustion engine which ran only on peanut oil, and the city staged the first Olympic Games outside of Greece. The fair introduced the Art Nouveau style into popular culture and for the first time, electric lights illuminated the City of Light.

8. Enjoy the Sunset on top of Arc de Triomphe

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - arc de triomphe sunset

Continuing up the Champs-Élysées, head towards Napolean’s Arc de Triomphe for sunset. Head to the top and take your time up here to enjoy the views over Paris. During summer it doesn’t close until 11 pm.

It will take you 284 steps to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe but the sweeping views of its geometric splendour between the arc of La Defense and the Louvre are totally worth it.

Fun fact: Anyone who has an accident whilst driving on the notoriously dangerous and chaotic nine-laned roundabout below will automatically have to pay 50% of the insurance claim, no matter whose fault it is!

The Arc de Triomphe was designed in 1806 on the orders of Emperor Napoleon to honour those who had died in the Napoleonic wars and French Revolutionary Wars. Beneath the arch is the grave of the unknown soldier who died in World War 1. The tomb represents the 1,500,000 soldiers who died during the war.

Tips on getting on top of the Arc de Triomphe FAST!

  • Sunset is a popular time to head to the top of the Arc de Triomphe so the ticket office queue is stupidly long. When I was there the queue was about 40-minutes long. No, thanks!
  • My tip? You got it! Show your  Paris Pass and skip the queue.

Day 2 Itinerary – Orange Pins

1. head to the top of the eiffel tower.

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - on top of eiffel tower

You’ve seen it from afar, now it’s time to get up close and personal with the Eiffel Tower. Depending on how much willpower you have, I say aim to get here by 7 am. This area gets crazy busy and has a whole different vibe when you wander around without the crowds.

Start at Palais de Chaillot (Trocadero), wander across the beautiful bridge, Pont de Bir-Hakeim then make your way to the Eiffel Tower in time for it’s opening at 9:30 am. Maybe grab a few croissants and have breakfast on the lush green grass before heading to the ticket office.

Can you believe the Eiffel Tower is painted every 7 years using an estimated 60 tonnes of paint? It takes between 15 and 18 months to paint the entire thing!

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - eiffel tower

French engineer Gustave Eiffel spent two years working to erect this iconic monument for the World Exhibition of 1889. This is just one reason, get the full history on why the Eiffel Tower was built. It took 300 workers two years to complete the tower. Only one worker died during the construction thanks to safety precautions insisted upon by the architects. 

Make sure you come back from one night to watch the light show which happens every hour on the hour for 5 minutes from 9 pm to 1 am.

Tips on getting on top of the Eiffel Tower FAST!

  • Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to the top of the Eiffel Tower other than to arrive early.
  • If you want to head to the very top, make sure you jump in either the west or east entrances which are clearly marked.
  • Reaching the second level is fairly quick and easy, things slow down once you try and head to the very top. Allow a good 40 minutes here for these lifts.

2. Have lunch at Luxembourg Gardens

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - luxembourg gardens

I’ve been to Paris twice before but somehow I managed to skip Luxembourg Gardens. I had no idea what I was missing. This time I made it!

Built in the 17th century, the gardens are beautifully landscaped with hundreds of statues, monuments and fountains – including the first model of the Statue of Liberty by Frédéric Bartholdi.

Bordered by the hip Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, these lovely gardens are a favourite amongst Parisians.

You can easily spend an entire day wandering around this city park. It’s the second largest park in Paris and is the garden of the French Senate.

There are a few ice-cream stands here and a surprisingly good café. Grab a salad, pizza, or baguette to take away and enjoy your lunch on the lawn or park benches.

3. Visit the temple of the Republic, the Panthéon

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - the pantheon

After lunch, head across the road to the Panthéon or “temple of the Republic” as it is sometimes called.

Before my recent trip to Paris, I didn’t know much about the Panthéon, but since it was included in the  Paris Pass I made sure to pay a visit. This place is im-press-ive! A real gem.

I learned that it was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron Saint of Paris. Today, it functions as a secular mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens. In the crypt are the remains of Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie amongst many others.

Tips on getting into the Panthéon FAST!

  • I doubt you’ll encounter any queues here, I walked straight in. Maybe because it was an hour before closing time.
  • But since it’s covered with your  Paris Pass , you won’t have to wait in any queues any. Wohoo!

4. Mosey on down the Seine on a Bateau Mouche

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - cruise down the seine river

There’s nothing quite like seeing Paris from a boat, make sure you leave time for a cruise on the Seine.

Included in the  Paris Pass is 1-hour tour of Paris where you’ll see many of its beautiful bridges up close, not to mention a unique viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Pont Alexandre III and a whole lot more. The departure is on the bank near Eiffel Tower.

5. See the Best View of Paris from Montparnasse Tower

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - Montparnasse Tower sunset

It may be the ugliest building in Paris, but the views from the top of Montparnasse Tower are unbeatable.

The best part of the 360 view is that you can actually enjoy it outside on their viewing deck which even has a bar! This is another great spot to end your day and unwind, not closing until 11:30 pm.

They say that from up here is the best view of Paris because it’s the only place in the city where you can’t see the tower! Yep, it’s one of those hideous 70s buildings that ruins any skyline.

Tips on getting on top of the Montparnasse Tower FAST!

  • I recommend heading here two hours or so before sunset. Again, it’s another popular sunset spot so allow for both the queue downstairs and elevator ride up. You’ll find lots of photographers up here since it’s the only place in Paris that allows tripods without a permit.
  • While you can skip the ticket queue with your  Paris Pass , unfortunately, you can’t skip the queue to the elevator. So, arrive early and leave ample time to get to the top.

Day 3 Itinerary – Pink Pins

1. step inside the beautiful  basilique du sacré cœur.

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - sacre couer

This beautiful castle-like basilica is located in the charming area of Montmartre. This has to be the most photogenic part of Paris with its steep staircases, quaint shops, and narrow streets.

Sacré-Coeur was commissioned by the French government in 1873 to symbolise the return of self-confidence after the devastating years of the Commune and Franco-Prussian War.

Construction lasted until World War I, and the church was finally consecrated in 1919.

Tips on getting into Sacré-Couer FAST!

  • Since entrance is free, there is no queue-skipping. When I visited on a steamy hot summer’s day, I walked straight in after a quick bag search.
  • The basilica and adjoining square which is full of restaurants and Parisian artist stalls get very busy, but since Sacré-Couer opens as early as 6:30 am, hypothetically you could go early to avoid all the chaos.
  • No matter what time you go you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get in; much like the situation over at Notre-Dame.

2. Snap some very Instagrammable Parisian hot spots

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - plaza dalida

You’ll be hard pressed to keep your camera in your bag whilst wandering around Montmartre’s cute streets and seeing its cool street art.

One of my personal favourites is snapping the windy road from Dalida Plaza which leads the eye up to the dome of Sacre-Coeur at the top of the street.

Next, swing past 1 Rue du Calvaire, this is one of the nicest staircases in the area.

3. Check out the Wall of Love

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - le mur de je t'aime

Located in a small garden square in Place des Abbesses is Le mur de je t’aime , (literally, The Wall of “I Love You’)

Since Paris is the city of love, it’s only fitting that a couple of local artists created this mural that features “I Love You” scrawled 311 times in 250 different languages and dialects.

The mural spans 40 square metres (430 sq ft) and is composed of 612 enamelled lava tiles. And those red specks? Well, they symbolise parts of a broken heart.

The idea for the wall came from Frederic Baron, who began collecting I love yous in 1992. He then teamed up with artist and calligrapher Claire Kito who drew the mural. It’s not far from the gleaming white Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

4. See the Man Stuck in a Wall (Le passe-muraille)

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - Le passe-muraille

Le Passe-Muraille (the Passer-Through-Walls) is one of the coolest statues/sculptures I’ve ever seen. Its name is the title of a story by Marcel Aymé about a man named Dutilleul who discovers that he can (you guessed it) walk through walls!

As the story goes, Dutilleul was a civil servant from Montmartre who discovers his amazing ability. At first, he uses it to get back at his manager who constantly humiliated him.

Dutilleul then moves on to burglaries, leaving notes signed, “Garou-Garou” — a funny name that really doesn’t translate well; “Garou” is part of the French word for werewolf, so “Garou-Garou” is sort of like “Wolf-Wolf”? English translations of the story have him calling himself “The Lone Wolf”.

Anyway, somehow he gets himself caught and thrown in La Santé prison from which he escapes to go have lunch in a café. He then sends word to the prison warden asking him to come and settle the bill.

Of course, there is a love interest involved and lots of sneaking through walls to avoid her oblivious husband.

In the end, Dutilleul gets himself permanently stuck in a wall. Hence the cool statue.

The statue is situated in Place Marcel-Aymé, a two-minute walk from Dalida Plaza in Montmartre.

5. Walk La Promenade Plantée

Love New York’s High Line? Then don’t miss La Promenade Plantée.

Just like in New York, La Promenade Plantée is a tree-lined walkway on an old elevated railway line in east Paris.

The 4.5km trail is a wonderful way to explore the city, taking you up and down staircases, across viaducts, above the streets and sneak a peek into the apartments that overlook it.

The walkway also runs over the Viaduc des Arts; a bridge in which the arches are now occupied by galleries.

I really recommend visiting on a weekday where you will only bump into a few pedestrians and some joggers, the weekends I hear are much more crowded.

Day 4 Itinerary – Yellow Pins

1. see the impressionists at musée d’orsay.

Paris has so many museums so it can be difficult to know where to go. Visit Musée d’Orsay to see the world’s largest collection of Impressionist masterpieces by the likes of Cézanne, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Degas, Gaugin, and many others.

The building itself is a piece of art having been transformed from one of Paris’s grand old Beaux-Arts railway stations.

Tips on getting into Musée d’Orsay FAST!

Naturally, Musée d’Orsay is included in the  Paris Pass so you won’t have any problems with queuing up. Musée d’Orsay does get very busy but nothing in comparison to the waiting times at the Louvre.

Remember, Musée d’Orsay is closed on Monday’s along with many other museums.

2. See ‘The Thinker’ at Musée Rodin

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - rodin museum the thinker

I never tire of visiting Musée Rodin, perhaps it’s because it’s both an indoor and outdoor museum. Rodin’s best work is showcased in the gardens as well as in the great sculptor’s studio at his stately 18th-century mansion.

This has to be one of Paris’s most beautiful museums. There are more than 6,000 of Rodin’s sculptures here, including his great masterpieces The Thinker, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais, and The Gates of Hell, along with 8,000 drawings and gouaches.

Head out into the gardens and relax by the fountain, wander around the rose gardens, and grab something to eat at the outdoor café.

paris itinerary 4 days - what to do in paris in 4 days - rodin museum garden

Tips on getting into Musée Rodin FAST!

Queues won’t be a problem at Musée Rodin, but it’s nice to know you can walk straight in with your  Paris Pass .

If you have a backpack, you’ll be asked to wear it in front of you to avoid knocking any artwork and sculptures.

Open from 10 am – 5:45 pm, Musée Rodin is closed Monday.

4. Relax in Palais-Royal Gardens

Far from the noise and bustle, these serene formal gardens and elegant shops tucked behind the walls of a 17th-century palace are a delightful haven and one of Paris’s best-kept secrets.

The garden is the only one in Paris classified as “Remarkable Garden” by the French Ministry of Culture.

This used to be a royal residence, now the arcades and manicured gardens are home to world-class perfumers, antiquaries and designer boutiques—including Marc Jacobs, Rick Owens, Stella McCartney, and Pierre Hardy and two of France’s most important glove makers (Maison Fabre and Lavabre Cadet).

The large inner courtyard (cour d’honneur) of the palace is separated from the garden by a double row of columns, the Orleans Gallery.

Don’t miss the large scale work of art known as ‘les colonnes de Buren’. Designed by Daniel Buren, it comprises of 260 black and white striped octagonal columns of unequal height. Very controversial at the time is was created in 1986.

4. See all of Picasso’s masterpieces at Musée Picasso

After a five-year makeover that cost an estimated €52 million, Musée Picasso has finally reopened!

This museum has the world’s largest public collection of Picasso’s impressive work spread across almost 54,000 square feet.

There are over 300 paintings alone including Picasso’s famous large Cubist paintings all the way through his Surrealist works representing the Spanish Civil War.

The sculptures on show mostly come from Picasso’s personal studio and so are lesser known.

Tips on getting into Musée Picasso FAST!

  • The Picasso museum is another gem included in the  Paris Pass . Whenever you arrive, you’ll be fast-tracked into the museum toute de suite !
  • The Picasso museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Heading to France? Download my free French Travel Phrase guide here.

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Paris

Whether you’re on a budget or want to splash out, there are loads of great accommodation options in Paris. For a real Parisian experience, read all about my stay at the charming  Hôtel Thérèse   or when I stayed at  Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche  and had breakfast on the balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower! Both hotels offer a unique experience which I can’t recommend highly enough.

Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche Breakfast on Balcony

So, that’s it! Got a question? Ask me in the comments section below.

4 day trip in paris

Staying Longer in Paris? Add these to your itinerary

  • See a show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge
  • Visit Palace of Versailles Small-Group Tour with Private Viewing of the Royal Quarters
  • Eiffel Tower Visit with Picnic-Style Lunch, Champagne and Trocadero View Seating
  • Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip
  • Chateaux de Chambord, Chenonceau and Loire Valley Wine-Tasting Day Trip from Paris
  • Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris including Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau
  • Go to Disneyland!
  • See the Gardens that Inspired Monet’s Waterlily paintings, visit Monet’s Home & Garden’s in Giverny

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Paris itinerary 4 days - What to do in Paris in 4 days

Over to you!

Do you have a question about visiting Paris? Ask me below! Have you visited Paris?  What other things would you recommend doing in Paris? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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4 day trip in paris

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4 day trip in paris

hi …. can i skip day three and just go to versaille?

Hi Jeanmarie, of course you can :) Versaille is incredible!

4 day trip in paris

Hi Michelle Thank you for info for 4 days in Paris, very timely. I’m going to Paris in 2 weeks time and it’s my first time there, looking forward to seeing some of your recommendations.

Hi Alex, my absolute pleasure :) I’m so excited for you. You’ll have a wonderful time. Let me know if there is anything missing or worth adding to the itinerary :)

4 day trip in paris

Hey Michele

Thank you for all the helpful hints and tips.

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4 Days in Paris: Complete Itinerary & Insider Tips

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Planning your 4 days in Paris getaway and feeling a bit overwhelmed? I know how tricky it can be to craft the perfect itinerary.

You want to catch all the famous spots, discover some secret corners, and, of course, dive into the fantastic food scene. It’s quite a puzzle to put all these pieces together, especially if you’re not familiar with the city yet.

You’ve landed in just the right place! As a Paris insider , I’ve crafted the ultimate 4-day itinerary for you , packed with everything needed for a fabulous trip. This plan is your gateway to experiencing the best of Paris in a short but memorable stay.

Here’s a breakdown of what this article covers:

  • 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
  • Comprehensive Map with Key Destinations
  • Culinary Recommendations
  • Hotel suggestions perfectly in line with this itinerary
  • Local Insights and Travel Suggestions

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Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Restaurant in Paris with Haussmann Buildings in the background

Paris in 4 Days: Everything you need to know

Before we jump into the itinerary for 4 days in Paris, let’s first address some common pitfalls that many travelers to Paris encounter. I’m placing this crucial information upfront so it’s not missed.

Paris, renowned for its enchanting allure and stunning sights, is a great choice for short getaways. In my Facebook group (which you’re welcome to join here for free ), I often come across travelers sharing experiences of scams, miscommunications, feelings of being taken advantage of, or running into unexpected situations.

The best way to sidestep these issues and ensure a fantastic trip is to be aware of the typical mistakes tourists make in Paris before you set off on your journey!

Paris Essentials: Must-Have Travel Items

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4 day trip in paris

Common Scams and Pitfalls to Avoid

To keep this section concise, I’ve included links to additional resources that will be useful as you prepare for your trip.

  • Stay Alert for Scams: Be sure to read our article on the most frequent scams in Paris and learn how to safeguard yourself. (you find it here: Scams in Paris here )
  • Advance Booking for the Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower often gets fully booked weeks ahead. Secure your tickets early, like you can do here .
  • Keep Your Metro Ticket: Always retain your metro ticket until the end of your journey. Failure to present it upon inspection can lead to fines, and excuses won’t help. Also, check out our guide to navigating the Paris Metro .
  • Greet with ‘Bonjour’: Always start interactions (in restaurants, shops, or with tour guides) with a ‘Bonjour’. Many perceive the French as unfriendly, without realizing the importance of this polite greeting in French culture.
  • Saving Money in Paris: For tips on enjoying Paris on a budget, take a look at our Paris Budget Guide .

The Eiffel Tower as seen from the Galeries Lafayette: one of the stops on your 4 days paris itinerary.

All-Inclusive Pass: Save Time & Money

— visit as many attractions in Paris as you like — valid for 4 days — Includes more than 90 landmarks, museums & attractions — for example: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Hop on Hop off Tour, Wine Tasting, Seine Cruise and many more

Your Perfect Four Days in Paris Itinerary

So, here’s the 4 days Paris itinerary you’ve been waiting for. Don’t forget to also look at my hotel suggestions, which you’ll find right after the itinerary.

✦ Day 1 – Paris Itinerary

You have arrived, you are in Paris ! Bienvenue! Today, you are going to check off a sightseeing tour, the Eiffel Tower, The Arc de Triomphe, and the Marais from your bucket list.

Sightseeing Bus Tour (Morning)

(included in the Paris All-Inclusive Pass )

Begin your first day in Paris at a leisurely pace: opt for a classic bus sightseeing tour .

It’s an ideal way to ease travel weariness and jetlag. Just sit back, unwind, and soak in your initial impressions of Paris.

A bus tour’s big plus is its efficiency – you’ll get a snapshot of the city in a short time. This overview eases any pressure to see ‘everything’ in the next four days. Additionally, the audio guide offers a wealth of information, more than you might gather on a guided walk.

best things to do with teens in paris: a bus tour

The Eiffel Tower (Lunch / Early Afternoon)

No Paris trip is truly complete without seeing its most iconic symbol, the Eiffel Tower. To bypass long lines and secure your spot, it’s wise to book your tickets well in advance.

The Eiffel Tower tickets often sell out weeks ahead , especially if you are traveling over the weekend.

You have the option to book directly through the Eiffel Tower’s official website or through a ticket provider like Get Your Guide . I find Get Your Guide more convenient – their tickets tend to be available on shorter notice, and they offer full refunds up to 24 hours before.

  • Eiffel Tower Summit, buy tickets here .
  • For Direct Access to the 2nd Floor, buy tickets here .
  • For the Eiffel Tower & Seine Cruise Combo, buy tickets here .

The Eiffel Tower as seen from Rive Droite near the Trocadero

Lunch by the Eiffel Tower

Looking for a memorable lunch spot near the Eiffel Tower? How about dining right on the tower itself? On its first floor, you’ll find the charming Madame Brasserie .

The place is run by the celebrated chef Thierry Marx , a big name in France’s culinary scene. He’s not just a Michelin Star recipient for his past ventures, but also known for his role as a judge on ‘Top Chef’. These are just a few feathers in his cap.

Lunch at Madame Brasserie is a treat, and surprisingly, it won’t completely break the bank. It offers an affordable yet exquisite 3-course menu , coupled with skip-the-line access to the 1st floor and a view that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

Curious to see if they’re available during your visit? Take a look at their availability for your travel dates right here .

Budget Lunch Around the Eiffel Tower

If you’re on the hunt for a more budget-friendly lunch choice, I’d suggest Galettes . Absolutely, I’m a big fan of this French specialty, typical of the Bretagne (Brittany) region.

Galette with ham, Cheese and an egg on top

Galettes are these delicious, hearty crêpes made from buckwheat flour , and they come with various fillings like cheese, ham, or a fried egg. It’s traditional to pair them with a cup of cider, and then follow up with a sweet crêpe for dessert. Yum!

There are a few good Crêperies nearby the Eiffel Tower. For example, Les Frères Bretons . (You can book a table online with TheFork and save €10 on your bill with my code 83FDC2B7)

Arc de Triomphe (Afternoon)

A mere 25-minute walk or a quick metro hop from the Eiffel Tower takes you to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. This grand monument, a symbol of national pride, was commissioned by Napoleon to honor French war achievements.

Standing at the head of the Champs-Élysées, it’s one of the largest arches globally, offering a stunning view of Paris from above.

The Arc de Triomphe is more than just a landmark; it’s a pivotal part of Paris’ rich tapestry. Interested in its intriguing story? Dive into our article with 35 captivating facts about the Arc de Triomphe .

The Arc de Triomphe - a must-see for a 4 days trip to Paris! A highlight on every 4 days in Paris itinerary

The Arc de Triomphe sits on a line with the Place de la Concorde on one side and the modern Arc de la Défense on the other, creating a striking scene for photography enthusiasts.

But, when you’re heading to visit the Arc de Triomphe, you might ponder the best way to reach it. This iconic structure is perched right in the middle of Paris’ bustling Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as Étoile (Star), surrounded by a gigantic roundabout.

A word of advice: don’t try to cross the street above ground. There are underground walkways designed for safe crossings!

If you are holding a Paris All-Inclusive Pass , admission to the Arc de Triomphe is free. Otherwise, you need to grab a ticket at the booth to visit the Arc de Triomphe. The lines are generally short, so it shouldn’t take too long. Additionally, you can also prepurchase your ticket here.

Marais in Paris, rainbow umbrellas in Paris

Le Marais (Later Afternoon / Evening)

Once you’ve marveled at the panoramic views of Paris and the whirl of traffic encircling the Arc de Triomphe, hop on Metro Line 1 to Hôtel de Ville, a must-visit for your “what to do in Paris in 4 days” list.

If time’s on your side, consider a leisurely walk down the Champs Élysée towards the Hôtel de Ville, Paris’ Town Hall. It’s a total of 5 km, but you can always shorten the journey by catching the Metro Line 1 at any point.

At Hôtel de Ville, begin your exploration of the Marais. This area was once the aristocratic district of Paris pre-French Revolution . Today, it’s celebrated for housing one of the largest Jewish communities in Paris and being a hub for LGTB culture.

Roaming the Marais is a delight – its cobbled alleys, quaint designer boutiques, vintage shops, and a plethora of cafes and bars make it an enchanting place to wander and explore, perfect for adding to your 4-day Paris itinerary.

Marais in Paris with cherry blossoms and pedestrian street

Dinner in the Marais

The Marais is one of the areas of Paris that is known for its bars and restaurants. Being the Jewish quarter of Paris, it’s not surprising that it’s the go-to area if you want to eat a superb Falafel.

“L’As du Fallafel” is probably the most famous food stall within the area, and it’s known to be the favorite Falafel place of Lenny Kravitz. If you’re up for something casual, you really don’t want to miss this place. You can either eat in the restaurant or get a sandwich to take away.

Do you prefer to enjoy some classic French food in a cozy Parisian restaurant ? No problem! Have dinner at the Camille  and try typical french cuisine with snails (they have other starters, too, no worries), Magret de Canard, and a yummy Crème brûlée.

Alternatively, pick one of these restaurants:

  • La table cachée par Michel Roth
  • Les Enfants Rouges
  • BigLove (Vegetarian & Vegan Trattoria)

It’s a good idea to reserve a table beforehand: Parisian restaurants can get quite crowded, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get a table if you just drop in.

Tip: book a table online with TheFork and save €10 on your bill with my code 83FDC2B7.

4 day trip in paris

✦ Day 2 of 4 Days in Paris

Following a restful night, kick off your day in true French style: enjoy a coffee paired with a croissant (or a baguette with jam and butter) at a local café. And if you’re watching your budget, opt to stay at the bar – it’s pricier to sit down!

Don’t miss our Paris Mistake post to avoid the most popular tourist traps and silly Paris mistakes!

The Louvre (Morning)

Ready to start your day? Head to the Louvre. Without a Paris Pass, it’s wise to get a skip-the-line ticket beforehand and dive straight into the exhibits. But if you have a Paris Pass, you’re all set.

Just make sure to reserve a time slot for your visit on the Louvre Website . (I explain this point a bit further down)

Truth be told, you could spend all four days of your Paris trip in the Louvre and still not see everything. That’s why I highly recommend the official audio guide. It’s not just informative about the exhibits, but the best part are the curated tours.

You might also be interested in these articles:

  • Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide
  • 20 Famous Paintings in the Louvre you can’t miss!
  • 16 Art Museums in Paris you shouldn’t miss!

The “masterpieces” tour was a personal favorite. You can download it on your mobile device or rent a Nintendo DS at the Louvre for €5.

I’m not an art buff myself and don’t know much about it, but the audio guide significantly enhanced my Louvre experience. It helped me understand and appreciate what I was seeing!

The Pyramide of the Louvre by Night

How to enter the Louvre as fast as possible?

To get into the Louvre as fast as possible, avoid the entrance through the pyramid in the courtyard. The entrance through the shopping mall “Carrousel du Louvre” is always less frequented.

Just know that regardless of which ticket you purchased, you always have to go through security checks.

I got the Paris All-Inclusive Pass . How do I reserve my Louvre ticket?

Even if you hold the Paris pass and won’t have to pay for admission, you need to reserve your time slot in advance. It’s pretty easy, though, and you can reserve your timed slot through this link and pick the free entrance option.

Opening times of the Louvre

Daily (except Tuesdays): 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.

Closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25

Rooms begin closing 30 minutes before museum closing time.

Le Nemours - lunch and coffee spot just next to the Louvre

Lunch near the Louvre

After spending the morning enjoying breathtaking art at the Louvre, it’s best to have lunch nearby. The Louvre is very centrally located in a very busy and rather expensive area of Paris .

If you’re not on a shoestring budget, you’ll find easily a restaurant to have lunch and to rest a little.

Otherwise, or if you want to plan ahead, just take a look at The Fork . You can book the restaurants directly online and often get even 20% or more off your bill . And if not, you can always use my code 83FDC2B7 for a €10 reductions.

My tip: Have Lunch at Baguett’Café. It’s a quite hip brunch and lunch place with delicious pancakes and French toast. It is a bit pricey though for what it is, and the portions are rather small.

Lunch near the Louvre

Sainte-Chapelle (Afternoon)

After exploring one of Paris’ top attractions and savoring a delicious lunch, your next stop should be the stunning Sainte Chapelle. This Gothic chapel stands as one of the most awe-inspiring structures in the city and is a must-see in Paris in 4 days.

Sainte Chapelle is known for its remarkable stained-glass windows made in the 13th century . These windows, encompassing 15 large panels and a rose window, intricately depict various biblical scenes.

The way light filters through the vibrant colors and detailed designs creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, turning the chapel into a spectacle of light and color. Fingers crossed you’re visiting on a sunny day, it’s purely magical.

If you have a Paris All-Inclusive Pass , you’ll be glad to know the entrance is included. If not, it’s a good idea to get your ticket in advance here .

Sainte Chapelle in Paris

Notre Dame (Afternoon)

Now’s the perfect time for a leisurely stroll. Just a short walk from Sainte Chapelle, you’ll find the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral. While the 2019 incident means you can’t go inside currently, the exterior still makes for a great photo opportunity.

The area around the cathedral is quite restricted, but you can still find some excellent spots for pictures. Try capturing it from one of the nearby bridges, or get a unique view from the upper-floor window of the famous English bookstore in Paris , Shakespeare & Company.

My Tip: Right next to the bookstore, you find the pastry shop Odette . They have delicious choux pastry, filled with sweet and fruity creams.

Traveling to Paris alone - what to do in Paris alone

From Notre Dame, make your way across one of the bridges connecting Île-de-la-Cité to the left bank of the Seine. The vicinity of the St. Michel fountain serves as an ideal spot to begin exploring central Paris and the Latin Quarter at a pace that suits you.

The Latin Quarter: A highlight in any Paris in 4 days itinerary

The Latin Quarter is an excellent area to cover some essential “must-see in Paris in 4 days” locations. The map below will provide you with a glimpse of the many sights you can enjoy simply by meandering through the Latin Quarter.

A standout spot in the Latin Quarter is the Jardin du Luxembourg . It’s not only one of Paris’ largest parks but also among its most iconic. It’s the perfect place to relax, whether that’s sitting back in one of the green chairs with a good book or enjoying a sandwich from a nearby bakery.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is also an ideal spot for a game of Pétanque. This traditional French boule game might not be fast ball game , but it certainly can get heated. It’s equally fun to watch or join in.

And here’s a fun fact: within the Jardin, you’ll find beehives and even a Statue of Liberty replica!

The Panthéon (Afternoon)

Good to know: if you want to visit the inside of the Pantheon, you better head there right after Sainte-Chapelle and visit the rest of the Latin quarter afterward. Last access is at 17:15.

A short stroll from Jardin du Luxembourg takes you to the magnificent Panthéon. Perched on Mount Sainte-Geneviève , its dome is visible across the city, marking a significant point in the Parisian skyline.

More than just a temple, the Panthéon serves as a mausoleum for some of France’s most illustrious citizens, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Marie Curie. Paris Pass holders enjoy free entry, while others can secure their tickets here .

Pantheon View Point in Paris, don't wonder what to do in paris for 4 days

Dinner in the Latin Quarter

While they might seem appealing and budget-friendly, it’s better to skip the quaint, attractive restaurants near St. Michel. The eateries along Rue de la Harpe and Rue de la Huchette cater primarily to tourists.

They’re not utterly terrible, but for a little extra, you can find much better quality food just a few streets away, where the culinary experience is more authentic and satisfying. 4 Days in Paris is just too short for mediocre food.

Read more about popular Paris mistakes and silly tourist traps here !

Evening: Dinner at Rue Mouffetard

Just a stone’s throw from St. Michel, Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter is an excellent spot for dining out. This pedestrian street is steeped in history, being one of Paris’ oldest roads, dating back to Roman times.

Nestled on the hill of Sainte-Geneviève, Rue Mouffetard was left unchanged by Baron Haussmann, the architect behind the iconic Haussmann buildings that shape much of Paris. This has preserved its old-world charm, complete with cobbled streets and buildings that feel almost medieval, something you shouldn’t miss if you are in Paris for 4 days.

Today, Rue Mouffetard is celebrated for its daily market and array of specialty shops . A perfect place to pick up French delicacies and gourmet treats to take home – think cheeses, cold cuts, wines, pastries, and more. It’s a true treasure trove for food lovers.

It’s a favorite spot among Parisians for dining out or enjoying a drink, offering something for every taste

My restaurant recommendations in the Latin Quarter are:

  • Restaurant Narro upscale French Japanese
  • TranTranZai budget friendly
  • Maison Perché Modern French / International ( save €10 with code 83FDC2B7 )
  • Au Bon Coin French Bistro ( save €10 with code 83FDC2B7 )

Rue Mouffetard is a hidden gem of Paris that not many people know. It's in the Latin quarter and a pedestrian street

✦ Day 3 – Paris Itinerary

Start your day with the essential Parisian breakfast of a croissant and café, and then head out to visit the Musée d’Orsay.

Musée d’Orsay (Morning)

The Musée d’Orsay is renowned for its impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces , making it a top pick for things to do in Paris in 4 days. Get ready to admire works by Monet, Renoir, Sezane, and van Gogh.

Personally, I also found the replica of Rodin’s Gate to Hell most impressive.

But it’s not just the art work that’s worth seeing at the Musée d’Orsay. The building itself is a gem, offering a fantastic photo spot. From the old clock in this former railway station , you can get a unique view of the Louvre.

If you have a Paris Pass , you can enter the Musée d’Orsay for free. If not, you can buy your entrance ticket here .

Musee d'Orsay inside, former train station hall

Opening times of the Musée d’Orsay

Daily (except Mondays): 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. (room clearing starts at 5:15 pm) Thursdays: 9:30 a.m.–9:45 p.m. (room clearing starts at 9:15 pm)

Closed on Mondays, May 1, and December 25

Lunch at the Musée d’Orsay

To make the most of your time, consider having lunch at the Musée d’Orsay. They offer four different lunching options, ranging from upscale gastronomy restaurants to snack bars. hence, more or less suitable for all budgets.

Alternatively, you can grab a sandwich from a nearby bakery or even buy one in the morning. It’s your cheapest option.

Cruise on the River Seine (Early Afternoon)

After enjoying some fabulous art head over to the Seine and take a cruise on the Seine. This river cruise , which is covered by the Paris Pass, opens up an entirely different perspective on Paris for you.

If you don’t have a Paris Pass, you can reserve your spot on a Seine riverboat here .

A Seine river cruise is a lovely way for you to take in the beautiful views of Paris. You’ll sail past the Eiffel Tower, the Grand, and the Petit Palais, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, and Pont Alexandre III , among other sights.

Don’t worry if the weather isn’t ideal; you can sit inside and still admire Paris through the panoramic windows.

If you’re traveling to Paris with kids , a river cruise is sure to be an enjoyable and memorable experience for them. My kids, even though native Parisians, love it.

what to do in Paris for 4 days? definitely a Seine River Cruise!

Cemetery Père Lachaise (Afternoon)

( a walking tour of the Cemetery is included in the Paris All-Inclusive Pass )

For the afternoon, let’s venture a bit beyond the city center – it’s just a quick metro ride away. Père Lachaise Cemetery , one of Paris’ oldest and largest cemeteries , offers a truly unique atmosphere.

But there’s more to it than just its ambiance. The list of famous figures resting here is remarkable : Chopin, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Molière, and many others.

At each entrance, you’ll find maps pinpointing the exact locations of these notable graves. It’s a good idea to snap a photo of the map on your phone to help navigate the sprawling grounds. On busy weekend days, you might even be greeted by an employee who will provide you with a free paper map.

And while looking for the famous graves, don’t miss the other intriguing tombs – they range from slightly eerie to beautifully solemn, adding to the cemetery’s rich complexity.

the cemetery pere lachaise with it's cobblestone lanes and old graves

By the way, did you already watch the latest season of the Lupin Series on Netflix? The creepy graveyard scene was produced here, on the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Dinner around the Père Lachaise Cemetery

Although Père Lachaise Cemetery is a bit outside my usual area, I can still recommend two restaurants nearby. I’ve dined/lunched at both and truly enjoyed the experience.

  • L’Ami Justin – Brasserie & Couscous (I loved the Couscous)
  • Le Sot l’Y Laisse – French Upscale Restaurant

4 day trip in paris

If you are lucky, you might even get a table at Septime . The most affordable Michelin Star Restaurant in Paris. But don’t get your hopes up too high, I have been trying to get a table since January 2023.

Discover Paris’ Bar Scene (Evening)

After your trip to Père Lachaise, head to a vibrant area for an evening out, located between Voltaire, Bastille, and République. It’s an easy walk from Père Lachaise.

This neighborhood offers a wide array of bar and nightlife options. You’ll find everything from cozy cocktail bars and local breweries to speakeasies and music-focused spots, including metal and rock bars. My personal favorites include:

  • Fréquence Great Cocktails, Snacks & Music
  • Fauve Parisian Brewery with a large choice on tab
  • Mezcaleria Speakeasy bar specialized on Cocktails & Mezcal
  • Mobster B ar Prohibition Style Speakeasy Bar

For more options and my absolute favorites when it comes to cocktails and speakeasy bars, take a look at these posts. It’s curated lists of favorites of my husband and me:

  • 7 Best Speakeasy Bars in Paris for your Paris Agenda
  • 5 Cocktail Bars in Paris you need to try

4 day trip in paris

✦ Day 4 – Paris Itinerary

On your final day in the enchanting city of Paris, a visit to Montmartre is a must.

My Tip: If you are a holder of the Paris All-Inclusive Pass , start your day at the famous restaurant La Mère Catherine for a free hot drink and Macarons for breakfast. Or, if you want to start boozy, head to Au Cadet de Gascogne for free Champagne and Pastries. (or both!)

Historically, Montmartre was the heart of the French art scene . It’s where many renowned artists, including Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso, spent considerable time. While those days have passed, Montmartre retains its artistic essence. This isn’t just because of the artists painting around Place de Tertre or the numerous galleries.

However, Montmartre has become quite touristy, now home to more souvenir shops than art galleries. But there’s a way to experience a more authentic side of Montmartre: visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

La Maison Rose - Montmartre

Montmartre and the Sacre Cœur (Morning)

( a Montmarte walking tour is included in the Paris All-Inclusive Pass )

That’s precisely when your Montmartre adventure should begin: as early as possible, ideally before 10:00 a.m. This is before the souvenir shops open and before tourist buses start flocking to this quaint micro- arrondissement in Paris’s north.

The charming cobblestone streets, the local painters, the breathtaking view over Paris, and of course, the Sacré-Cœur… these are experiences you won’t want to miss. And they’re twice as magical when you can enjoy them without the throngs of other visitors.

For your visit to Montmartre, there’s no need for a rigid plan. The best way to explore is to meander slowly up the hill, taking as many side streets as you wish. Sure, you could head straight to the Sacré-Cœur and arrive in about five minutes, but the real magic of Montmartre lies in its detours.

You’ll stumble upon charming cafés, quaint boutiques, vibrant street art , galleries, unique architecture, and many hidden gems.

Montmartre has many stairs. On the left you see the Funiculair de Montmartre

Some Montmartre highlights you shouldn’t miss include:

  • Le mur des je t’aimes
  • La Maison Rose
  • The two remaining windmills
  • The bookstore and café at the Halle Saint Pierre
  • Le Passe-Muraille
  • The Montmartre Museum (I strongly recommend this one)

If you wish, you can travel the last bit up the hill by using The Montmartre Funicular . This train requires a regular Metro ticket.

Tip: Don’t buy a ticket from the guys who are offering cheap tickets. They are a scam.

I recommend descending from Montmartre via the quaint streets and steep stairs located behind the Sacré-Cœur. While the front of the basilica is bustling and touristy, the backside presents a stark contrast: it’s relaxed, quiet, and has an almost offbeat charm.

This area is less frequented by visitors, making it a worthwhile part of Montmartre to explore for a more authentic experience.

Carousel Montmartre with Sacre Coeur

Lunch in Montmartre

Montmartre is brimming with lunch options, making it a delightful dilemma to choose where to eat. I, personally, recommend Maison Rose. Despite its touristy reputation and location, I was pleasantly surprised: excellent food, and friendly, accommodating service.

They also offer vegan and vegetarian options. Just remember to book in advance, especially in high season.

Another great choice in Montmartre is Bouillon Pigalle . If you’re looking to savor traditional French cuisine without spending a lot, this is the place to go. It’s a popular spot, known for its authentic dishes and inviting atmosphere.

They don’t take reservations and you might have to queue, but eating in a Bouillon is an experience you don’t want to miss.

If you don’t know what a Bouillon Restaurant is, read my Bouillon article here and learn why it is so special.

If you’re not hungry yet, next to Opéra Garnier lies the Japanese Quarter of Paris , with some of the best Ramen in town.

Maison Rose Restaurant

Galeries Lafayette (Afternoon)

The next point on your ultimate 4 day in Paris itinerary are the magnificent Galeries Lafayette .

From Montmartre, the Galeries Lafayette is quite accessible. You have the option to walk – it’s about a 30-minute journey from the Sacré-Cœur – or, for a quicker route, you can catch the next Metro and be there in just a few minutes.

The Galeries Lafayette is renowned as a shopping paradise in Paris. If you’re looking to purchase perfume, makeup, a Longchamp handbag, or designer fashion, this is the place to be.

But even if (high-end) shopping isn’t on your Paris agenda, don’t skip a visit to the Galeries Lafayette. The store features an incredible rooftop terrace that’s free to access and offers a stunning view over Paris – a must-see for any visitor!

My Tip: A few months ago, I was lucky enough and joined this Macaron Baking Class in the Galeries Lafayette. It was a 90-min course that fits perfectly in tight schedules. And as a plus, with the Paris All-Inclusive Pass , the workshop is free.

view from the Lafayette over the Opéra Garnier

Opéra Garnier (Afternoon)

Right next to the Galeries Lafayette, you’ll find the Opéra Garnier. Constructed during the era of Napoleon III, the Opéra Garnier is also known as the Palais Garnier, a nod to its extravagant opulence.

This 19th-century neo-baroque building boasts one of the most stunning interiors in Paris. It has been the inspiration for numerous plays, including the famous “Phantom of the Opera!”

If you have an hour or 2 to spare, do visit. It’s remarkable! The tickets are, for once, not included in the Paris Pass, but you can buy them here .

Secret Covered Passages (Late Afternoon/ Evening)

Just a short distance from Galeries Lafayette, you can explore some of the most charming covered passages in Paris .

Start with Passage Choiseul, then wander through the picturesque Galerie Vivienne. From there, you can almost seamlessly transition to Passage de Panoramas, followed by Passage Jouffroy, and finally, Passage Verdeau.

Passage Jouffroy

These passages are remnants of the 18th century , a time when over 180 covered arcades were built to ensure the shopping enjoyment of the wealthy, even in rainy weather.

Today, only about 20 of these historical arcades remain, each offering a unique glimpse into Parisian history and architecture.

And they are still a lovely spot to shop. Especially the Passage Jouffroy has some lovely souvenir shops.

My Tip: If it’s time for a break or an early evening drink, Danico in the Galerie Vivienne is a top address. Elected as one of the best 100 bars in the world, you find it hidden behind the Italian restaurant Daroco. (Which I can warmly recommend as well).

Daroco Italian Restaurant Paris in the Galerie Vivienne

Day 4: Evening Entertainment

For your final evening in Paris, here are a few suggestions to make it memorable and end your vacation on a high note.

One option is Olivier Giraud’s comedy show, “ How To Become A Parisian in One Hour ?” While I haven’t seen it myself yet, I plan to do so soon. It comes highly recommended, with an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews.

Plus, it’s included in the Paris All-Inclusive Pass – well, who could have guessed that?

Another great final for your four days in Paris France is to experience a cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge. If this is what you opt in for, then absolutely make sure to reserve your tickets well in advance. On popular nights, it’s always sold out. You can check their availabilities here.

Moulin Rouge as a final of this Paris in four days itinerary

Or, you could simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets of Paris at night .

However, my personal favorite is to embark on a night sightseeing tour in a classic CV2 ca r – it’s a truly unique way to see the city’s highlights under the stars and a worthy final. Check rates and schedules here.

Map of your Paris 4 Days Itinerary

Want to know where you’ll be going to? Check the map below to see your destinations per day. You can click on each star to know more about the landmark, or click the little square in the upper right to see the map on full screen.

⊗ – Day 1    ⊗ – Day 2

⊗ – Day 3     ⊗ – Day 4

4 Days in Paris: Where to stay?

Paris can be quite costly, especially when it comes to finding a place to stay. Yet, the city’s compact size is a plus. Its efficient public transport system allows for quick and easy travel throughout the city, irrespective of your accommodation’s location.

Rest assured, if your accommodation is within Paris’s city limits, there will be a Metro station conveniently close.

However, to make the utter most of your four days in Paris, France, I suggest you stay as central as possible. Lovely areas in this regard are the Quartier Latin, Opéra (more budget friendly) and of course the Marais.

Below, you find a short list of great hotels in Paris, that you can book without thinking twice. If they aren’t what you’re looking for, take a look at my Paris hotel guides for more options.

Paris Hotel Picks for Every Budget

4 day trip in paris

Ibis Hotels Grands Boulevards

  • perfect location near Opéra
  • family rooms & modern design
  • free wifi & AirCon

4 day trip in paris

Les Jardins du Luxembourg

  • perfect location in Quartier Latin
  • cozy and stylish rooms

eines der beste hotels paris zentrum: Ducs de Bourgogne ist ein tolles Boutique Hotel in Paris

Hôtel Ducs de Bougogne

  • Dream location Rue de Rivoli
  • unique boutique Hotel

Voilà. That’s my suggestion on how you could spend 4 days in Paris without missing a thing. Even though Paris in 4 days is not the longest vacation, it allows you enough time to explore the most important sights and have a wonderful time. Bon Voyage!

4 day trip in paris

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4 day trip in paris

Must Have Paris Travel Essentials

International Travel Adapter

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Order here from Amazon

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PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)

  • Paris hidden gems: 80+ well kept secrets you shouldn’t miss
  • What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!
  • 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
  • Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
  • 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
  • Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons

Pin it now – read it later (and find it back!!)

4 day trip in paris

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One comment.

Love it, Lena! I’ll definitely try to make those 3 days work! Thanks!

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Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

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Gothic church with spirals during 4 days in Paris itinerary

4 Days in Paris Itinerary You Should Steal

February 27, 2024 //  by  Linda Malys Yore //   49 Comments

Are you looking for the ultimate 4 days in Paris itinerary?

This is the perfect amount of time to explore the City of Light. There are so many fabulous and unusual things to do in Paris , and I keep coming back for more!

When I was in Paris celebrating my daughter’s birthday, I crammed many must-see attractions into my short time there.

Planning your trip to Paris France last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours usually sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top selections for Paris!

Top Experiences and Tours in Paris France:

  • Louvre Museum Timed Entrance Ticket (Skip the line!)
  • Eiffel Tower Summit/2nd Floor Direct Access (Likely to sell out!)
  • One-Hour Seine River Cruise (Starts at the foot of the Eiffel Tower)
  • Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour (24 and 48-hour tours available)

Top Hotels In Paris France:

  • Hotel Rivoli (Just steps from Notre Dame Cathedral.)
  • Hotel Jules & Jim (Great location!)
  • Novotel Paris Gare De Lyon (Great location – near the train station)
  • Hotel Le Bellechasse Saint-Cermain (Near the Eiffel Tower!)

Getting to Paris has never been easier or more convenient. However, depending on where you call home, it can make for a long travel day.

For that reason, the arrival day is not considered part of this itinerary for 4 days in Paris. On arrival day, I suggest keeping it low-key.

Take time to recoup from the long travel, rest, and hydrate. Explore the neighborhood where you are staying and have a nourishing dinner.

Feel free to change up my following suggestions from day to day to make this 4-day itinerary for Paris, France, tailored to your specific interests when visiting Paris.

Let’s look at what to do in Paris for four days!

Golden hour over the city of Paris featuring the Eiffel Tower.

Day 1: Begin your 4 Days in Paris by exploring the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River

Stop 1: visit the eiffel tower.

One of the most popular attractions in Paris is the iconic Eiffel Tower. It is one of the first places most people visit in Paris, including me.

The tower is 1,063 feet tall and remains one of the tallest structures in Paris. It was originally constructed as the gateway to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris.

Of course, you want to explore the Eiffel Tower, so set aside plenty of time during your 4-day itinerary in Paris.

If panoramic vistas of the Seine River and the city of Paris interest you, climbing the Eiffel Tower is for you!

You may climb up to her elevation levels, or even to the top, but that is 1,665 steps. Up for the challenge?

You can also ride up in the elevator which most people choose to do. Be aware that lines are extremely long most days, and you will be far better off purchasing tickets before you arrive.

There are skip-the-line options or you can visit Paris in winter for fewer tourists.

Walking alongside and even under the Eiffel Tower is a memorable thing to get a perspective of how large the monument is.

To photograph lasting memories of the Eiffel Tower, stroll across the street to the merry-go-round or walk across the Seine River to the Trocadero Palace, built into the side of a hill.

Mostly all Paris itineraries include the Eiffel Tower, and you will see why it is so popular.

Book Here:   Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Priority Access

Book Here: Paris: Eiffel Tower Access & Seine River Cruise

Where To Stay Near The Eiffel Tower:

Affordable: Hôtel de la Tour Eiffel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Grand Hôtel Lévêque. Check Rates: Booking.com

Eiffel Tower Views: Hotel Relais Bosquet Check Rates: Booking.com

Iron Eiffel Tower with blue sky in background and blue waters in foreground.

Stop 2: Explore the Seine River 

The next thing to do in Paris is to explore the banks of the Seine River since it is right next to the Eiffel Tower. There are long and lovely promenades to walk and people watch.

Strolling along the Seine you can admire the architecture of the buildings and bridges in Paris .

Another way to explore the river and learn about the lovely city is to take a Seine River cruise. A narrated cruise is like having a personal tour guide for Paris.

There usually are floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide ample views to oooh and you pass the many major landmarks.

Most passengers choose to sit outside on the top level of the boat to have the best, unobstructed views f

When Paris vacation planning, a cruise is a top activity!

Book Here: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise

Book Here: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

Tourists on an open deck of a cruise boat on the Seine River going by historic buildings.

Stop 3: End Your Day at the Rue Cler Market

End your first day in Paris by exploring Rue Cler, Paris’ most well-known street market. Located in the 7th arrondissement, it truly is a paradise to explore.

The best part about the Rue Cler market is that it isn’t overrun by tourists so you will get a glimpse into the Parisian local life.

It is open every day but Monday. You will find many restaurants to choose from, along with food markets, bars, pastry shops, and more. I admit I visited the gelato shop on the Rue Cler many an evening!

When planning a trip to Paris, you need to schedule downtime, and this is a great area for it.

The Rue Cler Market, visiting the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine riverboat ride offer plenty to keep you busy on your first day in Paris!

Where To Stay Near Rue Cler:

People sitting outside of a cafe on Rue Cler during 4 days in Paris.

Day 2: Visit the Louvre Art Museum and Wander the Streets

Stop 1: take in art at the louvre.

No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the famous Louvre Art Museum a historic palace. Come view its most precious paintings and artifacts.

The Louvre is one of the most visited art museums in the world. You will most likely enter the museum through its main entrance, the Louvre Pyramid, one of Paris’ major landmarks.

I highly suggest buying tickets in advance so you can skip the line.

I recommend going early if you want to spend a lot of time. I arrived around noon and was there until 7 pm!

To absorb all the beauty of the Louvre Art Museum, you will need plenty of time. Half a day is suggested, but longer would permit you to enjoy the artwork of the eight curated departments.

You can stroll the entire museum alone enjoying what the Louvre has to offer as I did, or you can participate in a guided tour.

There is even a Louvre Museum phone app that can be quite helpful.

An unforgettable highlight of the Louvre is seeing the Mona Lisa . She is protected by guards, and under glass, but you can get close enough to snap a few pictures and gaze at DaVinci’s masterpiece.

The second highlight was seeing the Venus De Milo , the famous ancient Greek statue missing her arms.

If you are hungry or thirsty, there is a restaurant in the Louvre for you to take a break and rest your feet.

Book Here: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

Book Here: Paris: 2-Hour Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Ticket

Best Hotels Near The Louvre:

Mid-Range: Hôtel Odyssey by Elegancia Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Hôtel Regina Louvre Check Rates: Booking.com

Night at the Louvre Museum with the building and glass pyramids lit up.

Stop 2: Eat Dinner at a Cafe And Wander the Streets

End your evening exploring the River Seine in the 2nd arrondissement, where the Louvre Art Museum is located. An evening dinner overlooking the river and enjoying French cuisine is unforgettable.

Then stroll to local pastry shops for macarons or eclairs. This is a delightful way to end your second day in Paris.

It could hypothetically take years to get through the Louvre!

If you only have four days in Paris, France, I highly recommend taking an entire day to visit the Louvre and then spend a relaxing evening on the Seine so you get the most out of the experience.

Pretty building with red awning on cobblestone street with menu sign and lush greenery and matching beige and brown tables and chairs.

Day 3: Explore Paris By Bicycle And Do Not Miss The Champs-Elysees

Stop 1: visit the champs-elysees by bike.

Bike riding is very popular in European cities, and Paris is no exception. During your four days in Paris itinerary, begin your third day by renting a bike at one of the numerous Velib bike stations.

They are everywhere so you do not have to return your bike to the exact location where you rented it.

Head out to the fashionable Avenue des Champs-Elysees to visit one of the most well-known avenues in the world. You will love the vibe here!

Upscale and not-so-upscale shops, cafes, and restaurants dot the Champs Elysees on both sides of the street.

Getting around by bike is one of the top travel tips in Paris!

Book Here: Best of Paris Bike Tour

Looking down at the Avenue des Champs-Elysees lined with trees and people walking around.

Stop 2: Go Up Inside The Arc de Triomphe

The Avenue des Champs-Elysees ends at the Arc de Triomphe, another of the famous monuments of Paris. The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France.

There is a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located there with an eternal flame that commemorates the war dead who were never identified.

Did you know you can walk and tour inside the Arc de Triomphe? There is an observation deck on the top too!

The climb to the top is relatively difficult because there are so many stairs, but it isn’t impossible!

There is not an elevator to the top so unfortunately anyone wheelchair-bound or unable to climb steep steps, will not be able to participate. Please be aware of this when planning a trip to Paris.

Along the way, are drawings, explanations, and photographs of French war history as it relates specifically to the Arc de Triomphe.

Once outside on the top observation deck, you will be rewarded with glorious views of the Eiffel Tower and the twelve radiating avenues that originate at the Arc.

The epic views of Paris are unforgettable!

Book Here: Paris: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets

Where To Stay Near The Arc de Triomphe:

Affordable: Hôtel d’Argenson . Check Rates: Booking.com

Midrange: Hotel The Peninsula Paris . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hôtel Raphael . Check Rates: Booking.com

This towering and intricate Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Stop 3: Make Time To See The Moulin Rouge

Next, grab a bike from another bike station and ride to the iconic Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret in the world.

It is located in the lively Montmartre district.

World-class international stars such as Frank Sinatra and Elton John loved this venue, and it is the center of many movies throughout history!

It is fun to visit this iconic club, and you may choose to return later for dinner and to watch the dazzling show.

You will want to make online reservations beforehand, and please research the dress code.

If you want to go to a show at the Moulin Rouge, make sure to budget time in your Paris 4-day itinerary.

Book Here: Paris: Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket with Champagne

Where To Stay Near The Moulin Rouge:

Affordable: Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels . Check Rates: Booking.com

Midrange: Hôtel Montmartre Mon Amour. Check Rates: Booking.com

Neon signs and lit up windmill at the Moulin Rouge.

Stop 4: Visit a Rooftop Bar

End your day of bike riding around the city by exploring one of the many trendy rooftop bars in Paris !

Depending on the vibe you are looking for, you are sure to find a local spot that appeals to you, possibly one where tourists and locals mingle.

This is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris for visitors wanting a fun evening activity.

Pink sunset over two champagne flutes on a white table at a rooftop bar with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Day 4: Discover Gothic Cathedrals

Stop 1: start the day at notre dame.

The last of your 4 days in Paris is all about architecture! Three cultural, political, and religious Parisian icons stand out.

The most well-recognized cathedral in the world is Notre Dame de Paris!

She is recognized worldwide as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Her history is spectacular, and it took hundreds of years to construct her.

I have read and watched The Hunchback Of Notre Dame my whole life so having the opportunity to visit the church in person was quite a wonderful experience!

UPDATE: Due to the fire in spring 2019, please research Notre Dame updates. At this time it is closed, but it is worth it to visit the church and walk around the exterior grounds.

Where To Stay Near Notre Dame:

Affordable: Sully Hôtel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hotel Rivoli. Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Hôtel De Lutece – Notre-Dame . Check Rates: Booking.com

Sunny day over the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral pre-fire.

Stop 2: Admire Stained Glass at Sainte-Chapelle

Within walking distance of Notre Dame de Paris is the dazzling Sainte-Chapelle. It is a must-see during any four days in Paris itinerary!

It is one of the lesser-known churches in Paris and since it is so near Notre Dame, many people skip this extremely exquisite church because they are not aware of it.

Sainte-Chapelle’s upper level has over 1,000 striking stained glass windows that tell the story of the Bible.

Arranged across 15 main windows, the stained glass panes display scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The lower level of the structure is very plain because back in its day it was for staff and servants of the resident French king.

Only the king and his advisors were permitted into the royal chapel on the second level.

You enter the building from the bottom level which resembles a basement. You will think this area is pretty, but prepare yourself because that isn’t even the main chapel.

Once you climb up the stairs to the second story, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificence of the stained glass windows.

There are pamphlets in many languages, explaining each of the panels, and the panes of stained glass contained in them.

Upstairs there is also a sumptuous rose stained glass window at Sainte-Chapelle which describes the Book of Revelation through its stained glass panels.

I recommend budgeting at least 60 minutes to visit this church. It isn’t large and is contained in one room, but you want to be sure you have enough time to see and process everything!

Book Here: Paris: Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, Notre Dame Guided Tour

Brilliant panels of stained glass windows to ceiling separated by ornate gold columns. 4 days in Paris itinerary

Stop 3: Drop Into a Cafe For a Crepe And Coffee

The island where Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle are located is full of wonderful cafes with plenty of outdoor seating.

Before you move on to your next stop, take a few moments to wander the streets, and explore the Île de la Cité.

Grab a coffee, try a French crepe, and relax in the afternoon.

This is the perfect time to eat lunch before moving on. If you visit Paris with kids , they will want a yummy crepe!

If you want to dine like a real Parisian, make sure to sit outside, even if it is in the winter!

4 day trip in paris

Stop 4: Visit Montmartre And Sacre-Coeur

After lunch near Notre Dame, hop on the Paris metro and head to the Montmartre district. It is in the same vicinity as the Moulin Rouge, which you explored by bike on day three.

Montmartre is a super cute and artistic part of Paris and a great place to explore on foot.

Located at the summit of Montmartre, the highest point of Paris is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Sacre-Coeur. The Rome-Byzantine church is not as fancy as other styles of architecture in the area.

Because the church sits atop a hill, there are many steps to climb. That said, there is an incline railway to ride if climbing is too daunting or there are elderly in your group.

Because of the height, the top of Montmartre affords exceptional views of Paris and its most famous monuments.

The inside of the church is unique, but the view is easily the best part! You will be able to see all of Paris in one panoramic view.

As you exit the church and admire the view, turn right and you will find a square filled with artisans displaying and selling their creations, and a myriad of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Back at the bottom of the hill in front of the basilica, you will find streets bustling with people, both locals and tourists alike, as well as an abundance of souvenir shops and restaurants.

This is the perfect place to cap off your Paris in four days itinerary as you find great souvenirs , from Parisian coffee and tea to shirts, hats, and mugs!

Book Here: Montmartre Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Book Here: Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Guided Walking Tour

Where To Stay In Montmartre:

Mid-Range: Timhotel Montmartre . Check Rates: Booking.com

Looking up at the white, domed  Sacre-Coeur Basilica during 4 days in Paris.

Packing Tips For Your 4 Days In Paris Itinerary

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly when traveling . I hope they help you.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors.

These  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft.

I always use this Bobble water bottle with filter whenever I travel.  It is the perfect size to fit into a pocket or backpack. It is small enough not to add bulk or weight.

The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water..

This waterproof and lightweight daypack would be ideal to hold all of your incidentals for a daylong sightseeing trip in Paris.

These backpacks/purses are specifically designed to be antitheft: this Travelon anti-theft slim women’s backpack comes in lots of colors and is very affordable.

Baggallini has this great crossbody bag for your consideration.

This Travelon mini crossbody b ag is reasonably priced.

These Sketcher’s Go Walk Joy sneakers are slip-ons!

This fashion flower print shawl or this solid fashion-colored scarf would be wonderful options to bring on your trip when going on your 4 days in Paris itinerary.

This all-in-one universal travel adapter is a good example, is very affordable, and comes in several cool colors for you to choose from.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is Bluetooth-enabled.

This Anker compact and high-speed external battery charger is the one my two daughters and I use when we travel.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Eiffel tower with colorful sunset sky in background during 4 days in Paris itinerary

How To Get Around Paris During Your 4 Days In Paris Itinerary

Paris is easy to navigate. If you are able, I’d suggest walking . Paris is a visually beautiful city, and there’s much to see and absorb, which you could miss if you are not walking.

Make sure you leave ample time to arrive at your destination and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

The metro train system is extensive in Paris, and probably the best transportation option you have. It’s fast and cheap, arriving and departing frequently. You can purchase tickets at every station.

The metro is not an option for the wheelchair-bound or those unable to walk long distances or climb up and down stairs frequently.

There are also city buses and trains to consider during your 5 days in Paris. You always have the option to get a taxi or hire an Uber driver.

I do not recommend driving in Paris because of the traffic and difficulty finding parking. That is an option, however.

Metropolitain sign over a metro stop in Paris at sunset.

How To Get To Paris For Your 4 Days In Paris Itinerary

There are many ways to get to Paris, France, depending on where you are coming from.

Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the largest, busiest, and closest to the Paris City Center. It is the most popular airport for international flights arriving from all over the globe.

A little farther out is Paris Orly Airport, the second most frequently-used airport.

Once you land in France, you will have many options on how to get to Paris.

You can rent a taxi or hire an Uber. For public transport, the train is your most affordable option. The Parisian trains are very clean, as well as all the train stations.

You can purchase tickets right at the airport. The ticket machines are found when you exit the secure section of the airport. Please be advised, there are lots of steps involved with the Parisian metro system.

If you or a member of your party is infirm or in a wheelchair, you will probably need to make other transportation arrangements.

If you travel from another European country, there are high-speed trains that arrive and depart frequently from all over Europe daily. The main train stations are Gare du Nord, Gare de I’Est, or Gare de Lyon.

If you reside in other parts of France, you may decide to drive to Paris as another option.

Colorful, striped chairs at table outside of a cafe on a small, cobblestone street in Paris.

Quick Tips For Your 4 Days In Paris Itinerary

These are things to consider especially if this is your first time in Paris .

Stay vigilant! Pickpocketers are common in crowded areas of the city so be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Do not worry about the language barrier when traveling to Paris. I understand only a few basic French words and had NO difficulties when I visited.

The French people in Paris know a few English words and you will be able to communicate enough to make your wishes known.

You can even use a translator app on your phone to assist with your communications. My family and I use Google Translate.

Call your credit card company  and verify if your credit card  does or does   not have foreign transaction fees.

When you visit an ATM in Paris , be sure it is in the  same network  as your bank so you are not charged transaction fees every time you withdraw cash.

Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of cash, to limit the transaction fees.

Buy advanced tickets to must-do Paris attractions whenever possible. First off, usually, tickets purchased in advance online are less expensive.

Secondly, when you purchase tickets for the monuments and art museums, you can sometimes purchase skip-the-line options that save time.

If you travel to Paris, France, from far away check out my tips for surviving long international flights .

Dusk over the Alexandre III Bridge with lit up ornate lampposts.

Reader Interactions

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May 19, 2018 at 5:53 pm

Great itinerary. I love Paris and have been there many times. The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are favs. I also love Musee D’orsay.

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June 6, 2018 at 4:31 pm

Thanks for the kind compliment Sue! I will have to check out the Musee D’orsay whenever I visit Paris again.

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May 19, 2018 at 10:56 pm

Brilliant guide! Still desperate to get over to Paris so have saved this for later.

June 6, 2018 at 4:29 pm

Thanks Laura. You will get there, I know it!

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February 13, 2020 at 7:04 pm

Enjoyed your article. Planning to take the wife and daughter there maybe this Sept. Do you have a favourite place in Italy for 3 or 4 days?

February 29, 2020 at 11:31 pm

Have you considered Rome & Florence? Two great choices with lots of history and things to do!

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July 12, 2018 at 7:19 pm

Excellent info, thanks.

July 12, 2018 at 9:19 pm

Thank you Christine. Paris is such an exciting city!

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October 24, 2018 at 9:40 am

Wow, you really captured some fantastic photos! Thank you for the information!

October 24, 2018 at 11:50 am

You are very welcome Tricia. Hope you get to Paris someday!

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October 24, 2018 at 10:21 am

Those pictures are so beautiful, I am ready to hop on a plane right now!! It is a wonderful guide of Paris, and for being French, you definitely hit all of the must-sees!

October 24, 2018 at 11:49 am

Hey thanks, Laura. Appreciate the kind words!

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October 22, 2019 at 3:32 am

What do you suggest regarding passport carry it with you leave it in the hotel baggage?

October 22, 2019 at 10:21 am

First off, always make a copy of your passport and credit cards. If you have access to a room safe, you can leave your passport there & carry a copy of it. Usually, I carry my passport with me on my body. And lock up all copies of my documents.

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October 24, 2018 at 12:45 pm

This brings back memories of our family trip to Paris a few years ago. I loved reminiscing using your post & photos! Paris is a lovely city to visit.

October 24, 2018 at 2:47 pm

Thank you, Cynthia! I love Paris since my daughter introduced me to it. We are going back to celebrate her #26 birthday next week and I can’t wait. We are doing all different things this time than last time and that’s exciting.

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November 29, 2018 at 8:18 am

Linda this is such a great itinerary. We went for the first time for three days and pretty much did everything you’ve got on this itinerary minus a couple of spots. All the more reason to go back right?

November 29, 2018 at 10:59 am

Yes, YES, all the more reason to go back!!!

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April 19, 2019 at 6:32 am

Dear Linda I am planning for my honeymoon trip to europe coming july ’19. Kindly share an itenary on some renowned places to be visited and how long does it take to visit ? I am planning for a 2 weeks trip to Paris, London and Amsterdam. Please suggest the most renowened places to be visited in all these cities as a priority and also suggest if more cities/places in these cities could also be covered.

Regards, Ramya

April 22, 2019 at 5:08 am

Hi Ramya. Wow, that sounds like a fantastic honeymoon trip! I have lots of information about Paris and London and Amsterdam on my website, with lots of suggestions of things to do and things to see. Only you can decide how long you choose to stay in each city. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

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May 5, 2019 at 4:23 pm

I’m planning to go with my 16-year old daughter. Any ideas of what to do with a teenager in Paris?

May 7, 2019 at 3:12 pm

Paris is so lovely I do not think you will have any problems at all. Of course, visit the Eiffel tower. You can even have dinner there. That was a very exciting thing to do. I would take her to Mont Montmartre. It is a very cool place. Souvenir shopping of course. The Parisian malls and “hidden passageways” are so eclectic. The Louvre is a must visit too. I think simply being IN Paris will excite any teenager. I truly hope you and your daughter have a memorable trip.

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May 8, 2019 at 10:33 am

Hi. Thanks for your itinerary! Will be following it for this weekend. Could you share how the pickpocketing happened? Would like to know so we are more aware when I go with my family.

May 8, 2019 at 12:12 pm

Of course. My daughter’s brand new camera was stolen from under our table when we were having snacks/drinks in a McDonalds in Montmartre. My backpack (while I was wearing it!) was unzipped while walking in the street near Notre Dame. TJ’s backpack was breached during a very crowded subway ride. Be vigilant!

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July 5, 2019 at 10:22 am

Oh my gosh, so many interesting facts here. wow, such a stunning place & you photograph it so well. Thanks for the creative post!

July 6, 2019 at 2:19 pm

You are so welcome. I hope it will help you plan you trip!

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July 7, 2019 at 10:58 am

Great blog! In Paris we love the Muse d Orsey as all the impressionist painting are there. You can and should get tickets in advance. Also, the Pere Lachaise Cemetery (free) which has some really wonderful, artful carvings. Famous people buried there in a beautiful and historic setting.

July 7, 2019 at 7:37 pm

Thank you for these suggestions! Next visit to Paris the Muse d Orsey is on my bucket list for sure!

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December 16, 2019 at 12:06 pm

Hi, We are planning a 4 day trip to Paris in summer 2020. I was looking to make hotel reservation. We are 2 adults and 2 kids less than 9years. The hotel price for just 2 adults vs. adding two kids show big difference, while that is not the case in US. Please advise. Also what area is better to stay? We will be taking a stop over, and hence will have lot of luggage. Will the hotels be safe to leave the luggage? Thanks,

December 22, 2019 at 8:35 am

You are very fortunate to be spending time in Paris this summer. My family and I stay in the 7th District. Hotel pricing in Europe may be different than what you are used to in the USA. I always lock my luggage in my hotel room when I travel, just in case! Have a wonderful time in France.

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January 20, 2020 at 8:41 pm

Thank you Linda for all the great ideas. Your suggestions are much appreciated and helpful along with a reminder about pickpocketing. My 20 yr old daughter and I are heading to Paris in March! We will be heading to Normandy after we arrive at CDG, so we plan to catch the train to Bayeux from Gare St. Lazare and stay there for 2 nights. We are thinking of a bike tour the first full day in Paris (an Airbnb excursion) and plan to get Skip the Line tickets to the Eiffel Tower, Versalles and the Louve. Our list also includes Muse d’ Orsay, Sacre Cour, the Seine and of course many cafes and restaurants. Since you mentioned it, we hope to see inside Sainte Chapelle too.

Do you think we will have issues with public transportation? We were going to buy the Paris Pass for 5 days Zones 1-5 so we can travel from CDG airport to Versalles and more but worry about the strike. We always try to stay on a budget so any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated. We are staying at an Airbnb in both locations and feel comfortable with the areas but a bit unsure about getting to and fro with the current strike.

Thanks again,

January 23, 2020 at 11:30 am

Oh this sound like you have a wonderful trip planned for you and your daughter! To save a bit of money, you can plan to prepare some meals at your Air BB. No one really knows about the Paris strikes anymore. The last thing I heard was that they were over, but that could change in an instant. If you are active you & your daughter could rent bicycles ( I highly recommend) or get the very popular scooters. My family LOVES them, and I’m a bit more cautious. Safe travels and have a fantastic French trip!

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July 8, 2020 at 12:49 pm

Wow, this is a fantastic article, a lot of info I found here, it’s really helped me to plan for next trips thanks…

July 14, 2020 at 1:56 pm

Thank you very much. I hope you get to Paris soon!

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June 9, 2023 at 11:39 am

Hey Linda, I love this itinerary! So, we are staying in Paris 4 nights and then going to Rome and Venice for 5 nights. In Paris to accomplish this Itinerary in 4 days using only the metro, which hotels do you think would be best to look at? We don’t want to move around in Paris, just one hotel if possible. TIA

June 23, 2023 at 1:53 pm

Carolyn, in this article are frequent recommendations for hotels throughout the city. If you’d like additional options you can look at this list: https://lindaontherun.com/boutique-hotels-in-paris/

[…] The Ultimate 4 Day In Paris Itinerary […]

[…] of the first cities in the world to get electricity, Paris was quickly dubbed the City of Lights (La Ville Lumière) and has since become synonymous with […]

[…] See Mona Lisa and other works of art in the Louvre. For more things to do in Paris, check out this 4 day Paris itinerary. […]

[…] submitted by Linda from Linda On The Run […]

[…] The Ultimate 4 Days In Paris Itinerary […]

[…] being said, for instance, when I travel with my daughters and we are in a lovely Paris pastry shop, and they offer me a bite of their scrumptious delicacy, I do take a tiny taste. Life is not about […]

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Home > Paris Itineraries > 4 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

4 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

Visit paris in 4 days.

4 days in Paris, what to do? Paris is the capital and largest city in France, and many think it is one of the most influential cities in Europe. The architecture is incredible. The scenery is beautiful. The food is phenomenal! Paris is romantic!

With so many museums, attractions, beautiful parks, and gardens, some may want to visit Paris forever. But what if you can only visit Paris in 4 days? We’ve put together the perfect Paris itinerary 4 days, with maps and our best tips, so you can make the most of your four days in Paris.

‘An artist has no home in Europe except in Paris.’ -Friedrich Nietzsche

4 days in Paris Travel Itinerary

Paris 4-day Itinerary – Our Proposal for Four Days in Paris

What to see in Paris in 4 days? Here’s an  overview of the perfect Paris itinerary 4 days:

  • Day 1 in Paris – Ile de la Cité, Le Marais, and Montmartre
  • Day 2 in Paris – Paris Right Bank
  • Day 3 in Paris – Day Trip from Paris (we suggest Versailles)
  • Day 4 in Paris – Paris Left Bank.

This 4 day Paris Itinerary considers three days in Paris and a one-day trip from Paris to explore the city’s surroundings. Each day in Paris is concentrated around a specific area in the Right Bank or the Left Bank, so the transportation (or walking) time between the different sights is optimized.

When planning your 4-day trip to Paris, you will read about the Arrondissements of Paris . The Paris Arrondissements are the Districts of Paris, and there are 20 in total. We recommend reading our Paris by Arrondissement Guide to learn what to see and do by Arrondissement.

This Paris days itinerary comes with three different maps, one for each day spent in Paris and the suggested points of interest.

Related Articles

4 day trip in paris

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan:  Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the  best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with  Omio ; book your train tickets with  Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay:  Best Districts to Stay in Paris

  • Le Pavillon de la Reine  (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
  • Hotel La Comtesse  (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
  • Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

  • Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
  • Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
  • Seine River Night Cruise
  • Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris?  Get your hands on a  Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance!  Compare plans and prices amongst the world’s leading programs with  Travel Insurance Master

4 day trip in paris

4 Days in Paris, Day 1: Cité & Paris Right Bank

Notre dame | ile de la cité | le marais | montmartre | moulin rouge.

In Paris, you may hear about Paris’ Left Bank (Paris Rive Gauche) and Paris’ Right Bank (Paris Rive Droite). To get your bearings in Paris is very easy: when facing the Seine River downstream, the river’s northern bank is to the right, and the river’s southern bank is to the left.

The isle that you can see in the middle of the Seine River is named Ile de la Cité. This tiny island was the cradle of the Roman city Lutetia and the heart of Medieval Paris. Indeed, the first Royal Palace and the city’s main religious and institutional buildings were on this island. Ile de la Cité is the starting point of this 4 days in Paris itinerary.

4 Days in Paris - Day 1 Map

Click here to view this 4 days in Paris map, day 1 on Google

1. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

Notre Dame Cathedral

The first day of this 4 day itinerary Paris starts with a coffee at Ile de la Cité , the heart of Medieval Paris . From the metro station Cité, walk to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is one of the main tourist sights in Paris and a jewel of Gothic Architecture. The construction of Notre Dame began in the 13th century, and the works ended in the 15th century.

During the French Revolution , Notre Dame was badly damaged, and in the 19th century, it was the subject of an extensive restoration led by the architect Viollet-Le-Duc. It was Viollet-Le-Duc who added the famous cathedral spire.

Notre Dame was seriously damaged during a terrible fire last April 2019. Some parts like the roof and the spire were destroyed forever, but the main facade with its twin towers was saved, and the cathedral’s treasures were recovered. Because of the significant damages, the cathedral and its towers are close to the public until further notice.

You can still admire NotreDame’ss main facade with its fine proportions and beautiful sculptures. Notre Dame de Paris is dedicated to Our Lady of Paris, represented on the rose window on the main facade.  The 28 sculptures below Our Lady of Paris represent the Kings of Judah and Israel, the ancestors of Christ. These ‘royal sculptures’ lost their heads during the French Revolution and what you can see today are just reproductions. 

USEFUL INFO & TIPS:

» Notre Dame opening hours: closed to the public until further notice

» notre dame towers opening hours: closed to the public until further notice.

2 . EXPLORE OTHER SIGHTS ON ILE DE LA CITÉ

Sainte Chapelle Paris

After a short stop to admire Notre Dame Cathedral, you may consider visiting other historical sights on Ile de la Cité. The most popular sights near Notre Dame are the Archaeological Crypt , the Sainte Chapelle , and the Conciergerie . Which one interests you most?

» The Archaeological Crypt , just located in front of Notre Dame, is one of our favorite sites of Paris Underground . This museum was built around the Roman remains of former Lutetia, including some streets, part of Lutetia’s walls, and Roman baths. Visitors can learn about the history of Lutetia, from the Celtic settlement named Parisii to Roman times. There’s also a part of the first river port of the Seine.

» The Conciergerie was the Kings of France’s former Palace until the 14th century. When the Kings of France moved, this medieval palace was turned into the Palace of Justice and Prison. The Conciergerie has an amazing medieval hall (Salle des Gensd’Armess), unique in its style. During the French Revolution, The Conciergerie hosted Queen Marie Antoinette before her way to the guillotine. 

» The Sainte Chapelle was built in the 13th century as a private chapel for King Saint Louis. This gothic-style chapel is famous for its remarkable and tall stained glass windows, which depict 1,113 famous scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

TIP: Save money and time! Get the combo ticket Conciergerie + Sainte Chapelle with skip-the-line access

Ile-de-la-Cité is the perfect place for a quick sandwich or a picnic on the SeineRiver’ss banks. We recommend walking to Square du Vert Galant , Ile de laCité’ss pointy end. From there, you can see the Seine boats cruising the river up and down.

» The Sainte Chapelle opens every day, from 9 am to 5 pm in the winter and from 9 am to 7 pm during the summer.

» the conciergerie opens every day, from 9.30 am to 6 pm, » the crypte archéologique opens daily from 10 am until 6 pm (closed on mondays)..

3. EXPLORE LE MARAIS 

After lunch, it’s coffee time, and there’s no better place for a good coffee than in a Parisian cafe at Le Marais . Take one of the three bridges which connect Ile de La Cité with Paris Right Bank.

Historically, Paris’ Right Bank was the center of banking and trade, the place of the new Royal Palace (the Louvre), and where nobility had their mansions. The Right Bank was a synonym of elegance and sophistication.

On the Right Bank, take rue de Rivoli and head east: you are entering Le Marais , one of the most beautiful areas in Paris. Le Marais is a historical area – part in Paris 3 and part in Paris 4 – well known for its elegant mansions, cute cafes, and art galleries. Le Marais’ main sights include Place des Vosges (one of the most beautiful Royal Squares in Paris ), the National Archives , and the Carnavalet Museum . You can read more about Le Marais in our Paris 3 and Paris 4 guides.

TIP: Le Marais has many secluded gardens, perfect for a break in the shade .

4. UP TO MONTMARTRE!

Montmartre Paris

For the last hours of this first day in Paris, we will head to Montmartre for some fresh air. Wander around the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre (Paris 18) 2-3 hours before sunset. We suggest arriving at the metro station Anvers (line 12). From there, head to Sacré-Coeur Basilica , the starting point of our Stories of Montmartre Walking Tour , which covers the main sights of this picturesque area of Paris.

Remember that Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood, with many steps between the lowest streets around Abbesses and the Sacré-Coeur. Take it easy, perhaps with a wine break on your way. 

MAKE IT SPECIAL:  climb up to SacréCoeur’ss dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris! The access to the dome is from outside the basilica, on the left side.

USEFUL INFO & TIPS

» The Sacré Coeur is open every day from 6 am to 10.30 pm. The entrance is free.

» the dome is open every day from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm depending on the season. to climb up the dome there are 300 stairs without lift., » beware of pickpockets in montmartre, especially around the sacré coeur. an anti-theft backpack or an anti-theft crossbody bag is always a good idea in montmartre ..

5. MOULIN ROUGE CABARET SHOW

Moulin Rouge Paris

For your first night in Paris, we recommend the Moulin Rouge for a night of music, can-can, and lots of bubbles.

The Moulin Rouge is one of the most iconic cabarets in Paris , which is why it is always full. For the Moulin Rouge, you may want to book your tickets well in advance – Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge

6. EVENING AT MONTMARTRE

If you are not interested in cabarets, Montmartre by night can be a good alternative for this four days in Paris itinerary, especially in the summer. There are many great places to have a nice dinner, especially if you stay out of the most touristy streets around Sacré Coeur. Check out the best restaurants in Montmartre with something for everybody.

When the weather is good, you can end your day in a rooftop bar for a cocktail or two. There are two great rooftop bars in Paris 18 : Terrass Rooftop Bar and La Machine du Moulin Rouge .

» Terrass Rooftop Bar is located at 12 Rue Joseph de Maistre. Closest metro stations are Place de Clichy (lines 2 and 13) and Abbesses (line 12)

» la machine du moulin rouge is located on the top of the iconic cabaret, at 90 boulevard de clichy. the closest metro station near moulin rouge is blanche , line 2, 4 days in paris, day 2: paris right bank, louvre museum | tuileries garden | place vendôme | opéra garnier | la villette.

When spending 3 – 4 days in Paris, you might have time for one big museum in Paris, either the Louvre Museum or Orsay Museum. We recommend the Louvre.

4 Days in Paris - Day 2 Map

Click here to view this 4 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google

1. THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

Best Way to Visit the Louvre in 2 hours

During the second day of this Paris 4 day itinerary, we keep exploring the Right Bank of the Seine River. The day starts with the visit to the Louvre Museum , in Paris 1. Built as a Royal Palace for the Kings of France, the Louvre Palace is today one of the most visited museums in the world and one of the main Paris tourist attractions.

The Louvre is a huge museum, and you could use all your four days in Paris to explore its galleries and rooms. We recommend spending at least 2 hours at the Louvre to admire its top artworks.

We strongly recommend buying tickets online to ensure entry to the museum. Online tickets are for a specific date and access hour (access within half an hour of the time shown on the ticket). Check here how to skip the longest lines in Paris and the Louvre . During the high season in Paris, some time slots – and even some dates – are sold out very fast, so we recommend buying the Louvre tickets well in advance – Click here to buy your Louvre tickets right now

» The Louvre Museum opens from Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 6 am. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre opens until 10 pm.

» read how to get the most out of the louvre in two hours or less.

2. THE TUILERIES GARDEN

Tuileries Gardens Paris

After you visit the Louvre Museum, it’s a good idea to get some fresh air in one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.

The Tuileries Garden was built in the 16th century on the site of ancient tileries that gave it its name. The current layout still keeps the spirit of André LeNotre’s s design, the same landscape designer as Versailles Gardens and the Gardens of Château de Chantilly  

You can just walk around the Tuileries Gardens without any specific direction. The two guinguettes located inside the park are great for a coffee + a quick snack. 

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Learn about the most famous garden in Paris while having fun with the Treasure Hunt at the Tuileries Gardens.

3. PLACE VENDÔME

Place Vendôme Paris

Let’s leave the Tuileries Gardens to visit a little bit of the Haussmannian Paris. You can take rue Castiglione, which starts at rue de Rivoli, in the north of the Tuileries Gardens. At the end of rue Castiglione, there’s the elegant Place Vendôme , considered one of the most beautiful squares in Paris (and in the world!). Place Vendôme hosts some of the most exclusive luxury jewelry shops and international hotels in Paris.

The square is dominated by the Vendôme Column, commissioned by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. The guy on the top of the Vendôme Column is Napoleon I himself. Admire the architecture of the buildings around and soak up its unique atmosphere.

4. OPÉRA GARNIER

Opéra Garnier Inside

The next stop of this Paris itinerary is the Opéra Garnier , at the end of Avenue del’Opéra. Also known as Opéra de Paris, this magnificent building was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III as part of his reconstruction of Paris. The building was designed by the architect Charles Garnier, and it is considered a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque Architecture.

The Opera’s interiors are richly decorated, the history of its construction is fascinating, plus there’s still the shade of the phantom of the Opera around. We strongly recommend visiting the Palais Garnier inside during your 4 days in Paris.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: we recommend the Opéra Garnier Night Tour , starting at 5.30 pm, which includes the legends and visit to the phantom’s box seat in the opera.

If you are not interested in visiting the Opera building, you can stroll along Boulevard Haussmann to admire some of the best Haussmannian architecture and some fancy shopping. On this boulevard, there’s Galeries Lafayette , with beautiful Art Déco interiors.

5. BASSIN DE LA VILLETTE

Bassin de la Villette

With 4 days in Paris available, it is possible to go off the beaten path. This part of Paris along Canal del’Ourcq does not see many tourists, has a more local feeling, plus it is cool!

Bassin de la Villette , located northeast of the city (Paris 19), was a former port during the era of industrialization of rivers and waterways for transport trade in Paris. Highly known for its commercial and industrial purpose, it is now a lively hub of cultural and leisure activities by the canal.

Bassin de la Villette is a great place for strolling, having a picnic by the canal in the summer, or stopping over at one of the many bars or restaurants.

If it is the time for an apéritif , do like the locals and choose one of the cute bars by the canal for a drink or two. Some bars also propose ‘planches’ with different kinds of cheese and cold cuts, which can do the job for a casual dinner.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: rent a self-drive electric boat to explore Canal del’Ourcq from the water. It does not require any permit, plus it is fun!

4 Days in Paris, Day 3: Versailles

VERSAILLES PALACE & GARDENS

Versailles Palace

After two days exploring Paris, we recommend taking a day trip out of the city to see a little bit more of what the French countryside has to offer.

We propose to visit the Palace of Versailles and its Gardens, located only 40 minutes from Paris by train. The home to King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette is a splendid baroque palace surrounded by the stunning French-style Versailles Gardens . For the perfect day trip to Versailles, check out our Versailles Quick Guide .

TIP: This Versailles Skip-the-line Guided Tour of 1.5 hrs always has great reviews !

But of course, there are many other interesting day trips from Paris! Have a look at the best day trips from Paris , with interesting proposals like Fontainebleau or Monet’s Garden in Giverny .

Another good option is to visit one of the picturesque small towns near Paris ; there are many worth a day trip!

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4 Days in Paris, Day 4: Paris Left Bank

The latin quarter | panthéon | luxembourg gardens | saint-germain-des-pres | eiffel tower | seine cruise.

During the last day of this Paris 4 day itinerary, we will cross the Seine River and explore its Left Bank, specifically the 5th, 6th, and 7th Arrondissements of Paris.

Historically the Left Bank , and more especially Paris 6 and Paris 5, was the bohemian part of Paris and the focus of the intellectual and religious life in the city. All the first universities, La Sorbonne included, and monasteries were located in Paris 5 and Paris 6.

It was also the Paris of the Roaring Twenties,  the headquarters of Picasso, Ernest Hemingway , or F. Scott Fitzgerald, just to name a few, until the painters and artists decided to move to Montmartre because it was cheaper.

4 Days in Paris - Day 4 Map

Click here to view this 4 days in Paris map, day 4 on Google

1. THE LATIN QUARTER

Paris 5 - Place Contrescarpe

Quick off the last day of this 4 days in Paris itinerary with a coffee at the Latin Quarter (Paris 5), the heart of university life in Paris.

Paris 5 is also where the Roman city (IC AD) was born. It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the center of religious and civil life during the Roman times, was located at current rue Soufflot while today’s rue Saint Jacques was the former Cardo Maximus and one of the two main streets in Roman times.

Other interesting remains of Roman Paris still visible in today’s Paris are Les Arènes de Lutèce (amphitheater for different kinds of shows) and the Roman Baths of Cluny Museum .

2. THE PANTHÉON

The Panthéon Paris

Unless you want to visit the Roman remains, you can start your walking tour with the Panthéon , one of the most famous landmarks in Paris.

The Panthéon, built in Neoclassical style, is today a mausoleum dedicated to the most illustrious citizens of France (Les Grandes Hommes). Here, you can see the tombs of people like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, or Soufflot, its architect. Marie Curie was the first woman interred in the Panthéon on her own merits in the Pantheon (1995).

The Panthéon was also the place where Foucault demonstrated in 1851 the rotation of the Earth by hanging a 67-meter long pendulum from the central dome Foucault’s pendulum). Today, visitors can see a replica of this famous pendulum still swinging from the dome to commemorate this achievement – Click here to buy your tickets to the Panthéon .

MAKE IT SPECIAL: don’t miss the views from the Panthéon’s dome! Referred to as the ‘Balcony of Paris’, the dome offers amazing 360-degree views of Paris.

Around the Panthéon, the list of interesting sights includes the first universities of Paris, like the famous Sorbonne , the Collège de France , and the church of Saint Étienne-du-Mont .

» You can reach the Panthéon by metro from Jussieu metro station (lines 7 and 10) if you want to see Les Arènes de Luthèce or from Cardinal Lemoine metro station (line 10) if you want to go straight to the Panthéon.

» the panthéon of paris is open every day from 10 am to 6.30 pm. entrance ticket costs 9€, » the access to the panthéon’s dome is open from april to october. ticket to the dome is the panthéon ticket +2€, » les arènes de lutèce is located at 49 rue monge. it is open from 8 am or 9 am to 6 pm /7.30 pm or 8.30 pm depending on the season. free entry.  , » cluny museum is located at 28 rue du sommerard. it is open from wednesday to monday from 9.15 am to 5.45 pm. ticket price is 5€ (currently closed for renovation works)..

3. THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

Luxembourg Gardens Paris

After visiting the Panthéon, let’s head to Luxembourg Gardens, at the end of rue Soufflot. The Palace and Luxembourg Gardens were built for Queen Marie de Médicis, the widow of King Henri IV.

Today the Palace hosts the French Senate, and it is open to the public only during special occasions. The Luxembourg Gardens , instead, is one of the most popular parks in the city and one of the top sights of Paris Left Bank. Don’t miss the octagonal pond, the music kiosk, or the Médicis Fountain, considered one of the most romantic places in Paris. If the weather is good, the Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect place for a picnic on the grass.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: visit the Luxembourg Gardens differently with this DIY Treasure Hunt!

4. SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

Les Deux Magots Paris

Let’s head to Saint-Germain-des-Près , one of the fanciest neighborhoods of Paris Rive Gauche. You can go from Luxembourg Gardens to Saint Germain-des-Prés by taking avenue Bonaparte, which limits the park on the west (10 minutes walk). 

Saint-Germain-des-Prés exists since the 12th century when it was a rural village around the powerful Saint Germain Abbey. After the Second World War and already part of the city of Paris, Saint Germain became a center of intellectual and cultural life, with many small printers and bookshops.

The cafes of Saint Germain were a common meeting place for these intellectuals, being Café Procope (considered the oldest cafe in Paris), Café de Flore, or Café Les Deux Magots, the most popular ones.

Americans visiting Paris will be interested in knowing that the Treaty of Paris between Britain and the United States, which ended the American Revolution and granted the U.S. its independence, was signed on 3 September 1783 at the Hoteld’Yorkk Saint-Germain (56 rue Jacob).

Saint Germain-des-Prés is a picturesque area to explore, and it is also famous for its pastries and chocolate tours.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: This Saint-Germain Chocolate & Pastries Walking Tour always has excellent reviews

5. THE EIFFEL TOWER

Eiffel Tower Paris

We have kept the visit to the Eiffel Tower and a night cruise along the Seine River for your last evening in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is best visited at night when the golden floodlights come on. Once the Eiffel Tower lits up, it sparkles during the first five minutes of every hour, and it is very cool to see from Champ de Mars or Trocadéro Gardens – Buy your Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Tickets with Summit Acces

6. SEINE RIVER CRUISE WITH DINNER

Seine Cruise in Paris

Finish your Paris in 4 days itinerary with a Seine night cruise with dinner to admire Paris’ historical monuments lit up: the Eiffel Tower, the Muséed’Orsayy, the Conciergerie, and more. There are different Seine Riverboat tours, click here to compare the best Seine Cruises . Cruises usually come with or without dinner, and they are a great way to end your trip to Paris.

TIP: This 2-hour Seine Dinner Cruise always has excellent reviews

Other Things to Do in Paris in 4 Days

» If you are not that interested in the  Louvre Museum, you can exchange it for a visit to the Orsay Museum .

» Do you want to add a second day out of Paris? Then follow this 2 days in Paris Itinerary and check out some ideas of easy weekend getaways from Paris by train.

» What to see in Paris in 4 days if it is pouring down? We have you covered with some fun things to do in Paris during rainy days.  

How to Get from and to the Airports of Paris

Our personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups , a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

Paris Itinerary 4 days: Where to Sleep

If you haven’t decided where to sleep during your 4-day trip to Paris yet, check out our suggestions below:

Booking.com  is our recommended site for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of hotels of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.

WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view ? Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

The neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés , on the Left Bank, is a great place to put your luggage down in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque and central, with many entertainment, beautiful cafes, and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Saint-Germain

  • Relais Christine (4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion)
  • Hotel Chaplain Paris Rive Gauche (mid-range hotel a few meters from Luxembourg Gardens)

HOTELS IN THE LOUVRE DISTRICT

If you prefer to stay in the Right Bank, the Louvre District is a good option. Stay close to the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, and the Tuileries Gardens in a lively area with many bars and restaurants nearby – Click here for the best hotels near the Louvre

  • Hotel Paris Louvre Opera (mid-range hotel in a lively area with many choices for dining out)
  • Hotel Regina (5-star hotel, only a few steps from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden)

And there you have it, a comprehensive 4 day Paris itinerary for your trip to Paris. Follow this Paris in 4 days guide step by step or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

  • 1 day in Paris Itinerary
  • 2 days in Paris Itinerary
  • 3 days in Paris Itinerary
  • 5 days in Paris Itinerary
  • 6 days in Paris Itinerary
  • 7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

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How to Spend 4 Days in Paris – The Best Travel Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: January 16, 2023

Categories Europe , France , Guides , Travel Guides

How to Spend 4 Days in Paris – The Best Travel Itinerary

You’re about to spend 4 days in Paris? You’re one lucky fella! “City of Lights”, “City of Love”, the “Fashion Capital” of the world, no matter how it’s called,  Paris is one of those special places everyone has on their bucket list . And trust me, there’s a good reason for that!

No matter what kind of traveler you’re, this beautiful city got you covered. From tiny alleys soaked in history to world-renounced marvels of engineering, from croissants and macarons to high-end French cuisine, from Luis XIV to Napoleon there is so much stuff going on in the French capital that seeing it all in a single visit is plain impossible.

Spending 4 days in Paris, however, should give us just enough time to check out the biggest highlights and immerse into that world-famous Parisian spirit.

I bet you have at least one friend who’s been to Paris and didn’t like it. This should not discourage you.  Paris is not an easy city to explore . The must-see places are plenty, the metro system is confusing, and the tourist hordes are massive! If you go there unprepared and spend most of your time waiting in line or trying to figure out how to get from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, chances are you won’t enjoy your vacation much.

Don’t worry, though. Stumbling on this 4 Days in Paris guide means you are doing your homework properly and the chances are high you’re gonna enjoy the City of Lights to the max!

Enough hyping, let’s start guiding. Here is the ultimate 4-day Paris itinerary!

4 day Paris itinerary - Paris Landmarks

Four Days in Paris – Day 1 – Global Icons

For our first day in the city, we’re going to explore the major highlights.  And there is no bigger highlight  than our first stop of the day:

The Eiffel Tower

4 day Paris itinerary - Eiffel Tower landscape

Built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle,  the idea behind the Eiffel Tower was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the  French Revolution . It took only two years of construction, and with its height of 312 meters (1024 feet), it was the tallest building on Earth at the time.

A curious fact about the Eiffel Tower is that the Parisians hated the idea of it. They even went on strikes around the city to stop the construction that was feared will ruin the beautiful landscape of Paris. Things cooled down when Gustave Eiffel promised the tower would be decommissioned after 20 years.

Thanks to the invention of the radio waves, however, after 20 years the Eiffel Tower was not torn apart but instead turned into one of the first radio broadcasting towers in the world.

The views of the Eiffel Tower

Today the globally recognized Eiffel Tower is the first item on every Paris bucket list hence attracting massive hordes of tourists. To avoid spending half of your first day waiting in lines to get up, you need to prepare your entrance. There are two queues you need to worry about. The first one is the security line to enter the Eiffel Tower area. If you go there at 9:00 (when it opens) there would already be an hour-long queue waiting. How to avoid this? Get your skip-the-line ticket and went straight through the fast line. Once inside the area, there is another line, depending on the way you’re gonna get to the top. The options are:

–  Using the elevator This is the most expensive option, and you’ll have to wait a while to get inside the elevator going up and eventually down. It stops at all three levels of the tower.

–  By foot The cheapest option allows you to only go to the first and second levels of the tower. There are 328 steps to the first floor and another 346 to the second, making it a total of 674 steps climb. Since the steps are quite small and you get a break exploring level 1, the climb is not as hard as it sounds.

–  Combined With this option, you get to the second level on foot and get the elevator to the top from there. Considering the fact that the “Foot only” ticket couldn’t be bought online  (this you can’t skip the first line ) and it won’t get you to the top ( the top is overcrowded and nothing special but still ), I consider this to be the best option.

Eiffel Tower at day with Seine

Castaway Fact With almost 7 million visitors per year, the Eiffel Tower is NOT the most visited monument in Paris! It actually ranks fourth behind Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Sacre Coeur Basilica. Check out more interesting Paris facts

Photo Tip To get the best shot of the Eiffel Tower you need to cross the Seine where you’ll find the Trocadéro Gardens. To get the best Instagram shot, get there early in the morning. 

There is a big chance the official tickets are not available for the time slot you need. In this case, your best option is getting a guided tour  that will not only give you priority access but will also teach you a ton of fun stuff about the Eiffel Tower and its history!

Working Hours : Check for your day here

Prices : Elevator to the top – 28.30 EUR Elevator to the second floor – 18.10 EUR ( skip-the-line ticket here ) Stairs to the second floor – 11.30 EUR ( skip-the-line ticket here ) Stairs to second floor and then elevator to the top – 21.50 EUR

Guided tour – Check here Guided tour + Seine cruise – Check here

Castaway Tip If you want to have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, I suggest going first to the nearby Rue Cler. Being one of the best French food streets in town, strolling around Rue Cler choosing picnic supplies is an experience by itself (a tasty one)

Arc de Triomphe

4 day Paris itinerary - arc de triomphe

Next on the list is another global symbol – Arc de Triomphe!

Commissioned by Napoleon himself , the arc was built to celebrate his victory at Austerlitz. So what is there to see here? Beneath Arc de Triomphe, there is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame on it. If you happen to be there at 6:30 PM, you can see the flame being rekindled.

Not a lot of people are aware that you can actually climb to the top of the arc . When you go beneath the arch, you quickly realize it, but it’s already late. The queue for the tickets is as long as the Eiffel Tower one, and the arc allows only a limited amount of people inside.

To save yourself some time and still enjoy the glorious panoramic view, prepare yourself with the  online skip the line ticket . It’s not only  the same price , but unlike the other prebooked Paris tickets, this one is valid for a whole year.

Working Hours : 1 October – 31 March Mon-Sun 10:00 AM -10:30 PM

1 April – 30 September Mon-Sun 10:00 AM -11:00 PM

Prices : Regular – 13 EUR Online priority ticket – Check here   Priority + Audio Guide – Check here

Castaway Fact Arc de Triomphe’s facade is calligraphed with all French battle victories and the names of the generals who won them

Champs Elysees + Pont de l’Alma

4 days in Paris - bridge view of the Eiffel Tower

When you get enough from the arc, make your way down to  the most famous and luxurious street in France – Champs Elysees.

Featured in many movies and songs ( ohhhh Shan ze lizeeee ) the avenue is considered the second most expensive in the world (Bond street in London beats it). The impossible to pronounce name translates to Elysian Fields referring to the afterlife heaven-like place in Greek mythology.

Spending a lot of time on Champs Elysees is not healthy for your credit card balance , so make the right to George V Avenue and go straight to the Pont de l’Alma. This bridge gives you a perfect photo op with the Eiffel Tower in the background and the Seine River in the front. Take your shots and cross the river to find our next stop.

Castaway Tip If you want to shop, but you’re more of a mall person, forget Champs Elysees and go to The Galeries Lafayette. This upmarket French department store chain is the biggest one in Europe, and its flagship store is on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement.

   See Also:   3 Days in Rome – All You Need to Know

Branly Museum

Branly Museum collection

Here’s the best place to warn you about something.  This 4 day Paris itinerary features a lot of museums . Since Paris has so much art and history to offer, I just can’t skip so many treasures and claim to have the perfect itinerary.

The Branly Museum (Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac) is the first one I’m about to show you, and it’s by far the most underrated one. Rare to find on any other Paris itineraries,  the museum offers an impressive collection of indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania + the Americas . France used to be a major colonizer, so having a museum of this type is not surprising at all.

And since the museum is not among the most popular Paris attractions, the lines are short, and there’s no need to prebook anything. Just go there and enjoy the weird masks, totems, and costumes.  They even have an Easter Island Moai Head!

Working Hours : Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM Monday – closed

Prices : Regular – 12 EUR ( get one from here ) Free admission the first Sunday of each month (timed tickets are also required for all visitors).

Banks of Seine

Walking Bridge over Seine

The first of our 4 days in Paris is about to end, and you’re probably tired.  A great way to relax before going back to your hotel is a walk alongside the banks of Seine . Unlike many other famous rivers, the banks of Seine are kept nice and tidy, giving both locals and tourists a perfect place to relax and enjoy a romantic sunset.

My advice is to follow the river on the way to the Eiffel Tower and see the light show after dark ( on every hour, the tower starts to sparkle !). If the weather is good, you can also get a bottle of wine ( beer ) and sit at Trocadero.  The atmosphere is magic!

   See Also:   What NOT to do in Paris

Four Days in Paris – Day 2 – Treasures of Paris

Our 4 days in Paris continue with full steam. On day 2 we have a jam-packed itinerary that’s about to uncover City of Love’s hidden and not-so-hidden treasures.

4 day Paris itinerary - the Louvre panoramic view

What better place to start our treasure hunt other than the most impressive treasury in the world?Transformed from a 13th century fortress into a gigantic palace,  The Louvre Museum is so big and has so much to see that if you spend just 30 seconds on every artifact there, you’d need more than 120 days to see them all.  They also have tens of thousands of items not on display, but that’s another story.

So how do we see all of that in a day?  We don’t. If you try to do it, not only you won’t succeed, but you’ll get so burned out that you’d hate the place. The best thing to do is to mark the things that most interest you and try to find them. 

My advice is to go to the heavyweights first – Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace  ( they are close to each other ). Then decide if you’re most interested in Egyptian antics ( Great Sphinx of Tanis ), Mesopotamian artifacts ( The Hammurabi Code ), paintings (  Liberty Leading the People ), sculptures (  Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss ) or lavish interiors ( Napoleon’s apartments ). Pick one, maybe two, and go for it. Once you feel overwhelmed by culture, it’s time to leave.

4 days in Paris - best artefacts of the Louvre

Currently it’s impossible to buy tickets at the gate so online booking is mandatory. If you want to have a chance to explore Mona Lisa in piece, just get the earliest one possible and pick a side entrance ( it should be mentioned on your ticket, I used the Richelieu Gate ). Show up just 30 minutes before opening, and you’re guaranteed to be among the first to enter the museum!

Storm clouds above the Louvre

Working Hours : Wed – Mon: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (9:45 PM on Friday) Tuesday: Closed

Prices : Regular: 17 EUR ( Get one here ) Ticket + Audio Guide – Check here Reserved Ticket + Boat Cruise – Check here Guided Tour – Check here

Castaway Tip On the way to the Louvre, go through the Pont Alexandre III bridge. It’s a Paris landmark and one of the most beautiful bridges globally.

Jardin du Palais Royal

4 day Paris itinerary - Royal Gardens

Once you’re out of the Louvre, you’re a little disorientated, so you need a refresh.  Luckily one of Paris’ hidden gems is right next to you.

The Royal Palace Garden is one of the very best places to kick back and recharge your batteries.Surrounding an 17th century palace, It’s also home to Buren’s Columns, a curious art installation that gives an excellent setting for a cool Instagram photo.

Sainte Chapelle

4 days in Paris - Sainte Chapelle interior

Don’t get too comfortable inside the Royal Gardens cause we still have a lot to explore today. Our 4 days in Paris continue with one of the most beautiful churches in Europe – Sainte Chapelle! Constructed in only seven years, the gothic-styled chapel was built to host Christ’s Crown of Thorns – one of the most important relics in the world. Today, the crown is hosted in Notre Dame, but millions of people still go to Sainte Chapelle to see its magnificent interior.

While the first floor looks decent,  the real magic is the second one . Fifteen enormous stained glass windows surround you while a large rose window dominates the wall behind.  I’ve been to many holy places around the world and trust me, Sainte Chapelle has no equivalent! Sainte Chapelle may not be among the most famous attractions in Paris , but you shouldn’t underestimate the lines ( I did, and it was stupid ). Yes, there are two lines before you enter the chapel. First, the security line and then the ticket line.  It took me a little bit more than an hour to get inside . What you should do is get the  online priority ticket  (same price)  and don’t waste your precious Paris time watching somebody’s back.

The beautiful windows of Sainte Chapelle

Working Hours: 1 October – 31 March Mon-Sun:  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 1 April – 30 September Mon-Sun:  9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Prices : Regular: 11.50 EUR Online priority ticket – Check here Online priority ticket + Conciergerie – Check here  

Castaway Tip To reach Sainte Chapelle, go through the Pont Neuf bridge. Although its name translates to New Bridge, it’s the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine.

4 day Paris itinerary - Notre Dame with Seine

The most famous religious building in France and another  symbol   of Europe , the Notre Dame is just a 10-minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle. In a city full of gothic cathedrals, this is THE chrurch of churches. While operational it was more visited that the Eiffel Tower itself!

Sadly, due to the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, the cathedral is closed until second notice, but you can still go around it and enjoy the magnificent architecture from the outside. To donate towards its restoration or to check for updates, see the official site of Notre Dam.

   See Also:   How to Spend 3 Days in Lisbon

Shakespeare and Company

4 days in Paris - Shakespeare and Company

Located just 5 minutes away from Notre Dame is  my favorite hidden treasure of Paris – the Shakespeare and Company bookstore . I’m not sure if it still qualifies for a hidden gem actually, the place is buzzing with people, but even all that interest can’t take away this vintage bookstore’s charm.

The popularity of Shakespeare and Company comes from the fact that it was the informal living room (and sometimes bedroom) to revered figures in contemporary literature such as Ernest Hemingway, F Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac, and all others from the lost generation .

Shakespeare and Company is still privately owned and run by the daughter of George Whitman – the American-born proprietor who made the shop what it is today.

“I like people to open the door the way they open a book, a book that leads into a magic world in their imaginations.”

Working Hours : Mon to Sat: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Prices : Free

Jardin du Luxembourg

pond in the Luxemburg Gardens

The day is slowly going down, and I bet you’re tired ( the Louvre tends to do that ). Resist the temptation to sit in one of the cute little cafes and instead go to a supermarket to stock with some picnic supplies cause the next stop on our 4 day Paris itinerary is  the most beautiful garden and a popular spot for relaxation – the Luxembourg Gardens .

Created in 1612 by Marie de’ Medici the Luxembourg Gardens park is one of the most relaxing places you can spend an afternoon in ( I’m not ashamed to admit I had a little nap there ). Even if it’s full of people, there will always be a bench or a chair for you to enjoy a bit of fresh air.

Montparnasse Tower

4 day Paris itinerary - Montparnasse tower

The second of our 4 days in Paris will end  with the best view in town . What, you thought the best view is the one from the Eiffel Tower? While the view from there is pretty spectacular,  to claim to be the best view in Paris you need to have the Eiffel Tower on the horizon too, right? So the best view in Paris is not the one from the Eiffel Tower but the one from the observation deck of the Montparnasse Tower – a 210 meters tall office building located just 10 minutes away from the Luxembourg Gardens.

There’s no better place to watch the sunset in Paris.

Sacre Couer view from the Montparnasse tower

Working Hours: 1 April – 30 September daily: 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM

1 October – 30 March daily: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (11:00 PM Frinday and Saturday)

Prices: Weekday – 18 EUR ( Get one here ) Weekend – 19 EUR ( Get one here )

   See Also:   How to Spend 2 Weeks in Europe

Four Days in Paris – Day 3 – Recharge

After an intense day 2, our 4 days in Paris continue with a recharging day. It’s not like we won’t do anything on day 3 it just won’t be jam-packed as the day before. If you’re well prepared ( and I know you will be ), you can sleep a bit more today and still waste minimum time on queues.

Musee d’Orsay

4 day Paris itinerary - Musse D'Orsay clock

The second most significant art museum in town,  Musee d’Orsay would be THE museum to visit in almost any other city on the planet . Unlucky for it, it happened to be right next to the biggest and most famous art museum in the world ( the one you got lost in yesterday ) so it kind of stays in its shadow.

Housed in the former 100 years old railway station – Gare d’Orsay,  this museum displays the biggest collection of French impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world.

Here are some of the artists Musee d’Orsay displays: Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, Van Gogh. And not some random paintings but their very best works!

Exploring this museum seriously raised my bar for art museums. It’s hard to explain the whole experience, but if impressionism is your type of art,  Musee d’Orsay will give you one of the most pleasurable museum visits of your life. A train station worth a visit indeed!

4 days in Paris - Musee D'Orsay treasures

Why did I mention you can sleep a bit late today? Are there no lines for Musee d’Orsay? There is a line of course ( duh, we’re in Paris ) and it’s not a little one. But there is also a fast priority line you should be in. Just get the online   ticket  and save yourself the annoying wait.

Working Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 9.30 AM – 6:00 PM Thur: 9:30 AM – 9:45 PM Monday – Closed

Prices: Regular Ticket – 14 EUR Guided Tour – Check here Online priority ticket – Check here Online priority ticket + river cruise – Check here Free on first Sunday of the month

Musee d’Orangerie

Claud Monet's Waterlilies

Ten minutes away from Musee d’Orsay is our next stop for the day and the last museum on our 4 Day Paris itinerary – Musee d’Orangerie. If you followed my advice, you already have a ticket so skip the long line and go for the little one  (if there is any at all ).

Unlike the other museums we visited in Paris, Musee d’Orangerie is quite small . It consists of two levels. The bottom one feature some impressionist masterpieces ( which I suspect, the nearby Musee d’Orsay didn’t have a room for ). The main reason for our visit is on the upper floor where two oval-shaped rooms ( forming the symbol of infinity ) displays  Claud Monet’s biggest masterpiece – The Water Lilies!  Created at the end of his life, The Water Lilies are a series of paintings depicting the artist’s flower garden at his home in Giverny.

Impressionism is a form of art that is hard to describe by words, but for me, the sense of calmness and tranquility projected by these paintings can rival the best natural sights I’ve seen.

Working Hours: Wed-Mon: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed

Prices: Regular – 12.50 EUR ( get one here )

Castaway Fact Even though he made over 250 Water Lilly paintings, only eight are exposed in Musee d’Orangerie. Claude Monet himself picked the paintings, their positions, and the lightning.

Place de la Concorde

Concord Square view with the Egyptian obelisk

Right in front of Musee d’Orangerie, you’ll find the biggest square in Paris – Place de la Concorde.

Dating back to 1748, the square  used to be called Place Louis XV  ( when it was housing a statue of the king ). It was renamed to  Place de la Révolution  ( when the statue was torn down ) and became the public spot where the new revolutionary government executes the French royals ( such as  King Louis XVI  and  Queen Marie Antoinette ).

Today the square hosts a glorious fountain and a genuine Egyptian Obelisk. If you visit during autumn or winter, there’s also a big Ferris wheel there.

Castaway Story When I was in Egypt, the locals seemed bitter about the obelisk. Apparently, the French tricked them by taking Karnak Temple’s most prominent obelisk in exchange for a clock that’s not even working (now in the Alabaster mosque).

Jardin des Tuileries

4 day Paris itinerary - the garden of the tuileries

As I promised, we continue with the relaxing itinerary by going straight to the Tuileries Garden.

Shaped by the famous gardener of King Louis XIV , this public garden offers two ponds with many benches and chairs ( yes, parks in Paris also have public chairs. It’s incredibly convenient! ), perfect to kick back from the intense sightseeing of the last three days.

And since it’s Paris and nothing in Paris is just average, the gardens also feature some statues made by the art-titans Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti.

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Seine Cruise

4 days in Paris - cruise over Seine

The last activity on our recharge day is, again, a lazy one. It’s day 3, and you’ve already seen the biggest highlights of Paris  but seeing them from a boat that slowly floats around the Seine river is like seeing them for the first time .

The regular river cruise  will present plenty of photo opportunities while  the night one   will show you why exactly they call Paris – “The City of Lights”. If you want the most premium experience, get  the cruise with the French Dinner included . Definitely one of the top romantic things to do in Paris!

Castaway Tip Check out the weather forecast before you book a boat. Depending on the weather, decide what type of ship you need (you don’t want an open one if it’s cold and rainy, right?)

Four Days in Paris – Day 4 – Old Paris

On our last day in town, we’re going to explore some of the old parts of Paris. I mean, I know that almost everything in Paris is old, but those places have kept their vintage spirit alive and, as cliche, as it sounds, will transfer you back in time.

Paris Catacombs

Skulls from the Paris Catacombs

An underground tunnel of death spread 20 meters beneath the streets of Paris, the catacombs hold the remains of several million (!) people.

A walk around them is like no other. Few dozen chambers filled with thousands and thousands of bones. The walls are built by bones, there is an altar built by bones, there’s even a heart made of bones. The whole catacombs experience is surreal.

Walking around so much death, really makes you put things in perspective and appreciate life.

4 day Paris itinerary - inside the catacombs

Even though the place is fantastic,  I almost left it out of my 4 day Paris itinerary . How come? No, I didn’t get chased by a ghost, nor did I got creeped out too much. The experience is top-notch but to enter the catacombs…well, that’s pure hell. Something I didn’t know before I visit ( hello, a professional traveler here ) is that  the catacombs are famous for having the longest line of all Paris attractions! So here I am, excited to explore the veritable labyrinth of bones, getting on the line without even seeing the entrance. And I wait… and wait…and wait some more.  It took me 3 and a half hours to get inside!  Absolutely ridiculous.

Why is the queue so big? The catacombs are a major attraction, and many people want to see them. Only 200 people, however, are allowed down there, and no one gets in before someone gets out. Also, there’s a priority line that gets to enter with…well…priority.

So after waiting on the longest line in the world, my advice is – either  get the priority ticket  or skip the place . The catacombs are genuinely great, but the three hours + waiting is just not worth it. The other option is to go an hour before they open. You’ll still have to wait, but at least you know it’s just an hour.

Working Hours: Tue-Sun: 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM Monday: Closed

Prices: Last Minute Ticket (bought at the desk, or online and used the same day) (limited availibilities): 18 EUR Priority ticket + Audio guide – Check here VIP Tour – Check Here More skip the line tours

Palais Garnier

4 days in Paris - Opera House from the street

If you’ve read any of my other guides, you probably noticed I love to include European operas in my itineraries. Well I couldn’t skip one of  the most famous opera houses in the world , right?

So our next stop is the Paris Opera, also known as Palais Garnier!

Is it really a palace? No, but the opulence of the building is so rich that it was deemed the Palace of Garnier ( its creator ). There is no need to buy an incredibly expensive opera ticket to enjoy the opera house’s interior as Palace Garnier offers  visitation tickets  too.

Working Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM A lot of time the opera is closed or there is reduced working hours so better  double check here

Prices: Regular: 14 EUR ( Get here ) Audioguide + 6.50 EUR Guided tours – Check here

Castaway Fact An incident in 1896 where one of the chandelier’s counterweights broke free killing a concierge inspired the legendary gothic novel – The Phantom of the Opera.

4 day Paris itinerary - a street musician in Montmartre

The most charming part of Paris, Montmartre, is located on a small hill in the 18th arrondissement.  Famous for its vintage charm , Montmartre used to be the go-to place for every self-respected artist of the 19th and 20th centuries.

And no wonder, the district managed to keep the small village atmosphere that can inspire all sorts of art expressions.  Walking around it even nowadays is like stepping inside a postcard . If you want to go to the next level, get yourself a  walking tour  that will teach more about the history of the district and show you its hidden gems!

Tour or no tour, make sure you visit one of the highlights of Montmartre – the ” I Love You Wall”.  The love-themed wall covers around 40 square meters (430 sq ft) and includes the words I love you in 311 different languages. Try to find it written in your language ( it’s quite hard! ).

4 days in Paris - exploring the trasures of Montmartre

   See Also:   2 Days in Barcelona – All You Need to Know

The Sacre Coeur Basilica

Sacre Coeur Basilica

The biggest highlight of Montmartre and another iconic symbol of Paris – the Sacre Coeur Basilica is the next stop on our 4 days in Paris.

The entirely white basilica is dedicated to the heart of Jesus, and it’s  the second most visited church in Paris  (at least when Notre Dame is open). It stands at the top of the hill of Montmartre, and it’s also the second-highest point of the city ( behind the Eiffel Tower ).

And while the basilica comes second in those rankings, its architecture is second to none. Built in romano-byzantine style, Sacre Coeur was inspired by Saint Sofia ( Istanbul ) and San Marco ( Venice ).  The entirely white exterior completes the majestic luminance of this astonishing place.

Sacre Coeur Basilica from different viewpoints

Working Hours: Church Mon – Sun: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Dome Daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM – summer Daily from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM – winter

Prices: Church: Free Dome: 5 EUR (300 steps, no elevator) Guided tour – Check Here

Castaway Tip Honestly, the Basilica is not as glorious from the inside as it’s from the outside. If the line is too big, I suggest skipping it. The hill presents a marvelous panoramic view of Paris and this is the main highlight of the place. Yes, the real magic of Sacre Coeur is the steps that lead there. One of the most popular spots to relax and enjoy a bottle of wine.

Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge from the street

The last event in our 4 days in Paris would be a memorable one. Famous all over the world, Moulin Rouge was founded in 1889 and went through several transformations before becoming the global symbol that it is today.

The idea behind Moulin Rouge was simple.  The creators of the place wanted to attract an audience that just wants to have fun . They served champagne during the shows and allowed people from the audience to go on stage. The whole place had an extravagant design and even an elephant in the garden.

Unfortunately, the place burned out in 1915 just to be replaced ten years later with a theater that later became a dance club.

The legendary cabaret we have today exists thanks to Georges France and Vincent Auriol who decided the renovation of Moulin Rouge should bring back the original idea – to attract people who just want to have fun!

Working Hours: Moulin Rouge working hours and FAQ

Prices: Moulin Rouge online tickets

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has thousands of beautiful hotels. If you’re willing to break the bank, it’s easy to find a luxurious hotel with perfect conditions. What I’m gonna suggest here are hotels who ( in my opinion ) have the X factor to excel your Paris experience but won’t cost a small fortune to stay.

Résidence Charles Floquet

paris-hotel-1

Hotel Le Notre Dame Saint Michel

paris-hotel-2

Located next to Notre Dame, this hotel offers not only a  perfect location in the center of Paris  but also a unique art experience. “Cobblestoned” floors, bright walls, and windows overlooking the more famous church in the world! Count me in! Check out the latest price

 Elysées Union

view from 3rd floor with the eiffel tower

Another amazing place with an Eiffel Tower view, hotel Elysées Union is housed in a typical 19th century Paris building and offers all you need to have a perfect vacation. Soundproofed rooms with classic French decor, delicious continental breakfast, 24-hour reception, and a metro station a hundred meters away make this hotel one of the very best options for your 4 days in Paris. Check out the latest price

Want to explore more options in Paris? See the best-located hotels in town

Paris Tours

–  The Dark One : Paris may be the “City of Light” but its alleys hold plenty of dark stories. This unique tour will show you the other side of Paris, its myths and legends.

–  The Cemetery One : Explore one of the most famous cemeteries in the world with this one. I didn’t put it in the 4-day itinerary because I don’t think it’s something that should be explored on your own. With a guide tough, the Pere Lachaise cemetery is quite an interesting place to visit.

–  The VR One : This is quite a unique experience. Put your VR headset, fuel your jetpack, and explore Paris the way you never imagined possible! Very cool thing to do for a reasonable price.

– The Wine One  – Paris wines are worldwide famous. So is there a more Parisian tour than a wine tasting tour? I don’t think so. This tour is not even a tour but a workshop that will teach you history, aromas, terroir, and the specific ways different wines are made and turn you into a proficient sommelier.

More than Four Days in Paris

You have more than 4 days in Paris, or you want to replace something on the itinerary? Not a problem, Paris has plenty to offer.

Le Centre Pompidou

Pompidou Centre in Paris

The Pompidou Centre is an odd building located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris that hosts the Public Information Library of Paris and the biggest modern art museum in Europe – Musée National d’Art Moderne.  It’s also designed to be inside-out.

Described by National Geographic as “love at second sight” Le Centre Pompidou is one of the weirdest constructions in Paris and a must-see for every modern art enthusiast.

Working Hours: Wed – Mon: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (except Thursday when the museum is open until 11:00 PM) Tuesday – Closed

Prices: Regular – 15 EUR ( Get one here )

4 day Paris itinerary - 59 Rivoli fascade with breasts

If you stumble upon a mid-1800s Haussmann era building with a snake, face or breasts on its facade, don’t be confused. You found 59 Rivoli.

An artist squat of over 30 artists that pay minimum rent to live and create in the heart of Paris. If you need more art for your 4 days in Paris, you’re free to go in and explore six floors full of fantasy.

Working Hours: Tue-Sun: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday – Closed

Prices: Free

Nicholas Flamel House

4 days in Paris - Nicholas Flamel House

Alchemists were those weird semi-scientist, semi-magician guys from the middle ages who devoted their entire lives to the search of a mythical item that can turn metal into gold and produce an elixir of life ( apparently doing just one of those things was not enough ).

Nicholas Flamel is the most popular alchemist of all time that was even featured in the Harry Potter series. The legend says ( and J.K. Rowling confirms ) that he actually managed to find the Philosopher’s Stone and he is still alive today.

His house in Paris still stands, and today it’s turned into a Micheline-star restaurant.  If you’re a foodie and you fancy a curious dinner in the oldest house known to date in Paris, the home of Nicholas Flamel is your place.

Working Hours: Lunch – from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM Dinner – from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Reservation Info: Tel: 01 42 71 77 78 mail: [email protected]

Musée Rodin

4 days in Paris - Rodin Museum

If you prefer sculptures instead of paintings, you can change one of the museums within the 4-day Paris itinerary with one of the very best sculpture museums in the world – the Rodin Museum.

Opened in 1919, the museum is dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin who is considered among the most prominent sculptors of all times.  His most influential masterpieces – The Gates of Hell, The Kiss, and my favorite, The Thinker can all be found in the museum.

Working Hours: Tue-Sun: different through the year – check here Monday – Closed

Prices: Regular – 13 EUR ( Get one here ) Priority + Guide – Check here

Les Invalides

Les Invalides courtyard

Les Invalides used to be a royal chapel commissioned by Louis XIV and completed in 1677. In 1800, Napoleon turned the place into a pantheon of military glories. Today, the building hosts the Military Museum of Paris,  the biggest attraction of which is the tomb of Napoleon himself!

Working Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday till 9:00 PM) Closed every first Monday in the month.

Prices: Regular: 14 EUR ( Get one here ) Priority + Guide – Check here

Paris Pantheon

4 day trip in paris

A monument in the 5th arrondissement, The Pantheon has been a burial ground for notable French figures since the French Revolution. The famous graves you can explore there today include Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas.

Working Hours: From April 1 to September 30:   Daily 10 AM to 6:30 PM

From October 1 to March 31: Daily 10 AM to 6 PM

Prices: Regular: 11.50 EUR ( Get one here ) Free for Under 18 or 18-25 citizens of EU countries

Day-Trips From Paris

If you’re ready to sacrifice one of your 4 days in Paris for a day trip, there are plenty of picturesque villages, theme parks, and chateaus around the city. Two of them, however, stand out:

Palace Of Versailles

4 day Paris itinerary - Versailles Palace courtyard

In the 17th century, the Sun King transformed his father’s hunting lodge into a palace so beautiful and opulent that nowadays, it’s a synonym for a luxurious lifestyle

Explore the lavish rooms and get lost in the exquisite gardens while learning more about the former inhabitants of the palace.  Legendary figures like Marie Antoinette and the Sun King all used to call the Versailles Palace home and left their mark on it. Lines for the Palace Of Versailles are not something to be taken lightly. Just like most of the things in Paris,  it’s best to get your  online ticket  beforehand . There are two types of tickets – with a fixed hour and without. Get the fixed-hour ones. If you’re in time you go straight in, and if you’re not, your ticket is still valid, but you just have to wait in the no-fixed-hours line ( the same one you have to wait if you get the other ticket ).

And if you want to learn more about all the gorgeous and pompous things you’re about to see in the palace, I strongly recommend getting this guided tour . The guides are among the best in Paris and their personal approach to every visitor guarantees a plesant experience.

Working Hours: Palace Tue-Sun: 9:00 AM -5:30 PM Gardens Tue-Sun: 8:00 AM -6:00 PM Trianon Estate Tue-Sun: 12:00 PM -5:30 PM Monday: Closed

Prices: There are multiple prices so better find the best one for you on  the official site  or book yourself a  guided tour  (you can choose a secret rooms visit here!)

How to get there? Get the public train from Paris to Versailles-Chteau rive gauche station stop (RER C – the yellow line)

Disneyland Paris

disneyland-castle-with-pastel-sunset-clouds

The only Disneyland park in Europe is also the most visited theme park on the continent. No matter your age, the magical land of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and friends is a guarantee to have a good time.

Working Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM ( double-check here )

Prices: There are multiple prices, you better go to  the official site  to find the best one for you or explore  the offers of GetYourGuide  ( some include private transport from Paris and back )

How to get there? Get the public train from Paris to the Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy stop (RER A – the red line)

Paris Itinerary Map

4 days in Paris itinerary map

Click to open in Google Maps

Is Paris a safe city to visit?

Absolutely! Paris is one of the safest places you can visit, and you shouldn’t let the mainstream media convince you otherwise.  The only thing you should be wary about in Paris is the pickpockets . Wherever there are massive tourist crowds, the pickpockets follow. Be especially careful around crowded public spaces like the Eiffel Tower or Sacre Coeur.

No matter how safe it is, it’s always good to be prepared for everything and have travel insurance. I currently use  HeyMondo  for my travels because they have proven themselves to me more than once over the years. The link above will give you a 5% discount, but If you have another favorite provider, that’s ok. Just make sure you have one because you never know what may happen.

Is Paris expensive?

Paris is very expensive. It’s even ranked as the world’s  most expensive city to live in 2019 .  But you don’t have to break the bank to visit it. There are cheap Ryanair flights to Paris or Brussel ( bus from Brussel to Paris is less than 10 EUR ), there are Airbnb’s with pretty reasonable prices and great cafes offering french sandwiches and breakfast for a few euros.

You can even save money from the museum entries if you get the  Paris Museum Pass  ( not to be mistaken with Paris Pass which sucks ). Just make sure you’re gonna visit enough places to cover the price ( if you follow my 4-day Paris itinerary, you will ).

Streets in Paris with an old church in the background

Is Paris easy to walk around?

Paris is an extremely walkable city. Big streets combined with little alleys, all designed with the pedestrian in mind. Having said that, Paris is huge, so walking everywhere may not be the best idea. This leads to our next question:

What is the cheapest way to get around Paris?

The cheapest way to get around town during your 4 days in Paris is the metro. The “City of Lights” has a very developed metro system that can take you anywhere you want in no time. The problem with the Paris metro is that it’s confusing as hell for a first-time visitor.  The way I managed to get around was by using Google Maps just to find out what line I need . Select the nearest metro station, zoom out, and you’ll see the line color and where it goes.

Something that confused me at the beginning was the RER system. The train system of Paris is perfect for a day-trips but often uses the same stops as the metro and the colors of the lines are identical! When you check out your route, make sure there is no RER next to it.

The price for a single ticket is 1.90 EUR, and you can buy it from the machines positioned on every station. Tickets are also valid for buses, trams, RER trains (within Zone 1), and even for the Montmartre funicular.

If that seems like too much hassle (cause it is), the easiest way to travel around Paris would be to rent a car. In that case, I recommend checking out  Discover Cars  and their tool that will compare all the best rent-a-car providers in the area. The prices they manage to find are sometimes ridiculously low.

Bike and a colorful wall

How do I get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center?

The cheapest way is to use one of the RER trains. In this case, you need RER B (blue line) which you can find both on Terminal 2 and 3.  Tickets cost 11.40 EUR , and you can get them from the blue ticket machines ( not the yellow ones ) or a ticket booth. The journey to the center should last around an hour.

Alternatively, you can also use the buses that leave in front of all terminals. They are a bit cheaper, but you risk getting into traffic.

If you don’t want to stress yourself with public transport on your first day, the best thing you can do is to book either a  private  or  shared transfer straight to your hotel.

The easiest way, of course, would be to simply rent a car that will wait for you at the airport.

What is the currency in France?

France uses the Euro as its official currency. – Can you use US currency in Paris? No, you can’t. French are very proud people, and there’s no way they let you pay in USD. Even if you find a place where they accept dollars, the rate would be abysmal.

Eiffel Tower rising behind buildings

Do they speak English in Paris?

In Paris, people tend to speak French ( duh ). Not only that but they write everything in French neglecting English completely. Now from my experience, French people do speak English, or at least understand it.

Every time I wanted to order or buy something, I used English, and even though they replied in French, they always understood me.  So my conclusion is that most of the people in Paris do know English, however, they don’t like to use it.

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 4 days in Paris . To get your even more Paris-excited I reccomend checking my awesome Paris quotes collection . ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 32 bucket list ideas for France. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Is Paris on your bucket list?

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4 day trip in paris

Tuesday 23rd of May 2023

That's so great to read about how to live for 4 days in Paris. I would like to thank the author for sharing this beneficial blog with us. Keep Sharing.

Friday 26th of May 2023

Glad I can help :)

Wednesday 22nd of December 2021

Hi, I have been reading your articles for France and Spain all morning. I have one question.. Out of every month you have visited France, what was your personal favorite time to go?

Saturday 25th of December 2021

Hi there Alexa, Sorry for the late response. Spring is my favourite season for France, something around late March, early April. It's not flooded with tourists, days are long enough, weather is mild aaand blossom season in Paris :)

Friday 20th of December 2019

Love your article!! Would love to use your photo of the Eiffel Tower in an article if that would be OK?

Saturday 21st of December 2019

Glad you like it, Stephanie. Please send me a message with more details about the pic

Wednesday 10th of July 2019

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Inside the Travel Lab

How to Spend 4 Days in Paris

October 4, 2020

4 days in Paris - Perfect Paris itinerary cover image

If you’re wondering what to do in Paris in 4 days, I’ve put together the ultimate guide with more than 30 things to see in Paris. Get ready to savour the City of Lights with this 4 day Paris itinerary.

Table of Contents

Your 4 Day Paris Itinerary

France - Paris - Trocadero - View of Eiffel Tower

Why You Should Visit Paris

Where should we begin? The world class food or the world class architecture? The history that reaches into almost every part of the world or the icons we all grew up with? The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Mona Lisa and Notre Dame?

  • For the ultimate in luxury and a covid-safe travel plan, consider flying with a private charter company. You can keep up to date with Covid travel restrictions and updates here.

Trouble is, the whole world knows about this city, which is why it helps to plan ahead and avoid frustrating crowds. Also, be ready to open your mind beyond the classics. For Paris is a modern city, with innovative design, fashion, food, sport and architecture. Never mind 4 days in Paris, you could fill a lifetime with everything you can find in the City of Lights.

However, if four days is all you have, then four days is all you have. Let’s make the most of it with this 4 day Paris itinerary.

Paris Travel Essentials

If you book or buy through the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

How to Reach Paris

Paris is situated on the River Seine in northern France, 233 miles from the coast with two airports, Roissy Charles de Gaulle to the north and Orly to the south. As one of the world’s major cities, you’ll find frequent flights into both airports as well as international train services. The Eurostar rail service from London to Paris arrives at the Gare du Nord terminal.

When to Visit Paris

Honestly, there’s never a bad time to visit Paris. I’ve travelled there during every season there is and you’ll always find stunning ways to fill 4 days in Paris.

That said, spring and early autumn are the easiest to enjoy. In the summer months of July and August, tourist crowds and prices increase and many places still close down. And the winter, while beautiful, can feel cold and barren in places that otherwise ooze with laid back charm in the warmer months.

How to Get Around Paris

Central Paris is surprisingly easy to walk around and you’ll only really need the Metro or taxis for a few places that are further away – as long as you have comfy footwear.

The Paris Metro is reasonably clean and easy to use, although something of a nightmare with pushchairs for young children or for anyone requiring a wheelchair.

Should You Buy a Paris Pass?

With limited time you need access to the top sites, so it’s worth considering a Paris Pass. The pass includes a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and entry to over 60 attractions including the Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum (which used to be a railway station) and Centre Pompidou. The Pompidou centre usually attracts crowds for the artists and performers who congregate there – a bit like Covent Garden in London.

The pass also includes a Bateaux Parisiens river cruise, and unlimited public transport use. You can take the RER (Paris overground) to the Château de Vincennes where the remains of England’s Henry V were barrelled up to be returned to England after he died there of something nasty.

Take note of the lovely art deco signs outside the metro stations.

Why not bookmark this itinerary on how to spend 4 days in Paris on Pinterest for your future travel planning?

4 days in Paris - Perfect Paris itinerary cover image

4 Days in Paris Itinerary for First Timers

I’ve designed this 4 days in Paris itinerary with first timers in mind. That said, if it’s been a while since your first visit, it’s probably worth doing again! If, however, you’re a regular in the City of Lights then check out this guide to unusual things to do in Paris instead.

Day One: The Classics of the Mona Lisa & Notre Dame

Visit the Louvre first thing in the morning on day one just to get you in the mood. Home to the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory and the Venus de Milo, it would take you more than 100 days to see everything, but this is a great place to start. Expect long queues to see the Mona Lisa unless you book your ticket in advance!

Even if you decide to skip the inside of the museum to save time, the glass pyramid is a sight worth seeing in its own right.

France - Paris - Place de la Concorde at Night

Enjoy Place de la Concorde during 4 days in Paris

Tuileries & Place de la Concorde

From the Louvre, enjoy the walk through the Tuileries Gardens to the world-famous Place de la Concorde. It was hear that the bloody executions of the French Revolution took place, and Marie Antoinette lost her head. However, since then, the place has been renamed as the place of agreement and friendship. These days, it’s often a snarl of traffic but worth visiting en route to Notre Dame. From here, you should be able to see your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

Pont Neuf to Notre Dame

Cross Pont Neuf and head towards the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Pont Neuf is Paris’ oldest standing bridge (although the name actually means ‘new bridge’) and Notre Dame used to be the most visited historical site in Paris.

Since the damaging fire, you need to check ahead to see when it will reopen. However, even if you can’t enter this burial chamber for former Kings and Queens, you can walk around the outside and get a sense of scale and size.

While here on the Ile de la Cite, it’s worth the short detour to the nearby Ile St. Louis for a spot of lunch and some shopping for Parisian souvenirs.

France - Paris - Musee de l'Orangerie Interior with Waterlilies and modern art

Exploring the museums of Paris

L’Orangerie

Take your time over lunch, before walking back to the Musée de l’Orangerie to see the Monet’s Nymphéas or waterlilies. They’re not the only art on show in this bright and fascinating museum, but they absolutely are the must-see. The curved walls of the galleries were purposefully designed to showcase this art and there’s something mesmerising about wall to wall lilies that still remains so different to other works of art.

France - Paris - Arc de Triomphe at Night

Champs Élsées & Arc de Triomphe

Walk along the Champs Élysées, a grand leafy boulevard, to reach the Arc de Triomphe and the tomb of the unknown soldier. This is one of the grandest streets in Paris, with designer shops and high end restaurants filling its pavements and high profile events like the end of the Tour de France filling its street.

It’s a good place to stop for dinner before climbing the Arc de Triomphe for sunset, depending on the time of year of your visit.

Remember your trip for years to come with these quality, meaningful Paris souvenirs.

Tasty pastries and art nouveau in Paris

Day Two Paris Itinerary: Cafés & Culture

Channel your inner philosopher at st germain de prés.

Early morning in St Germain de Prés summons up the romance of the literary and philosophical age. Have breakfast, or strong coffee at least, at either Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore. Twas here that the likes of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir enjoyed their tête-à-têtes and you can soak up some of that bygone age at breakfast before the tourists arrive. And if coffee is your thing, check out these spots for the best coffee in Paris here.

Institut du Monde Arabe and the Paris Hammam

For an intriguing look at modern Paris and ancient traditions, visit the Paris Mosque on 39 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire and bring your swimsuit. It’s a sex-segregated hammam with steam rooms and invigorating black scrubs set in gorgeous buildings with a gentle mint tea cafe.

After that, for lunch, try the Institut du Monde Arabe on 1 Rue des Fosses Saint Bernard. The panoramic restaurant gives great views of the city and is one of my favourite unusual things to do in Paris.

France - Paris - By Night

The Eiffel Tower and Around

And now it’s time for the classic. Queues aside, I believe that everyone should try to climb the Eiffel Tower at least once in their lives. Just walking around the shadows and shimmers of its base gives me a shiver of a thrill even now.

For the best views of the tower, though you have two main option. The first is to head to the pretty area of Trocadero across the Seine. The second is to head to the Tour Montparnasse. This is one of the ugliest towers in Paris, if not the world, but it has a sky high restaurant and bar with great views of the Eiffel Tower at sunset.

France - Paris - Moulin Rouge at Night

An Evening in Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge

If you’re visiting in winter when the evening darkness arrives early, then I’d suggest skipping the Paris Mosque in the morning and heading to Montmartre instead to catch the daylight.

However, at all other times of year, head to Montmartre in the late afternoon and early evening and relax and make the most of this beautiful, beautiful area.

The white tulip dome of the Sacre Coeur dazzles in its own right but then turn around to see one of the best views in Paris spread out before you.

By day, postcard-pretty Montmartre often throngs with caricaturists and crowds but by the evening, the crowd thins and the cosy cafes and bistros welcome diners with enthusiasm anew.

The Moulin Rouge lives close to Montmartre, its striking red windmill lights bright in the sky. Despite the poetic references throughout history, I’ve always found it a little seedy. So I’d suggest just walking by to see the windmill – and then to keep on walking.

Versailles day trip from Paris - Neptune reclining in front of Palace of Versailles

Within the gardens of the Palace of Versailles – An Astonishing Day Trip from Paris

Day Three Paris Itinerary: Versailles

Don’t make the same mistake as me and wait for too long to see Versailles! Yes, it’s a day trip from Paris but it’s a short and easy hour long journey on the RER train to  Versailles -Château – Rive Gauche.

The Palace of Versailles is, of course, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it seems as though it should be more than one. It is so vast and so ornate. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera and the chambers of Marie Antoinette. Let them eat cake indeed…

Ideally, leave yourself an entire day to explore and understand Versailles and her gardens. A visit here really does leave you with a much better idea of France’s history, view of herself and place in the world.

Where to Eat in Paris? Some Unique Ideas

  • At Bouillon Chartier, 59 boulevard du Montparnasse , the dining room is full of Art Nouveau charm, a vast space with high ceilings, soaring mirrors, brass rails, and a gallery with carved balustrades. Along the walls are wooden armouries with small, numbered drawers where regulars once stored their couverts, or silverware and napkins; this is the place old Paris comes to life, and the food is good too.
  • Lunch at Luxembourg Gardens. Grab a baguette to take away and enjoy your lunch on the park benches of this 17th-century garden.

Paris - France - Fontainebleau Interior

Inside the Palace of Fontainebleau – A Great Place for a Day Trip

Day Trips from Paris for Your 4 Day Paris Itinerary

If you’re adventurous and energetic you can conquer the main sights in three days and dedicate the fourth to trips outside Paris.

Disneyland Paris

Perhaps no family trip to Paris would be complete without visiting Disneyland Paris. Situated just outside the city, access is possible by car, train and shuttle bus.

Disneyland is as you would expect it to be: just like the American version but perhaps with a little more panache.

The Palace of Fontainebleau

Paris is full of royal palaces but this one homed one iconic Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1812 Pope Pius VII was held prisoner at Fontainebleau, but ‘prisoner’ was a misleading term, as Napoleon gave the Pope a lavish apartment in which to spend his last years.

In 1814 Napoleon was stripped of his right to live in Fontainebleau as part of the 1814 Treaty of Fontainebleau and Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba.

  • To reach Fontainebleau, take a Transilien train from Gare de Lyon heading towards Migennes, Montargis or Montereau. The journey is straightforward and should take around 40 minutes.

Parisan bistro in Paris France

Where to Stay in Paris

I’ve been lucky to stay with friends in Paris but here are suggestions from locals:

  • Paris has so many beautiful hotels and luxurious houses available for your stay. Still, we thought we might suggest La Réserve Paris Apartments in the Avenue d’Eylau . Offered as a luxury stay by Mr and Mrs Smith, referred to as millionaire Pied-à-Terre, this apartment building has a view of the Eiffel tower and the right bank.
  • This part of Paris is lovely, similar to Chiswick in London or Greenwich Village in New York; a local feel while having beautiful tree-lined streets and fabulous restaurants.
  • While the Réserve Paris Apartments are lovely, if you would like something less conservative but still gorgeous how about Hôtel du Continent at 30, rue du Mont Thabor?
  • The Hotel is designed by the famous couturier and designer Christian Lacroix. The Hôtel du Continent consists of six floors; the design is about the world and features a continent floor by level. Ask for a room on the Arctic floor. A little crazy but also lovely.
  • If you want a grand hotel stay at The Ritz Paris a famous 5-star hotel popular with film stars and celebrities alike. Just remember you won’t be allowed in without a tie.

However, if all of those options seem out of reach, check out this guide to the best hostels in Paris for budget options.

More on Travel in France

Discover plenty of unusual things to do in France with our unique look at the country, this list of interesting facts about France and out guide to what France is famous for .

More on Travel in Paris

We hate tacky souvenirs, but as you’d imagine, France offers something a little more chic in terms of the souvenirs you can find in Paris. Finally, have you seen and done everything we’ve mentioned here? Then it’s time to check out our guide to unusual things to do in Paris here.

France - Paris - By Night

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4 day trip in paris

The Perfect 4 Days In Paris Itinerary + Tips

Paris is a city that never fails to impress with its charming streets, historic landmarks, and world-class cuisine. It’s no wonder that Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors every year.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, a 4-day itinerary can be the perfect way to see the best of the city.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

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4 Days in Paris Itinerary tourist 4 days itinerary in Paris

I have visited Paris over 50+ times as I worked as a tour guide here for many years. I wrote this 4 days itinerary in Paris France to help you plan your visit to Paris better.

In this blog, I’ll cover a comprehensive 4 days in Paris itinerary for first-time visitors to Paris.

It includes the must-see attractions, the best food and dishes, and tips on using the Paris metro as well as the most common scams. I wrote this 4 days itinerary in Paris this year, so all information is up to date.

A quick overview of the sights included in this detailed 4 days in Paris Itinerary. 

  • Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triumph, Place de Concorde, Tuliers Garden, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Latin Quarter
  • Day 2: Marais District, Opera Garnier, Galleries Lafayette, Place Vendome, Montemarte & Sacre Cour, Moulin Rouge Cabaret
  • Day 3: Musee D’ Orsey, Napoleons Tomb, Hotel des Invalids, River Cruise, See the Eiffel Tower sparkle
  • Day 4: Day trip from Paris: Versailles, Giverny, Normandy, and Loire Valley    

Please note, I recommend using the Paris Metro to get around Paris. It’s fast and convenient. More information on the metro for your 4 days in Paris is listed below. But let’s get started… 

‍♀️ WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS

  • Hotel Audran  (Budget Hotel)
  • Hotel Les Bulles de Paris  (Mid-Range Hotel)
  • Hotel Eiffel Turenne  (Mid-Range Hotel)
  • Four Seasons Hotel George V  (Luxury Hotel)

QUICK TIPS FOR 4 DAYS IN PARIS

✅ Hot Tip:  Buy the Paris Museums 2 Days Pass OR the  Paris Museums 4 Days Pass to SAVE $$$. ✅ Book In Advance: Book your guided tours and entrance ticket to The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay  early to avoid missing out ✅ Stay Connected:  Purchase an eSIM to help you stay connected. View All FRANCE eSIM Data Packs here .

Table of Contents

Day 1 of the 4 Days In Paris Itinerary: The Historic Landmarks of Paris

Eiffel tower.

On your first day in Paris, it’s best to start with the city’s most iconic landmarks. Better yet, if you’re staying at one of these hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower,  then you won’t have far to go to begin your day.

Your first day of the 4 days in Paris includes the most attractions, so do start early and be ready for a big day of lots of walking and catching the metro (or a cheeky Uber ride if you need to) to seize the day.

Wear comfortable shoes. 

Begin your day at the Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous structures in the world. Climb to the top of the tower to enjoy stunning views of the city, you can see up to 30kms in the distance.

RELATED POST –  The Eiffel Tower Paris France – 10 Most Popular Questions Answered

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Eiffel Tower

There are two options to access the Eiffel Tower , you can pre-book a time-specific entrance. I recommended doing so here up to 2 months before.

Or you can turn up and join the line without tickets. You’ll need to buy a ticket directly here at the Eiffel Tower to go up, but be prepared to wait – the lines get long.

How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower?

There are two ways to go up the Eiffel tower: You can take the stairs or the elevators and there are 4 tickets or combinations available:

  • Ticket with access lift to the Second floor – from 18,10€ per person
  • Ticket with access lift to The top – from 28,30€
  • Ticket with access stairs to climb to the Second floor (674 steps) – from 11,30€
  • Ticket with access stairs 2nd floor (674 steps)+ lift to the top – from 21,50€

VIEW ALL EIFFEL TOWER COMBINATION TICKETS HERE

There are cheaper tickets available for Youth (aged 12-24), children (aged 4-11), and the disabled.

All prices can be found on the official website for Eiffel Tower .

MY TIP : There are two entrances in the gardens to reach the Eiffel Tower’s esplanade:  Entrance 1 (South) and entrance 2 (East) . You will pass through the first security checks at these entrances and Entrance 2 East is usually less crowded.

Arc de Triomphe

Next, visit the Arc de Triomphe, which honours the soldiers who fought for France during the Napoleonic Wars.

This is a really impressive 50-metre-tall structure that was ordered to be built by Napoleon. He has promised his army to march under the victory arch. However, by the time the arch was finished in 1830, Napoloean was long gone. 

You can come here to simply snap a few photos of Arc de Triomphe from the top of Champs Elysees, but I recommend getting closer. 

Do not attempt to cross the Arc de Triomphe roundabout to get to the monument. Take the underground passage (look for a sign for stairs near the end of the streets) that will lead you under the busy roundabout and you’ll arrive just underneath the Arc de Triomphe. 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Arc De Triomphe

Once you are here you can appreciate the moment better, and see the details and the eternal flame that burns underneath. 

If you wish you can also pay and climb the 280 stairs to the top of the Arch for views of the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

There is an entrance fee of 13€ to do so. You would probably spend an hour altogether if you choose to do it.

Champs Elysees

From here, take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. The avenue stretches for about 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde and is lined with trees, gardens, cafes, shops, and historic landmarks.

Originally, the Champs-Élysées was a marshy area outside of the city walls, but in the 17th century, it was transformed into an elegant promenade lined with trees and mansions. They say it was the road out of Paris towards Versailles, the summer residency of the French monarchs.

Over the years, Champs-Élysées has become a symbol of Parisian elegance and style, attracting visitors from around the world. 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Champs Elysees

Stop by  Ladurée  for their famous macarons and window shop at high-end boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Cartier. You can also have an easy and affordable lunch at Paul (baguettes and salads) or something fancier in one of the restaurants tucked just off the Champs Elysees. 

Either way, your stroll down on the Champ Elysees will be a moment of this 4 days in Paris Itinerary you won’t forget.

As you walk down the Champs Elysees, you’ll arrive at a roundabout and most of the avenue will be surrounded by greenery from here. You can catch the metro yellow line from here (metro stop: Franklin D. Roosevelt) for 2 stops and you’ll arrive at the  Louvre  in just 7 minutes if you prefer not to walk.

Or you can continue to walk down toward the Louvre for another 20-30mins.

Grand Palais and Petit Palais:  These two palaces are located on the right side and you will see them pop out on the right as you walk down. The Grand Palais is a museum and exhibition hall, while the Petit Palais is an art museum. 

Keep walking until you arrive at Place Del Concorde. Your 4 days itinerary in Paris continues.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Place Del Concorde

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the largest public square located at the end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris and it connects it with Tuileries Garden and the Louvre. 

What makes Place de la Concorde special?

During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, the square was renamed Place de la Révolution and became the site of many public executions, including those of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. 

The square was also home to the infamous guillotine, which was used to execute thousands of people during the Reign of Terror. 

In the 19th century, the square was renamed once again to its current name, Place de la Concorde, as a symbol of reconciliation and harmony. The Louis XV statue was replaced with an Egyptian obelisk. The obelisk was gifted to France by the government of Egypt and it is one of the oldest monuments in Paris. It’s more than 3000 years old.

You will also see the Hôtel de Crillon, a luxury historic hotel. 

From here you could continue to the Louvre through the beautiful Tuileries Garden.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Tuileries Garden

Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden is one of the largest and most popular parks located in the heart of Paris. It connects Place de la Concorde and the Louvre.

The garden was created in the 16th century by Queen Catherine de Medici, who had a palace built on the site of the current Louvre Museum. The garden has expanded since then and it is free to enter for all.

There are geometrically arranged flowerbeds, gravel paths, and fountains to enjoy as you stroll toward the Louvre. You can relax here for a bit or enjoy a drink or snack at one of the park’s cafes. 

If you have a ticket booked for the Louvre for a specific time in the afternoon, this is a nice place to wait until you need to be there. But allow enough time to get to the Louvre Entrance as it can take some time.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Louvre Museum

If you are travelling to other cities in Europe, check our out detailed itineraries for 3 Days in Rome , 2 Days in Florence , 1 Day in Venice , 2 Days in Vienna , Prague in 2 Days and Amsterdam in 3 days itinerary . I also wrote itineraries for London , Budapest , and Athens . 

Louvre Museum

While many visitors come to the Louvre in the morning, I much prefer the afternoon visit. 

The Louvre Museum, or simply the Louvre, is one of the world’s largest and most famous art museums. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, a former royal palace that was constructed in the 12th century and expanded over the centuries.

The Louvre Museum is home to over 38,000 objects, ranging from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary art. Its collections include paintings, sculptures, and archaeological finds from around the world.

 Some of the most famous works on display at the Louvre include the  Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci ,  the Winged Victory of Samothrace , and  the Venus de Milo . These are the 3 works of art that most people try to see during their visit as seeing everything is simply impossible. There are over 300 rooms and galleries spread across three wings and they say it would take you 9 months to see everything, 

It is open daily except on Tuesdays and is a must-see destination for art and culture enthusiasts spending 4 days in Paris.

I would suggest to pre-purchase the entry ticket to the Louvre online as early as possible. Or even better, consider doing a guided tour to get a better appreciation of the art here –  I recommend booking this one :

After Louvre, head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is currently under construction, but still worth a visit. It will only take about 20 minutes to walk there, which might be quicker than changing metro lines. 

Or you can choose to go back to the hotel to change and freshen up for the evening in the Latin Quarter.

Most of our first day of this 4 days Paris Itinerary was on the Right Bank of Paris, but we are about to cross over the island in the river Seine and then spend the evening on the Left Bank.

Notre Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on Île de la Cité, a small island in the centre of Paris, France. It’s believed Julias Cesaer once stood on this island.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Notre Dame 4 days itinerary in Paris

Notre Dame is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and has become a cultural icon of France. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and continued for over two centuries until it was completed in the 14th century. 

It was here that Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of France in 1804 and the cathedral also inspired Victor Hugo’s famous novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which helped to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historic buildings.

In April 2019, a fire broke out in the cathedral, causing significant damage to the roof and spire. The incident sparked an outpouring of support from around the world, and efforts to restore and rebuild the cathedral are ongoing and should be completed in 2024 . 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Notre Dame fire

The cathedral features intricate stonework, stunning stained-glass windows, and numerous sculptures, including the famous gargoyles that adorn the roof and you can still enjoy it from the outside. 

Latin Quarter

After you had a look around Notre Dame, it is time to relax and have a drink in the Latin Quarter which is literally just there. It’s most likely a later afternoon by now.

The Latin Quarter is a lively and historic district located on the Left bank of the Seine River in Paris. It is known for its bohemian atmosphere, charming narrow streets, and vibrant nightlife. The area is home to many universities, including the Sorbonne, and has a long history of intellectual and artistic activity. Of course, it has to be included in this itinerary for Paris. 

One of the highlights of the Latin Quarter is the Rue Mouffetard, a pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants, and specialty food shops.  

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Latin Quarter 4 days itinerary in Paris

But you can stay closer to the river Seine near Notre Dame as there are many options there as well. For dinner, you can try the traditional French dish of boeuf bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine), or perhaps a hearty cassoulet (a slow-cooked bean and meat dish) paired with a glass of red wine. 

Of course, you should try escargot (snails) while in France.

Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a classic dessert like crème brûlée or tarte tatin. 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary boeuf bourguignon

4 days in Paris Itinerary – Recommended Restaurant for Latin Quarter: 

Le Petit Pontoise is a cosy and intimate restaurant that serves classic French dishes.

Le Comptoir du Relais , another famous French Bistro.

At night, the Latin Quarter comes alive with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can enjoy a drink at a trendy rooftop bar for a more low-key evening, there are plenty of cafes and jazz bars.

My other suggestion is to go to the oldest cabaret in Paris: Paradis Latin. The show starts at 8 pm and it is a great way to spend an evening in Paris. Book a Show and Champagne Ticket here , or a Dinner & Show Ticket here .

Alternatively, you can go to the cabaret another night. Moulin Rouge in Montemarte is a popular option and you will be spending an evening there on the 2nd day of this Paris Itinerary. Read more about Moulin Rouge Cabaret Tickets & packages on Day 2, below. 

‍♀️ BEST GUIDED TOURS

  • Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
  • Skip-The-Line Guided Tour of Musee d’Orsay
  • Ultimate Paris Food Tour
  • Versailles Palace Skip-The-Line Guided Tour

Day 2: Exploring Parisian Neighborhoods 

On your second day in Paris of this 4 days in Paris Itinerary, it’s time to explore the city’s charming neighbourhoods. Begin your day in the Marais, one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Paris. 

Marais District

Here, you’ll find cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and trendy boutiques. Here are a few things to do in Marais this morning here:

  • Shop and eat at the  Marché des Enfants Rouges : This covered market is the oldest market in Paris and is a great place to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and other food items. There are also several stalls selling clothes, jewellery, and other artisanal products.
  • Stroll around  Place des Vosges : This beautiful square is surrounded by elegant 17th-century townhouses. The square is a great place to relax and enjoy the morning sun, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat.
  • Explore the  Rue des Rosiers : This street is known for its Jewish history and is lined with bakeries, delicatessens, and shops selling Jewish-themed items. A great place to grab a bagel or a falafel and to learn about the Jewish culture of Marais. Or join a tour here .

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Marais District

After lunch, head to the  Palais Garnier , a stunning opera house that was the inspiration for the Phantom of the Opera. 

While you could walk across Paris through different districts, it’s easy to get there on a metro once again.

Opera Garnier 

The Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, is a historic opera built in 1875 by the architect Charles Garnier. This is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and a must-see on any Paris itinerary As soon as you arrive at the Opera, you’ll be amazed by the facade. 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Opera Garnier 

The Opéra Garnier is known for its ornate and opulent decor, which includes marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and gilded sculptures. The auditorium features a large stage, six levels of seating, and a capacity of up to 2,200 spectators! 

In addition to opera performances, the Opéra Garnier hosts ballets, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year. 

You can choose to visit the opera on a guided tour or a self-guided tour with entrance ticket only . If you do so you’ll probably spend 45 mins to 1 hour here. Or just adore the building from the outside.

Galleries Lafayette

Just behind the Opera Garnier, you’ll find the famous department store of Paris, Galleries Lafayette. Even if you don’t love shopping, it’s worth checking this mall out, truly beautiful and so French.

But for many visitors, 4 days itinerary in Paris must include some shopping as well. 

The store occupies an entire block and features over 70,000 square meters of retail space spread across ten floors. It offers a wide range of luxury fashion brands, accessories, beauty products, and home goods.

The store is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, which includes a magnificent stained-glass dome that is over 100 years old! Not just your average shopping mall! 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Galleries Lafayette

The rooftop terrace  offers stunning views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the Opera Garnier. But there is also the Créatures Galeries Lafayette Haussmann vegetarian restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views. 

In the late afternoon/ early evening, head to Montmartre, one of the most romantic neighbourhoods in the city. Visit The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the highest point in Paris, and enjoy stunning views of the city. 

Montmartre was once a village outside of Paris and became a popular destination for artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a vibrant and bustling neighbourhood that attracts visitors from around the world. 

For me, it’s one of the neighbourhoods where you feel that French charm that you have been looking for. If you have seen the famous french movie of  Amelie , you’ll be seeing a few places featured in the movie.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Montmartre

Take the metro to the stop Pigalle or Blanche and head up the hill through the small streets towards The Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a stunning white church that sits atop the hill and offers panoramic views of Paris. It was built in the early 20th century as a symbol of the nation’s resilience after the Franco-Prussian War. 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Sacred Heart

While most people reach the top of the hill by taking the stairs through the garden below. But you can also take the funicular on the side. You’ll need to buy a metro ticket or if you have a daily metro pass, you can use it. 

Once you reach the top you’ll have breathtaking views of Paris, but do make sure you enter the church as well! The interior is incredible with stunning mosaics and stained-glass windows. 

From here continue to walk for 5-10 minutes to reach the picturesque square of  Place du Tertre.  There are street artists and many restaurants to eat early dinner if you choose so.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Place du Tertre

Moulin Rouge Cabaret

Moulin Rouge is one of the most famous cabarets in the world, located next to the metro station Pigalle in the Montmartre region

The cabaret was opened in 1889 and has since become a symbol of Parisian nightlife and entertainment. The Moulin Rouge is known for its dazzling cancan dancers, extravagant costumes, and fun vibes! This is where the can-can dance was born!

The Moulin Rouge offers shows performed by a cast of talented dancers and musicians, who work together to create a memorable and entertaining experience for audiences. Generally, there might be two or three shows in the evening (7 pm, 9 pm, and 11 pm show)

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Moulin rouge

Tickets for the Moulin Rouge vary depending on the show and the seating area. Prices can range from around 125 euros for a standard ticket to over 500 euros for a VIP experience (dinner, show and VIP seats) . It’s important to book tickets in advance, as shows can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season.

In addition to the show, the Moulin Rouge also offers a dinner and show package , which includes a gourmet meal and priority seating for the performance. This package can be more expensive, but it is a great way to experience the full Moulin Rouge experience.

Overall, the Moulin Rouge is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the excitement and glamour of Parisian nightlife and this is why I include it in this 4 days in Paris Itinerary.

While tickets can be pricey, the unforgettable show and lively atmosphere are well worth the cost. I went first time when I was much younger and the ticket did break my budget but it was so worth it. 

Day 3 of 4 Days in Paris: Left Bank of Paris

On your third day in Paris, it’s time to experience the city’s culture on the Left bank. Begin your day at the Musée d’Orsay, which houses one of the world’s best collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art.

Musée d’Orsay

Start your morning with a luxury French breakfast and then head to the Musée d’Orsay. I highly recommend pre-booking your tickets online so you can skip the line when you arrive at the museum. It opens at 9.30 am and the ticket starts at 9.30 am.

Alternatively, you can also  book this Skip-The-Line Guided Tour of Musee d’Orsay.

The Musée d’Orsay is housed in a stunning former railway station. Apparently, the rail tracks were too short for the trains so the building was abandoned. The collection here focuses on art from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. It is all dedicated to impressionism.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Musse D'Orsay

Here you can see works by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and many others. The museum’s collection also includes sculptures, decorative arts, and photography from this period.

There are two works of art not to be missed,  Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”  and  Monet’s “Water Lilies” . The museum’s architecture is also a highlight, with its soaring ceilings and intricate ironwork adding to the overall beauty of the space. Great place to spend the morning. 

Napoleon’s Tomb

After  Musée d’Orsay  strolls along the river Seine towards the resting place of Napoleon which happens to be an impressive church. You may choose to come and see the building from the outside. Or for 14 Euros you can visit the interior. 

Napoleon’s Tomb is located in the  Hôtel des Invalides , a complex of buildings in Paris that was originally built as a military hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Napoleon’s tomb is housed in a grand domed chapel, which was completed in 1861.

Although Napoleon died on Saint Helena Island, his remains were later on moved here.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Napoleon's Tomb

The tomb itself is an amazing work of art and architecture, featuring a large coffin made of red rock and resting on a green granite pedestal.

The coffin is surrounded by twelve colossal statues, each representing a different military campaign or victory in Napoleon’s career.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Napoleon's Tomb

The ticket for the tomb includes an entry to the Hôtel des Invalides complex. This complex includes museums, exhibits, and other historical artifacts related to France’s military history, so you can stroll through there as well. 

Montparnasse Tower

If you feel like seeing Paris from a different angle, I recommend going to the top of the Montparnasse Tower. The perfect 4 days in Paris Itinerary would not be complete without seeing Paris from above. 

The Montparnasse Tower is a skyscraper, in fact, the only one in this part of old Paris. The tower is made of concrete and glass, with a distinctive modernist design.

It was completed in 1973 and stands 210 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Paris. 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Montparnasse Tower

If you ask me, the Montparnasse Tower has better views than Eiffel Tower as you can actually see the Eiffel Tower while here. Trust me, it will be a special memory from your 4 days in Paris.

The observation deck offers panoramic views of Paris and getting here is super quick. You can take an elevator to the 56th floor, and as soon as you step out you’ll be surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. And you can go further, one more level up to the open-air terrace. 

On a clear day, visitors can see up to 40 kilometres in any direction and can take in views of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe. And it’s never as crowded as the Eiffel Tower.

Evening Cruise on the River Seine

Evenings in Paris are magical. If you prefer to have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower tonight then why not. There is a big grassy area just next to it known as Champs de Mars and it is perfect for a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary River Cruise

You could also head up to the Trocadero Gardens to the platform known as Palais de Chaillo t, a platform between two museums. Here you get a great view of the Eiffel Tower and this is a perfect spot to come after sunset for the first “sparkle of the Eiffel Tower”.

Why does the Eiffel Tower sparkle/light up?

The Eiffel tower lights up and sparkles each night for 5 minutes at each even hour after dusk. So if sunset is at 7.20 pm, it will start sparkling at 8 pm and each hour after until 11.45 pm which is the last sparkle of the night. 

If you prefer to see the city of lights from a different perspective you can also join the cruise, maybe at sunset, and then watch the first Eiffel Tower Sparkle, or choose the cruise later on in the evening to see it sparkling from the boat.

Reserve a Paris Seine River Cruise Ticket here .

It’s the perfect way to finish the 3rd day of your 4 days in the Paris Itinerary. 

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Day 4: Day trips from Paris

On your final day in Paris, it’s time to head out of the city of Paris on a day trip. Yes, Paris is amazing and you can easily allow yourself another day in the city on your 4 days in Paris itinerary, however, there are some amazing places to see just outside Paris. 

Here are the best day trips for your final day of these 4 days in Paris Itinerary: 

Best Day Trips from Paris: Palace of Versailles 

If you have an extra day in Paris, a visit to the Palace of Versailles is a must. Located just 20 kilometres outside of Paris, this stunning palace and its gardens are one of the most popular day trips from the city.

There are 2 options to get to Versailles, pre-book a Guided Tour to Versailles from Paris .

Or you can make your own way to Versailles on the train.

Getting to Versailles: 

There are several ways to get to Versailles from Paris. The easiest way is to take the RER C train from central Paris to the Versailles-Château Rive Gauche station. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and trains run every 15-20 minutes.

Make sure you get the correct ticket, your standard metro ticket won’t be valid.

What to see at Versailles:  Once you arrive at the palace, there are several things you should see.

Begin with a tour of the palace itself, where you can see the opulent rooms and living quarters of Louis XIV and his successors. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartment, and the Queen’s Grand Apartment.

After touring the palace, head outside to explore the gardens. The gardens of Versailles cover over 800 hectares and include fountains, sculptures, and groves. Don’t miss the Grand Canal, the Apollo Fountain, and the Neptune Fountain.

If you have time, you can also visit the Trianon Palace, a smaller palace located on the grounds of Versailles. This was the summer residence of the French monarchs and includes several smaller buildings and gardens.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Versailles

Tips for Visiting Versailles:

  • Buy your entrance ticket in advance online to skip the long lines. I recommend the Versailles Palance Skip-The-Line Classic Guided Tour – Reserve your ticket here .
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the gardens.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Versailles Gardens

Normandy D-Day Day Trip 

Normandy is a beautiful region known for its picturesque coastal towns, historic sites, and natural beauty. Enjoy an intimate historical look at the D-Day landings on this full-day trip to the beaches of Normandy from Paris .

Visit Omaha Beach, German bunkers, and more.

Mont Saint-Michel Guided Day Trip from Paris

Explore the UNESCO-listed Mont-St-Michel on a Full Day Tour from Paris.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Mont Saint-Michel

Giverny + Monet’s House

Located about 80 kilometres northwest of Paris, Giverny is a charming village that was home to the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. Visitors can tour Monet’s house and gardens, which inspired many of his most famous paintings, including the Water Lilies series.

Once again, you can take the train to Giverny and join this tour once there to see Monet House and the gardens.

  • Guided tour of Monet’s house and gardens/Giverny from 68 Euros pp

Alternatively, you can do a half-day tour from Paris that includes return transportation, an audio guide, and an entrance fee.

  • Giverny & Monet’s House From Paris Audio Guided Half-day Tour

Or if you want a more private and inclusive tour from Paris, you can join this Half-Day, Art-Historian-Led VIP Tour,  from 385€ 

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Giverny

Loire Valley Castles with Wine Tasting 

Leave the city of Paris that will take you to Château de Chambord-the inspiration for Disney’s `Beauty and the Beast’ for a guided tour.

The next stop is the town of Blois, home of the Château de Blois for some free time, and the last visit to the elegant Château de Chenonceau with wine tasting included here. Book it here

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Château de Chambord

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Château de Chambord

Food tour in Paris on the last day of your 4 days in Paris Itinerary?

Why not taste Paris instead? Paris has some fabulous food tours and even cooking classes you can join. Here are four food experiences that I highly recommend.

  • Ultimate Paris Food Tour from €109.00 pp
  • Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour from €99.00
  • Le Marais Paris The Original District Food and Wine Tasting Tour from €110.00
  • Paris Cooking Class including 3-Course Lunch, Wine & Optional Market Visit from €189.00

No matter which day trip you choose, be sure to plan ahead and make the most of your time outside of Paris during your 4 days in Paris Itinerary.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary metro sign

How to Get Around Paris

Getting around in Paris can be easy and affordable with the city’s extensive public transportation system. 

Here’s what you need to know about transport for your 4 days in Prais:

Paris Metro: 

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to get around the city. With 16 lines and over 300 stations, it’s easy to get anywhere you need to go.

You can purchase single tickets for  €2.10 , a package of 10 tickets, a carnet [“car-nay”] costs  €19.10 (paper tickets) or €16.90 if put on Navigo Easy , or a day pass is  €7.50 .

You can also use contactless credit or debit cards to pay for your fare, which is very convenient.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary metro

Scooters:  

Electric scooters have become a popular way to get around Paris in recent years. Companies such as  Lime, Bird , and  Tier  operate fleets of scooters that can be rented using a smartphone app.

Just locate a scooter on the app, scan the QR code, and you’re ready to ride. Be sure to wear a helmet and obey traffic laws.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary scooter

Uber and Bolt : 

Uber is a popular ride-sharing service in Paris. Just download the app, enter your destination, and a driver will pick you up. You can pay using a credit or debit card, and there are various ride options to choose from, including UberX, UberPOOL, and UberBLACK.

Bolt has a similar concept. Download the app, set up your profile and you’re good to start ordering rides!

Hop-on Hop-Off Paris Bus 

Paris has two major hop-on-hop-off bus tour companies:  L’Open and Les Cars Rouges (Big Bus Tours).  The large double-decker, open-top buses drive around the city on a set route with multiple stops.

This can also work really well for your first one of two days of your 4 days in Paris as you also get to see a lot of Paris.

The 24-hour ticket cost €37.80 and 48 hours €46.80 per person. Book your tickets online here .

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Hop On Bus

Tips for Getting Around in Paris:

  • Check the metro map before your trip to get an idea of the lines and stations. Use Google Maps to get from A to B – just tap the transport option and it will tell you what to take.
  • Keep your ticket or pass with you at all times, as there are random checks on the metro.
  • Be aware of rush hour times when the metro can be extremely crowded.
  • Look out for bike lanes when using a scooter or riding a bike.
  • Consider walking for shorter distances, as Paris is a beautiful city to explore on foot.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse

Which Area to Stay in Paris for First-Time Visitors?  

Paris is a city with many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own charm and personality. For first-time visitors, it’s important to choose a neighbourhood that is centrally located and offers easy access to the city’s main attractions. 

Here are some of the best areas to stay in Paris for first-time visitors:

  • Le Marais :  Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is a trendy and lively neighbourhood with a rich history. It’s home to many museums, art galleries, and fashion boutiques, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. It’s also conveniently located near popular attractions like Notre Dame and the Pompidou Center.
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés :  Located in the 6th arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a chic and sophisticated neighbourhood with a long history of intellectual and artistic life. It’s home to many historic cafes, bookstores, and boutiques, as well as some of the city’s best museums and galleries, including the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. It’s also well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation.
  • Latin Quarter :  Located in the 5th and 6th arrondissements, the Latin Quarter is a historic and bohemian neighbourhood with a lively student population. It’s home to many historic landmarks, including the Sorbonne and the Panthéon, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes. It’s also a great place to explore on foot, with winding streets and hidden alleyways to discover.
  • Montmartre : Located in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is a picturesque and historic neighbourhood known for its artists, musicians, and cabarets. It’s home to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, as well as many cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s also well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, including the metro and the funicular.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary hotel

Best Places To Stay in Paris France

Luxury Hotels in Paris:

  • The Peninsula Paris: This luxurious hotel is located near the Champs-Elysees and boasts a rooftop restaurant, indoor pool, and spa.
  • Four Seasons Hotel George V : This iconic hotel is located near the Arc de Triomphe and offers opulent rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a beautiful courtyard garden.

Mid-Range Hotels in Paris:

  • Hotel Les Bulles de Paris : This boutique hotel is located in the Latin Quarter and offers elegant rooms and a champagne bar.
  • Hotel Eiffel Turenne : This modern hotel is located near the Eiffel Tower and offers comfortable rooms and a cozy lounge area.

Budget Hotels in Paris: 

  • Grand Hôtel de Clermont: Simple, clean and comfortable hotel in an excellent location.
  • Hotel Audran : This charming hotel is situated in the artistic neighbourhood of Montmartre, one of the oldest districts in Paris. It offers rooms with private bathrooms with Wi-Fi access, just 202 m from Abbesses metro station.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Bridge

The Best Food and Dishes to Try in Paris

Paris is famous for its delicious food, and there are many dishes and specialties that you simply must try when you visit the city. Here are five of the best food and dishes to try in Paris:

  • Croissants : A quintessential French breakfast pastry, croissants are made with buttery layers of flaky pastry that melt in your mouth. You can find them at any bakery or café in Paris, but some of the best are at the famous bakery, Boulangerie Patisserie Au Kouign Amann.
  • French Onion Soup : A hearty and warming soup made with caramelized onions, and beef broth, and topped with a layer of melted cheese. The best place to try it is at Les Halles, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Paris.
  • S teak frites : A classic French dish that consists of a juicy steak served with crispy, golden fries. One of the best places to try it is at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, a restaurant that specializes in steak frites.
  • Macarons : These delicate and colourful French cookies are made with almond flour and filled with a variety of delicious flavours, such as raspberry, chocolate, or pistachio. Ladurée is one of the most famous and beloved macaron shops in Paris.
  • Crème Brûlée : A classic French dessert made with rich custard that is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. One of the best places to try it is at the legendary Café de Flore, a historic café that has been serving customers since 1887.
  • Baguette : The quintessential French bread, baguettes are crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. The best place to try them is at any local boulangerie, such as Eric Kayser or Poilâne.
  • Escargots : A French delicacy of cooked snails, usually served with garlic butter and parsley. You can find them at many traditional Parisian brasseries, such as Le Petit Zinc or Le Comptoir du Relais.
  • Bouillabaisse: Enjoy a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse, the famous seafood soup. Enjoy it with a basket of freshly cut baguettes and a glass of wine by the port. This soup is famous in the port city of Marseille France – in fact, indulging in this dish is one of our Top 5 Best Things to do in Marseille .
  • Coq au Vin : A hearty stew made with chicken, red wine, and vegetables, served with crusty bread or potatoes. A great place to try it is at Le Bistrot Paul Bert, a classic Parisian bistro.
  • Cheese : France is known for its wide variety of delicious cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort. You can find them at many fromageries (cheese shops) in Paris, such as Fromagerie Barthélemy or Fromagerie Quatrehomme.
  • Ratatouille : A vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, flavoured with garlic and herbs. You can find it at many traditional Parisian restaurants, such as Chez Janou or Le Jules Verne.
  • Tarte Tatin : A classic French dessert made with caramelized apples and a buttery pastry crust, usually served with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche. You can find it at many patisseries in Paris, such as Pâtisserie des Rêves or La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary croissants

Paris is a food lover’s paradise, and there are many delicious dishes and specialties to discover and savour during your 4 days in Paris itinerary. These foods are just a few of the many reasons to indulge in the culinary delights of Paris.

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Scams in Paris – Avoid them!

Don’t get scammed during your 4 days in Paris itinerary!  

As with any major tourist destination, there are unfortunately some scams to watch out for in Paris.

Here are a few of the most common:

  • Pickpocketing : This is a common problem in crowded areas like the metro, tourist sites, and outdoor markets. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
  • Street vendors : Some street vendors, particularly those selling souvenirs, may try to pressure you into buying something or distract you while someone else steals your wallet or purse. Be cautious when approached by vendors and keep your belongings close.
  • “Gold ring” scam:  In this scam, a person will approach you on the street and ask if you dropped a gold ring. They will then try to sell you the ring at a discount, claiming they can’t use it themselves. The ring is usually fake, and the scammer will try to take advantage of your kindness to get you to pay an inflated price.
  • “String” or “bracelet” scam:  In this scam, a person will approach you on the street and offer to make a bracelet or necklace for you out of string. Once they’ve finished, they’ll demand payment and may become aggressive if you refuse to pay.
  • “Clipboard Scam”:  The clipboard scam is a common scam that occurs in Paris, and it typically targets tourists who are walking in busy areas. In this scam, a person will approach you on the street holding a clipboard, and they may ask you to sign a petition or to make a donation to a charity. While you are distracted, another person may come up behind you and steal your wallet or purse.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary pickpocketing

To avoid falling victim to these or other scams in Paris, be sure to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and don’t engage with strangers who seem overly pushy or aggressive.

RELATED POST –  How to Avoid 6 Common Tourist Scams in China

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Click here and get 5% off Heymondo insurance from us!

Best Time to Visit in Paris

The best time to visit Paris largely depends on your personal preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. 

Here’s a breakdown of each season to help you decide:

  • Spring (March to May) : Springtime in Paris is beautiful, with mild temperatures, blossoming trees and flowers, and fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. However, it can be rainy and unpredictable, so be sure to bring an umbrella.
  • Summer (June to August) : Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather, long days, and plenty of events and festivals. However, it can also be crowded and expensive, and many locals go on vacation during this time.
  • Fall (September to November) : Fall in Paris is another lovely time to visit, with cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage, and fewer tourists. However, it can also be rainy and some attractions may have reduced hours or close for the season.
  • Winter (December to February) : Winter in Paris can be cold and damp, but it also has its charms, such as Christmas markets, holiday lights, and fewer tourists. Plus, you can warm up with some delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary Paris in winter

Overall, the best time to visit in Paris is in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.

However, each season has its unique advantages and disadvantages, so it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in your trip.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary from above

My Final Thoughts on 4 days in Paris Itinerary

It’s a common question, how many days in Paris do you need?  If  you have time, then spending 4 days in Paris is the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions, eat some delicious French food and enjoy some of the Parisian vibes the city is known for.

You can never really see everything in Paris, but this detailed itinerary for 4 days covers a lot. Let me know if the comments if you have any questions about this Paris itinerary or if you have visited the city of love. 

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Travel Tips for Europe

While you’re in France, and only 3.5 hours away by car, why not visit Beaune in Burgundy? This is a beautiful part of France and these top 5 things to do in Beaune  will keep you busy.

And, if your plan is to explore more of Europe after you’ve had the best time in Paris and France, then you’re in luck!

We love this region of the world, and we’ve got some great tips for you. Check out  our ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe  for starters.

For the food lovers out there, you’ll love reading about all the new foods you can taste with our  Complete Food Map of Europe !

Perhaps you’re travelling on a budget? These  10 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe  may be just the tool you need to start planning an epic trip and our 7 Best Tips for Traveling to Europe  will be helpful.

But, know these  8 Things To Know About Travelling to Eastern Europe  before you go, and these are  7 Misconceptions about Eastern Europe  that every traveller should know.

We’ve got a bunch of  Tips for How you can Save Money to Travel the World  so you can travel more in the future!

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Travel? Yes Please!

How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

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Paris is one of my favourite cities, the one that made me fall in love with travelling. Paris is romantic , cultured and sophisticated, with so much to see and do.

How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

It’s hard to experience everything that’s great about Paris in four days. I’ve visited twice now and there are still entire sections of the city I’ve yet to explore.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be tempted to rush around, trying to see and do it all. On the other hand, you’ll want to do as the locals do- slow down and relax in a beautiful park or café.

To truly appreciate Paris’ charms, I think a balanced approach is best- seeing some of Paris’ top sites while leaving some free time to absorb all that is Paris.

Our 4 Day Paris Itinerary- How to Spend 4 Days in Paris

We thought our four day Paris itinerary was ideal for someone on their first trip to Paris (Mike), as well as those who haven’t visited in many years (me). It included a lot of Paris’ main attractions and a lovely day trip, but wasn’t so packed that we felt rushed or overwhelmed.

Here’s a look at what we managed to see and do with four days in Paris. You might notice that a lot of Paris’ museums (except for one) are missing from our itinerary, but that’s just because we’re not art people! This itinerary for how to spend four days in Paris is just a suggestion and should be altered based on your personal interests.

travelyesplease.com | 4 Days in Paris Itinerary- Things to See and Do in Paris in 4 Days

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Paris in four days. We hope our Paris itinerary helps you plan your own memorable four day trip to Paris!

Note: All links will open in a new window for your convenience.

Map: Places to Visit in Paris in 4 Days

To help you plan your 4 day Paris itinerary, here’s a map of the places we visited. I colour coded the map to show how we spent each of our 4 days in Paris- the purple stars are day 1, pink is day 2, orange is day 3, and blue is day 4.

Paris Itinerary Map- Places to Visit in Paris in 4 Days

Day 1: Visit the Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

After settling into your hotel, head to Paris’ most iconic landmark- the Eiffel Tower . Take the stairs up the tower, instead of the elevator, so that you can spend more time enjoying the marvellous views of the city and less time waiting in line!

travelyesplease.com | Paris Itinerary- How to Spend 4 Days in Paris

After coming down from the tower, walk through Parc du Champ de Mars, the long green space that stretches from the Eiffel Tower to École Militaire. This is a popular place for people to lounge on the grass, drink wine and have a picnic in the shade of the Eiffel Tower.

travelyesplease.com | How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

Before leaving the park make a visit to the Wall for Peace , a unique monument opposite the École Militaire. ( Update: The Wall for Peace was dismantled and moved to Avenue de Breteuil , but we haven’t visited it in the new location. )

travelyesplease.com | 4 Day Paris Itinerary- Things to See and Do in Paris in 4 Days

Next, walk over to the nearby Les Invalides . If time permits, go inside to see Napoleon’s tomb and the Army Museum (we didn’t get to do this because it was almost closing time when we got there). Instead, we wandered around the esplanade and admired the golden dome of the Hôtel des Invalides .

travelyesplease.com | Paris Itinerary- How to Spend 4 Days in Paris

Next, head to Pont Alexandre III to watch the sunset over the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Once darkness settles in, cross the river to Place de la Concorde to see the 3,300 year old Egyptian obelisk and two fountains illuminated at night.

travelyesplease.com | 4 Days in Paris Itinerary- Things to See and Do in Paris

If you’re not tired yet, walk a few blocks north of Place de la Concorde to L’église de la Madeleine , a unique looking church in the form of a Roman temple that is also nicely illuminated after dark.

Lastly, treat yourself to a nice French dinner on your first night in Paris!

Day 2: Explore Paris’ Historic Neighbourhoods & Visit the Louvre

Start your day off by exploring Paris’ Latin Quarter . This neighbourhood is intellectual, arty and has been the heart of Parisian café culture since the 1920’s. It’s nice to simply wander around this area and casually visit some open-air markets and cafes.

Some notable sites in the Latin Quarter are La Sorbonne (France’s most famous university) and the Panthéon. Since the French Revolution, the crypt of the Panthéon has been used as a necropolis to house the remains of important French figures including Marie Curie, Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas.

travelyesplease.com | How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

Near the Pantheon is an interesting little church called Saint-Étienne-du-Mont , which has the golden tomb of Sainte-Geneviève , the patroness of Paris. If you’ve seen the movie Midnight in Paris, you’ll recognize the church steps Owen Wilson’s character sat on before going back in time.

travelyesplease.com | How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

Continue walking west to Saint-Germain de Prés . This neighbourhood was the place to be in the 1920s, a popular hangout for both Hemingway and Fitzgerald. The bookshops that once lined the streets have since been replaced with designer boutiques.

Next up, spend some time at the beautiful and historic Luxembourg Gardens. Created in 1612 upon the wishes of Queen Marie de Medici, the 25 hectare park consists of French and English gardens, a fountain, a large pond where people sail remote controlled boats, a forest and over 100 statues.

travelyesplease.com | 4 Day Paris Itinerary- Things to See and Do in Paris in 4 Days

Before leaving Saint-Germain de Prés, make your way over to Eglise St-Sulpice . This church is home to one of the world’s largest organs and was featured in the novel The Da Vinci Code. Most interesting is the gnomon (the part of a sundial which casts a shadow) and the inlaid brass wire representing the meridian line.

After visiting Eglise St-Sulpice, end your morning by indulging in a tasty treat at a patisserie, a must-do when in Paris!

Catch the metro and head across the river to Montmartre . This neighbourhood used to be a rural village but by the 1880’s, Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec had shaped Montmartre into a hub for artists, a tradition that continues today.

travelyesplease.com | Paris Itinerary- How to Spend 4 Days in Paris

Montmartre’s most famous sites are Sacré-Coeur Basilica , Place du Tertre (where the artists set up to sell their masterpieces) and Moulin Rouge. Half the fun of Montmartre though, is getting lost in the maze of steep streets and tilting houses. Simply take a walk and see what you can find!

travelyesplease.com | How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

We highly recommend you save enough time after Montmartre to visit Palais Garnier , home to the Paris Opera. In my opinion, it’s one of Paris’ most stunning buildings thanks to a gilded interior that rivals the most luxurious of palaces!

In the evening visit the Louvre , which many consider to be the world’s greatest art museum. Inside you can see an impressive amount of masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa , Venus de Milo , Winged Victory of Samothrace , and Liberty Leading the People . Try to visit on a Friday night when the museum is open late- until 9:45 pm. Trust us, your visit will be far more pleasant without the crowds!

travelyesplease.com | How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

Day 3: Visit Île de la Cit é (Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie)

Île de la Cité is the island where Paris was founded and to this day remains the heart of the city. It’s an interesting, historical part of town and worth spending a good portion of your day here.

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Bright and early, head to Notre-Dame Cathedral . Try and get there just after it opens around 8:00 am to avoid the line-ups and crowds. After visiting the inside of the cathedral, head around to the side to queue for a visit to the bell towers, which open at 10:00 am. It’s worth going up to see the famous gargoyles up close, plus you get a nice view of the city.

UPDATE: Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently closed after a devastating fire in April 2019. 

travelyesplease.com | Paris Itinerary- 4 Days in Paris

Next, walk over to Sainte-Chapelle . This tiny chapel is made almost entirely out of stained glass windows! It’s tucked away among the law courts and Conciergerie and would be easily missed if it weren’t for the long lineup of people waiting to get in.

After visiting Sainte-Chapelle, pop over next door to the Conciergerie . This intimidating looking building used to be a royal palace, but was later converted to a prison. It held some famous prisoners during the revolution and makes for an interesting visit if you love learning about history.

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End your afternoon with a short walk to Paris’ other island- the tiny, quieter Île St-Louis. There aren’t any real tourist attractions here, it’s just a nice place to wander and enjoy an ice cream cone!

Day 4: Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is well worth a trip out of Paris for the day. This decadent palace was home to French royalty who lived so lavishly it started a revolution!

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There is more to see here though than just the main chateau. The gardens are expansive and you could spend an entire day exploring them (we sure did!) There are also two smaller palaces, the Grand and Petit Trianons , plus the adorable Queen’s Hamlet (our favourite spot at Versailles).

After you return to Paris, make your way back to the Eiffel Tower to see its lights twinkle at night. For a classic view, head across the Seine to Esplanade Trocadero . Seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night is the perfect way to end a wonderful four days in Paris!

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Final Thoughts About Our 4 Days in Paris

Four days in Paris was the perfect amount of time to see many of Paris’ top sights, while still leaving plenty of things to do on a future visit. A few things we missed that I would have liked to see during our four days in Paris were the Arc de Triomphe, Jardin de Tuileries, Père-Lachaise Cemetery, and the catacombs.

I hope another trip to Paris is in my future because I’d love to get to know the city on a deeper level. It really is one of the best cities in Europe !

Tips for Visiting Paris

Best Time to Visit Paris- April to June and October to early November are nice times to visit Paris because the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. High season is in the summer, so attractions are at their busiest. Low season is November to February, because of the colder winter temperatures, but this also means it’s the most affordable time to visit. We loved visiting Paris in early September, after school was back in, because the weather was still warm but the crowds had thinned out.

Where to Stay-  With so many great districts to choose from, our neighbourhood guide for travellers can help you decide where to stay in Paris.

Paris Sightseeing Cards – To save money and time waiting in lines, consider purchasing a city sightseeing card. Here are the two main options available:

  • Paris Museum Pass – Provides free admission and fast track entry to museum and monuments in and around Paris. This is the pass we used during our 4 days in Paris. Here is our review of the Paris Museum Pass , plus tips for buying and using it.
  • The Paris Pass – All-encompassing pass that includes the Museum Pass, an Attractions Pass providing free and fast track entry, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, and a digital guide.

Getting Around-  Paris has a vast and reliable public transportation network consisting of a subway system (Metro), regional trains (RER), and buses. You can buy individual tickets, an unlimited use day ticket (Mobilis), or an unlimited multi-day pass (Paris Visite/Paris Tour Travel Pass). More information about ticket types can be found here .

  • Within Paris, you can transfer between the Metro and RER for free.
  • The metro operates from 5:30 am- 1:15 am (or 2:15 am on Friday and Saturday). The RER runs from 4:30 am- 1:15 am. Confirm current hours here .

Bike Share Program- Paris’ bike share program offers a fun way to get around the city. Vélib’ Metropole is a self-service bike system that is available 24 hours a day. For a small fee, you can take a bike from a stand, use it, and return it to any stand. You pay for how long you use the bike, in 30 minute increments. If you buy a 24 hour pass the first 30 minutes are free, so if you return your bike every half hour, you never pay more than the initial rental fee. If you forget to return your bike every 30 minutes (like we did), you will be charged a usage rate.

For more tips on what to expect during your four days in Paris, read our First Time Visitor’s Guide to Paris .

Information was updated January 2024, but can change without notice. Please confirm directly with service providers.

travelyesplease.com | How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary

Buy Digital Tickets to Paris Attractions & Skip the Line

For quick and convenient access to Paris’ attractions, here are some trusted links where you can buy advance, mobile tickets to the sites mentioned in this post ( or click here to shop all Paris attractions tickets ). Digital ticket delivery is instant and you can show your phone (in most cases) at the ticket holder’s entrance- no need to print your tickets.

  • Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie (combined visit ticket)
  • Louvre Museum Timed Entrance Ticket (fast track access)
  • Opéra Garnier (self guided visit)
  • Les Invalides (self guided visit)
  • Palace of Versailles and Gardens (full access ticket)

Tours in Paris

Here is a trusted site that has a large inventory of tours and tickets for activities in Paris . You can book everything from walking tours, bike tours, guided visits, wine tastings, food tours, show tickets, river cruises, Disneyland tickets, and day trips out of the city. There are a lot of great activities to choose from, but here are a few related to what I’ve mentioned in this post.

  • Ile de la Cite Walking Tour with Notre Dame
  • Versailles Palace and Gardens- Skip the Line Guided Tour

Accommodations in Paris

For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in Paris . Please consider booking your Paris accommodations through the included link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

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Chloe's Travelogue

Paris Itinerary 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Europe , France , Itinerary

How to Get to Paris & What to do in​ Paris for 4 days 

Oh, Paris…Who has not dreamed of Paris? You finally bought a flight ticket and cannot wait to jump on that plane. Congratulations! Not to bust your dream, though, planning a trip to Paris can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.  

Everyone who has been to Paris would agree that 4 days in Paris will not be enough. Paris is a HUGE metropolitan city with rich history and culture. The City of Light offers plenty of things to do – perhaps overwhelmingly too many.  

Here is my Paris itinerary for 4 days to include as many top things to do in Paris as possible while best utilizing Paris Museum Pass (more on that later). If you loathe tourist-crowded places, too bad. You simply cannot avoid that in Paris! But in this plan, I present a good balance of both popular sites that you gotta visit once in your lifetime and lesser-known local things to do.

This itinerary will surely tire you out yet help maximize your time during the stay. But with tips on how to take this itinerary as an example to customize yours, you should be able to create your perfect Paris itinerary. Let’s do this!  

Table of Contents

Check out my other articles to plan your perfect trip to the City of Light!

Start here >> Paris Itinerary for 4 days Then this >> Where to Stay in Paris First Time Should you buy Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass? 10 Best Small Museums in Paris Without the Crowds Female Solo Travelers >> How to Take a Fabulous Solo Trip to Paris & 15 Things to Do Alone Shopping: 10 Trendy Travel Shoes for Paris Shopping: Best Shopping Guide in Le Marais Food: 25 Iconic French Desserts in Paris Food: 20 Best Casual Restaurants in Paris   Paris Neighborhood Guide: Hidden Gems in Montmartre Paris Neighborhood Guide: 22 Amazing Things to Do in Le Marais 7 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris Day Trip: How to Survive Overcrowded Palace of Versailles in Summer Day Trip: Best Paris Day Trip for Spring & Summer: Giverny Monet’s Gardens   Weekend Trips from Paris by Train or Car

Pin it for later!

4 Days in Paris: This detailed Paris itinerary suggests the most efficient way to see the highlights of the city for first-time visitors | #paris #France #europetravel #ParisItinerary #paristhingstodo

Disclosure : This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you . Click here to read full disclaimer. 

Paris Itinerary Summary

Day 1 : Palais-Royal Garden  →  Louvre  →  Tuileries Garden  →  Place de la Concorde  →  Champs-Élysées  →  Arc de Triomphe →  Seine River Cruise Day 2 : Notre Dame  →  Saint-Chapelle  →  Sacré-Cœur  →  Montmartre  →  Moulin Rouge Day 3 : Jardin de Trocadéro  →  Galerie Lafayette  →  St-Germain →  La Grande Épicerie → Eiffel Tower → Champs de Mars Day 4 : Musée d’Orsay  →  Le Marais  →  Canal St. Martin

4 Days in Paris: This detailed Paris itinerary suggests the most efficient way to see the highlights of the city for first-time visitors | #paris #France #europetravel #ParisItinerary #paristhingstodo

How to Get to Paris

Charles de gaulle to paris.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport is located outside of Paris in Roissy-en-France. You may opt for an  RER B train from CDG airport to Gard du Nord in Paris (€11.40 one way) , which takes about 30 minutes. At Gare du Nord, you can transfer by metro or bus to your final destination. (If your hotel is closer to Châtelet-les-Halles or Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, you can also get off there.)

I found it challenging to drag and carry my luggage over the stairs out of metro stations and on the street. My poor husband took one luggage up one flight of stairs at a time while I watched for the other. Unfortunately, Paris is not the safest city to leave your luggage out of sight!

The  best way to get from Charles de Gaulle to Paris  is a private airport shuttle   for its convenient door-to-door service. Especially for group (or family) travelers, it makes sense to  hire private airport transport  (Book:  a group up to three  or  four passengers ). You may also ask your hotel for an airport shuttle service to compare pricing.

Orly to Paris

Orly Airport does not offer direct train service to Paris. Take an airport shuttle called Orlyval to the RER B station at Antony. Transfer to an RER B train, which goes to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-les-Halles and Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame. The Orlyval + RER combo ticket costs €13.30. The total journey takes about 40 minutes and up.

For a more convenient and faster option, hire a private transfer from Orly airport to anywhere in Paris . It takes about 30 minutes.

Paris Travel Essentials

>> Paris City Pass : Consider getting tourist discount cards such as  Paris Museum Pass  or  The Paris Pass . Not only do they save you money, but you can also skip the line on the most popular sites. That’s a huge time-saver! (READ>> Is Paris Museum Pass Worth It? )

>> SIM card : Orange is France’s No.1 telecom company with the best coverage. I used this Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM , which worked well throughout Europe without hiccups. But if you have any trouble using it or need to recharge, you can walk into any Orange store for help (so many in Paris!).

>> Wine Corkscrew : Yeah, I know it is an unusual item for travel. But if you plan to drink wine in France (and you should!), bring a  simple, reliable corkscrew yourself. (I hate when a cheap grocery store corkscrew breaks the cork!) Believe me, it will come in handy when you go on a picnic as this itinerary suggests.

Day 1 of 4 Days in Paris : Louvre, Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Palais Royal | #ParisItinerary #Paris #TravelEurope

​ Palais-Royal Garden

The Palais Royal and its garden were created by the Cardinal Richelieu in 1633 to house royal families until the construction of the Palace of Versailles.

Perhaps the most iconic Paris thing here is the Colonnes de Buren. Designed by artist Daniel Buren, 260 black and white striped octagonal columns stand in the courtyard.

We will visit  Domain National du Palais-Royal  as early as its opening at 8 am for the iconic Paris photo opportunity. Make it a quick stop before heading over to Louvre.

Admission : Free Hour : 8 am – 10:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum - Louvre Pyramid | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre)

​Your Paris trip would not be complete without taking a few snaps with Louvre Pyramid. Like the Eiffel Tower, it was controversial when it was being constructed. But now, no one questions that Louvre Pyramid is one of France’s most recognizable architectural icons.

The glass pyramid was designed by legendary Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei in 1989. He built the 71-feet-tall geometrical structure using glass and stainless steel.  

Located in the heart of the court of Napoléon, the Louvre Pyramid is actually an entrance into the Louvre museum’s lower-ground exhibition area. Due to its popularity, this entrance gets crowded. So we won’t get in through here. For now, let’s appreciate the Pyramid and take some photos.

Hour : Thur/Sat/Sun/Mon 9 am – 6 pm, Wed/Fri 9 am – 9:45 pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre

Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

Once a royal palace, the Louvre houses enormous universal collections of Greek, Eastern, Egyptian, Roman antiquities, and Islamic arts, ranging from the Middle Ages to 1848. In its eight departments, 35,000 arts are on display.

Of course, you cannot possibly see everything in Louvre in one day! So you need a game plan . You will need to have your checklist to make the most of your time. If you are not sure how to navigate this gigantic museum, follow this trail  recommended by the museum.

I took a Western Arts History class in college. This helped me recognize the Louver’s treasures and why they are considered masterpieces. A few of them I recommend checking out:

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

(Left) Aphrodite, “the Venus de Milo” | (Right) The Winged Victory of Samothrace, “Nike”

Aphrodite, “the Venus of Milo” : This ancient Greek sculpture is one of the most famous Venus statues depicting the ideal Greek beauty despite missing two arms. The sculpture highlights contrapposto (standing with the weight on one leg) and drapery flowing on the body.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, “Nike”:  The Greek statue represents the goddess Nike standing on a ship. Its torso and wings were painstakingly restored from numerous marble fragments. The head and arms are still missing.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum, Mona Lisa | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa – Don’t expect too much, though. My professor taught me to walk left and right in front of Mona Lisa to see if her eyes followed me. In reality, there is no way I could do that over cameras and cell phones of the crowd. It is a tiny painting, to begin with. Did you know it got famous only after it was stolen once?

Update : The museum has set up a line so visitors can have a chance to see Mona Lisa up close and personal. Smart move!

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Louvre Museum - Delacroix | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #louvre

Liberty Leading the People –  This   painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution of 1830. This large oil painting on canvas is a universal symbol of liberty and democracy.

La Belle Jardinière “Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist”  – The painting by Italian Renaissance artist Raphael portrays Mary, Christ and a young John the Baptist. Note that three figures make the pyramid structure, with Mary being the focal point.

Beat the Crowd : The Wednesday and Friday late-night openings (until 9:45 pm) tend to attract fewer crowds. If you can plan your itinerary to accommodate the visit on Wednesday or Friday, it’s worth pushing it back to the evening.

Insider’s Tip : Although  booking a time slot is mandatory , the Louvre is the world’s most-visited museum and will be crowded. Instead of entering through the super-crowded Pyramid, opt for an underground entrance via Carrousel du Louvre [ Open Google Map ]

Admission : Online €17 [ Book tickets with an audio guide . Included in  Paris Museum Pass ]. At door €15. Hours : 9 am – 6 pm Last entry 1 hour before closing. (Closed on Tuesdays, Jan. 1, May 1 and Dec. 25) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Concorde

Louvre Guided Tours

Unless you want to  study Louvre art collections   in advance, I recommend joining a guided tour. Louvre Museum is enormous and crowded ALL THE TIME. Without knowing what to look for and appreciate it, you won’t enjoy your time or get much out of it.

>> This guided tour   (fast-track admission included) explores the highlights of the Louvre with an expert for 2-3 hours.

>> Book a private live guide tour for your group to see the crown jewels of the Louvre at your pace. Different languages are available upon request.

>> Family travelers can appreciate the treasures of the Louvre in the most educational yet fun way with this private tour specially designed for families with kids .

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Tuileries Garden | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

The Tuileries Garden was initially built as part of the Palais des Tuileries in 1564 by Queen Catherine de Medici. Its French formal garden style did not come alive until King Louis XIV’s famous gardener, André Le Nôtre, re-landscaped this enormous garden.

It is a large garden to stroll and people watch. There are some chairs to sit in front of the fountains. Free public toilettes are at one end near the Place de la Concorde.

If you can prepare sandwiches or snacks from Monoprix, you can eat lunch on one of the benches here. Or, the famous Angelina Paris [ Open Google Map ] is right on Rue de Rivoli. (Be sure to make a reservation.)

Admission : Free Hours : April/May/Sept. 7 am – 9 pm, June/July/Aug. 7 am – 11 pm, or the rest 7:30 am – 7:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Tuileries or Concorde

Musée de l’Orangerie (Optional)

Located in the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l’Orangerie is most known for the Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet. The modern art collection also includes Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, Matisse and Picasso masterpieces, ranging from impressionism to contemporary arts.

But if you have had enough with museums for today, maybe best to save the Musée de l’Orangerie for the next time. I personally was overwhelmed and dead-tired after my visit to Louvre.  

Admission : €12.50 [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ]   (book your time slot).   Hours : 9 am – 6 pm (Closed on Tuesdays.) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Concorde

>> READ: Take a Paris Day Trip to Giverny. Monet's Garden & House is breathtakingly gorgeous!

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Place de la Concorde | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is one of the major public squares in Paris. This 18th-century plaza is adorned with beautiful fountains, statues and an Egyptian obelisk.  

During the French Revolution, notable public executions took place, where King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre were guillotined.

The plaza’s centerpiece is the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk, given by Egypt in 1829 as a diplomatic gift. It is called Luxor Obelisk because it once marked the entrance to the Luxor Temple.

Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Concorde

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1:  Pont Alexandre III | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

(Image Credit: Hannah Reding from Unsplash)

Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is an ostentatious bridge named after a Russian czar that connects the Invalides on the Left Bank and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank. It is the most symbolic and ornate bridge in Paris , boasting gilt bronze sculptures of winged horses. Enjoy the impressive view of the Eiffel Tower and the city over the Seine. This is also a great starting point to walk towards the Avenue de Champs-Élyées.  

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Invalides

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Champs-Élysées  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #champselysees

Frankly, I enjoyed the luxury vibe more than shopping on Champs-Élysées.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is the most luxurious and grandeur avenue in Paris , if not in the world. This pedestrian-only road stretches two kilometers from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe. The area is lined with high-end restaurants, luxury boutiques, iconic flagship stores (Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Guerlain, Ferrari, Mont-Blanc, etc.) and clubs.  

While super commercialized and extremely touristy, you just have to get a taste of it at least once in your lifetime. I did not spot any limited editions you cannot find somewhere else, so I recommend soaking up the atmosphere instead of shopping.  

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Depending on from which point you want to start walking: Concorde, Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George V, Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

>> READ: 10 Best Paris Small Museums WITHOUT the Crowds

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Arc de Triomphe | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #arcdetriomphe

A stunning view of Paris from the rooftop terrace!

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe is another iconic architecture built to commemorate the victory of Napoleon’s Great Army against the Austro-Russian troops in 1805 (a.k.a. the Battle of Austerlitz). Since Napoleon I ordered, it took 30 years to complete in 1836. Although his army could not march through it on their return to Paris, Napoleon’s ash did upon its return from Saint Helena in 1840.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Arc de Triomphe | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #arcdetriomphe

Fun Facts about Arc de Triomphe:

  • The national monument is engraved with the names of battles and Generals from wars fought by France during the Revolution and the First Empire. ( See the left photo above .)
  • On the ground, the inscriptions commemorate recent events such as the proclamation of the Republic on September 4, 1870.
  • The eternal flame has been rekindled every day at 6:30 pm since it was first lit on November 11, 1923.

Located in the center of the Place de l’Étoile, the terrace showcases the spectacular 360-degree view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower. Note: You need to go up the spiral staircases! ( See the right photo above )

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Arc de Triomphe  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #arcdetriomphe

There is a long line of people standing in the median to snap a shot with Arc in the background. A photographer (or your tripod) needs to be in the middle of the road to get the entire architecture. Watch out for oncoming cars around the rotary. You can also go to the other side to capture photos without the crowd.

Admission : €13 [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Booking a time slot not required. Hours : 10 am – 10:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

Dinner Options near the Arc de Triomphe

I failed to make a reservation at any of these restaurants. That said, if you want to have a nice sit-down dinner with a romantic view, do your diligence and book as soon as you know the date.

  • L’Oiseau Blanc  [ Open Google Map ]: A Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant with a rooftop terrace.
  • Terrasse de l’hôtel Raphael  [ Open Google Map ]: A rooftop garden serving all-day snacks, cocktails, and champagne with a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Open April through September.  Book your stay at Hôtel Raphael >>

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 1: Seine River Cruise | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #seineriver

Seine River Cruise in the Evening

Perhaps the most romantic way to end your first day in Paris is to see the City of Light on the Seine River. Simply hop on an evening cruise from a dock near the Eiffel Tower. Admire the Eiffel Tower light show and enjoy the most iconic sights of Paris on a cruise.

Admission : [Book  Seine River Cruise with Dinner . Included in   The Paris Pass .] Hours : 12 – 9 pm Location : Port de la Bourdonnais [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Pont de l’Alma or École Militaire

Alternative Neighborhood Walking Tours

>>  This Paris highlight tour   takes you to all Day 1 stops plus Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. This is a great way to explore Paris if you want to see Paris in a limited time.

>> Join this affordable private tour   with a local guide to customize your itinerary.

>> For those who do not want to walk, you can consider an  e-bike  or  Segway tour .

Day 2 of 4 Days in Paris : Île de la Cité & Montmartre

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Notre Dame de Paris  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #notredame

Île de la Cité: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement. While it is often simply referred to as Notre Dame, it is one of many Notre-Dame cathedrals scattered all over France.

Victor Hugo’s historical novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” is set in this church. This medieval cathedral is also known for its bold and graceful architecture featuring ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and gargoyles. It stores priceless artifacts and religious relics, such as the holy crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ, the cross on which Jesus was crucified, the 2000-year-old archaeological crypt, etc.

Since the mass fire on April 15, 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris has been closed for restoration until further notice.  Before the unfortunate incident, the church was open (free of charge) to the public, and visitors could climb up the tower to see the view of Paris with gargoyles (at an additional fee).

Nevertheless, you can still visit the site to take photos outside  and tour the crypt. After all, how can you say you have been to Paris without visiting this iconic site?

Admission : €9 for Crypt [ Book tour here . Tour included in  The Paris Pass ] Hour : Indoor is temporarily closed. Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

>>  Alternative Tours : The   Île de la Cité guided tour  explores places like Notre-Dame and St. Severin Church. Or meet a   neighborhood group tour   for Notre Dame.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Point Zero  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Île de la Cité: Point Zéro

Point Zéro des Routes de France is the center of Paris in Notre Dame square. This is a geographic marker from which the distance from Paris to all other places is measured .  

Apparently, there are many rituals people like to follow here. Some throw coins to make a wish, while others kiss a loved one above the plate for eternal love. I want to believe that I will one day return to Paris if I take a photo of my feet on the plate.  

It is a surprisingly low profile on the ground in a crowded square. It is super easy to miss if you don’t look for it. So look down!  

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Au Vieux Paris d’Acorle  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchcafe #frenchfood

Lunch: Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is a pretty cute cafe in a 16th-century townhouse near the Notre-Dame. Its purple chairs and cascading Wisteria vines on the exterior wall immediately captured my eyes. (Wisteria blooms in April!) The small restaurant is filled with antiques creating an inviting atmosphere. It has decent food at a reasonable price.

Hours : 12-2:30 pm, 6:30-9:30 pm (Wed only open for dinner) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Le Saint-Regis  [ Open Google Map ] is another nearby brasserie if you are looking for more options. Or, just a hop over the Seine river is also a cute neighborhood you can explore. You can grab a seat at  Le Petit Châtelet  [ Open Google Map ], a French bistro with classic dishes.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Berthillon Ice Cream  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchdesserts #frenchfood

For desserts,  Berthillon Ice Cream  [ Open Google Map ] is supposedly the best ice cream in Paris. But I have to say, it was just ok for me.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Odette Paris  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchdesserts #frenchfood

I recommend  Odette  [ Open Google Map ], a quaint pastry shop with a desirable terrace. Its colorful cream choux puffs are delightful. Its terrace is also an excellent place to rest your tired feet. Bonus, I witnessed a French wedding in the church across the street.

>> READ: Discover 25 Iconic French Desserts in Paris!  

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Saint-Chapelle  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #SaintChapelle

Île de la Cité: Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a gorgeous 13th-century Gothic chapel. While the ground floor might not impress you with souvenir stalls, wait until you go upstairs. Wowza! You will be mesmerized by 1,113 stunning stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and a rose window. (I got goosebumps!!)

Louis IX was a bit obsessed and bought a lot of Christian relics from the emperor of the East Roma. He built Sainte-Chapelle in the Palais de la Cité to house the relics of the Passion of Christ, including the crown of Jesus.

Insider’s Tip : Paris Museum Pass doesn’t technically get you a no-queue privilege here. I stayed in line for 30 minutes with everyone else before passing the security line outside the building. Once I got in, I skipped the ticket line with the pass.

Admission : €18.50 for Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Hour : April – Sept. 9 am – 7 pm, Oct – March 9 am – 5 pm (Closed on May 1, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Palace of Justice  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #conciergerie

Conciergerie locates below the Palais de Justice.

Île de la Cité: Conciergerie

Right next to the Sainte-Chapelle is the Conciergerie. It is a Gothic riverside fortress and palace built by King Philip the Fair. In the 14th century, it was converted into prison cells.  

During the French Revolution, it became the central prison. After Louis XVI was executed, Marie-Antoinette was locked up here alone and said to have aged so fast from the stress that her blonde hair turned silver in less than 3 months.  

Admission : €18.50 for Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Hour : 9:30 am – 6 pm (Closed on May 1, Dec. 25) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Île de la Cité - Clock Tower  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #conciergerie

Île de la Cité: Clock Tower

Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge du Palais de la Cité) is the first public clock in Paris , installed in 1370, to help people be aware of the time. This elaborate clock is on the corner of the Palais de la Cité on the Boulevard du Palais. Two prominent figures in the frame represent Law and Justice.  

Admission : Free Hour : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

I’m posing with a parked bike on the hilltop of Montmartre. But I had to climb up some steep stairs to get here!

Montmartre: Rue de l’Abreuvoir & Place du Tertre

Montmartre is an artsy and bohemian neighborhood up on the hill in the northern 18th arrondissement. It is home to artists and revolutionaries who have played an essential part in the history of Paris. This particular area of Paris has inspired Picasso, Dalí, Van Gogh, and many other artists.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Place du Tertre  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

I suggest starting at Lamarck – Caulaincourt (Take the metro at Châtelet, transfer at Madeleine to Line 12). Pass sculptures like Buste de Dalida  [ Open Google Map ], a statue of French music icon Dalida. Take a famous  Rue de l’Abreuvoir  [ Open Google Map ], where Emily in Paris was also filmed. See that pink house,  La Maison Rose  [ Open Google Map ]. Then you will soon reach  Place du Tertre  [ Open Google Map ], where artists offer portraits and artworks for sale.

Insider’s Tip : Climbing up the stairs is too challenging for you? Take funicular [ Open Google Map ] directly to the top to reach the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In this case, you will have to skip most of the Montmartre spots, but can stop by on the way down. Metro card also works for a funicular.

Hidden Gems in Montmartre, Paris: Moulin Rouge | #HiddenGems #Montmartre #Paris #TravelEurope

>> READ: Discover 20+ Hidden Gems in Montmartre & Munch-Worthy Shops  

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Sacré Cœur  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

Montmartre: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

On the hilltop of Montmartre, you will eventually reach a white-dome church — Sacré-Cœur Basilica (The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris)! The church is recognized for its Roman-Byzantine style. Inside, the ceiling features the most giant mosaic in France at about 480 square meters.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Sacré Cœur  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

This place has one of the best panoramic views of Paris from the highest hill in the city.

Insider’s Tip : Stay alert in Montmartre. I have heard many stories of scams, threatened soliciting, etc., happening in this area.

Admission : Free Hours : 6 am – 10:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Love Wall  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

Montmartre: Wall of Love

Head down the hill in the direction of Abbesses Metro Station. Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime) is a mural with “I love you” written in many different languages. Make a pit stop here. It’s fun to find your own language.  

Admission : Free Hours : 8 am – 5:30 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Van Gogh House  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

Montmartre: Van Gogh House

Walk 10 more minutes, and you can easily recognize a vibrant blue door of Van Gogh House. This is an apartment Van Gogh used to live and work with his brother Theo from 1886 to 1888. You can’t go in, but it is exciting to see the area that inspired master artists like Van Gogh.  

Location : [ Open Google Map ]

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 2: Montmartre - Moulin Rouge  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Montmartre

Montmartre: Moulin Rouge

Your self-guided tour of Montmartre ends at Moulin Rouge. Its bright red decor and windmill at the bottom of Montmartre are so eye-catching that you cannot miss them!

The famous 19th-century cabaret theater features a dance performance and dinner. It is the most popular cabaret show in Paris. Book the dinner show at the Moulin Rouge or just  with Champagne . 

Admission : Varies per time and season. Hours : Martinées 1 pm & 2:45 pm| Evening 7 pm, 9 pm & 11 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Blanche

Alternative Tours :  

>> Check out Sacré-Coeur & Montmartre group   or  semi-private walking tours to discover hidden gems of Montmartre.

>> Follow a Montmartre foodie trail  for a cheese & wine experience while visiting key tourist sites in Montmartre.

>> Should you buy Paris Museum Pass or The Paris Pass? If you follow the above two days in this itinerary, you will already save money. Check out how.  

Day 3 of 4 Days in Paris : Eiffel Tower & St-Germain

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Jardin de Trocadéro  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #EiffelTower

Jardins du Trocadéro

Jardins du Trocadéro is a large public park built in 1937 in the upscale residential area of Paris 16th arrondissement. The garden is beautifully decorated with lush trees, sculptures and a water-jetting fountain. But it is most well-known for its unobstructed direct view of the Eiffel Tower.

Be there before 8 am to get the best shot with no crowd. Have the park and the view of the Eiffel Tower all to yourself.

Insider’s Tip : Go to Cafe du Trocadero [ Open Google Map ] for breakfast or Carette [ Open Google Map ] for crêpe and macaroons.

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Trocadéro          

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Galerie Lafayette  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frencharchitecture

Galerie Lafayette Haussmann

Galerie Lafayette Haussmann is a century-old department store with a steel-frame art nouveau glass dome . Even if you don’t mean to shop (but why wouldn’t you?), its architectural beauty makes it impossible to skip this place!  

By law, French department stores and shops must hold two major sales a year : one in January and the other in July. So if you happen to travel at this time, chi ching, you might score a deal!  

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Galerie Lafayette Rooftop Terrace  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Another reason the Galerie Lafayette Haussmann is a must-stop? Head up to La Terrasse (8th floor, 10 am – 8 pm, free access) for a magnificent view of Paris with Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame.  

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Galerie Lafayette Food Court  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

There is a fancy outdoor terrace restaurant you can dine in, as well as an indoor food court where you can grab a decent lunch and wine.  

Interesting facts : The department stores are separated by women and men. I mean not by the floor but in separate buildings. Imagine the size of the collections?

Hours : 10 am – 8 pm. Sunday 11 am – 8 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: St-Germain  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

A gorgeous cafe and eye-catching artworks in the streets of Saint Germain

Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Now let’s head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the quarters in the 6th arrondissement. This area is centered around the city’s oldest church, the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, many famous artists and writers lived in this cultural heritage neighborhood.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Le Procope, a traditional 1600s French brasserie   | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchfood #frenchgourmet #frenchcafe

The quarter is dotted with famous, historical restaurants frequented by artists, authors and intellectuals . If you are interested in dining at the same place with Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, or Albert Camus, grab a meal or drink at one of these restaurants:

  • Les Deux Magots [ Open Google Map ]
  • Café de Flore [ Open Google Map ]
  • Brasserie Lipp [ Open Google Map ]
  • Le Procope [ Open Google Map ]

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Le Procope, a traditional 1600s French brasserie   | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchfood #frenchgourmet #frenchcafe

Some classic French gourmet we had at Le Procope, including French onion soup, escargot, coq au vin and steak

St-Germain is also known for art galleries, antique stores, theaters and shopping. Check out  Decathlon  [ Open Google Map ] for affordable athletic goods. For duty-free French beauty shopping, head over to  CityPharma  [ Open Google Map ]. Anyone with a sweet tooth will be in heaven at  Pierre Hermé  [ Open Google Map ] or  Ladurée  [ Open Google Map ].  Luxembourg Garden  [ Open Google Map ] is also in this neighborhood.

>>  Alternative Tours : Don’t know where to stop by? Gobble your way around with  the St-Germain food tour !

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: La Grande Épicerie de Paris   | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #frenchfood #frenchgourmet

La Grande Épicerie de Paris  

Le Bon Marché  [ Open Google Map ] is an upscale department store for high-fashion labels in St Germain. But its gourmet market across the street would win the heart of the foodies. (And this stop is kind of important for this itinerary.)

La Grande Épicerie de Paris  is a high-end gourmet grocery store and the foodie’s heaven. This market is the true epitome of French gastronomy , and you simply cannot miss it.

This multi-floor supermarket is very well organized by section. But due to its expansive selections, allow yourself to explore at least two hours here. You can find cheese, cured meats, yogurt, foie gras, caviar, chocolates and sweets, jams and spread, truffle everything (oil, mayo, etc.), fruits and fresh produce, ethnic food, baked goods, the salad, and other ready to eat food, a wide selection of wines, and waters of the world.

Let’s grab a bottle of wine and packable dinner for our picnic. But feel free to get some edible souvenirs for home, too, like jams and chestnut spread.

Hours : 8:30 am – 9 pm, Sunday 10 am – 8 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Sèvres

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: The Eiffel Tower  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower (Climbing Optional)

Opened in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. It has become the iconic symbol of Paris and France that doesn’t require any further introduction.

I personally prefer to appreciate the Eiffel Tower from a distance rather than climb it up. But going up the Eiffel Tower is a super popular activity on many tourists’ bucket lists. So I included it here as an option.

With a whopping 7 million visitors a year, you can only imagine it will get crowded. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of booking your tour in advance.  Also, unless you plan to challenge yourself to climb up a 330-meter (1,083 ft) tower by stairs, sign up for elevator access.

Interesting Facts : When Germany occupied France, the French resistance cut the elevator cables. Hence, the Nazis had to climb the stairs to hoist their flag on top.

On the 2nd floor , enjoy the city view of the Louvre, Notre Dame, and other landmarks. This is where you find the souvenir shops, the Michelin-starred restaurant Jules Verne, and Pierre Hermé macaroon bar. ( Book Eiffel Tower 2nd floor by elevator here >> )

The Summit features a panoramic view of Paris from 276-meter (906 feet) above the ground. Grab a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar. Check out the secret apartment where Gustave Eiffel hosted VIP parties. ( Book Eiffel Tower direct access to Summit by elevator here >> )

Do you want the whole shebang ? You can visit the 2nd floor, the Summit, Champs de Mars (our next stop), and Jardin du Trocadero (our first stop) with an all-in-one Eiffel Tower Tour here .

Note:  Children under 18 or EU residents under 26 do not receive free access to the Eiffel Tower. Only children under 4 get free access.

Admission for 2nd floor (by elevator) : €17.10, Age 12-24: €8.60, Age 4-11 & Disability: €4.30 Admission for Summit (by elevator) : €26.80, Age 12-24: €13.40, Age 4-11 & Disability: €6.70 Hours : May 5 – June 17 9:30am – 10:45 pm, The rest 9 am – 11:45 pm Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Bir-Hakeim or Champ-de-Mars Tour-Eiffel (RER)

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 3: Champs de Mars  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #EiffelTower

Champs de Mars

Can you really get enough of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Probably not. Good news. We will have a very romantic Parisian picnic at Champs de Mars.

Champs de Mars is a landscaped park with an expansive lawn where the Eiffel Tower is. Grab a seat (it’s good to have a towel or blanket) and have a picnic while waiting for the Eiffel Tower illumination.  The Eiffel Tower sparkles every evening from sunset to 1 am.  It is so magical and romantic that your tired eyes will wide open!

What does not make this picnic not so romantic is people consistently soliciting cheap Eiffel Tower key chains and low-quality wines. But if you already got everything you need, you just say no thanks and turn away.

Insider’s Tip : If you skipped La Grand Epicerie de Paris above, there is a Carrefour City nearby [ Open Google Map ].

Admission : Free Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : École Militaire

>>  Alternative Tours : If you instead take the Eiffel Tower tour to the Summit and evening cruise on the same day, skip Champs de Mars and  join this combo tour .

Day 4 of 4 Days in Paris : Orsay, Le Marais & Canal St. Martin

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Musée d’Orsay  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Orsay

Musée d’Orsay

If you are a fan of Impressionist art, Musée d’Orsay is the place you do not want to miss. The museum has the largest collection of famous Impressionist paintings by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Cézanne and Seurat. It also houses western arts from 1848 to 1914.

The museum had been converted from an abandoned train station in 1986. Its unique beauty is credited to keeping the original architectural details.  

Compared to Louvre or Notre Dame, the crowd level is much more manageable. But I recommend visiting early in the morning, getting an audio guide and map to plan out your visit.  

Insider’s Tip : Start from Level 5 – the crown jewel of this museum – and make your way down.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Musée d’Orsay  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Orsay

Head straight to Level 5 to beat the crowd to capture an Instagram-worthy silhouette shot of the famous clock. The clock is all the way back in front of a souvenir shop.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Musée d’Orsay  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Orsay

The museum map indicates the most critical art collections and their locations.

On Level 5, take your time to enjoy all the impressionist & Neo-impressionist collections and Rodin’s sculptures, including:

  • Manet: Lunchoen on the Grass, Olympia
  • Monet: La Rue Montorgueil
  • Degas: Ballet l’étoile
  • Renoir: Danse á la Ville

Don’t miss Van Gogh’s  Self-Portrait  and  Starry Night over the Rhône  and Gauguin on Level 2. Check out Millet, Courbet, Bazille, Pompon and Delacroix on Level 0.

If you want to eat lunch here, Orsay Museum has beautiful restaurants on the 2nd, 4th and 5th floors.

Admission : €16. After 6 pm €12   [ Book tickets here . Included in Paris Museum Pass ] Hours : 9:30 am – 6 pm. Thursdays open until 9:45 pm (Closed on Mondays, May 1 & Dec. 25.) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : Solférino or Musée d’Orsay (RER)

>> Alternative Tours : Book a ticket and guided tour of Musée d’Orsay with different language options  

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Le Marais - Rue de Rosier  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Marais

In the 4th arrondissement, Le Marais (South Marais) is a charming historic neighborhood dotted with boutiques and art galleries. Explore Paris’ hippest fashion, LGBTQ scene and Jewish Quarter.

The district is also home to many heritage museums in the 17th/18th-century mansions, such as Musée Picasso Paris  [ Open Google Map ] and  Maison de Victor Hugo  [ Open Google Map ]. It is also considered a gay district with many LGBTQ-friendly restaurants, gay bars and clubs.

For this itinerary, I suggest you explore from south to north.

Hôtel de Ville  [ Open Google Map ; metro station: Hôtel de Ville] is the city hall of Paris located near the Seine Riverbank. It is more than an administrative center as it regularly hosts art exhibits. And the Neo-Renaissance building is gorgeous to just look. Not far away from here is  Rue de Barres  [ Open Google Map ], one of the prettiest streets in Paris with the 14th-century houses.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Le Marais  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Marais

I had a delicious shawarma platter for lunch at L’as du Fallafel.

Head to the  Rue de Rosier  [ Open Google Map ], the epicenter of the Parisian Jewish community with Kosher restaurants and pretty little shops.  L’as du Fallafel  [ Open Google Map ] is a Middle Eastern restaurant with delicious shawarma, kebabs and falafels. Swing by the Rosiers-Joseph Migneret Garden  [ Open Google Map ], a small community garden tucked between historic mansions.

You may also want to check out  Place des Vosges  [ Open Google Map ]. It is the oldest planned square in Paris, built by Henri IV in 1612. The small park is surrounded by lush trees, red brick houses, little shops and cafes.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Le Marais  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Marais

There are so many boutique shops in this area. Whichever catches your eyes, you can go in. One of the shops I went to is  Merci  [ Open Google Map ], a trendy 3-story boutique and coffee shop. You will find a collection of clothes, shoes, kitchen, and interior items. The concept is similar to Anthropologie – not cheap but hip designs.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Le Marais - Marché des Enfants Rouges  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo #Marais

Finally, I recommend checking out  Marché des Enfants Rouges  [ Open Google Map ]. It is a covered market in the alleyways lined with restaurants, cheese shops, fruit and vegetable sellers, etc. You can grab quick bites and drinks or buy fresh produce.

>>  Alternative Tours : Explore the historic  Le Marais on an e-bike   or munch on French delicacies with  Le Marais Food Walking Tour . 

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Du Pain et des Idées - Escargot pastry  | #paris #france #europetravel #frenchpastry #frenchgourmet

Du Pain et des Idées

Between Le Marais and the next destination, there is a very famous traditional French boulangerie I highly recommend you try: Du Pain et des Idées. This  award-winning bakery  has won the heart of picky Parisians since 1875. Luckily, my hotel was nearby, so I religiously visited this bakery during my stay. Try their  signature pain des amis  and different flavored  escargot pastries .    

Hours : 7 am – 7:30 pm (Closed on Sundays.) Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station : République

↡↡ Looking for hotels in Paris? Book Your Paris Hotel here ↡↡

My Hotel for 4 Days in Paris #paris #france

Speaking of hotels, book your hotel way in advance! I was scrambled to find a hotel 3 weeks before my trip in panic mode because all decent hotels were booked. I ended up staying at Hôtel Beaurepaire Paris ( Book here ) near République metro station. The hotel is nothing fancy — no A/C, coffin-like elevator and narrow shower booth, which are common in Paris. But the airy, bright room is clean and comfortable. The neighborhood is also convenient with supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants/cafes, (of course, Du Pain et des Idées), and plenty of public transportation. The République is only one-stop away from Gare du Nord and a major transfer station with direct access to multiple lines. It was not the best hotel I stayed in; however, my experience was overall great!

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Canal St. Martin  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Canal St. Martin

Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement is lined with chestnut trees and adorned with Venetian-style bridges. It is a nice little place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon/evening, hang out with friends or sit on the bench with your significant other.

I suggest you go picnic here, relax and imbibe in the romantic Paris vibe as much as possible on the last day of Paris. I brought a bottle of wine, fruits and other snacks for my picnic. I ordered Pink Flamingo Pizza nearby and sat at the bench to feast.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days | Day 4: Canal St. Martin  | #paris #france #europetravel #parisitinerary #paristhingstodo

Pink Flamingo has recently closed down. But this neighborhood has a vibrant food scene with lots of restaurant options:

  • Le Petit Cambodge  [ Open Google Map ] with authentic SE Asian rice noodle soups
  • Le Comptoir Général  [ Open Google Map ], a cafe/bar along the canal with a cozy, inviting ambiance
  • Siseng  [ Open Google Map ] with Asian-influenced burgers, spring rolls and creative cocktails
Hours : 24 hours Location : [ Open Google Map ] Metro Station: République

Day 5 : Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles

Day Trip from Paris: Château de Versailles | #versailles #Paris #europetravel #daytripfromparis

One extra day in Paris? I suggest visiting Château de Versailles. This is one of the top things to do in Paris; however, four days in Paris is too short to include a full-day trip to Versailles.  

If you are inclined to, you may take one day out from the 4-day itinerary above and replace it with Versailles. It spreads in a massive estate, and I experienced the worst line and crowds there. Be there early and allocate an entire day. 

Like the Louvre, I strongly believe that Versailles is one of the places  worth joining tours with an expert guide and transportation to/from Paris. These tours usually use a separate entrance from the crowds, granting skip-the-line access .  

>>  Versailles Palace & the Trianons Tour by Coach : This full-day guided tour takes you to the majestic Palace and tickets to the Garden Show.

>> Palace & Gardens Skip-the-line Tour (optional Musical Gardens & Fountain Shows)

>> Versailles Tour by RER Train (optional Musical Gardens & Fountain Shows)

Read my detailed guide on the Paris day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Lots of tips and hacks on how to beat the crowd in Versailles in summer! >>

How to Plan Your Paris Itinerary

1. start with your paris bucket list..

Make a list of what you want to experience in Paris. There is no way one trip will cover all of them. But it helps to see the complete list to prioritize the places you want to visit this time and save others for the next time. Check your bucket list against my itinerary to see which needs to be adjusted.

2. Group them by geographical proximity.

Once you decide what to do in Paris in 4 days , look them up on Google Map to check the locations. This step is necessary to save your travel time within the city.

Paris is a planned city with 20 arrondissements (districts). Starting with the first arrondissement in the center, the number goes up clockwise in a circle outwardly, resembling a snail shell. Understanding this helps locate each location and group them together.

3. Check opening dates and hours.

The next step is to assign a group of daily activities on the day of the week. Opening days and hours vary by attraction. Some museums open in the late evenings on certain days of the week, attracting fewer crowds.

4. Consider purchasing Paris tourist cards.

Whether you get  Paris Museum Pass  or  The Paris Pass , these tourist cards usually pay for themselves, bringing you good savings. Your itinerary can be grouped as pass days vs. non-pass days. To maximize your savings, try to keep pass days closely together so you can shorten the length of the pass validation dates (=saving money).

(READ>> Is Paris Museum Pass Worth It? )

5. Booking tickets and a time slot is now mandatory, not a recommendation!

Avoid wasting time in line. The rule of thumb is to purchase tickets and book every place you want to visit in advance. I find it absolutely necessary for any season of the year in Paris. In fact, many Paris attractions now require you to book tickets and a time slot before you show up!

6. Check your eligibility for free admission.

Most of the Paris museums and historical places grant free admission for those under 18 or EU residents under 26. Booking a time slot is still required.

The first Sunday of each month is a free museum day at national museums. But personally, I would avoid the most visited museums like Louvre and the Orsay on this day, especially if you have the Museum Pass.

7. Finalize your plan.

Voila! Based on all these factors above, you should be able to have your customized itinerary.

Hello, I'm Chloe!

I'm an aspiring world traveler, who moved across the Pacific Ocean twice. After leaving my PR career, I'm currently exploring Asia from Taiwan and learning Chinese. Follow my journey as I will share my travel experiences, tips & tricks and cultural insights.

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Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary for all seasons

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Our 4 day Paris itinerary was about falling in love with Paris – all over again. I love Paris and I fell in love with Paris even before we met and after having spent a few days – this love affair continues to grow.

Thomas Jefferson summed up my feelings about Paris. To quote, “A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life” . Truly, when we explored Paris, we found beauty in the old charming lanes, the abundance of history, and the everyday life in lovely neighborhoods, just straight out of postcards.

Our 4 days in Paris Itinerary were about getting lost in the city’s lanes, checking off the iconic landmarks, and bringing back tons of unforgettable memories. 

4 days in Paris: A 4 day Paris Itinerary for first time visitors & all seasons

Paris itinerary things to do in Paris in 4 days Get a Paris itinerary map with first time visitor travel guide and tips. Bucket list ideas and dream vacations for Europe’s most visited city - Paris. Places to visit in Paris include Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, Latin Quarter, Seine River.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you .

4 day Paris itinerary: Things to do in Paris in 4 days

  • Day 1 : Best of Paris , start at the Trocadero Gardens, visit the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysses, Arc de Triomphe, Grand/Petit Palais, and finish the day at the Louvre
  • Day 2: More of Paris Highlights : Notre Dame Cathedral, Seine River, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, Catacombs, Seine River Cruise
  • Day 3: Explore Parisian Neighborhoods . Montparnasse and/or Montmartre 
  • Day 4: Take a day trip to Versailles (+ Giverny)

Planning for 4 days in Paris Itinerary

Arriving in Paris – Planning a trip to Paris

There are three airports in Paris France –  Charles de Gaulle International Airport, Orly Airport, and Beauvais-Tille Airport.

  • Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the main airport in Paris and it is located about 45 minutes from the city center. You will most likely fly into this airport if traveling from North America or Asia. We arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport and took the RER to reach the 15th arrondissement, where our hotel was. From the airport, you pay 10 Euros to take the RER train to multiple locations in the city. You will always see a HUGE line-up at the ticket counter, but trust me, the lines move very fast. If in a hurry, you can always book an airport shuttle or transfer
  • Orly Airport is the second international airport in Paris and is around the same distance as the Charles de Gaulle (45 minutes from the city center). From Orly, you can either take a taxi or a shuttle bus. The shuttle buses leave every 15 minutes.
  • Beauvais-Tille Airport is for budget airlines only (RyanAir and Wizz Air). It takes about 80 minutes to arrive at the city center from Beauvais-Tille Airport. There are 2 options to get to Paris from the airport – airport transfer buses (takes 80 minutes, tickets can be purchased at the terminal), by train (from the airport to the train station is 15 minutes by taxi and then the train takes another 80 minutes. Taxi fare is around 15 euros).

Paris Accommodation Guide – Paris Hotels

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements ( arr. ) or boroughs. We narrowed down the areas to the best places to stay in Paris and have provided some hotel recommendations below.

Keep in mind, Paris is home to some of the finest and most luxurious hotels and it is well worth investing the money in a boutique hotel with great views.

Most of the luxury hotels are located near the city centre (1st and 8th arr.) There are also quaint Parisian neighborhoods (Montmartre, Marais, 11th arr.) that are well connected by Paris metro, which are great options to stay if you are looking for mid to budget range hotels and do not mind the distance from the city centre. Book your Paris hotels here .

where to stay in Paris Guide

Luxury – Paris Hotel Recommendations

  • Hotel Plaza Athenee has 154 rooms and 5- star restaurants on site. 
  • It was awarded the “Palace distinction” for being ONE of the finest luxury hotels in France.
  • Stay at this hotel for its history, luxurious and one of kind treatment, and of course Eiffel tower views!
  • Check rates and book your stay at Hotel Plaza Athenee
  • One of the finest hotels in Paris, Park Hyatt Paris Vendome brings in stunning interiors, an in-house spa, and 3 restaurants including a Michelin star restaurant.
  • The prime location of this hotel steals the cake – Place Vendome, the Louvre, and Palais Opera Garnier are located just minutes away
  • Stay at this hotel to experience luxury, delicious breakfast at a convenient location.
  • Check rates and book your stay at Park Hyatt Paris Vendome

Mid Range – Paris Hotel Recommendations

  • Metro station is easily accessible. Stay at this hotel for a romantic vacation, with access to sightseeing areas. Great value.
  • Check rates and book your stay Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur
  • The location of this hotel is perfect and convenient to view Paris attractions like Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Porte de Versailles Exhibition, and Dupleix Metro Station are just a few steps away.
  • Stay at this hotel for its convenient location and good value for money.
  • Check rates and book your stay at Hotel Eiffel Capitol
  • Metro stations are located close by (Issy de Marie).
  • The hotel was located in a residential area, not as vintage as some of the other areas or hotels mentioned above. The rooms were spacious and clean. The staff was friendly too. There are a restaurant and bar on-site but had limited hours of operation
  • As we were out and about exploring all day long the hotel neighborhood didn’t bother us. The room rates were of good value.
  • Check room rates and book your stay   Hotel iBis Issy Les Moulineaux Val Seine  

Day 1 of 4 Day Paris Itinerary – Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Gardens, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum

The first day of 4 days in Paris Itinerary should include the BEST that Paris is known for. On this day, explore the Trocadero Gardens, then head to the stunning Eiffel Tower and more Paris tourist spots and finally finish the day at the Louvre.

Before you start your day, it is worthwhile to check out a few ways to explore Paris.

Eiffel Tower and pictures of a girl at the Eiffel Tower. Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary

On our trip to Paris, we utilized the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tours to save time. These tours commence at the Trocadero gardens – so as long you arrive there, you can ride on one of these sightseeing buses for the day.

Grab a map (like the one added in this article) and then get down whenever you like to explore. These are not guided tours, it is more of a convenience in traveling from point A to B. Continue reading to find out what tourist spots you should cover. Click here to book your hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tour .

Paris Pass to make the most of 4 days in Paris

Consider getting the Paris Pass for your trip. With the Paris Pass, you can get access to over 60 attractions in the city (including the Paris museum pass for 2 days/access and fast track entry), free public transportation, and also 1 day of hop-on and hop-off tour – mentioned above. The Paris Pass can be purchased for 2, 3, or 6 days. (There is no 4 day Paris Pass for purchase.)

We have highlighted some of the individual tours and entry fees for each tourist spot below as well. To save money on transport and get more of your four days in Paris, get the 3 day Paris Pass.

Purchase your Paris Pass here

Trocadero Gardens

Start your day at the Trocadero Gardens. Jardins du Trocadero is a garden and along with the Palais de Chaillot (which is built on a hilltop) provides excellent views of the Eiffel tower. This site (also the seat of a former palace) was named after the Battle of Trocadero, 1878.

Today, the Trocadero has 3 museums on-site, along with the gardens. The garden also has fountains called the Fountain of Warsaw, whose still waters create perfect reflections of the Eiffel tower.  Fountain of Warsaw is the largest fountains in Paris.

Trocadero Gardens Eiffel Tower and pictures of a girl at the Eiffel Tower. Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary

Most tours and sightseeing buses start at the Trocadero gardens. Trocadero is easily connected via Paris metro.

We arrived here at 7:30 am and the place was already filled with a lot of people. Still, it wasn’t too crowded. Entry to the gardens is completely free. We clicked some photos of the Trocadero Gardens and of course the Iron Lady. You can get awesome shots of the Eiffel Tower from here.

We also decided to have some breakfast at the Trocadero – watch the sun go up against the Eiffel Tower, whilst sipping some lattes, baguette Fromage, and croissants. There was a coffee and breakfast stall set up at the Trocadero, along with vendors selling Paris souvenirs .

Eiffel Tower – Check off Paris bucket list

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel tower, once said, “ I ought to be jealous of the tower. She is more famous than I am “. Referring to the Eiffel Tower, you might already know that the Tour  Eiffel  is an iconic symbol of France and romance .

It is the WORLD’S most-visited paid structure. Needless to say, you got to visit to see for yourself.

4 day trip in paris

The Eiffel Tower was originally built as an entry gate to World Fair (Exposition), had nothing to do with romance actually.

If you compare the tower to some of the tallest buildings in the world, it is actually as tall as a skyscraper with 81 floors. However, the Eiffel is the tallest structure in the whole of Paris at 324 metres high, followed by the tallest skyscraper – Tour First (a commercial building) at 231 metres.

From the Trocadero when you make your way to the Eiffel Tower, you will find ample opportunities to capture and admire the stunning structure. The streets, trees, and the Carrousel de la Eiffel Tower (Eiffel Tour Carousel) makes for a charming, romanticized view.

To view the Eiffel tower closely, there is an entry fee, and depending on how close, under, or top you wish to go to the tower, the access fees are different. Technically to view the Eiffel or walk on the grounds is free, but to access the tower itself you pay a fee. Or you can stay in a hotel with an Eiffel tower view.

Eiffel Tower Paris. Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips

There are 3 floors of the Eiffel tower, where visitors are granted access.

  • 1st floor – The 1st floor of the tower has a transparent glass floor.
  • 2nd floor – 2nd floor provides you with mesmerizing views over Paris. View the sights of the Parisian iconic building like the Invalides, Notre Dame, Louvre, Grand Palais, and the Seine river. There are restaurants and souvenir shops located here as well. The second floor is most popular among tourists, also because of the romantic dining options. You can book your tickets online for the second floor .
  • Summit –  With 2 lifts, you will be taken to the summit of the Eiffel tower at 273 metres high and you can see the whole of Paris below you. There are open-air and indoor viewing areas. There is a champagne bar, and a museum dedicated to Gustave Eiffel on the top floor. Book your summit tour of the Eiffel Tower .
  • Esplanade – This is the ground level, from where you can see the tower soaring on top of you. The hydraulic lifts located at the basement on either side of the tower operate the lifts to take you to the tower floors and summit. Ticket counters, information desk, souvenirs stores, and other stores are located here.

Eiffel Tower Tips 

  • If you wish to access the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower, give yourself enough time. 2-4 hours easily. Most online access tickets are for 90 to 120 minutes (2 hours) like this one , but Eiffel tower is notorious for LONG lines and wait times, even with a “skip the line” ticket. So give yourself time.
  • The same applies to the Summit. Book your summit tour in advance .
  • Whenever you book your ticket, choose a time slot and arrive 30 minutes ahead of time to line up and go through security checks.
  • Booking tickets ahead of time will confirm your slot and save you money. You can also buy tickets at the tower, depending on availability, at individual costs.
  • Eiffel Tower can also be accessed via stairs. Stair access tickets are only available at the tower, not sold online. You can only take the stairs up-to-the 2nd floor.
  • A romantic dinner at the Eiffel tower is a GREAT way to celebrate Paris and you! Reserve your Eiffel tower dinner (or lunch) here.
  • Safety : Eiffel Tower is a major attraction in Paris and there is heightened security in and around the structure. Be careful and aware of your surroundings. Travel light and don’t carry additional bags or cameras (or other flashy things).
  • Hours: Eiffel Tower is open all year round. Depending on the season, there are different timings for the tower access .

It is a wonderful sight to see the Eiffel tower shining bright at night.

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower has a furnished apartment? Gustave Eiffel built the apartment/office for himself – third floor. You can take a peek at it while on your way to the Summit.

Champs-Élysées

From the Eiffel Tower, make your way to another Parisian popular spot – Champs-Élysées. Champs Elysees is a stretch of lane extending from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde.

Champs Elysees Girl in red dress walking the lanes of Champs Elyees Laduree Macaroons. Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips

Take a quick stroll and admire the gardens and vintage buildings. Champs Elysees is popular as a shopping street as well.

The most Instagrammable Laduree store and one of the largest Louis Vuitton stores are located here. Shop or window shop here and grab a bite to eat before heading to the Arc de Triomphe.

We went in to the Laduree store here to try out some macaroons and get souvenirs back home. The place was packed – took us almost 15 – 20 minutes to get our macaroons. But they were DELICIOUS.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (or Arc de Triomphe) is a stunning neoclassical archway located at the west end of Champs Elysees. The construction of the archway was ordered by Napoleon to honor the brave hearts from the Napoleonic wars and the French Revolution. Today it attracts tourists from all over the world.

Arc de Trioumphe Girl in red dress Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips

Visiting Tips for Arc de Triomphe – 4 day Paris Itinerary 

  • From the west end of Champs Elysees, you can see or view the Arc de Triomphe. In between Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe are busy roundabout and heavy traffic.
  • Pro tip : Do not attempt to cross the road. There is an underground pedway available to access the archway.
  • If you are taking pictures from Champs Elysees (like we did – guilty), look out for oncoming traffic and stay on the walkway.
  • That area is super crowded with people and street artists – be careful and stay alert. Careful with your belongings.
  • You can access the top of the archway, to get some breathtaking views of Paris.
  • For less than $15 USD, you can capture some amazing views. Book your rooftop access tickets here. 

Grand Palais/Petit Palais

From the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees, head to Grand Palais. Grand Palais des Champs-Elysees or the Great Palace is a large historic site, an exhibition hall, and a museum.

If you are not interested in exploring the museum displays, we would still recommend visiting the complex and admiring the beautiful architecture. The Grand Palais is open every day except Tuesday and an entry fee costs about 15 euros.

Close to the Grand Palais, is a smaller art museum – Petit Palais. Petit Palais is less crowded than the Great Palace. You should be able to explore the museum in an hour or so. There is a statue of Sir Winston Churchill located at the Petit Palais grounds.

Winston Churchill Statue, Petit Palais, Opera House Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips

Both Grand and Petit Palais were built as part of the 1900 Universal Exposition. Another stunning structure built during this exhibition was the beautiful Pont Alexandre III (bridge) built over the river Seine. The Pont Alexandre iii is located close to the Grand Palais, so definitely stop by to admire the bridge architecture.

Opera House/ Palais Garnier

Paris’s Opera House or the Palais Garnier is the State Opera and the seat of Paris Opera Ballet. The stunning Opéra Garnier was built by Charles Garnier by winning the opera house design competition.

The Opera House is beautiful to look at. And we have heard and seen amazing (and luxurious) details of the interiors. You can book a 90 minute guided tour of the Opéra Garnier .

The Louvre Museum

We finished our first day of 4 days in Paris Itinerary by visiting the Louvre Museum. There are many ways to spend an evening in Paris, we chose to spend it at the Louvre. Arrive late afternoon before the museum closes and explore the art displays.

It takes 2-3 hours to completely enjoy and explore the Louvre, so give yourself enough time.

The Lourve museum with a girl admiring the Lourve pyramid

But stay there until the end when the museum closes to see the lights on the pyramid, capture images and then head to the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel to take a stroll.

From the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel, you will see the Eiffel Tower illuminated in all of the night’s glory.

The Louvre Palace originally served as the royal residence of the French monarchy. This is where the WORLD FAMOUS Louvre museum is housed. Louvre museum opened its doors in the late 18th century, with royal exhibitions.

Over the years, the Louvre complex and the museum displays grew in size. When the Palace of Versailles was built by Louis IX, the Louvre no longer served as a prime royal residence.

The Lourve Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips

Leonardo da Vinci’s Monalisa is displayed at the Louvre museum, along with more than 350,000 other historical and art items. The Louvre is the world’s MOST visited museum. If you are an art museum lover, then plan for a 2-3 hour stay here.

The historical elements of the displayed items and the structure come from the royal family (Louvre Palace), the painters, and art history.

Book a comprehensive 3 hour tour of the Louvre

Don’t forget to spend some time at the Arc de Triomphe Carrousel after to watch the Eiffel Tower glowing in the night lights. There are a lot of restaurants and cafes by the Louvre museum for dinner.

If you are uninterested in entering the Louvre, then head to the Palais Royal instead. 

Domaine National du Palais Royal

The Palais-Royal is a former royal palace located opposite the Louvre. If you are looking for I nstagrammble spots in Paris , then don’t miss the columns at Palais Royal (just like the pyramid at the Louvre – this is a must for your Paris photos!)

This palace site dates back to the 16th century and it represents one of the most beautiful remnants of historical architecture in the city, complemented with a breathtaking garden. Palais Royal grounds are open until 10:30 pm (and 08:30 pm during the off-season). 

Pro Tip: If the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum are your prime sightseeing items, allot 3 hours for each (summit access, guided tour, etc). Trocadero, Champs Elysees (no shopping), and the Arc de Triomphe (including tower access) will not take a lot of time.

You can explore the Opera House, Grand Palais/Petit Palais from the outside – as they are in the same vicinity. But in dept exploration might be too tight for a day, but not impossible.

Day 2 of 4 days in Paris Itinerary – Notre Dame Cathedral, Seine River, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, Catacombs, Seine River Cruise

Day 2 of your 4 days in Paris Itinerary is filled with more sightseeing and experiences. Today we will cover some of the other popular Paris tourist landmarks. So, let’s kick start day 2 of Paris Itinerary with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saint Chapelle.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic church located in Paris’s 4th arrondissement neighborhood. It is considered one of the finest Gothic architectural landmarks and its beautiful architecture is characterized by stained glass windows, statues, and bells.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral was built between the 12-14th centuries as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. It is a living museum and masses are held regularly.

Note: Due to the devastating fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019, the cathedral is currently closed until further notice. Restoration work is currently going on, with hopes of re-opening Notre Dame in 2024 for the Summer Olympics. 

You can still view Notre Dame from outside, and take pictures. 

Seine River

By now, you must have realized that there is a river that flows through Paris and has been a significant contributor to French history. The word Seine is derived from the Latin word Sequena – the goddess of the river.

The earliest mention of the Seine river is from the 800s. Since then the Seine has witnessed Olympic games, murders and massacres (Algerian Paris massacre 1961), trades and commercial activity, and history and literature on its river banks.

Seine River Banks and Bridges

There are over 35 bridges built over the river Seine – some are more stunning than the others and some historical and some very functional.

Just like the Pont Alexander III (we saw yesterday), the Pont Neuf (or the New Bridge) is another popular bridge attraction. The river flows throughout the city of Paris, so you will see different versions and stories of the Seine.

Île de la Cité and Sainte Chapelle

The Seine river area, close to the Notre Dame Cathedral is worth exploring. Île de la Cité is a natural island in the River Seine – this is where medieval Paris was founded. If you take a walk across from the cathedral, you will be able to view it.

Sainte Chapelle Paris, France

The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel built in the Gothic style in the 13 th century. The floor-to-roof glass interiors are absolutely gorgeous. This church is located within the Palais de la Cite.

The artsy stained glass interiors of Sainte Chapelle have become a curiosity of many travelers. Although a smaller church than the mighty Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle has a strong fan following, and the lineup to get there can be quite crazy. Here are the entry tickets

Pro Tip: Try to arrive here first thing in the morning and then head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, preferably 10-15 minutes before the gates open.  

Continue walking to see some green colored bookstalls. The Seine has been also popularly described as the “river between 2 bookshelves”. The Bouquinistes of Paris (aka the green bookstalls) sell used and antiquarian books along the banks of the River Seine. These stalls have been located here since the 16th century.

Latin Quarter

Home to the Paris Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter, in the 5th (and part of 6th) arrondissement is filled with multi-cuisine cafes, bars, and student areas. This is a perfect lunch stop for the day.

The history of the Latin Quarter dates back to 52 BC, and had been a centre of education and learning for centuries.

Latin Quarter Sorbonne University Cafes

Latin Quarter is on the left bank of the Seine river. Start your exploration by taking a stroll along with the Quai St Michel. You will see some book stores (famed Shakespeare and Co) and restaurants along the banks.

Explore the vintage buildings, lanes, and the Sorbonne University area, before setting down for a good lunch. After lunch, explore the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) which is located on the cusp of the 5th and the 6th arrondissement (in the artsy Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood).

4 day trip in paris

The Luxembourg Gardens are popular for their lawns, beautiful flower beds, and the picturesque Medici Fountain.

To make the most of your time, you can also take a 2 hour guided tour of the Latin Quarter, which covers all of the above-mentioned areas, including the Pantheon and the Musée d’Orsay (art museum).

Explore the guided tour of Latin Quarter here .

Musee d’Orsay

Musee d’Orsay is one of the popular museums in Paris. It is home to the largest Impressionist and post Impressionist masterpieces in the world. The museum pass will come in handy here.

Musee d'Orsay has the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings in the world.

The Pantheon, from a distance, looks like a city hall, but it is was originally a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, patron saint of Paris. Today it is the burial ground of some of Paris’s famous personalities. Admire the architecture of this building, built in neo-classical style.

Catacombs of Paris

The catacombs of Paris are slowly becoming a popular tourist attraction, but we do understand not everybody might want to visit this on their first trip to Paris. It is, however, good to know.

Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries (a room where bones of dead people are kept) in the 14th arrondissement – Montparnasse neighborhood.

Catacombs house the remains of more than six million people in a small part of a tunnel network.

The reason for building this ossuary is not very “grave” as it might seem. In the late 18th century, many cemeteries (holy Saint Innocents) were falling apart and there was an urgent need to dispose of the dead bodies.

Skulls and bones in Paris Catacombs, France

As part of town planning, the remains were moved to a mine shaft. Years went by and this place was almost forgotten until excavations were done. The streets of the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and beyond form a part of this dark tunnel.

From Pantheon to the Catacombs of Paris, it is a 6-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. You can explore the catacombs only with a guided tour. This guided tour here is for small groups only. It is for 2 hours. The inside of the tunnels are dark, uneven, and could be claustrophobic (and sometimes dark and chilly, also eerie).

Seine River Cruise

We hope you have some energy for one last item of your Day 2 Paris Itinerary. Whether you visit the Catacombs or not, this SEINE river cruise should not be MISSED. We have taken quite a few day and evening (sightseeing) cruises and we loved them all.

Seine River Cruises Picture Shots.

With the Seine River Cruises, ranging from 1 hour to 2.5 hours, you can capture and see MOST of Paris’s iconic landmarks, whilst sailing on the Seine. Bateaux Parisiens is the starting point for the Seine River Cruise and it is FREE with the Paris Pass.

You can take this cruise anytime (day or evening), it has a 1-day validity. Here is the one-hour sightseeing cruise information . We prefer doing this in the evening, so we reached there at 08:45 pm. Whatever time of day it is, bring a scarf or a light cardigan, as it could get chilly.

If you have not made any dinner plans, consider taking a Seine River dinner cruise for 2.5 hours . It is so romantic and will definitely make a great Paris memory.

Day 3 of 4 day Paris Itinerary – Montparnasse & Montmartre Tour – Sacre Coeur, streets and cafes, walking, Place du Tertre, Moulin Rouge

On your third day of 4 days in Paris Itinerary, split your time between 1 or 2 neighborhoods – get lost in their lanes, try out some local cafes and cuisines and just fall in LOVE!

We picked the Montmartre district to explore, with a quick stop at Montparnasse. Of course, there are other areas that you can visit too like – Marais or the Latin Quarter, but we hope you fall in love with Montmartre as we did.

Parisian Lanes - Montmarte in 4 day Paris Itinerary

Montparnasse

The Catacombs that you visited yesterday are located in the Montparnasse district – in the 14th arrondissement. The Montparnasse tower is the most popular attraction in the city. It is a must-visit to capture some of the stunning views of the city.

Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower is a skyscraper in the district of the same name. The observation platform at the Montparnasse tower will give you amazing photo opportunities of the city. Now, this is, of course, different viewing the city from the Eiffel tower itself – as you won’t see the tower in it.

The Montparnasse tower will give you just that. There are 2 levels at the tower to take in the views – one is on the 56 th floor (with glass windows) and the rooftop observation terrace. Grab your tickets here

Pro tip: You can also visit the Montparnasse tower at night, for light views as well. The tower is located 5- 15 minutes away from the Catacombs. Because the evening Seine river was already covered, we suggest viewing a different perspective (maybe during spring and autumn for fall colors) in daylight. 

Head to the Montparnasse cemetery

Montparnasse cemetery is really a popular site in Paris. Now I will be a bit overwhelmed visiting the Catacombs and the cemetery on the same day and at night, so visit this during the day.

The Montparnasse Cemetery is actually very smoothing – perfect for a stroll (before heading for some crepes in town!). Many of the well-known French personalities including artist Jean-Paul Sartre is buried here.

Here you will also find some of the last remaining windmills in the city of Paris.

Crepes at Rue du Montparnasse

Your trip to Paris is not complete without trying out the best crepes in town and you will find those crepes on Rue du Montparnasse. No particular recommendation here – but just pick the café that appeals to you on this street and go crazy with crepes.

Now for the second half of the day, head to Montmarte. Montparnasse to Montmartre is 30 minutes by train.

Another pro tip: You can also go to Montmartre first and then Montparnasse if you wish to see the sunset from Montparnasse Tower.

What to do in the Montmartre neighborhood

Montmartre today is a popular Parisian neighborhood located in the 18th arrondissement. It is also an official historic district, meaning the city of Paris is trying to preserve much of the vintage and bohemian vibe of this neighborhood.

Before we explore Montmartre, it’s important to understand its history (and you know how MUCH we LOVE history). So Montmartre is the name of the hill that overlooks the district and it is also the name of the district itself.

Montmartre means “mount of mars” (in Roman. Frenchman call it the “mount of martyrs” and there is a reason why).

Until the late 19th century, Montmartre was not a part of the city of Paris nor was the stunning Sacre Coeur built. The village, as it was back then, was filled with gypsum miners and traders.

It had also witnessed French wars of Religion and Franco-Prussian wars, and the Germans had once upon a time also occupied the Montmartre hill (for bombardment. It’s a hill, so it worked for military expeditions).

Glimpses of Montmartre - Scared Heart Basilica, Souvenir shops, Cafes and Lanes.

Montmartre’s iconic landmark – Sacred Heart Basilica of Sacre Coeur was completed in 1919 and slowly this little village was filled with artists (painters, cabaret dancers, and the like) and cafes.

When you walk through the district, you will find cafes that were frequented by the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Pierre Brissaud, Raymond Duchamp-Villon, and more. These lanes are completely Insta-worthy and vintage-y.

You can easily reach Montmartre from the Paris metro

  • Pigalle station (closest Sacré Coeur metro),
  • Ansvers (near Sacré Coeur funicular and Place de tetre),
  • Abbesses (right at the entrance of Montmartre neighborhood) and
  • Blanche station (near Moulin Rouge) are some options to get to Montmarte.

Montmartre Walking Tour 

Once you are in Montmartre, you can spend the day exploring all the sightseeing spots. If you prefer taking a guided tour, here is a GREAT option. This recommended walking tour is a small group tour which starts from the Paris metro station and takes you to all the important sightseeing areas. Tour is for 2-3 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to relax, eat, and spend the day.

So here is what you should explore in Montmartre in 4 day Paris Itinerary.

The Sacred Heart Basilica of Paris, known as Sacré Coeur is located on a hill in Montmartre. The basilica was built and opened in 1919. The entry to the basilica is completely free. To access the church towers/dome, there is a fee of 5 euros. This entry fee is worth it as you can get amazing views of the entire city from the top.

The basilica is open every day from 06:00 am to 10:30 pm. Try to arrive early for some photos or a light stroll by the basilica. Sacré Coeur is easily accessible by bus from one of the nearest Montmartre Paris Metro locations (Pigalle, Ansvers stations).

Glimpses of Montmartre - Scared Heart Basilica, Souvenir shops, Cafes and Lanes. Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips #paris #parisitinerary

Cafes and Streets of Montmartre 

Sacré Coeur is definitely an iconic landmark, but the streets and quaint lanes of Montmartre are what will leave your heart wanting for more.

Take a walk from the metro station towards the Sacré Coeur or vice versa, you will see red-green cafes, old vintage buildings, souvenir stores, street art, and murals. These small lanes are also lined with con artists and pickpockets, so always be careful. Carry the basic items that you need and enjoy the neighborhood, eat, and drink to your heart’s content.

Le Consulat – Le Consulat is a cafe in Montmartre that was frequented by popular artists in bygone days. Today, it is one of the most photographed pictures on Instagram.

Le Consulat Cafe in Montmartre. Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips #paris #parisitinerary

La Maison Rose – Pretty pink and mint green colored restaurant, also very Instagram famous is located in Montmartre

Museums in Montmartre – Visit the Musée d’ Montmartre (learn about history and architecture of Montmartre), Musée de la Vie Romantiqe (artists and displays from the Romanticism era), Musée d’Art Naïf Max Fourny (museum of modern art), Musée de l’Erotisme (only for adults)

Rue de Steinkerque – The streets of Rue de Steinkerque are bustling with French souvenirs, T-shirts, and more. Best way to mingle and get lost in this neighborhood.

Place du Tertre 

Place du Tertre is a popular square in Montmartre. Rightly popular as the Montmartre artists square, this place has been an important seat of arts and art display since medieval times. Today you can find artists painting or selling their artwork. This square is lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a pit stop to try some macaroons or crepes.

Artists Square Montmartre Glimpses of Montmartre

Moulin Rouge Montmartre

Moulin Rouge is the FAMED cabaret in Paris France. Located near the Blanche metro station, this landmark with the iconic red windmills and lights is hard to miss.

The heritage of cabaret at the Moulin Rouge dates back to the late 1880 and was evolved from the popular can-can dance (very high energy, physically demanding dance to a seductive cabaret). The original building was destroyed was fire and later rebuilt.

Today it is a popular tourist attraction and if you did like to spend the evening with dinner and music-dance, head to Moulin Rouge. The shows and dinner at the Moulin Rouge get sold out often, so book in advance. Here is a highly recommended Moulin Rouge show (Féerie) with dinner options. 

Day 4 of 4 days in Paris Itinerary – Day Trips from Paris to Versailles (+ Giverny)  

On day 4 of your Paris Itinerary, head 20 kilometers southwest of the French capital to Versailles. 

Versailles Day Trip

There is a BIG reason why you should include a day tour to the Palace of Versailles. Actually, I will give you 2 reasons.

For one, the Palace of Versailles was not only the residence of the French monarchy – but also a symbol of political power shifts and luxury.

What was the Louvre Palace to the monarchy once, was now the Palace of Versailles, and later on, the Tuileries Palace became the royal residence of the French monarchs.

Visiting the Versailles Palace and learning about its history closes the loop on the missing piece that’s hidden in Versailles. The second reason why you should visit Versailles (and the reason why I wanted to visit), was to see where the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

Palace of Versailles

As a modern history student, I studied about the Paris Peace Agreement and the Treaty of Versailles which concluded the First World War (with difficult terms for Germany), and REALLY wanted to see the room where the agreement was signed.

I did explore the place/room where the treaty was concluded and boy! the war ended by signing the treaty (in style?) at the luxurious Hall of Mirrors – the most STUNNING and expensive rooms of all.

We took a  day tour from Paris to Versailles and we HIGHLY recommend you take a guided tour as well. The palace of Versailles is ONE of the busiest and most visited palaces in Europe .

We took an early tour (arrived at 08:30 am) and the palace complex was packed. We had to wait for our guide to get us the tickets to get into the Palace courtyard – without a guided tour, we would be waiting FOREVER.

Palace of Versailles

Here is a guided tour that we recommend. It is a half-day tour, so you can return to Paris in the afternoon and spend the evening there or take a full day tour to Versailles and Giverny.

If you would like a private tour of Versailles, here is a great option . You will be arriving in Versailles in an AC car and will be provided with a guided tour of the palace and gardens.

Once you arrive and gain entry to the palace, you will be guided to different rooms. Your guide will provide you with a brief history of each room, the architecture, and other stories of the French royalty.

You will definitely hear about Louis IX and why he decided to move the royal residence to Versailles, how the palace was built and what led to the French Revolution, and the ousting of the monarchy from their beloved Versailles palace back to Paris.

Palace of Versailles

When you explore the interiors of the palace, you will be in a small group of 5-7 people only, so ask questions and learn about French history.

After your guided tour of the palace, spend some time at the palace gardens (Jardins du Chateau de Versailles). They are beautifully curated and are awesome for taking photos.

There are washrooms located inside the palace and outside the gardens for patrons to use. The palace complex also has a café (we had some lattes and smores), gift and souvenir store inside.

Palace of Versailles

At Versailles itself, you can also take wine tours or explore some lesser-known estates like the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate.

Here is a  full day tour of Versailles with palace guided tour and visit to the Estates and lunch

READ : Day trip to Versailles from Paris Guide

READ : More Day trip ideas from Paris  or embark on weekend trips from Paris

Paris Sightseeing Map – Paris 4 day Itinerary

When you open and zoom the map, you will find that almost all of the tourist attractions are located on either side of the Seine River. The left bank of the Seine is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter, Montparnasse, and St Germain. 

Paris right bank has the Lourve, Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe, Marais, Montmartre (plus Sacre Coeur), along with Notre Dame Cathedral.

Is 4 days in Paris enough? How many days do you need in Paris?

We feel that four days in Paris is a good time to explore the city and take day trips. Of course, depending on your interests, you can visit all (or none) of the museums.

We think that the museums take the MOST time in Paris – due to line-ups and how grand the complexes are. So if this is your only trip to Paris for a while, try to hit the iconic symbols and pick 2-3 of your favorites for an in-depth exploration.

what to wear in Paris - Girl in Paris streets Paris packing list

This 4 day Paris Itinerary is designed in a way that you can explore each day independently of each other. So you only have 1-2 days, pick Day 1 (best of Paris) and maybe Day 3 (Montmartre) or a day trip. Only three days in Paris – leave out the day trip.

If it’s only ONE day and this is your first visit, then for sure do Day 1. All these Paris tourist spots, by day, are located close to each other, so you can cover them easily in a day – as outlined.

You can easily tweak this itinerary to fit your needs. And can use it for all seasons – Paris summer or winter itinerary.

Paris Summer Itinerary

This 4 day Paris itinerary can be used as-is, for the summer months. We recommend taking breaks and staying hydrated in the summers. In the last couple of years, Paris has been suffering from heat waves in the summer.

If you are traveling around this time, carry a water bottle with you at all times, when you are out and about exploring.

Summers are busy, so expect long line-ups at museums and other sightseeing attractions. Purchase tickets ahead of time and choose to skip the lines or early mornings/late evening entries.

Paris Winter Itinerary

Winters in Paris are not crazy like it is in Canada or some parts of the USA. It is quite mild, probably will be beach weather for some traveling from northern Canada (ask my husband). Ok, so for most of us, winters in Paris will be cold, you can expect snow in December and January.

Wear warm clothes when you are exploring different neighborhoods. Paris is a great place to ring in New Year or Christmas celebrations, do festive shopping, and visit markets. Almost all of the attractions will be open during winters, probably fewer line-ups (as people are cold, and some are busy shopping).

MUST VISIT – 

  • Vendome Column and the Rue de la Paix looks stunning in the winter – highly recommend visiting them.
  • You can ice skate at the rink in front of Hotel de Ville (home of the Paris City Council)
  • Shop or window shop at Champs Elysses – Faire du leche-vitine is a colorful French term for window shopping in Paris it literally means “to lick the glass”! LOL – Well, that’s what happens when festive shopping aka marketing is in full swing!

Adding the London United Kingdom to your trip to Paris

London to Paris is only 2 hours away via the high-speed Thalys train. So if you are in London, you can travel to Paris for the weekend. Use day 1-2 of this Paris itinerary. There are many tours from London offering a day trip as well. Check this day tour to London from Paris here.

From Paris – the same way. You can hop on a train and arrive in London to continue your travel saga there.

There are day tours from Paris to London and back. Both cities have a ton of things to see, but connectivity between the two is super-efficient and worth taking the time to explore.

Paris trip for two - Scenes in front of the Notre dame

Paris trip for two

Many travelers to Paris wish to celebrate something special in the city of love – an anniversary, proposal, or birthday. And yes there are TONS of things that you can do to make that trip special (other than going to Paris itself!)

  • Start by booking a nice hotel – overlooking the Eiffel Tower or ones with vintage and romantic décor (bonus for couples spa and massage). Read our hotels guide to Paris here
  • Take a photo session at your favorite stops in Paris.
  • Go on a private guided tour of Paris.
  • Take a romantic dinner – Seine River cruise with your sweetheart.
  • Dinner on Eiffel tower floors.

For a romantic Paris trip for two, things don’t have to be super expensive. The couples tours mentioned above won’t break the bank and you can do one or combine 2-3 for a lavish stay. Hotels will probably take the most of your budget – so book ahead of time. Read: About Private Tours in Paris

A vacation to Paris – Common questions answered

Eiffel tower in spring in 4 days in Paris Itinerary

If you planning to visit Paris often, like us, then choose some for this trip and some for the other trips and ensure you participate in a seasonal activity (for that month).

You can also do Paris in 2 days, by following day 1 and 2, which are the MUST visit sites, and leave out the day trips or neighborhood wanderings.

A day out in Paris – Is it possible to see Paris in a day?

We say any day traveling is a GREAT day, and Paris is no exception. You won’t be able to enter all the museums and palaces in a day in Paris. But here is what you can do –

  • Choose any single day of this 4 day Paris itinerary as a stand-alone activity for the day. Day 1 is our personal favorite
  • Or pick of your favorites items to do in-depth sightseeing like Eiffel tower – morning 08:00- 09:30 am, Louvre – afternoon 04:00 pm, and Seine river late evening like 09:30 pm, and the time in between use the hop on and hop off tour to see attractions from afar like the Arc de Triomphe, Montparnasse Tower, to name a few.
  • Must read: One day in Paris itinerary

Read: The BEST Photography spots in Paris

Girl at the Eiffel tower in a Perfect 4 day Paris Itinerary - Experience the best in sightseeing with things to do in 4 days in Paris, what to eat, where to stay and other travel tips

Is Paris expensive?

The travel budget for Paris is similar to other touristy destinations in Europe. Depending on your departing city, your flight tickets and accommodation will occupy most of your budget. Food, tours, transport depends on personal preference.

We have highlighted different ways to explore in a short time like using the hop on and hop off tours or saving on transport – Paris Pass and the Museum pass.

Or you can go on a super strict budget and just view buildings from outside. But….. we think you should go and properly explore, just pick your favorites, you don’t have to do EVERYTHING.

Is the Paris Pass worth it? Sightseeing in Paris

A BIG YES! The Paris Pass is completely worth it. Everything we have mentioned in this post can be easily explored (and within budget) using the Paris Pass. Take a look at the Paris Pass here 

Note: This is different from the Paris City Pass. 

Using trains in Paris to reach different sites?

Paris Pass offers unlimited use of transportation within various zones in the city. Think about airport to hotel and return or a day tour meeting place, or dinning. You will save $$ on this

Wish to hit every sightseeing in the city?

Paris Pass has the hop on and hop off sightseeing bus included. Save $40

Want to check out a few of your favorite museums? Paris Pass includes a 2-day museum pass which offers free and skip the line tickets to museums. The 2-day museum pass is $30, you can plan your sightseeing and museum visits accordingly (as per this itinerary – it is day 1 & 2). Museum pass is also available in a 4-day option. Buy it here 

Paris Travel Tips – 4 days in Paris Itinerary

How to plan a trip to Paris  – a travel guide and essential tips to get you started for your 4 days in Paris Itinerary,

Parisian lanes in 4 day Paris Itinerary

Travel Documents – France Tourist Visa

France is located in Europe, and it is part of the Schengen agreement. If you require a visa to travel to the 28 Schengen countries, then you will need to apply for France travel visa/Schengen travel visa before arrival. Learn more about the Schengen Visa process .

If you have a European Union passport, you won’t require a visa for France.

All the visa-exempt countries like the United States and Canada can travel to France and stay for 90 days without a visa, right now.

Aerial panoramic cityscape view of Paris, France

From 2023 onwards, all the Schengen nations require visa-exempt countries to apply for an ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorization System, which although not a visa, requires the US and Canadian passport holders to apply for an ETIAS (electronic travel authorization) to travel to France and other Schengen countries.

Unlike the Schengen visa, the ETIAS is pretty forward and very easy to get. Apply online and get the authorization in 24-48 hours.

Whether visa or ETIAS, ensure that your passport is valid for 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen zone.

Read : Most beautiful cities in France

Insurance for 4 days in Paris Itinerary

Insure your trip to France for unforeseen situations – including trip cancellation, lost and damaged bags, medical emergency, etc. Get your travel insurance quotes here

The official language of France is French. Hotels, tour operators, stores, and restaurant service providers spoke both English and French.

On our Paris trip, we did interact with passers-by looking for directions, and all the people we spoke to were very friendly and helpful. Yes, they do speak French extensively, but they did understand English and they responded back in broken English.

One of them also used Google translate to respond back to us

Hint: Download Duolingo to learn a few common French phrases or words. Google Translate is a handy app as well. Not to forget, offline maps for directions.

View of the Eiffel Tower from Seine River Cruise at night

What to pack for Paris? Packing for Paris outfits and essentials

For your trip to Paris, wear pretty dresses, clean-cut pants/jeans and of course the usual travel essentials. Read our guide to packing for Europe for all seasons 

  • Carry your passport, documents in an RFID protected passport holder
  • An anti-theft backpack  or a stylish daypack when you are out and about in Paris
  • Universal adapter and multi-port charging cables
  • Get your medications ( no jet-lag tablets ) and cosmetics (sunscreen, light make up)
  • For all seasons, carry an umbrella and a cardigan or a light trench coat
  • Pack pants, skirts  (avoid shorts)
  • Tops and blouses (avoid jerseys and athletic wear)
  • Pretty dresses – long and short
  • Scarf (in-flight and for evenings)
  • Light trench coat and/or cardigan
  • Flat shoes, oxfords (avoid sports shoes)
  • Socks and underwear
  • Things to avoid – Avoid flashy or expensive items on your travels.

What to wear in Paris?

Paris is the fashion capital and you can avoid looking like a tourist (to a certain extent. Don’t try too hard though).

Avoid clothes that are TOO loud (color or graphics). Wear clean-cut and mono-colored clothes. Carry flats, oxfords, or closed-toe shoes that are comfortable to wear and walk long distances. Here is our detailed guide to what to wear in Paris

  • Spring (March to May)  – In addition to regular clothing, carry a raincoat or rain jacket
  • Summer (June to August) – Good idea to carry a light (waterproof or water repellent) trench coat
  • Fall (September to November) – Carry 1 warm peacoat or light coat. Cardigan and scarf is always handy
  • Winter (December to February) – Boots, leggings, warm wool coat (outwear), beret, gloves, hat, long sleeve shirts, and sweater

Streets of Paris

Best time to visit Paris

The weather in Paris is similar to the rest of Europe. It is rainy most times of the year. Winters are not extreme (like winters in North America).

As you can see from above, the summer months are from June to August – this is a popular tourist season and things are crowded and busy. Wintertime is also a popular season to visit due to the Christmas and holiday events.

Fall is considered to be the BEST time to visit (in most countries) and Paris is no exception. Tourist places are less crowded and flights are cheaper. We visited Paris in the fall (late September). It did rain every now and then, but it was not too bad for exploring. Read our detailed guide on when is the best time to visit Paris , with a monthly feature

Budget – Trip to Paris Cost 4 day Paris itinerary

Our flights from Canada to Paris, France cost us about $665 USD and we booked our accommodation at a 3+ star hotel. Hotel room rates were $125 USD for each night (not in a central location). We did take tours and used the RER local transit via Paris Pass.

So on average for the day, we spent around 150 USD for the two of us. It is a good idea to budget for $100 USD per person per day for meals, museum entry, tours, and transit costs. Our day trip and hop-on and hop-off tour/Paris Pass were booked in advance and online.

Euros are the mode of exchange in France. So carry cash (in euros, in a limited amount) and credit cards to pay for expenses.

Beer in Paris.

Food – what to eat in Paris? –  4 day Paris Itinerary Guide 

There are cheap things that you can eat in Paris and then there are lavish, expensive dinners to indulge in. We recommend that you do both. There will be days when you are tired and you just wish to eat “something” and go to bed. Get groceries then.

Try something from the small/local cafes – baguette, croissant, or lattes. A latte/coffee with a baguette will cost around 8 euros. If you can budget for that for 1-2 days, then it is a great way to experience the popular food in Paris.

Food tours (cheese and wine tasting tours like this one) are a great option if you wish to keep costs low, but still, experience food in Parisian style.

Another option is to book a dinner meal with the Seine river cruise which comes with a 3-course meal on a cruise and it is well worth the money. It is a romantic way to spend the evening and also to try out some French cuisines. VIP Michelin Food tours are also available in the French capital city.

We hope you enjoyed our ultimate 4 day Paris Itinerary. This was our first time in Paris France. We tried to make the MOST of our trip and covered these areas extensively. We have followed Day 1 and Day 2 spots in a sequence as they are located close to each other or are easily accessible. We did utilize the hop on and hop off tours and it allowed us to make the most of our time in Paris.

Additional Travel Resources – Europe Itinerary & Travel Guides

  • Planning your trip to Europe – If this is your first-ever trip to Europe, consider reading our Europe 101 guide .
  • Europe – Get our 27 Europe in one week itinerary samples
  • France – Best places to visit in the South of France

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Pin! Perfect Paris Itinerary 4 days – What to do in Paris in 4 days? 

Perfect 4 days in Paris Itinerary

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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11 Comments

Mayuri well thought and properly described. Keep on doing, very helpful.

Thank you so much! So happy you liked the post! Thanks for reading 🙂

Greetings. I hope to put to use your travel/tour guide of Paris. I hope to take my family on a tour of Europe later in the year and I will be glad of suggestions and ideas on how to have a 12 day visit to France, Spain, Italy and Germany. I intend to do the 4 countries visit on a Schengen visa being from Nigeria with my family (wife & 4 kids,the oldest is 4 and the youngest are 6 months. Thanks in advance for the wonderful suggestions

Hi Sen, thank you for your comment. Glad you found the Paris guide useful. You can start your trip in Paris and then head to Munich (Germany), the train journey is around 5 hours. We have a Munich itinerary on our site as well. From Munich, you will either have to take a flight to Barcelona or Rome (Italy) to make the most of your 12 days. Trains or drive won’t be feasible. Munich to Barcelona is only 2 – 3 hour flight and then fly down to Rome.

Wouw !!! Your information is really useful, details and clear. I have a plan to visit Paris on November this year. I read your blog and it was helping me to arrange what I suppose to pack and bring it. Anyways, all the pics you took really nice. It makes me wanna go early. Thank you!

Hi Parul – We stayed at Room with a view hotel. I have added a link to the hotel and updated the article.

Thanks for stopping by!

What type of camera did you use for pictures since you mentioned not to have them out?

We had our iphones and a small mirror-less camera. The camera is super lightweight to carry inside a jacket pocket. When touristy areas are overly crowded, we use our cell phones for photography.

I been reviewing online more than 10 hours today for a Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary for all seasons, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

Where is your dress from? Its gorgeous!

Thank you! It is from a store/brand named Aritzia. It is a Canadian brand – love their clothes!

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Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

Europe , Travel , Travel Guides · Last Updated: February 16, 2024

The Ultimate 4 Days in Paris Itinerary

How to spend 4 days in paris itinerary.

Image gallery image

Looking for an itinerary for 4 days in Paris? Paris is one of those cities that will forever be a dream travel destination for most people. The City of Lights is best known for its cuisine, art, elite fashion, and architecture. Whether you choose to have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, head to a jazz club in Marais, or get caught in the rain in Montmartre there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy in Paris.

As an avid traveler, it’s one of my favorite cities for so many reasons. Not only is it affordable (compared to New York and California prices) but the food is everything, you can get a bottle of wine for 10 euros, and it’s one of the prettiest cities I’ve ever visited. Take time to wander around this romantic city and get lost in the beauty of everything that surrounds you. Finally, in this Complete Paris Travel Guide, I’ll list the best things to do in Paris along with sharing a complete 4-day Paris Itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Paris

The weather in Paris is mild all year but it’s best to visit during the fall and spring when tourism is down and the temperatures are moderate. When booking your trip know that July & August are the hottest months as well as the busiest time to travel to Paris . Along with that, most Parisians will take the month of August off so a lot of smaller businesses will be closed during that month. Finally, we’ve been to Paris twice – at the end of October and mid-November and would recommend visiting during those months.

Best Places to Visit in Paris

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support so I can continue to offer free resources!

  • Visit the Eiffel Tower

The most iconic landmark in Paris and arguably the world. The Eiffel Tower is named after the architect who created the iron lady, Gustave Eiffel. It was constructed for the 1889 world fair and is housed on Champs de Mars. Many tourists visit the top of the Eiffel tower for one of the most stunning views over Paris. To save time book a skip-the-line ticket and guide. For a more affordable version, you can book an entry ticket and skip the summit to check out the view from the 2nd level. Finally, every evening starting at dusk the Eiffel tower sparkles for a few minutes at the top of the hour. This happens until 10 pm (the last sparkle).

Best Eiffel Tower Views

  • Trocadero gardens
  • Rue de l’universite
  • Bridge pont d’ilena
  • Avenue de New York
  • Avenue de Camoens
  • Jardin d’Erevan

Visit A Museum

Paris is home to a myriad of art museums, galleries, and art masterpieces including Da Vinci’s – The Mona Lisa. Most people flock to the Lourve and while it is a fan favorite, there are a ton of other museums to explore on a rainy day in Paris. It’s the best way to experience the culture Paris has to offer. If you plan on visiting more than 1 museum consider purchasing a Paris museum pass which gives entry to multiple museums for a discounted price (€52 for entry to all museums for 2 days).

Let’s start with the Lourve. This museum is the largest museum in the world and houses many world-renowned art pieces. Art from all around the world including Egyptian, ancient greek, and ancient roman sculptures. Not only that but the Lourve pyramid is one of the most iconic sculptures in Paris. It’s a must-see when visiting Paris and being that it is the most visited museum. Because of that, you are bound to encounter crowds during your visit. I highly recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket guided tour to not only skip the line but hear the intricacies behind the world-renowned pieces of art. Finally, you can find a few restaurants located on the grounds with the most famous being Cafe Marly.

Musée d’Orsay

My personal favorite museum in Paris is the Musée d’Orsay. This museum is housed in an old train station and the interior of the building itself is simply stunning. It’s famous for its impressionist paintings, located on the 4th floor of this museum, some call it impressionist heaven. You can also find iconic paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Finally, you can’t miss the clock atop the museum which showcases a beautiful view of the seine and 1st arrondissement.

Musée De L’Orangerie

The Musée De L’Orangerie is famous for housing Monet’s Water Lilies installation. While it’s not the only thing to see in this museum it is most definitely the highlight. It’s a smaller museum located in the Tuileries Gardens. Finally, it houses collections from Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Soutine.

Other museums and galleries to add to your perfect Paris itinerary: visit: Musee Rodin, FAondation Louis Vuitton, Grand Palais, Centre Pompidou, and Musee Rodin.

Palais Garnier

Another popular place to visit in Paris is the Palais Garnier. It was home to the Paris Opera for many years however now hosts mostly ballet performances. This Palais was made famous in the book The Phantom of the Opera . It’s named after its architect who completed the opulent structure in 1875, Charles Garnier. It’s also one of the best examples of Neo-Baroque Architecture in the world. The Palais offers so much to see from the grand foyer which was designed after the hall of mirrors in Versailles to the intricate Grand Escalier which was built with four floors of balconies so you can view the important guests that were arriving at the opera. Finally, book your Palais Garnier Entry Ticket in advance for the first time available and line up outside 30 minutes before opening.

See the Arc De Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the center of Paris and is one of the most popular structures. It was created to honor the people that fought for France. Did you know you can climb to the top and see a bird’s eye view of Paris? It’s an amazing activity to experience and you’ll want to book your tickets in advance. Finally, the Arc is located on Champs-Élysées which is notably the most famous street in Paris lined with trees and home to many luxurious storefronts.

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. I was lucky enough to visit before the fire and climbed the 422 steps to the gargoyle’s point of view at the top. I have no doubt in my mind that it will be restored to its original beauty but unfortunately, for now, there is no access to Notre Dame until further notice. However, you can visit the exterior of the church as they have fences surrounding the structure with information about the construction as well as Notre Dame itself.

Wander Around Montmartre

Montmartre is the most charming town filled with tiny cobblestone streets and located on a hill in Paris in the 18th arrondissement. It is well known for being an artist’s haven and is home to the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. Not only that but you can find markets, cute restaurants and cafes, musicians lining the street, and the Instagram-famous Maison Rose. You can spend an entire afternoon exploring this part of Paris and it is not to be missed! Here are some places to visit when in Montmartre:

  • Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
  • La Maison Rose
  • Le Moulin de la Galette: Windmills
  • Place des Abbesses

Explore the Jardin des Tuileries

The Jardin de Tuileries is a public garden centrally located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. This picturesque garden is perfect to post up and people-watch, go for a daily stroll, or to catch a beautiful sunset with the Eiffel tower in the distance. It was added as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991 and is one of my favorite spots. Finally, Place Vendome is a popular shopping spot in Paris and is within walking distance from the Jardin des Tuileries.

  • Visit the Palace of Versailles

Easily the best part of this 4 days Paris Itinerary is the Palace of Versailles. This 17th-century palace is full of opulence and surrounded by 2000 acres of lush garden displays. Versailles is easily one of the greatest achievements in French 17th-century art. There is so much to see and do at the Palace of Versailles! Not only can you explore the main palace but there are several other palaces on the property that I go into detail about later in this blog.

You can visit Versailles by booking a tour or taking the metro to Versailles and walking 20 minutes to the palace. We splurged (because it’s Paris and if you’re not going to splurge here, where are you going to splurge?) and purchased a guided tour from Viator which included transportation, a small group tour of all the palaces, and lunch in the garden at La Petite Venise. Finally, a great pro travel tip is to book a reservation for breakfast at their onsite restaurant Oro. It costs roughly €40 per person and includes entrance into the palace itself.

Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon is a unique architectural composition featuring a central colonnaded gallery opening onto the central courtyard on one side and the gardens on the other. Built as a retreat for King Louis the XIV and his mistress this opulent Pavillion has the most stunning rooms I have ever seen. The ornate geometric gardens were planted with tens of thousands of flowers. Finally, the elegant pink marble facade is a stunning feature that is to be admired.

The Petit Trianon

The Petit Trianon is a neoclassical chateau located on the grounds of Versailles. It was a gift to Marie Antoinette from her husband King Louis XVI. This smaller version of the Grand Trianon boasts stunning marble and opulent interior designs. The vast staircase is extremely dreamy and to think of who walked up and down that in the past! Finally, Marie Antoinette’s apartment overlooks the gardens and the love monument.

The Queen’s Hamlet

The Queens Hamlet was constructed for Marie Antoinette in 1783. This rustic retreat was built to resemble a common village of Normandy so that she could live “the simple life”. It acted as a private meeting place for her close friends and still has a working farm to this day.

Unique Places to Visit in Paris

Les Deux Plateaux: Commonly known as Colonnes de Buren. The courtyard of the Palais Royal is dominated by 280 black and white  striped truncated  columns, made of Carrera marble, created by artist Daniel Buren. It’s a tribute to ancient art as the shape of the columns is reminiscent of classical architecture.

Galeries Lafayette: the prettiest department store with 360-degree views of Paris from the rooftop that is free to visit.

Paris Catacombs: located 65 feet underground in an old limestone quarry is the Paris catacombs. Towards the end of the 18th century, the city was having a problem with overcrowding at graveyards so this was the solution. It spans 300km below the city and is home to over 6 million dead Parisians. Tickets to access cost €28 euro per person.

The Pantheon: located in the Latin Quarter is The Pantheon which is a monument and houses the remains of great French citizens, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Èmile Zola, and Marie Curie.

Jardin de Luxembourg: located in the 6th arrondissement these gardens are very popular with french locals. It spans over 56 acres and is famous for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, tennis courts, flowerbeds, model sailboats on its octagonal Grand Bassin, as well as the picturesque Medici Fountain.

Pont Neuf: visit the oldest bridge in Paris by seeing Pont Neuf which ironically translates to a new bridge in English. It was constructed in 1578 and was the heart of the city during medieval times.

Moulin Rouge Cabaret: this is another Paris bucket list item especially if you love the movie!

4-Day Paris Itinerary

Here is the best way to utilize your time with your 4-Days in Paris Itinerary:

  • Visit the Louvre
  • Walk around Jardin de Tuileries
  • Take pictures at Les Deux Plateaux
  • Visit the Palais Garnier
  • Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
  • Dinner at Gambino
  • Explore Montmartre
  • Lunch at Pink Mamma
  • Take the metro to the 6th arrondissement
  • Walk around Jardin du Luxeomburg
  • Paris Catacombs
  • Early Dinner at Cafe de Flore
  • Breakfast at Le Train Bleu
  • Explore the Le Marais neighborhood
  • Visit Musee d’Orsay
  • Walk the Champs-Élysées and visit the Arc de Triomphe
  • Dinner at Kong Paris
  • Visit Avenue de New York to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle
  • See the Moulin Rouge Cabaret
  • Shopping at Place Vendome
  • Dinner at Girafe Rooftop

Best Restaurants in Paris

I plan on writing an entire blog post dedicated to the best restaurants in Paris however for now these are the top contenders to visit!

Pink Mamma ($$) – delicious Italian food and a beautiful restaurant. This restaurant lives up to the hype and it’s best to make reservations. Pro tip – ask to sit on the third floor for beautiful rooftop views.

Gambino ($$) – Hands down the best Italian food we have ever had. And we’ve been to Italy! We have visited this restaurant four times now because of how good the food was. 10/10 would recommend it!

Cafe de Flore ($$$) – Easily the most infamous cafe in Paris and one of the oldest! Located in the 6th arrondissement it’s best known for its famous hot chocolate with chantilly cream. It’s a great spot to post up and people watch especially in the rain.

Le Cafe Marly ($$$$) – Let’s be real, the reason why this restaurant is so notable is because of the Lourve views. But hey, it’s Paris! You have to splurge a little. This restaurant is located inside the museum and is best for lunch!

Girafe Rooftop ($$$) – Rooftop views of the Eiffel tower. I’ve heard the food isn’t the best but you come here for the views.

Le Train Bleu ($$$) – located in Gare du Nord train station this is the prettiest restaurant in Paris. Make reservations and it’s best to visit for breakfast (ends at 11 am).

Kong Paris ($$$) – Asian fusion restaurant made famous from Sex and the City.

Where to Stay in Paris

I have a full guide on the best areas to stay in Paris broken down by neighborhood.

A Full Guide on The Best Areas to Stay in Paris for The First Time

4-Days in Paris Itinerary : Best Way to Get Around Paris

20 arrondissements are surrounding Paris. Each arrondissement is a little unique and has its unique vibe. A good starting point when traveling to Paris is the first arrondissement. It’s the center of the city with many main attractions in Paris. You can work your way out from there but here are the best ways to get around Paris.

Paris Metro

Short for Métropolitain, the subway system is one of the best ways to get around Paris. The subway map covers all the arrondissements and there are multiple lines to take you all over the metro Paris area. Not only that but it is extremely inexpensive to ride. Only €1.50 for a one-way fare and €15 for an all-day unlimited pass. Finally, be aware of your surroundings when taking the subway. Do not leave your phone in your pocket, put your backpack. in front of you, and don’t take the metro with designer shopping bags.

Vélib’ Métropole is a popular bike-sharing program all around the Paris city center. Their kiosks are extremely easy to use and you can rent bikes by the minute. We had a little trouble finding a docking station around the 1st arrondissement during peak hours, however, I would highly recommend renting bikes to best explore Paris.

Sure Paris is a huge city but in order to get a taste of the local life, it’s best to walk and take in the sights. There is so much beauty to be seen here that if you’re in a taxi you may miss some of the intricate details that make this city so beautiful.

Thank you for reading my “How to Spend 4 Days in Paris Itinerary: a Complete Travel Guide”. I hope it helps when planning your trip to beautiful Paris. Don’t forget to check out more of my European travel guides !

XX, Courtney

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Perfect Day Somewhere

An Awesome Paris 4 Day Itinerary With A Map & A Guide To Download

4 day trip in paris

There is nothing like enjoying 4 days in Paris by having picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower, sipping on French wine, eating some stinky cheeses, and people-watching from Parisian cafes. The second you enter this absolutely charming city, you’ll understand what the hype is all about.

Believe it or not, I had absolutely no interest in seeing Paris. The idea of endless tourists, landmarks seen in every other cheesy movie, and some sketchy things happening in the streets, had absolutely no appeal to me. But I got sucked into seeing it by my travel buddy at the time and let me tell you… I first stepped foot in Paris in 2016 and have been back 5 times since.

This guide is simple, I’ll tell you what you need to know before visiting the city, then I’ll go into which places you should see on your trip, and lastly, I’ll give you a plan to download for your 4-day Paris getaway.

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Let’s get to some Paris logistics

Before we get into an awesome 4-day Paris itinerary, let’s go over some logistics of visiting this city. Paris is really big and it’s divided into 20 Arrondissements or districts. Most places are not within walking distance so you’ll need to know how to navigate the metro. Although I tried to capture a lot in this plan, a Paris 4 day itinerary is merely an introduction to the city and there is absolutely no way that you will be able to see everything during that time.

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Brutal truth first

Before we take a deep dive into the logistics, let’s get some things out of the way first. Paris is just like another large metropolitan city. It’s filled with tourists, it’s stinky and sometimes dirty, it has questionable characters in dark alleyways, the streets smell like cigarettes, oh, and don’t even get me started on the metro thieves. So whatever image you have of Paris, whether it’s a land of romance, beret-wearing humans, and everyone being happy in the streets because it’s Paris, get it out of your head.

Paris is indeed awesome and in no way am I trying to discourage you from going, but have a realistic expectations before you step foot in it.

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Best time to visit Paris

While some will argue that Paris is great to visit all year round, I will politely disagree. Having visited during the early tourist season (June), peak tourist season (July and August), and also the fall (October), I will say that early summer is ideal. And yes, there will be tourists around but it is a good time to visit simply due to the weather. Fall in my opinion was a little too chilly and the constant rain didn’t make it too pleasant either but it was significantly less crowded.

Navigating Paris

Paris airports.

Paris is served by a couple of popular airports all accessible from the city center: 

  • Charles de Gaulle: if you’re flying internationally, most likely this will be your airport. It’s a large busy airport but everything is labeled very nicely so you should not have a problem finding gates, transport or information. To get to the city center you have a couple of options. Use the RER-B train for €11.40 each way to get to the city in about 30 mins. There is also a Roissy bus that runs from the city center but it’s a much longer journey. Lastly, you will always find taxis and Ubers at a rate of about €50.00 or more. This option makes the most sense to groups large enough to even out the cost of the train. 
  • Orly: international and domestic, this is the second busiest airport. I’d recommend taking the Orlybus there because it is quick, cheap (under €10), and direct from the Paris Denfert-Rocheau stop. You can also take RER-B train to get there and then take a transfer shuttle called Orlyval at the Antony station. NOTE: RER-B north takes you to CDG and RER-B south takes you to Orly. Don’t mess this up. There is also RER-C that has a similar shuttle at Pont de Rugis. The cost is around €12. Taxi and Uber are easier options and run at about €35 each way. Point is, that the bus is the most straightforward option here. 
  • Beauvais-Tillé Airport: for budget airlines. If you’re flying somewhere within Europe and you paid €15 for your flight, this is your hub. Take the shuttle from the city center stop Porte Maillot called the Beauvais shuttle for €15.90 (costing as much as your flight heheh). 

Metro & trains within the city

The Paris Metro is relatively cheap, at just €1.90 per trip. If you buy 10 tickets it will be even cheaper for a set. It runs very frequently between 5:30 am and 12:40 am and a little later (1:40 am) on the weekends. Note the difference between Paris Metro and Paris RER. RER is a train network connecting the suburbs but the city center is often connected to Metro stations. When traveling outside of certain zones out of the city center, you will need a separate ticket. Gare du Nord is the main metro/train station in the city and your hub for everything.

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Navigating the Paris Metro

Having grown up in the NYC area with its infamous subway system, I always love navigating trains in new cities. Paris has an insane metro system that will get you literally anywhere you possibly want to go. Nonetheless, it can be overwhelming when you first look at it. The direction of the train is designated by the last stops so you will know easily know which side of the track you should be on. The transfers between the trains are included in your ticket so even if the closest line doesn’t go to your stop, there sure is a combination of them that will get you there.

What I recommend doing is studying this map for a couple of minutes before you get to Paris. Mark two spots on it and practice navigating from point A to point B.

Where to stay in Paris

You can budget, you can splurge, or something in between.

If you love hostels like I love hostels, I’d recommend St. Christopher’s Inn and Generator Hostel. St. Christopher’s has a fun bar and night parties, walking tours, sweet pod beds, and modern amenities. The Generator has an awesome set-up, good food, and comfy beds, but it doesn’t have the atmosphere that I look for when staying in a hostel.

If you want to splurge on your trip, I recommend doing so on Airbnb with a Parisian view. I stayed in one on my most recent trip. The beautiful courtyard and squeeky wooden doors were worth every penny. Additionally, good old hotels might be worth checking out too depending on your group size.

Wherever you decide to stay, just choose a place based on a location preference. Decide what you’d like to prioritize, a landmark, a metro stop, a social atmosphere, or some peace and quiet somewhere outside the city. Make sure to book in advance in high seasons because prices are not low in this city. If you’re a first-timer in Paris consider staying in the following arrondissements: 7th Eiffel Tower, 18th Montemarte, 5th Latin Quarter, and 1st Louvre as they’re pretty central to the places you want to see.

People & Safety

Before I visited Paris, I often heard of the rude Parisian stereotype encounter. Don’t get me wrong, when you’re being an ass in public or even your own culture’s stereotype, no matter where you go, people will give you looks and most likely judge the shit out of you. So be polite, learn how to say hello, please, thank you, cheers, and goodbye in French (and any other country you plan on traveling to) and you will most likely be treated like a normal human being. Note that greeting the staff in French is actually a must. It is considered very rude not to say hello when you enter a business.

Don’t start with immediately taking photos and making tiktoks either. Sit, enjoy your surroundings for a little and there will be time for a good picture. If you don’t act like a tourist stereotype, you won’t be treated as one.

I personally did not encounter any rude individuals and had a very pleasant experience during all my Paris visits. A Parisian lady even stopped a pickpocketing happening to my mom on a metro by screaming her lungs out at the thief.

Speaking of theft, pickpocketers are everywhere as in any other major tourist hub so don’t be an idiot and keep your valuables close to you. Be super vigilant about your belongings on a train as people will try to distract and pickpocket you. Overall you should be fine, don’t venture into dark corners alone, be careful when traveling at night and be smart.

Backpacking in Paris

While this guide is not necessarily about budgeting in Paris, two of my trips there were indeed backpacker-style ones. I stayed in a 4-bed hostel room, made sure to eat some meals at the less popular places, and visited a mix of paid and free attractions in the city. We didn’t splurge on a nice Airbnb and you’re damn right that we took at metro everywhere we went. All in all, while backpacking in Paris is certainly not backpacking in South America , it can be done and you won’t necessarily sacrifice things to do because of it.

Paris could be expensive or it could be cheap depending on your expectations. If you share an Airbnb and take public transport, you won’t spend as much as you think. For example, eating a Parisian breakfast by standing up in a cafe with a croissant and a coffee will cost you under 5 euros. Sitting down at an insta cafe for breakfast will cost you 20. Grabbing dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower will set you back a couple of hundred euros vs having a picnic in front of it will cost you 15 euros including alcohol.

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Food in Paris

In Paris, you could either have the best or the worst food you’ve ever had in your life. Seriously, there are so many restaurants and cafes that you can easily fall victim to the tourist trap of yesterday’s-reheated-leftovers-spot. Be very careful when choosing a place. The general rule of thumb is to never ever eat near the main attraction but rather walk a couple of streets away to find a little gem. In Paris, I would always deeply investigate using multiple sources the restaurant I was about to enter. Google it, Yelp it, Facebook it, and read travel blogs to find some hidden gems. Don’t wing it in a city full of tourists when it comes to your main meals. 

One thing you have to try there is the bread. I promise that after one bite of that heavenly carb stick you will never look at bread the same again. Simply find the closest boulangerie (bakery) near your stay, venture there in the morning and get yourself a nice hot french baguette. Most bakeries make their own bread and pastries, serving you some quality products. Don’t settle on afternoon supermarket bread, find the real deal. 

If you’re looking for specifics here, I am not a great resource for spots however, there are other awesome people that did their homework on this topic:

  • Paris By Mouth: They offer their restaurant recommendations along with some amazing food tours. If you read my other posts you know that it’s one of my favorite activities to do in any city.
  • My Travel Buzzg: A good list of dishes you simply must try.
  • Untold Morcels: Great guide for all sorts of restaurants.
  • Tips are not necessary in Paris. If you really want you can leave a euro or two.
  • Do not as for any substitutions. That’s an American thing and you will piss off your server.
  • Speaking of being American, you are not right. The restaurant is, the waiter is, you are not.
  • Ask for the bill when you’re ready because the waiter most likely won’t ask you.

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Random Advice for Paris Travel

  • If you’re approached by some gypsy women that are asking you to sign their petition, hold your pockets and walk away asap.
  • Carry change: When you go to the market, for a croissant or a bottle of water.
  • Nannybag/Luggage Hero are genius services and I highly recommend them. It’s like a little Airbnb for your bags if you want to leave your luggage in a better location. Consider using luggage storage at the busier train/metro stations if that’s pricey.
  • French wine and cheese are truly awesome. 
  • Paris is a great hub to go Europe hopping. Consider visiting some of my favorite places like Santorini and Mykonos , Budapest or Lisbon !

Paris 4-day Itinerary

Let’s just say it can be extremely overwhelming to see all of Paris. There are so many things to see, so much history to learn and so many selfies to take. Be ok with not seeing everything. Seriously, it will make your trip much more memorable to quality-see a couple of important landmarks than to quantity-see everything. Below you will find a suggested guide to seeing Paris in 4 days.

Let’s start your 4-day Paris itinerary at a Boulangerie.

If your accommodation is not ready for check-in, ask to store your luggage before going out to explore. You can also use lockers at the major metro stations.

Make sure to load up on some carbs and coffee for energy before a long day ahead. I suggest this for your first stop because the earlier you get to a boulangerie, the fresher your baguette will be! And there is no complete trip to Paris without having a truly fresh, still hot, perfect french baguette. So whichever part of the city you’re stationed in, please find an authentic french bakery (ask the hotel staff, search the internet, or simply ask a local in the street) and go for some morning goodies.

When you find that bakery, you’ll experience something amazing: the initial overwhelming scent of freshly baked bits of heaven, locals buying their breakfast pastries, tourists being confused by all the options, and friendly staff trying to please everyone in the store. It will be an experience within itself, but it will all get even better when you take that first bite of your baguette or pastry. 

Now let’s see what the Louvre is all about.

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Why not jump right into the highlights of Paris and start your 4-day itinerary by seeing the Lourve! Well kinda because we won’t go inside just yet 🙂 Take the metro from your morning stop to Musee du Louvre station. It will drop you off at the museum grounds. I personally wouldn’t go right into a tour but rather we will save this for later in your itinerary. The museum itself goes on for (literal) miles and with its overwhelming interior, it’s a lot to take in on your first day. It will also exhaust you before you see any Paris.

Here me out why you’re here though. The outside of the Louvre is a whole artwork within itself, and I strongly recommend taking some time there to soak it all in rather than rush to get inside. There is a little (overpriced) cafe with prime views of the plaza with the famous pyramid. This area is also a good start to your Paris exploration as well.

Visiting the Louvre

I’ll save the visit for the inside for either the last day or an evening tour later in the day. As mentioned, the inside is insanely big and you won’t be able to cover it all in a couple of days let alone a couple of hours. The Mona Lisa you ask? Super overrated and super tiny so the chances of you enjoying the painting are non-existent. Going in there just to say you’ve been to the Louvre is a waste of your time and money due to how large this place is. If you enjoy art, make sure to plan what you want to see rather than blindly going inside.

If you go inside during the day here is a little hack: you can buy the tickets in a gift shop downstairs in the Louvre and enter through the underground entrance. The line is usually a lot shorter than the outside, sometimes even nonexistent. Another cool option is an after-hours tour which is much much pricier yet something worth splurging on.

Small pause at Jardin Dus Tuilries

These gardens are directly across from the museum so just continue walking in a straight direction through them. The gardens have many small ponds with chairs where you can find a ton of locals catching some sun. Wander around for a bit, grab some ice cream and take a small pause. 

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Next, a shopping stop at Champs Elysee.

Once you reach the end of the park, explore the famous Champs Elysees shopping street. It is a very long avenue with many stores ranging from Zara to some high-end spots. If shopping streets give you anxiety, you can skip this part by jumping onto the Franklin D. Roosevelt metro stop to continue your journey. However, if you always wanted to see what the hype is about, continue walking and admiring all the fancy shops. This is a prime spot to get pickpocketed so be cautious my fellow explorer.

Many tourists like to stop in the famous Laduree macaroon shop. While I am the biggest critic of major tourist traps, I did give this place a chance. My judgment? The store interior and the whole experience are worth a stop so when in Paris, why not get a quick sugary snack. At the end of this street, you will reach the famous Arc de Triomphe. There is a nice viewing area on top of it so head up there to admire some city views! 

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Early evening picnic at Eiffel Tower. 

The must-do for every Paris trip is a sunset picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. I would suggest first entering the area through Place du Trocadero (Trocadero Metro Stop). If you followed my route above, you can either walk ~20 min on Ave. Kleber or take a quick (3 stops) M6 ride from Charles de Gaulle – Étoile to Trocadéro.

Once you first see a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll fall into grand awe. It is truly a remarkable first sight and trust me, what you’ve seen in the movies doesn’t even begin to do its justice. Walk around a little bit, take your photo, and head towards the other side of the tower to Champ de Mars . There you’ll find a big lawn area where you can find your perfect spot for enjoying your picnic. To get your picnic supplies, venture off a little to the side streets and you should have no problem finding a small neighborhood store. Pick up some bread, cheese, fruit, and bubbly. I recommend waiting until it gets dark and you get to see the tower light up. Some find the lights cheesy and they’re probably right … I think they’re pretty badass 🙂

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So there you go my fellow adventurer, your perfect first day in Paris is now done!

Your second day in Paris should be a little easier. Hopefully, you got more comfortable with the metro, practiced your Bon Jours and Mercis and now you’re ready to explore more of this beautiful city. 

Let’s get started at a Parisian Cafe.

Yesterday you explored a nice boulangerie so today let’s try something new. Today let’s take a slow morning sitting in a typical Parisian cafe, enjoying our fresh croissants while doing some people-watching. Before I went to Paris, I always pictured wicker chairs with some color accents, small round tables, and people enjoying al fresco dining. And that is exactly what I saw the second I entered the city. Make sure to become the main character for a little and spend some time sitting in this kind of setting. 

Luxembourg Gardens

These gardens are the perfect location to start your day two in Paris. They’re not too big and will become the starting point for exploring this area of town. You can take the train to the Luxembourg stop or even Port Royal. There is a palace in the park as well which you can visit but with limited time in the city, you might want to skip it.

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Next, the Latin Quarter

A short walk from the garden, you’ll find the Latin Quarter. This is a cute area of Paris because it’s not as touristy as the more popular areas. The majority of the area is academic so you’ll find a younger vibe here. Find a cute lunch spot near the Pantheon to take a small pause. Some notable landmarks here are the Pantheon, Eglise Saint-Séverin Saint-Nicolas Church, and Eglise Saint-Etienne du Mont Church. Note that the Pantheon has a nice rooftop terrace for 360 views of Paris. I also recommend grabbing lunch in this area.

If you walk down from the Pantheon via the most known street Rue St-Michel towards Rue de la Harpe, you’ll find many cute little streets with small shops here. Get lost here for a little, it’s a small area so you’ll be able to see most of it. Next, the Place Saint Michel, is a very touristy area but hey, we need a dose of that atmosphere as well. There are many shops in that area and often, you’ll find a little outdoorsy artisanal market.

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Following my route above, you’ll quickly notice Notre Dame if you reach the Seine River. Due to the tragic fire of April 2019, as of today, you will not be able to explore the magnificent Cathedral. However, it is still possible to see its beauty from the outside.

Your morning stops were all concentrated within short walks of one another but to this next stop, you’ll need to catch a 25-30 min train. You might want to relax a little after a busy morning but I recommend exploring the next area before sunset. Catching the sunset here is magical on a good weather day so I would make sure not to miss out on this experience.

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Explore Montemarte and catch the sunset at Sacre Coeur

Ok, close your eyes and picture Paris. You probably see narrow cobblestone streets, little cafes, painters, and happy people? Well, this is actually Montemarte. Artists like Picasso, Modigliani, Miro, Renoir, and Van Gogh all made that area their home at some point and for a reason.

Take the metro to Anvers stop and make your way up the hill towards Montemarte. After a short walk, the stunning Sacre Couer church will hit you in the face like no other. It is situated on a hill which gives you amazing city views. The locals like to hang out on the stairs of this hill so be sure to give yourself a small pause there too. It offers amazing hill views of the whole city. And you know I am a sucker for a good view.  

After some time in the church area, venture off to the beautiful Montemarte neighborhood. Let yourself be lost for a little in order to soak in the beautifully intertwined narrow Paris streets. Yes I know, it will be touristy near the area but it is an awesome place to be. To catch the sunset, grab a seat on the steps of Sacre Couer. You won’t regret it. Don’t stay too long tho because the drunk locals also love this as their hang-out spot.

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Chateau du Versailles

On day 3 of the Paris 4 day itinerary, you will explore the Versailles Palace. Before you feel royal for the day you’ll need to take a not-so-royal RER C toward the Versailles Château stop. Once you’re off the train, follow the crowd for about 10 min toward the palace. The earlier you get there, the better as this location is certainly not a hidden gem. When you arrive, you’ll see a huge line of people. Don’t worry, the Iine looks intimidating but it actually passes by quickly. Tip: have some cash on you. When I visited, the card machines were not functioning and they were only accepting cash. Not having enough cash on us was quite a hassle to get back in line. 

When you finally enter the palace, you’ll be confused by the level of “boujee” that this place is. I found it rather hysterical that people associated status and their level of happiness with this structure. However, it is a true masterpiece and you should see it with your own eyes to believe it. Make sure to purchase a ticket for the gardens as well. You can simply take a stroll or better yet, have a picnic there! I’m a huge fan of picnics as they allow you to take a pause and soak in your surroundings. 

After you’re done exploring the palace and the gardens and you still have some energy left over, head over to the little charming town of Versailles. There are some more things to see there as well as some cafes to check out. 

Overall, for most explorers, this will be a full-day trip. Returning to the city center will take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half and you will probably just want to crash at that point. I hope you enjoyed your day of royalty. 

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Art in Paris

As promised, today is the day you’ll be returning to explore the Louvre or any other museum of your choice. I saved it for the last day because by now you should have seen the major landmarks of the city. Here are your art options for the morning-afternoon:

  • Louvre: If you’re planning a trip to the Louvre, scroll up to day 1 plan for my tips on the visit there.
  • Musée de Orsay: Mostly impressionist art and insta known for the big clock.
  • Musée de l’Orangerie: More impressionist art but if you like Monet, you’ll find his famous water lily here. It’s a small museum but I really enjoyed it!
  • Musée Rodin: If you’re a fan of Rodin or sculptures,  you’ll love this place. It is also an impressive building from the outside.
  • Musée Picasso:  A gallery of Picasso’s various art pieces, from paintings, drawings, and sculptures to many more. As a big Picasso fan, I have to confess that I’ve seen more interesting gatherings of his works compared to this place. 
  • Espace Dalí: A permanent exhibition of Dali’s works, mostly sculptures. Dali was one interesting human so if you’re a surrealist fan, make sure to stop by this place. I liked it but I also like anything that Dalí does 🙂
  • The Centre Pompidou: A more modern structure that’s a library and a museum. 
  • And obviously dozens more. So if you’re a fan of a particular genre of art, I’m sure Paris has a museum dedicated to it.

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Shopping in Paris

Did you even go to Paris if you didn’t do some shopping damage?

  • Well even if you don’t have anything specific in mind, make sure to stop by Galeries Lafayette for the magnificent building alone.
  • Next, there is the Champs Elysees but it’s super packed so I wouldn’t recommend going there to shop.
  • If you have the budget, for super boujee feels, right off of Champs Elysees, find Avenue Montaigne .
  • Need more affordable shops? No worries, head to the Marais Area.
  • Another place known for good shops is Rue De Rivoli .

If you’re traveling from abroad and want to splurge on a designer bag, know that this is the place to get one. Why? Well, one because it’s cheaper and two because you can get your tax reimbursed on your way back. Here is a step-by-step process on how to do this.

Cruise on the Seine

Although this can give a hop-on-hop-off bus vibe, I’ve done this twice. Why? Because as cheesy as it is, it’s pretty and the perfect way to end your Paris 4 day itinerary. I recommend doing this early evening so you can get a nice view of the Eiffel Tower again at night. You will probably get a guide that tells you all the history and fun facts but you’re going on this little cruise to see Paris from a different perspective. It’s cute and I strongly recommend it.

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Final Thoughts on Paris

Some people find cities like Paris overrated and overdone. And yea sure, you won’t love the number of tourists there and it will be a busy city to travel through but I wouldn’t let that stop you from visiting at least once in your life. I hope that you like my plan for the 4 day Paris itinerary and that I saved you some stress associated with planning your trip.

Map and Itinerary to Download

Download the Paris 4 Day Itinerary

Remember to read the post before you download the guide. It is a very high-level summary of the plan above to grab for the road. Reading both will prepare you the best.

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4 day trip in paris

Kasia is a travel blogger that loves to share her detailed itineraries and travel tips with her community. She's traveled to numerous countries and makes it a priority to explore her home state of New Jersey while still being passionate about her 9-5 career.

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This was such a great and informative post. I really appreciate the level setting expectations, logistics, and general travel. Heading to Paris in 2 days and this was really helpful.

Hi Kasia, such a treat to meet you at WITS–and thanks again for the cake pop! 🙂 I am headed to Paris in July (taking my dad on a Tour de France 10-day tour) but “have to” stay a week before I head to Rwanda for work (seemed kinder on my body than returning to KC and it’s my birthday week soooo). Anyways, glad to have found your guide, I have actually never been to Paris so I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. Trying to find a hotel with desks (I’ll be working remotely) is proving to be a challenge but I look forward to the pastries!! Hope you are off on another adventure soon!

Yay! So happy you found me 🙂 It was so nice meeting you at WITS, I’m glad we were able to bond via our multi-tasking walks hahahah! Enjoy the time with your dad, it’s sounds like such a cool adventure! Maybe consider a private in a hostel? A lot of times they’re more working remote friendly than hotels for that reason. I’ll be in Europe myself at the end of July!

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4-day itinerary for Paris: See the best of Paris in 4 days

A 4-day Paris itinerary allows you to visit the city’s most iconic monuments and art museums but also to soak up the atmosphere… and eat plenty of macarons. While two-day Paris itineraries seem to be very popular, there’s only so much you can see in just a weekend. So, either you miss out on a lot of Paris must-see sites, such as the Opera Garnier or the Garden of the Palais Royal , or your program will be so full that you won’t be able to stop and smell the roses… or should I say the croissants?

We’ve personally been to Paris over a dozen times, either for an extended weekend or as a day trip from Belgium , and still haven’t seen all its gems. That’s why we’d recommend you to spend at least three, maybe even four days in Paris.

Ready to find out what to do in Paris in 4 days? Here’s our take on the quintessential 4 days in Paris itinerary for first-time visitors. It will take the Hint: A visit to Versailles is included.

The best Paris itinerary includes the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries Garden, Louvre and Palais Royal and more

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4 day trip in paris

Map of this Paris 4 day itinerary

We’ve created a map featuring all Paris must-see attractions mentioned in this article. It will help you visualize this itinerary and decide which highlights you want to experience when you spend 4 days in Paris.

We’ve also included some restaurant options to make sure you won’t miss out on the best food in Paris . And if you’re still deciding on your accommodation, then check out our personal recommendations on where to stay in Paris .

Table of Contents

Day 1: Classic Paris itinerary

On your first day in Paris, you’ll be spending the morning near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement, the afternoon near the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement and the evening in Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement.

Let’s start this ultimate 4 days in Paris itinerary in the 7th arrondissement . This area of Paris is elegant and the streets are lined with elegant residential buildings. It’s not only home to the top attraction of Paris, the Eiffel tower, but also to a wide array of fascinating museums (Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin to name a few) and more Paris must-sees.

The 8th arrondissement is located on the opposite bank of the Seine river and within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower. You’ll only explore the southern part of this district as you walk to the Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous Champs-Èlysées Boulevard.

Your first of 4 days in Paris is concluded at bohemian Montmartre . To get here, you’ll have to take a metro (there’s a direct connection). It’s one of the most romantic places to watch the explore the cobbled streets as the sun sets over Paris. And if you’re not ready to call it a night, then you might want to catch a show at the Moulin Rouge.

Tips for the day ahead:

  • This Paris itinerary is based on an early morning visit to the Eiffel tower. Note that your time slot for the Eiffel tower needs to be booked well ahead of time.
  • No need to pack lunch, a light picnic blanket is all you need. Do make sure to leave enough room in your backpack.

Breakfast at Carette

A croissant from Carette is a great start of your 4 day itinerary for Paris

Depending on your chosen accommodation, breakfast may or may not be included in your reservation. If it’s not, then head to  Carette , a renowned bakery located at the Place du Trocadéro. No need to overthink your order, just go for the almond croissants paired with a hot chocolate . The croissants here are finger-licking good, trust us.

Climb the Eiffel Tower

If a visit of the Eiffel tower is on your 4 days in Paris itinerary, then make sure to book your skip the line tickets ahead

Let’s kick off this ultimate 4 days in Paris itinerary with the most popular attraction: the Eiffel tower.

This iconic Paris monument has been putting its mark on the city’s skyline since 1889 when it was presented to the public during the World Fair. That was also a symbolic year, exactly 100 years after the French Revolution.

With a height of 300 m (1,000 ft), the Eiffel Tower became the tallest tower in the world at the time. Gustave Eiffel was in charge of the construction of this landmark, which was completed in just over 2 years.

The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ most visited sites, which means there’s no escaping the crowds. And if you or your travel companions insist on actually visiting then it’s essential to plan your visit waaaaay beforehand, especially when planning a trip to Paris in summer.

Are you up to climbing the 674 stairs to the second floor and maybe take the elevator from there to the top? Or will you go for the comfort of the elevator all the way?

You can buy your tickets with time slot via this site . Also, make sure to wait at the right pillar since the south one only offers stairway access. Guess how we found out…?

Should you prefer to join a skip-the-line guided tour, then here are some options:

You either love it or you hate it but it does, for a fact, have its place in the Paris skyline. The thing is, if you watch the skyline from the Eiffel tower then the views over Paris just don’t look the same to me. So, would I recommend adding a visit to this iconic monument to your Paris itinerary? Probably not… but I’m sure my little girls would disagree.

Depending on the type of ticket (stairs or elevator – individual or guided tour), a visit to the Eiffel Tower will take you around 2 to 3 hours. And like with all tourist hotspots, you’ll have had it after an hour or 2 anyway.

Applicable Paris city pass options: A visit to this monument is included in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass . It’s also one of the available options of the Paris Passlib’ City, Explorer and Prestige and the GoCity Paris Explorer Pass .

Explore Rue Cler

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to stock up on French food at Rue Cler. This convivial Parisian market street is jam-packed with artisanal shops . Whether you’re looking to buy baguettes, cheese, a bottle of wine or all of the above, there’s no better place to shop for a picnic.

Have a picnic at Champ de Mars

Visit the Champ de Mars on your itinerary for Paris France

You’ve earned yourself a break. And why not make it one with the best views of the Eiffel tower? Champ de Mars, the green space in between the Eiffel tower and the Military School , is an excellent location to spread out your picnic blanket and indulge in your Parisian lunch.

Pass by les Invalides

Use your Paris Museum Pass to visit  les Invalides Paris

The Dôme des Invalides is a must-see Paris monument and one that’s easy to locate thanks to its shimmering golden dome . The Hôtel National des Invalides was built in the 17th century under Louis XIV and served as a hospital for veterans. Today it is part of the Musée de l’Armée or Military Museum and houses the Emperor’s tomb (Napoleon I) .

Unfortunately though, a visit to this monument is not included in this 4 days in Paris itinerary. You could, of course, switch out this landmark with another one on this Paris itinerary. It’s included in the Paris Museum Pass and therefore also in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass . It’s also one of the available options of the Paris Passlib’ (all versions) .

Museum option 1: Musée d’Orsay

The perfect Paris itinerary 4 days includes the Orsay Museum a landmark but make sure to book a skip the line ticket or purchase a Paris Museum Pass

Housed in one of the most impressive buildings in Paris, the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, you’ll find the Orsay Museum . The collection of impressionist art it presents is unrivaled. You’ll find paintings of Monet, Cézanne, Degas and Manet to name a few.

A visit to the Orsay museum takes 2 to 3 hours.

Applicable Paris city pass options: A visit to this monument is included in the Paris Museum Pass and therefore also in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass . It’s also one of the available options of the Paris Passlib’ City, Explorer and Prestige versions .

Museum option 2: Rodin Museum

When you plan a trip to Paris then make sure to include the Rodin Museum to your Paris itinerary 4 days, it's included with the Museum Pass

We’re no fans of huge museums but prefer admiring art in an intimate setting . That’s why the Rodin Museum is one of our favorites. The famous French sculpture’s collection of statues and drawings is housed in the Hôtel Biron , a gorgeous mansion in the heart of Paris where Auguste Rodin actually lived.

Several pieces, including the famous statue The Thinker, can be admired in the enchanting garden behind the mansion . This museum is a true gem and therefore definitely deserves a spot in this 4 day Paris itinerary.

A visit to the Rodin museum takes about an hour.

Applicable Paris city pass options: A visit to this monument is included in the Paris Museum Pass and therefore also in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass . It’s also one of the available options of the Paris Passlib’ (all versions) .

Cross the Pont Alexandre III

A two minute walk across the Alexander III bridge in Paris is all it takes to go from the left bank to the right bank and vice versa

Cross the Seine on the iconic bridge that connects the Rive Gauche or Left Bank and the Rive Droite or Right Bank while enjoying the gorgeous views of the Eiffel tower.

When you spend 4 days in Paris, crisscrossing the city from one landmark to another, you’ll be crossing many bridges. This one, though, is pretty special. It’s also one of the most romantic places to visit in Paris at night .

Stroll along the Champs-Élysées

Enjoy an afternoon walking tour along the famous Champs-Élysées all the way to the Place de l’Étoile, where 12 grand lanes meet. Look up to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a symbol of victory, originally built to honor Napoleon’s triumph in Austerlitz in the early 19th century.

Visit the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe should be on top of your list, whether you're planning to spend 4 days in Paris

After the first World War, the French army proudly marched under the Arc de Triomphe and so it became their symbol. The Memorial Flame burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier who lost his life during World War I.

Climb the 384 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and admire the spectacular view of Paris. Or witness the eternal flame being relit at 6.30 pm every evening.

Applicable Paris city pass options: A visit to the Arc de Triomphe is included in the Paris Museum Pass and therefore also in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass . It’s also one of the available options of the Paris Passlib’ (all versions) .

Have dinner at Montmartre

Hop on metro 2 direction Nation from metro station Charles de Gaulle Étoile to metro station Anvers and you’ll find this gem in a privileged location. The dishes are just as artistic as the Montmartre area and they’re packed with flavor.

An alternative could be restaurant l’Arcane , uphill Montmartre, where the chef will be happy to surprise you with the menu of the day.

Psst… Book a table at either Signature Montmartre or l’Arcane through The Fork with our referral code 82798AFA and receive a €10 discount!

Watch the views over Paris from the Sacré-Cœur

A visit to the Sacre Coeur should be included when you spend 4 days in Paris

The most eye-catching monument of Montmartre is the Sacré-Cœur. This Roman-Byzantine style basilica is located up on the hill. It’s the place to be for the most panoramic views over Paris. The climb is steep but oh so rewarding. Or you could take the funicular all the way up to the Sacré-Cœur and take in the views of the City of Lights.

If you want to get an even better view (and you have some energy left), then take the 300 steps to the Dome . The entrance is located outside the basilica on the left. Closing time is 8 pm from May to September and 5 pm from October to April. We haven’t made it up there yet, unfortunately, but we hope to do so next time we’re visiting Paris.

Watch the artists at work at the Place du Tertre

4 days in Paris itinerary should include seeing the artists at work at the Place du Tertre

Explore the cobblestone streets behind the Sacré-Cœur to watch the artists at the open-air art gallery at the Palce du Tertre. Highly touristic but still a must-see in Paris. And why not have your portrait painted ? It would make for a wonderful souvenir from Paris.

Take an stroll around Montmartre

Walk tour of Montmartre is one of the best things to do on your itinerary for Paris France

What better way to end this first day of your Paris itinerary than with a walking tour around bohemian Montmartre? You’ll find plenty of little streets to explore, including the Rue de l’Abreuvoir where you’ll find the famous pink house, and the uber-charming Place Dalida.

See (a show at) the Moulin Rouge

If you take a trip to Paris for 4 days then try to include a visit to the Moulin Rouge

When it’s time to head to your accommodation, you could opt to take the metro at the metro station called Blanche to see the iconic Moulin Rouge. Maybe you even bought tickets to experience the famous Moulin Rouge first-hand ?

Day 2: Chic Paris itinerary

On the second of your 4 days in Paris you will visit the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement and the opera house in the 9th arrondissement. The late afternoon will be spent in the shops (department stores and covered passages) of the 9th and 2nd district. And what better place to spend the evening time in Paris than the Seine riverbanks?

The classy 1st arrondissement has the most central location of all neighborhoods in Paris. It’s well-serviced by public transportation but also very walkable. Even though this area is popular with tourists, there are still plenty of places that aren’t too crowded. Once home to the French royal residence, the First has an alluring appeal.

Your next stop on this 4 days in Paris itinerary is the 9th arrondissement . No need to take the subway, since it’s really close to the 1st. This Parisian neighbourhood is the one of the Grand Boulevards and centers around Palais Garnier, Paris’ most opulent opera house. This is also where to find the iconic department stores Lafayette and Printemps.

From there, you’ll be making your way to the Seine riverbank . Along the way, we’ll discover two of the most enchanting covered passages in Paris as well as the Jardin du Palais Royal.

  • Day 2 of your 4-day Paris itinerary is based on an early morning visit to the Louvre. Note that your time slot for the Louvre needs to be booked well ahead of time.

Visit the Louvre Museum

Every Paris itinerary 4 days should include a visit of the Louvre with skip the line tickets

Start the second day of your 4-day Paris itinerary with a visit to the number one art museum in Paris: The Louvre. This stately building houses an incredible art collection, from French sculptures to Islamic arts and from Egyptian antiquities to the most iconic paintings. Among the most prominent works are the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Again, it’s recommended to buy your ticket beforehand to avoid queuing. You also want to make sure that you decide on which collection to visit before your arrival. This art museum is so vast that you could easily spend all day there but, when you’re only in Paris for 4 days, that’s just not an option.

That’s why we’d recommend to create your own itinerary around the Louvre’s must-see masterpieces . Or, you could admire one collection and follow one thematic trail such as, for example, Masterpieces, In Search of Ideal Beauty .

After visiting the Louvre, take your time to admire the majestic 12th century building from the outside. It was originally built as part of a fortification along the Seine river but was transformed into a royal palace centuries later.

A visit to the Louvre takes a minimum of 2 to 3 hours.

Applicable Paris city pass options: A visit to this monument is included in the Paris Museum Pass and therefore also in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass . It’s also one of the available options of the Paris Passlib’ City, Explorer and Prestige and of the GoCity Paris Explorer Pass .

Relax in the Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden in between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre is the perfect place to relax during your 4 days in Paris itinerary

This majestic garden is located just across from the Louvre and stretches to the he Place de la Concorde . It’s a lovely place to stroll and relax.

Swing by for lunch

Why have lunch at a hotel while you have all these Parisian restaurants in the area, right? Well, just have look at The Westin Paris Vendôme Summer Terrace or the Winter Garden (same spot, different season) and you’ll understand our obsession. It’s not too formal, not too informal but just right. Make sure to check it out when you visit Paris and head straight to the table with the swings .

Get yourself a treat from Ladurée

Inside the Laduree store in Paris, the macarons are too hard to resist when you're spending 4 days in Paris

Heaven is located a little down the street, across from The Westin. And by heaven, I mean Ladurée, the iconic macaron brand . It’s a must-visit in this 4-day Paris itinerary. Don’t you just love-love-love the colors? Our little ladies sure do!

If no amount of macarons can satisfy your appetite, you should consider learning how to make these little bundles of flavor yourself. Check out this macaron cooking lesson with a chef or gift it to a loved one.

Shop till you drop at Galerie Lafayette

The ultimate 4 days in Paris itinerary includes some shopping time

Macarons and eclairs, all in one afternoon? Time for some exercise, Parisian style: shopping. When you’re at the Boulevard Haussmann , you’re literally surrounded by department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps .

Admire the opera house Palais Garnier

A self-guided tour of the Palais Garnier is a must on any 4 days in Paris itinerary

One of our favorite buildings in Paris is Palais Garnier , breathing grandeur and opulence. The monumental staircase, chandeliers and mosaics are gorgeous and impressive. The Grand Foyer is truly stunning. Attending an opera or ballet performance in this iconic Paris Opera House ranks high on our bucket list. Be prepared to spend some time in the gift shop as well, especially when you’re traveling with a little girl.

A visit to Palais Garnier takes about 1.5 hours.

None of the Paris passes include a self-guided tour of Palais Garnier. This is the ticket you need for your visit.

Explore Galerie Vivienne

Galerie Vivienne is one of the covered passages in Paris

Paris has numerous covered passages , a kind of shopping malls avant la lettre . Each passage Parisien one has its own unique charm. Our absolute favorite is Galerie Vivienne of which you can find the entrance in the Rue Vivienne. The gorgeous roof and mosaic floor are true eye-catchers. It houses a number of book shops, decoration boutiques and even a restaurant that’s known for its wine-tastings.

Relax at the Palais Royal’s Garden

The Palais Royal is the highlight of any Paris itinerary 4 days

Sometimes overlooked but, in our opinion, an essential stop on this 4-day Paris itinerary is the Palais Royal . It is linked to some important names throughout history, such as the Cardinal Richelieu (who lived their), Molière (who performed in the Théâtre du Palais-Royal) and the Duc d’Orléans. Today, the Palais Royal still houses the Comédie Fançaise and serves as one of the prime locations of the Paris Fashion Week .

The Cour d’Honneur or Courtyard showcases the black and white striped Colonnes de Buren , designed by artist Daniel Buren. The Galerie d’Orléans leads to the Palace’s intimate garden, the Jardin du Palais Royal .

Visit Galerie Vero-Dodat

A second covered passage is Galerie Vero-Dodat . This small passage with its black and white tiles is lined with chic boutiques, an art gallery, a brasserie and a restaurant. On the corner you’ll find the shoe walhalla of Christian Louboutin.

Shop at La Samaritaine

Make time for a visit to La Samaritaine during your 4 days in Paris travel trip

We saved the best shopping experience in Paris for last. La Samaritaine is the newly reopened and truly majestic department store in the 1st arrondissement . It’s where you’ll find the most luxurious fashion brands united under one spectacular roof. Even if you don’t plan on buying, La Samaritaine is definitely worth a visit.

Take a Seine river cruise

Father and daughter strolling along the Seine river during their 4 days in Paris itinerary

Enjoy an evening stroll along the Seine while soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the stunning views of Ile de la Cité. Or perhaps you plan on taking a Seine River Cruise to see the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre?

Applicable Paris city pass options: A Seine River cruise is included in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass . It’s also one of the available options of the Paris Passlib’ (all versions) and of the GoCity Paris Explorer Pass .

If you don’t plan on purchasing a city pass, then  this Seine river cruise from the Vedettes du Pont-Neuf  is one that departs from the tip of the Île de la Cité.

Relax at the Square du Vert-Galant

Located at the tip of the Île de la Cité , one of two islands in the heart of Paris, is a romantic little park . It’s the perfect spot to reminisce about the second of your 4 days in Paris as you see the Seine River cruises pass by.

Cross the Pont des Arts

Cross the Pont des Arts when making your way from the Louvre to the Notre Dame de Paris

The Pont des Arts used to be full of love locks but those have been removed for safety reasons. Glass has been added now to discourage fixing new locks. But you’ll still be able to find some padlocks, especially around the lamp posts. We were lucky enough to see the original lock bridge during a previous Paris visit.

Locks or not, the Pont des Arts remains one of Paris’ most romantic bridges. It’s a gorgeous place to end the day in Paris.

Day 3: Authentic Paris itinerary

After two intensive days exploring the city, it’s time to discover a more relaxed side of Paris. You’ll start day 3 of this ultimate 4 days in Paris itinerary in the classy Saint-Germain—des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement. The afternoon will be spent in the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. Both are located on the left bank. From there, you’ll be heading to some top attractions on the Île de la Cité before ending the day in lively Le Marais in the 4th arrondissement.

The 6th arrondissement is one of the fanciest in Paris. The most popular district in this arrondissement is Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Quaint boutiques, lively cafés, art galleries and antique shops dot the charming streets. It’s also where some of the most world-famous musicians, philosophers and painters gathered after World War II. Some of the iconic cafés and restaurants where they met up, are still in business today.

Your next stop on the third of your 4 days in Paris is The Latin Quarter . This is the oldest neighborhood in Paris, home to the Sorbonne university and other reputable educational institutions. It’s a lively area, during the academic year that is, with plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants.

From there, it’s just a short walk to the Île de la Cité where the Notre Dame de Paris is being rebuilt. The progress of this renovation can be seen from Ïle Saint Louis, that other little island in the Seine. Across the Seine from these island, lies Le Marais . Its enchanting streetscape is one of cobbled streets and picturesque architecture.

Have breakfast at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots

This literary cafe is a must-visit when you spend 4 days in Paris

Start your day at one of the oldest cafés in Paris, where – among others – Picasso, Sartre and Hemingway, once gathered. Both Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are known to have welcomed the literary and artistic elite after World War II .

On a sunny day, the terraces of these Parisian institutions are wonderful places to linger. And on a colder day, you’ll appreciate the classic interior where time seems to have stood still.

Psst… Book a table at Les Deux Magots through The Fork with our referral code 82798AFA and receive a €10 discount!

Visit the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church

The abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the oldest church in all of Paris and still the beating heart of this left bank neighborhood. It’s a prime example of Roman architecture , which is highly rare in Paris. The interior is quite colorful and eclectic. The choir, for example, is of primitive Gothic style. Another eye-catcher are the stained glass windows.

Tour the Saint-Sulpice church

The Saint-Sulpice church is a must-visit when you spend 4 days in Paris with family or as a couple

Visit this monumental church, one of tallest in Paris. It’s home to a statue of Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, mural paintings from the hand of Eugène Delacroix and a gnomon (the rod of a sundial which casts the sun’s shadow onto a plate).

On the parvis, you’ll find the Fountain of the Four Cardinal Point s, which is just as impressive as the church itself.

Relax at the Luxembourg Garden

Luxembourg Garden is an essential stop on your Paris 4 days itinerary

Walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg or Luxembourg Garden, admire the monumental Medici fountain and smell the roses. Another majestic fountain, the  Fontaine de l’Observatoire , can be found at the Marco Polo Garden , which is an extension of the Luxembourg Garden.

Applicable Paris city pass options: A visit to the Pantheon is included with the Paris Museum Pass and therefore also the Paris Pass , the Paris Passlib’ and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass .

Enjoy the view at the Pantheon

Take a self-guided tour of the Pantheon during your 3 days in Paris travel trip

End your stroll on the northeast side of the park and walk to the Pantheon . Visit the crypt , where the remains of Victor Hugo, Voltaire and other great minds are kept. Then, climb the 276 steps to the top from where you can enjoy the most panoramic view of Paris.

Explore the Latin Quarter

Paris itinerary 4 days should include a visit to the bouquinistes along the Seine river with the Notre Dame cathedral in the backdrop

The Quartier Latin or Latin Quarter is student territory, an informal yet uber-charming neighborhood that centers around the world-renowned Sorbonne university . It’s bohemian Paris at its best, a gathering place for students, artists and writers.

The Rue Saint-Jacques is not only the main street of this lively area but also one of Paris’ oldest streets.

Have lunch near the square René Viviani

This cute bakery in the Latin Quarter is known for its cream puffs so it's a necessary stop on your Paris itinerary 4 days

This charming little park is located along the Quai de Montebello. You’ll find some wonderful little shops, cafés and restaurants around the park. Make sure to pick up a treat at Odette , a cute little boulangerie known for their delicious cream puffs.

After lunch, go book-shopping at Shakespeare & Company , the most enchanting bookshop in Paris, or visit the bouqinistes along the Seine river.

Visit the Sainte Chapelle

Stunning stained glass windows at the Sainte Chapelle near the Notre Dame

This is one of the highlights of day 3 of your 4 day Paris itinerary. Admire the impressive architecture surrounding the lovely flower market at the Ile de la Cité. This tiny island in the heart of Paris actually used to be an entire royal residence. In spring, the cherry blossoms add some magic to the Ile de la Cité.

The Sainte Chapelle, once housing the most exclusive relics of Christianity , is well worth a visit. Follow the spiral staircase and you’ll soon be admiring the 5 stained glass windows showing 1 113 scenes from the bible’s old and the new testament. The detailing is incredible.

Hop over to the Conciergerie

The Conciergerie is the place where Marie Antoinette and hundreds of other enemies were imprisoned during the French Revolution. You can visit the dungeon where the Queen was held captive as well as the he Hall of the Soldiers where the employees used to dine.

Insider tip: Pass by the Tour de l’Horloge to catch a glimpse of the oldest clock in Paris . What’s truly amazing is that this 14th century masterpiece is still fully functional.

Pass by the Notre Dame Cathedral

When you take a trip to Paris for 4 days then the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the top attractions

This gothic cathedral has been witnessing almost 7 centuries of Parisian history and had been standing proudly in the heart of the city… until that fatal day of 15th April 2019 when the heart of Paris caught fire .

Untill this wound will be healed and this magnificant landmark restored, you won’t be able to take the 387 steps to the gargoyles . Nor will you be able to visit the towers and the treasury.

Get yourself a treat at Berthillon

A classic on every Paris itinerary, this tea house is most renowned for its delicious ice cream. It’s located on the charming Saint-Louis en l’ile which is connected to the Ile de la Cité by a pedestrian bridge. This is such a lovely little place for a pleasant stroll.

Do take note that it’s closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and during peak summer season (especially in August). Luckily, many of the eateries nearby sell their ice cream as well. I loved the pink grapefruit and cassis combo. What’s your favorite?

Soak up the atmosphere in La Marais

Strolling around the city in the Marais neighborhood during a 4 days in Paris itinerary

Saving the best for last on this third out of four days in Paris: Le Marais, a slice of Jewish heritage. It’s a place where old and new coexist and where you’ll find art galleries, elegant boutiques, trendy restaurants.

Enter this picturesque Parisian neighborhood via the Rue des Barres , one of the most enchanting streets in Paris. Cross the Rue de Rivoli and discover the Pletzl , which is the Jewish neighborhood, with its charming Rue des Rosiers .

Relax at the Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges is one of the highlights of every Paris itinerary

End the day at our favorite park, the picture-perfect Place des Vosges, named after the first region that paid taxes after the French Revolution. At n° 6 Place des Vosges you’ll find the Mais on de Victor Hugo, where the author of Les Misérables lived for 16 years.

Have dinner at the Place des Vosges

We love the soft-toned interior in this little restaurant , located just steps from the Place des Vosges.

Pass by the Centre Pompidou

A visit to the Centre Pompidou is included in the Museum Pass

If it’s modern art you’re looking to admire, then the Centre Georges Pompidou is where you need to go. The contemporary construction alone deserves a visit. Plus, it offers some pretty good views from the 6th floor, accessible by the escalator in the exterior transparent tube . Don’t forget to take a look at the Stravinsky fountain , the Centre Pompidou’s outdoor water sculpture.

Day 4: Wider Paris itinerary

Visit the palace and gardens of versailles.

A day trip to Versailles with its iconic Hall of Mirrors is the perfect addition to your Paris itinerary 4 days

On the final day of this 4-day Paris itinerary, we suggest to take a  Paris to Versailles day trip . Versailles is located just outside of the City of Lights but it’s very easy to get there by public transportation .

Discover the Palace of the Sun King with its world-famous Hall of Mirrors, the meticulously manicured gardens and Marie Antoinette’s estate.

Oh, and while you’re there, you should try the afternoon tea at the Bar Galerie of the  Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles  or at  Alain Ducasse’s Ore .

Applicable Paris city pass options: A visit to this monument is included in the Paris Museum Pass and therefore also in the The Paris Pass and the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass .

Transportation, however, is not included in any of these Paris cards. Also, do note that these passes allow you in the Gardens of Versailles EXCEPT during the Musical Fountains Shows and the Musical Gardens shows.

Watch the sunset from the Montparnasse Observation Deck

Watching the sunset over the Paris skyline from the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck is a must during your Paris travel trip

We end this 4-day Paris itinerary in style, with the most spectacular view of the Paris skyline from the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck . All it takes is an elevator to the 56th floor and 3 sets of stairs. We would prefer this view over the one from the Eiffel tower anytime. The observation deck is open daily and you can visit until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday and until 10.30 pm on other days. It’s recommended to buy your tickets in advance.

If you just can’t get enough of these views the you can opt to dine at  Le Ciel de Paris , at the 56th floor, right below the observation deck. No tickets required, just a dinner reservation. The food is certainly good, although not mindblowing, so it’s up to you to decide if the views are worth the price tag.

Psst… Book a table at Le Ciel de Paris through The Fork with our referral code 82798AFA and receive a €10 discount!

Alternative day trips from Paris

Have you’ve been to Versailles before or do you feel like exploring another region near Paris? Then here are some alternative suggestions for a day trip from Paris on the fourth day of your Paris itinerary:

  • Loire Vally tour
  • Normandy D-Day beaches tour
  • Mont-Saint-Michel tour
  • Monet’s Garden in Giverny tour
  • Disneyland Paris
  • Bruges or Ghent (Belgium)
  • Brussels (Belgium)

Paris City Vision is a one of the most trusted brands for organized day trips from Paris within France. Should you prefer to go out and about on your own, or if you’re heading to any of the Belgian cities mentioned, then you can check train timetables and rates on  Eurail  (non-EU passport holders) or  Interrail  (EU passport holders).

Discover Cars is our go-to European car rental comparison site. The prices are highly competitive, the booking process is effortless and you can even select a pay later option that comes with free cancelation. 

Visit the Loire Valley on a day tour from Paris France

Practical tips when traveling to Paris for 4 days

As you can see, our itinerary for Paris allows you to see all major monuments plus some hidden gems. Of course, when you travel to Paris for 4 days, you’ll want to cover all your bases. That’s where the our tips for visiting Paris come in.

Best time to visit Paris

Whether or not you’ll be able to follow our ultimate 4-day Paris itinerary it to a t will depend on the crowds. If you can avoid the peak summer months , then we’d suggest you do so. If not, then your trip to Paris will be just as amazing but you may have to queue a bit more.

Do note that, during the month of August, many businesses such as restaurants and shops may be closed for the holidays.

As for all destinations, try to avoid visiting the most popular landmarks on Saturdays and Sundays . Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be less busy. Do note that some of the attractions in Paris might be closed on Tuesday, the Louvre for one, which brings us to the next point.

Museum closing days

Most museums close on either Monday (Orsay Museum, Rodin Museum, Palace of Versailles) or Tuesday (The Louvre Museum and Centre Pompidou). Take that into account when you’re planning this four day itinerary in Paris.

You can check the full schedule of closing days via this link .

Getting around Paris

Hop on hop off boat is a perfect way to organize your Paris itinerary

A 4 day Paris itinerary means you’ll be criss-crossing the city. As you can see on the map that goes with this article, we’ve tried to bundle the must-see sites as much as possible per day of exploration.

Still, depending on your preference, at some point you’ll need some form of transportation. Several options exist to explore the City of Lights.

RER (Airport to Paris city center & Paris city center to Versailles)

When arriving in Paris on an international flight, you’ll most likely arrive in the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . From there, you can take the RER train B to the Paris city center.

If your flight doesn’t arrive in Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) bur rather in Orly Airport (ORY) then, unfortunately, there’s no direct train to the city center and you’re better off taking a taxi.

The Paris metro is a very convenient way to explore the city. Here’s a link to the official website . On weekdays, it operates from 5:30 AM to about 1:15 AM and on Friday and Saturday night until around 2:15 AM.

You could purchase a separate Paris Visite travel pass for a set number of days (1, 2, 3 or 5) from one of the vending machines. Children pay half price. Or, you could opt for one of the Paris city passes which include access to some Paris must-see sites. Continue reading to find out more.

When we visit a city, we tend to walk as much as we can. Why? Well, because hopping from one landmark to the other also means missing out much couleur locale in between. Plus, I always like to get a sense of the districts in a city.

On our last day trip to Paris, we walked 22 km (over 13 mi) with the kids. That was pushing it, I admit, but still we had a wonderful day. We did hop on the metro to get to Montmartre.

By hop-on hop-off bus or boat

The Batobus River Seine Shuttle Boat is a great option to visit the highlights of this 4-day Paris itinerary that are located along the river. It’s a Seine river cruise in a hop-on hop-off concept.

Of course, the traditional hop-on hop-off busses also crisscross Paris.

Paris city passes compared

You may have noticed that, for every landmark mentioned in this itinerary for Paris, we’ve indicated if a visit is included with any of the Paris city pass options.

Here’s an overview of all city cards for Paris and an overview of what major landmarks are included and which are not.

Here are the city passes that are available for visiting Paris:

Paris Museum Pass

  • Includes entry to Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, Pantheon, Sainte Chapelle, Conciergerie, Centre Pompidou, Palace of Versailles and an array of other day trips from Paris.
  • To be ordered online but you need a physical copy . It can be sent to your home address, to your hotel or you can pick it up in Paris.

Paris Passlib’ :

  • Combine 3, 5 or 6 museums and attractions.
  • Mini (3 attractions): Seine river cruise, entry to Musée Rodin, les Invalides, Pantheon, Sainte Chapelle, Conciergerie and Centre Pompidou and more.
  • City (5 attractions): All of the above plus access to the Eiffel tower (second floor), Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Montparnasse Tower and more.
  • Explore (6 attractions): All of the above plus hop on/off bus and more.
  • Prestige (6 attractions): All of the above plus Entry to Disneyland + Macaron baking class + Bistronome culinary bus tour and more.
  • 100% digital. Reserve your pass online, receive your QR code, and download the mobile app.

The Paris Pass :

  • Comes in a 2, 3, 4 and 6 consecutive-day version.
  • Includes the Paris Museum Pass (see description in the first block of this section).
  • Plus, entry to a number of attractions such as the Eiffel tower (second floor by stairs), Seine river cruise, Montparnasse tower, Versailles palace and hop on/off bus.
  • To be ordered online. The app gives direct access to the additional attractions but the Museum Pass needs to be picked up at the Avenue de l’Opéra in the 9th arrondissement.
  • Very similar to the GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass .

GoCity Paris France explorer pass

GoCity Paris Explorer Pass :

  • Combine 3, 5 5 or 7 museums and attractions and visit those within 60-days from activation.
  • Options include access to the Eiffel tower (second floor by elevator), Seine river cruise, skip-the-line ticket to the Musée du Louvre, Montparnasse tower, Disneyland, macaron baking class, 1 day of hop on/off bus and more.

The GoCity Paris All-Inclusive pass is perfect if you're spending 3 days in Paris or more

GoCity Paris All-Inclusive Pass :

  • Plus, entry to a number of attractions such as the Eiffel tower (second floor by stairs), Seine river cruise, Montparnasse tower, Versailles palace and 1-day hop on/off bus.
  • Very similar to The Paris Pass .

Note that many Paris museums and monuments can be visited for free during the first Sunday of the month during fall and winter season. Also, several popular landmarks are free for people under 26. Click here to find out more.

Spending more than 4 days in Paris?

Sure, you can stay even longer and add the Catacombes, The Invalides museum and cryps, the Jardin des Plantes, the Atelier des Lumières and the Fragonard museum to this Paris itinerary. But let’s keep that for a next trip to Paris.

Oh yes, there will be a next time in Paris, trust us. There’s just so much to see that we keep going back for more. We visit Paris about every year and the city never ceases to amaze us.

Where to stay in Paris

Two little girls jumping on the bed during their 4 days Paris itinerary

Since we’re lucky enough to live near Paris, we mostly take day trips. But occasionally, we do splurge.. and so should you! When you spend 4 days in Paris, you need a good bed to recover from all those impressions and explorations. Here’s a selection of our favorite boutique hotels in Paris :

  • Best luxury hotel:  Cheval Blanc Paris  in the 1st arrondissement.
  • Best premium hotel:  Le Narcisse Blanc  in the 7th arrondissement.
  • Best mid-range hotel:  Chouchou Hotel  in the 9th arrondissement.
  • Best budget hotel:  Maison Barbès  in the 18th arrondissement.
  • Best affordable family room:  Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc le Marais  in the 4th arrondissement.
  • Best Eiffel tower view:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  in the 7th arrondissement.

If you’re traveling to Paris with kids and you don’t want to split up, then our selection of best hotels in Paris with family rooms is exactly what you need. Unless you want more space and a kitchen to cook your own meals. If that’s the case, then booking an apartment is the way to go.

While you could book your apartment in Paris on Airbnb or Booking.com, we prefer  Plum Guide  for that home-away-from-home. Their selection of impeccable apartments is highly qualitative and the booking process is effortless.

But most of all, and unlike Airbnb, they don’t leave you hanging when the host cancels your stay last minute. Plum Guide will look for an alternative and even add in an upgrade if inventory allows. 

Here’s our personal selection of quintessentially Parisian apartments :

  • Best luxury apartment:  Marshmallow Kisses  in the 7th arrondissement.
  • Best premium apartment:  The Opera House  in the 9th arrondissement.
  • Best mid-range apartment:  Geometric Sound  in the 1st arrondissement.
  • Best budget studio:  The Dice  in the 6th arrondissement.
  • Best affordable family apartment:  Kid’s Heaven  in the 9th arrondissement.
  • Best Eiffel tower view:  The Reflection of Light  in the 7th arrondissement.

Apartment with Eiffel tower views in Paris France

Put this 4-day Paris itinerary to the test

Well, there you have it, our take on how to spend 4 days in Paris. We’re pretty confident that this perfect 4 days in Paris itinerary will be a solid starting point for anyone visiting this fabulous city for the first time. It includes all must-see Paris monuments and museums as well as the very best of things to do in Paris and beyond.

We can’t wait to find out what you think about our 4-day Paris itinerary. Any thoughts, suggestions, additions or tours in Paris to add? The comment box is all yours!

Eiffel Tower, Seine river cruise, Opera Garnier, Palais Royal, Sacree-Coeur and Places des Vosges are just some of the places when visiting Paris for 4 days

Author: Sarah

One comment.

Such a fabulous guide! We went at the beginning of the year. Can’t wait to go again with you guide in hand.

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Journey of Doing

4 Days in Paris: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

With multiple daily direct flights from Dallas to Paris, we have found ourselves utilizing our long weekends to spend 4 days in Paris.  We can leave on a Thursday evening after work and come back on Tuesday afternoon.  Weekend trips always feel too short; these long weekends are the perfect length to leave us wanting to return.  

Our first trip to Paris together was our honeymoon .  It was a good trip, but it wasn’t a great trip.  Our honeymoon was Tom’s first trip to Europe, and he wasn’t prepared for it at all.  Thankfully, it really opened him up to all the amazing parts of travel, and he has come a long way.  (He’s now the one constantly looking at flights and trying to fit them into our schedule!)  While our travels largely skew towards Italy, the more time we spend in Paris, the more we love it.

Paris is often one of those polarizing places where people either love it or hate it. I wanted to share an itinerary for 4 days in Paris in hopes of making your first (or fifth!) trip as good as possible.        

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links for tours and products I love at no additional cost to you.  You can read my  full disclosure policy here.

Journey of Doing - blue hour in Paris

Arriving in Paris

Most flights from the US arrive in Paris in the morning.  Skip the Parisian traffic and the RER into the heart of the city.  Yes, you will have to navigate your luggage, but we do it with our luggage and a wine suitcase.  I promise you’ll be fine!  The hardest part of this journey is the long walk through the crowded hallway of Charles de Gualle.  

Once you arrive at the CDG train station, you’ll head downstairs, buy tickets to central Paris and board the RER B train.  It should cost less than 10 euro per person.  It takes about 45 minutes to get to Châtelet les Halles. From there, you can take the metro to wherever you are staying.  We usually stay in the 1st or the 9th, so it’s only a few more minutes by metro or on foot.  Google maps is the best app to figure out which trains to take and what the schedule is.  

Once we drop our stuff off at our hotel, it’s time to head out!  Getting outside is the best way to beat jet lag and maximize your time.  

Paris Planning Tips

To maximize our time, especially on short trips we divide our days into three parts: morning, rest, and evening .  This means that we get out and sightsee before things get too crowded, take a break during the middle of the day when crowds and temperatures peak, and go out again in the late afternoon and evening.  This is a fool proof plan, I promise.  However, it does require a plan for Paris. 

The best things to do in Paris in 4 days will largely depend on your personal interests.  That being said, I put this itinerary together to cover a little bit of everything: the culinary delights of Paris, the history of Paris, the art and culture in Paris, and of course, all the places to just enjoy the view.  Each time we visit Paris, I go back to my lists to come up with a new itinerary for Paris.  

To facilitate my Paris plan, I make a list of everything we want to do, including tours, restaurants, markets, etc.  I include the dates and times that everything is available.  From there, it becomes a bit of itinerary tetris to figure out what to do in Paris for 4 days .  I start with the thing we are most excited about OR the thing that has limited offerings. I build our our itinerary around those things.

When I talk about resting during the middle of the day, I mean that we are either taking a power nap or I am taking advantage of the hotel spa.  It is truly meant to be a rest time so that we are able to tackle the evening.  Most Paris restaurants don’t open until 7:00 or 7:30, and my favorite restaurants only have two seatings: 7:30 and 9:30.  If we’re going to get out early and stay out late, we need to rest.           

Luxembourg Gardens Paris in the Fall

Paris in 4 Days – The Perfect Paris Itinerary

Day one in paris, introduction to paris and french wine & cheese.

PARIS ITINERARY TIP:  Buy a 4-Day Paris Museum Pass to make the most of your Paris trip . This will allow you to skip the line at most museums.  I love this because it makes it easy to add a few things into our itinerary!  

No matter where we are staying in Paris, we walk to wherever we are going upon arrival.  The sunshine and fresh air will feel rejuvenating, especially in the fall and winter.  Going for a walk will give you a sense of the city.  I love following the river Seine, crossing at Pont Neuf or Pont Notre Dame, and exploring the Left Bank.  We usually pick up some picnic provisions at Maison Bremond in St. Germain while we wait for our room to be ready.  

If it’s a sunny day, I’ll head over to Sainte Chapelle to see the beautiful stained glass windows.  (Entry is included with the Paris Museum Pass and you can skip the line!)  If it’s overcast or gloomy, we’ll slip into our of our favorite museums.  (I love the L’Orangerie because its manageable.)   

If you find yourself dragging, take a 20 minute power nap once your room is ready.  Whatever you do, don’t rest for more than an hour, otherwise you’ll be fighting jet lag the entire time.  I find that a 30 minute nap and a great shower will do the trick. After that, I’ll be good to go for the rest of the afternoon.  

One of my favorite things to do on our first afternoon in Paris is to book a French wine and cheese tasting .  This has been the most delicious way to learn more about French wine and cheese.  Prior to this tasting, I found it completely overwhelming to look at a wine list or even buy wine in the grocery store.  Erwan helped us better understand how it works, and we’ve been able to try various wines from different regions.  It does a great job of setting your palate for the rest of the weekend as well.  I’ve learned so much about French wine from him. You can purchase wine from Erwan for the rest of your trip, too!     

Because our trips typically start on Fridays, we take advantage of the extended evening hours at the the Louvre Museum .  It can be really exhausting, so you have to know what you can handle, but it’s absolutely worth it.  The Louvre is less busy and it feels a bit enchanting to be there after dark.  If you can find a guided tour of the Louvre after dark, I think it’s worth it!  

You’ll want to end your day with a classic French meal and a reasonable bedtime.  I recommend whetting your appetite for traditional French foods with classics from any of these restaurants.  You will want to make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.  

Best wine and cheese tasting in Paris

Classic French Restaurant Recommendations

EAT & DRINK IN PARIS: Le Septième Vin (7th arrondissement, near the wine tasting I recommend)

EAT & DRINK IN PARIS: Le Souffle  (1st arrondissement, near the hotels I recommend)

EAT & DRINK IN PARIS: Bistrot Richelieu (1st arrondissement, near the hotels I recommend)

EAT & DRINK IN PARIS: Le Petit Châtelet (5th arrondissment, near Notre Dame)

Le Souffle Paris restaurant

Day Two in Paris

Culinary experiences in paris.

Take a pastry class in Paris

Don’t oversleep on your first “full” day in Paris!  I like to schedule a walking tour or a food tour of a Paris neighborhood at the beginning of my trip.  We try to choose a new neighborhood or tour to try, no matter how many times we visit Paris.  I love finding the hidden gems in each neighborhood, getting local recommendations, and finding a foodie souvenir to take home.

Most food tours include sweet and savory options.  Some of my favorite food tours in Paris have been of the Marais ,   Latin Quarter , Saint Germain , or Montmartre .  The Paris market scene is also thriving. You can book a tour of the Bastille markets , as well as a bike tour of the Marais markets . 

If food tours aren’t your thing, consider taking a cooking class or pastry class in Paris.  If I am being totally honest, I didn’t like croissants or macarons before trying them in Paris.  It turns out that they are AMAZING… as are all French pastries I’ve tried.  Take a macaron baking cla ss. Learn to make baguettes and croissants at French bakery . Try making Paris brest and other traditional French pastries . Or, level up and take a one day pastry class at the Ritz Paris Escoffier .  (I took a weeklong class at the Ritz Paris last summer!  It was the perfect thing to check off my Paris bucket list. I already want to do it again next summer)  

If this is your first time visiting Paris, the baguette and croissant class is the best way to learn about Viennoiserie and its importance in French pastries.  It significantly improved my ordering experiences at French bakeries and restaurants, too.  TL, DR: I’ll try any pastry that looks tasty.

If pastries aren’t your thing (but try them!), considering booking a cooking class .  I love this because you usually get to learn a traditional recipe with a focus on seasonal ingredients.  My next cooking class in Paris is going to be a French sauce class to level up my cooking skills.    

If you just want to enjoy some delicious pastries, head to Francois Perret’s Le Comptoir at the Ritz Paris , Carton Paris , or Pierre Herme .  ( Francois Perret’s Ritz Pastry  is the perfect Paris souvenir.)  

Since a culinary experience in Paris will probably take most of your morning, I recommend taking a break in the afternoon before heading out in the evening. 

Journey of Doing - Croissant and Baguette Cooking Class in Paris

Nightlife in Paris

I definitely recommend taking a tour of the Paris Opera House , perhaps best known as the setting of The Phantom of the Opera.  I am obsessed with the Marc Chagall ceiling.  (The Chagall Museum in Nice is one of my favorite museums in in the world!)     

While in Paris, you can enjoy the Paris Opera Ballet, the Paris National Opera, or the Paris Philharmonic Opera .  Not all of these companies perform at the Palais Garnier, but it’s worth booking tickets in advance if you want to see them.  The Paris Opera Ballet School also performs twice a year, if you don’t want to see a full-length ballet.  If you want to experience part of Montmartre’s vibrant cabaret history, book dinner at the Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show or another one the famous cabaret venues in Paris.    

If you need a more low-key evening, take a Seine river cruise or use your Paris Museum Pass to head to the top of the Arc de Triomphe rooftop .  Both of these options will offer you unparalleled views over Paris and the Eiffel Tower.  (I prefer this view, rather than visiting the Eiffel Tower viewing decks.)  The Arc de Triomphe especially provides wonderful views over the Champs Elysees, especially at Christmastime when its all lit up.  I also love heading to the Galeries Lafayette rooftop for spectacular views of the Opera Garnier and the Eiffel Tower.  (This is a free view of Paris!)  During Christmas, the store is absolutely magical and has a rooftop ice skating rink, too!  

Opera Garnier Paris - Paris Opera House Guided Tour

Day Three in Paris

Experiencing the royal history of paris.

Richelieu Wing of the Louvre Museum

If you only have four days in Paris, you have a choice to make.  You can stay in Paris or you can take a day trip to Versailles.  If this is your second trip to Paris and you haven’t made it to Versailles, I strongly recommend going.    

There are two ways to get to Versailles. One, book a bus tour from central Paris (which makes for a very long day). OR , two, grab the RER C for less than 5 euros/person and meet your guide at the Chateau.  I strongly recommend booking a guide, as parts of the Palace are under restoration. What you are able to see may be different than what you expect to see.  Our guided tour of Château de Versailles included Louis’s apartments, the famous Hall of Mirrors, and a brief overview of the gardens.  It was very helpful to have context to better understand what we were seeing.  However, if you want to just visit on your own, Versailles and its gardens are included with the Paris Museum Pass . 

On our next trip to Versailles, we are hoping to rent bikes and head out to the Trianon Palace, which includes a theater where Queen Marie Antoinette would perform and host guests.  I’ve been told that the grounds are quite gorgeous and it’s worth seeing, but it does take some time to get there.  The grounds of Versailles are vast; wear your walking shoes!     

EXPERIENCING ROYAL HISTORY IN PARIS:   If you don’t think 4 days in Paris is long enough to take a day trip to Versailles, there are a few ways to learn more about the royal history of Paris and experience the grandeur of Versailles. 

The first thing I would do is book a   walking tour on the history of the French Revolution .  (Paris-Walks also offers a great tour on the French Revolution ; we really loved their Bastille Day tour, too.)  This will give you a framework of what was going on in France and provide more context on how and why the movement to abolish the monarchy started, what life in Paris during the Reign of terror was like, and how all of this contributed to the rise of Napoleon.

To see the grandeur of Versailles and the gilding of the 18th century, you should head to the Richelieu wing of the Louvre or visit Hotel de la Marine on the Place de la Concorde.   Nothing compares with Versailles, of course, but the the Richelieu is filled with beautiful textiles, huge chandeliers, and plenty of gold.  (Most tours of the Louvre focus on the Denon wing, as it’s where the most famous art is housed.)  

PARIS ITINERARY TIP:  If you are planning a trip to Paris in the summer (June – September) and will be in town for a Saturday night, I would book an evening ticket for the Versailles fountains and fireworks experience .  They reopen the gardens after hours, and the fountains are on, triumphant music echos through the gardens, and there are fireworks at the end of the evening!  You won’t have access to the Chateau, so you will have to plan that visit separately, but if you’re looking to do something unique, this is a great option.

Chateau de Versailles fountains and fireworks

Explore Paris through the Impressionists

Musee d'Orsay and the Paris Museum Pass

The first museum I visited in Paris was the Musee d’Orsay .  As a ballet dancer myself, I longed to see the work of Edgar Degas.  Replicas of his paintings had lined the walls of my dressing rooms for years, were printed on my stationary, and, in college, a friend gave me a replica of one of his sculptures after taking me to see it at The Art Institute of Chicago.  (Love you, Kristin.)  I wasn’t disappointed by Degas, and Van Gogh’s Starry Night series (unexpectedly) took my breath away the first time I aw it in person.  It never gets old.  

Book an early morning guided tour of the Musee d’Orsay before heading to Montmartre in the afternoon.  You may recognize a lot of the Impressionist works because of the unique techniques and the seemingly familiar scenes, but a chronological journey through the museum with a knowledgable guide will better help you understand why the Impressionists were also revolutionists in France in 1920s.  You’ll also learn how so many famous pieces by Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Degas, and so many others, came to be housed in an old railway station.

Later that afternoon, wander up to Montmartre to see where the Impressionists lived and worked.  It’s hard to imagine that this was a field on the outskirts of Paris.  You can see today’s artists at work at the Place du Tertre , which is an extremely coveted position in Paris.  All work here must be original, and artists must agree to certain mediums and conform to standards of work.  All aspiring artists must apply for a space here; the waiting list is years long! 

If you need a sugar break, grab a chou with Chantilly cream from Les Choupettes de ChouChou or macarons from Carette . 

Whether you’ve taken the stairs or the funicular up to Montmartre, it’s worth visiting Sacre Coeur .  There is great people watching on the stairs in front of the cathedral, but I will admit that it is not my favorite view of Paris.  Before making your way down, consider having dinner at one of my favorite places in Montmartre.    

EAT & DRINK IN PARIS: Sacree Fleur (my very favorite French steakhouse)

EAT & DRINK IN PARIS: La Boite aux Lettres (great wine list)

Sacree Fleur Paris

Day Four in Paris

Now that you’ve spent 3 days in Paris, you should have a better idea of what you want to see or do you with your remaining time in the city.  I always love to have time in my itinerary to choose my own adventure.  With your Paris Museum Pass , you’ll have the ultimate flexibility to explore or check more things off your Paris itinerary.     

Post-Revolution Paris History

Journey of Doing - Wondering what to do in Paris? Click here for 18 things to do in Paris in 2021. Spoiler alert: There's no better time to visit Paris and see the sights!

One of my favorite tours we took last summer was through Paris Walks about the occupation and liberation of Paris during World War II .  Ever since I visited Nuremberg when I studied abroad, I have been interested in learning more about the role of people and their response to what was happening.  People extends to government (as it is run by people), and I think France is extremely interesting in this regard.  While the Germans occupied Paris for strategic purposes, other parts of France maintained an “independent” government during the period of occupation.  This tour does a great job of answering the questions of what, how, and why this happened, as well as providing a framework for what the Resistance looked like in France.  I was particularly moved by the things that “ordinary” Parisians, at great personal risk and defiance of the government, to protect others and preserve art, culture, and history.   

The Musee de l’Armee at Hotel des Invalides is former military hospital and provides an in-depth look at French military history.  You’ll find a vast collection of French artillery and weapons, armor, and uniforms (my favorite).  It covers the rise of Napoleon (you can visit his tomb as well), both World Wars, and hosts limited exhibitions on special topics of interest. As with most Paris museums, you can also use your Paris Museum Pass for general admission.

I love the streets between Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.  On Rue Cler , one of Paris’s most famous pedestrian streets, you’ll find everything you need for a picnic with an Eiffel Tower view on the Champ de Mars .  My personal favorite shop on Rue Cler is Davoli .  (I always pick up a truffle sausage for the flight home.)        

Visit More of the Paris Museums

L'Orangerie and the Paris Museum Pass

If museum hopping is your thing or you want to maximize the value of your Museum Pass , today is a great day to visit some of the museums of the artists that inspired you most during your trip to Paris.  Some of my favorite “smaller” museums are the L’Orangerie , Picasso Museum , and the Rodin Museum .  All of these museums offer rotating special exhibitions, so even if you’ve been there before, there’s always something new to see.  

If you’re not sure where to start, here are the reasons I love each of these museums. 

  • To me, there is nothing more incredible than seeing the original waterlilies in L’Orangerie .  They are VAST and the complexity of how the brush strokes capture the light is incredible.  As you move through the museum, you move through the day and how the light changes.  It’s just mesmerizing.  I like to be there when it opens or right before it closes so it’s not too crowded to sit and enjoy the pieces.  
  • The Picasso Museum changes their permanent collection regularly.  If you’ve visited the museum in Barcelona, it’s unlikely you will see the same pieces. One of the coolest things I’ve seen so far was a special exhibition on pieces he created for Vogue Magazine. 
  • The Rodin Museum is perfect for appreciating sculpture.  Rodin is best known for his piece “The Thinker”, and I assumed that everything he did would be large-scale sculpture.  The museum covers the evolution of his work at all sizes and scales.  It was fascinating to see his work in different sizes and mediums.  I also love the sculpture garden within the grounds of the museum.   

Shopping for Souvenirs in Paris

We don’t do a lot of souvenir shopping, but if we decide to buy anything, we generally wait until the last day to buy anything.  Paris is a big city and you’ll find a lot of stores that sell exactly what you can get at home.  (Yes, there might be better pricing and a VAT refund.  Do your research ahead of time though.)  I do recommend marking stores in Google maps if you want to go back to certain places.  No matter how good I think my memory is, I can rarely find somewhere if I don’t mark it on the map.  My souvenir shopping  is generally limited to wine and food products, art, and Christmas ornaments for our travel tree .  

If you are looking for original art and in Paris on a Sunday, it’s worth heading to Montparnasse for the Marche de la Creation in Montparnasse , which is an art market where you can meet the artists.  I love visiting the various locations of Carre d’artistes , a collection of galleries throughout France that house original art by various artists.  The inventory and artists vary by store.  Patrick Rousseau is one of my favorite artists carried by Carre d’artistes.  I feel certain we will own one of his pieces soon.  

I love the stroll the streets of St. Germain des Pres, the Marais, and the Latin Quarter for shopping inspiration in Paris.  If you love paper products and stationary, head to L’Ecritoire in the Marais. If you want to take home edible souvenirs,  Edwart has creative chocolates that are works of art, and I love Maison Bremond 1830 for Provencal olive oils, vinegars, pestos, spreads, and so much more.

If you are visiting Paris at Christmas (one of my favorite times to be in Paris), don’t forget to check out the Christmas markets.  I love the Notre Dame Cathedral Marche de Noel (located just across the Seine from the cathedral for now) and the Tuileries Marche de Noel (especially for dinner and evening ambiance).  

Finally, there are wineries in France, especially in the Alsace wine region , that do not export to the United States.  They, however, will ship to hotels in France.  We bring a wine suitcase and bring our wines home.  They are a fraction of the cost and better than anything we can buy at home.  Highly, highly recommend bringing wine home. (I also highly recommend adding a few days in Alsace to your France itinerary !)      

Where to Stay in Paris

Journey of Doing - Click here for the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Paris!  This long weekend itinerary for Paris includes tours, tips, and tricks to make the most of your time.

If you are planning a 4 day trip to Paris, where you stay will be very important.  Again, I like to maximize my time in a city.  I like to stay out late, enjoy the ambiance, and be centrally located so that I don’t waste valuable time in transit.  As a result, we usually stay in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, which also back up to the 8th and 9th arrondissements.  All of these are very centrally located for walking around Paris and have easy access to several metro lines.  We stayed in the 17th arrondissement on our honeymoon, and I didn’t love the location.      

A few things to know about Paris hotel rooms , especially if this is your first trip to Europe.  Paris hotel rooms are small.  Space is at a premium.  Generally, I’ve found that rooms are very well designed, but if you travel with A LOT of luggage, you may find it hard to get around your room.  Govern your packing accordingly!  

Paris can be super expensive at certain times of the year.  If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, this might be a great place for you to use points.  I LOVE using Hyatt points in Paris.  I’ve stayed at 4 Hyatts and had excellent experiences at all of them.  Choose the one that fits your trip.  (We used Marriott points on our honeymoon.  It was a great redemption and a good-enough experience.  In retrospect, I would have chosen Hyatt but we weren’t Hyatt people then.)

Hotels with spas are underrated in Paris.  We frequently walk more than 15 miles a day in Paris.  Being able to take advantage of the spa to rest our feet and recharge is definitely a luxury that I enjoy splurging on, if I can find one.  Don’t count on the fact that every hotel room will have a bathtub.  This is an amenity that you will need to ask about and ask for before you check in, otherwise you might find yourself disappointed.    

Hotel Dress Code (9th Arrondissement)

Hotel Dress Code Paris

Hotel Dress Code is my newest and favorite hotel discovery in Paris.  We stayed here for a week in June 2022 while I was taking a weeklong pastry class at the Ritz Paris.  I chose it because it was a 5 minute walk away from the Ritz , and we were very familiar with the neighborhood.  I loved the location of this hotel.  It is on a quiet street, and there are some truly beautiful squares tucked into some of the surrounding side streets.  With three stays under our belt, I’ve shared more all about all of our rooms at the Hotel Dress Code in Paris on the blog.

The staff was very warm, welcoming, and kind.  They were always quick to check if we needed anything or if they could help.  

These rooms are FUN with chic furnishings and splashes of color.  The hotel has several different sized rooms, though most of them are on the smaller side.  For that reason, I booked a superior room, which is classified as a medium room.  It was beautifully decorated with soft pink and gray accents, efficiently designed with a queen bed, a small desk, and a relatively large bathroom with a walk-in shower and chromotherapy.  Our room overlooked an interior courtyard, so it was very quiet in the evenings.

The hotel lobby doubles as the breakfast room, houses an honor bar in the evenings (with very reasonable prices), and provides a great work space during the day.  There is a spa on the lower level with a pool and a sauna.  It is upon reservation only.  We didn’t take advantage of it because I was so busy with pastry school, but it was really nice to know that it was available.  Next time!

The hotel is very convenient to the Madeline and Opera metro stops.  There is also a small grocery store right next to the hotel. It was easy to pick up water for our room.               

Hyatt Madeline Paris (8th Arrondissement)

Hyatt Madeline Paris Junior Suite

We spent one night at the Hyatt Madeline before heading back to the United States in July 2022.  We used points to book a standard room, and as a Hyatt Globalist, I was upgraded to a junior suite.  It was a very pleasant surprise, and we were sad that we weren’t staying longer to enjoy the hotel longer.  We were disappointed to miss the hotel happy hour. We had a dinner reservation at Sacree Fleur that I’m glad we didn’t miss.  (I had apple sorbet and Calvados for the first time. The fact that I’m still thinking about it should say a lot.)     

One of the things that surprised me most about the Hyatt Madeline in Paris was how kind and warm the staff was.  We’ve spent at least 35 nights at the Park Hyatt Paris. Sometimes they are lacking the warmth that we experienced at the Madeline.  From check in until the moment we departed, we felt like we were truly valued guests of the hotel.  This is a “large” American-style hotel, but it felt just as personal as Hotel Dress Code .    

Our junior suite was a large room with a sitting area, a king-sized bed, and a massive bathroom with a soaking tub and a walk-in shower.  Although our room faced Boulevard Malesherbes, one of the more busier streets, the windows were soundproof and the blackout curtains kept our room quiet.  The room was extremely comfortable and the bathroom was pure luxury.      

The Hyatt Madeline is most convenient to the Saint-Augustine and Madeline metro stops.

This is a mid-range point redemption for Hyatt (25,000 points per night).  It doesn’t have as much personality to the rooms as Hotel du Louvre, but I love both options.  If you are traveling with family, the Hyatt Madeline might be the best option for you.  If you’re looking for a special occasion hotel in Paris with a romantic vibe, the Hotel du Louvre or the Park Hyatt Paris might be a better fit.  I think that the Hyatt Madeline staff would go out of their way to make your stay special if they knew you were celebrating with them.  I can’t confirm that with experience, but it’s the feeling I got from our time there.  The Madeline does have a spa and you can schedule treatments. With our limited time, we did not have the opportunity to explore the spa, sadly.    

The most efficient redemption of Hyatt points is the Hyatt Etoile. Its Eiffel Tower view rooms are an extra special way to enjoy Paris.

Hotel du Louvre (1st Arrondissement)

Journey of Doing - review of Hotel du Louvre

I’ve written a full review on the Hotel du Louvre . We’ve stayed here twice, both when staying in Paris for 4 days.  I love this hotel, and the off-season redemptions with Hyatt points can be an absolute steal (21,000 points per night).  We’ve also used the 3rd night free promotion with Hyatt to book it.  As a Hyatt Globalist, I’ve been upgraded to a junior suite and a suite with a view.    

Like the staff at the Madeline, I find the Hotel du Louvre to be wonderfully accommodating and warm.  On both trips, we arrived well before check-in time. Even if our room wasn’t ready, they did everything they could to make us comfortable while we waited.  They delivered Madelines and a bottle of French lemonade to our room, which I thought was a nice touch.  

Both of the rooms that we’ve had offered sitting areas, in addition to king beds.  I love the soft gray tones of the rooms, along with the modern artwork.  Our junior suite overlooked an interior courtyard. We could hear live music from Palais Royal if we opened our windows.  When they were closed, it was quiet.  Our second suite overlooked Rue de Rivoli, so it was pretty loud when we opened our windows.  Closing the windows in the evening minimized the street noise. We did hear a little bit more street noise than we normally do in Paris.  Both bathrooms exclusively offered walk-in showers.  

One of the biggest perks of the Hotel du Louvre is the location.  You literally are looking into the Louvre and the Louvre is looking into the hotel, if you’re in the Richelieu wing.  This is really nice on cold and rainy days.  The metro stop for Palais Royal is just steps outside of your hotel. It’s very easy to get up and down the Seine.   

Park Hyatt Paris (2nd Arrondissement)

Journey of Doing - Click here for a non-sponsored Park Hyatt Paris review that covers three different stays, including photos of various park and deluxe rooms that we've stayed in!

I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve stayed at the Park Hyatt Paris since 2019. I think we’re up to six stays now (at least).  I’ve written a full review on the Park Hyatt Paris .  There are a lot of things I really love about the Park Hyatt, but having stayed at several other hotels in Paris, I can also see some of the things it is missing.  Service is polite and professional, but it feels like it lacks warmth sometimes.  The concierge was super helpful in trying to help us find last minute reservations when we stayed in Paris over Bastille Day.

First, if you are worried about the size of your hotel room in Paris, the Park Hyatt offers nicely-sized rooms.  Obviously, you’re going to pay a premium for this.  I love that every single room has a large walk-in shower and a soaking tub.  Our requests for quiet rooms are always honored; our rooms always face interior courtyards.  I love the automatic blackout shades that are activated by a touch of a button. (Can I get this at home?)  The rooms are incredibly comfortable and very luxurious, but they are gilded and gold. That may not be everyone’s cup of tea.     

The Park Hyatt Paris is the most expensive Hyatt point option in Paris coming in at 45,000 points per night.  At 30,000, I thought it was a tremendous deal.  At 45,000, I’m weighing my options.  We did use a suite upgrade at the Park Hyatt Paris in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, we received a very standard king Park Suite, similar to some of the larger rooms we’ve had.  In 2022, we received a deluxe king Park Suite, and it was lovely. (Room 615 is still my favorite room at the Park Hyatt Paris.  I’m not sure of its category, but it’s an incredible room with a lot of character.  I just wish it was a little bit brighter.)  The Park Hyatt is Paris is perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary. If you aren’t going to be in your room a lot, I’d save the money and splurge elsewhere on your trip.      

The other thing I love most about the Park Hyatt Paris is Le Spa. It’s a Le Mer spa located on the lower level of the hotel.  It offers a piping hot jacuzzi, a large sauna and steam room, and array of treatments that I LOVE.  The Le Mer body treatment and and facials are my favorite and the perfect way to fight jet lag.  Access to the spa is included in your room rate.  Their staff is truly superb and they are very good at what they do.  I adore the spa staff!      

Is 4 Days in Paris Enough?

Journey of Doing - Click here for the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Paris!  This long weekend itinerary for Paris includes tours, tips, and tricks to make the most of your time.

If you ask me?  No.  We spent 10 nights in Paris in summer 2021, and we didn’t run out of things to do.  (We spent about 20 nights in Paris in 2021 and still went back in February 2022.)  Is it possible to visit Paris in 4 days?  Yes.  Paris is incredible and there is always so much to see.  My Paris restaurant list gets longer and longer. I am constantly torn between going back to my favorite restaurants in Paris and trying new places.  (Spoiler alert: I try to do both.)  The more I visit Paris, the more I want to see and do.  There are so many parks and gardens, museums and tours, and things to see that I didn’t mention here.  It’s impossible to fit EVERYTHING into a long weekend in Paris.  

That being said, 4 days in Paris is enough to whet your appetite.  It’s a great jumping off point for further exploring France.  There are fast train connections to get you all over France and the rest of Europe.  We’ve used Paris to get to the Strasbourg Christmas markets , as well as to book end a trip along with Alsace wine route.  In summer 2023, we headed to northern France to visit Mont St Michel and the Normandy countryside for a few weeks. My next goal for our future France travels include Bordeaux and Carcassonne.  Paris is the perfect place for that because of the direct flights from Dallas and the ease of connections.          

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Sara loves to help people use their vacation time more effectively by planning beautiful, memorable, and delicious trips. She spends several weeks every year exploring Italy and central Europe. In addition to her full-time job, she is constantly searching for beautiful places and spaces. She loves the direct flights between Dallas and Italy, France, and Germany but is always up for wherever a great deal on an airline ticket will take her. (Sara also really loves European Christmas markets and tries to visit at least one new one every holiday season.)

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Paris is my dream destination. Would definitely visit these places. Thank you so much for sharing this blog.

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The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

A sunny day looking over the river in Paris, France with old buildings in the background

Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s a city I’ve visited countless times, I lived there, I’ve run tours there. I’m one of those people who thinks it lives up to all the hype.

But, it’s also a huge, sprawling city with 20 different neighborhoods and hundreds of hotels ( here’s my neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of the city ).

I field a lot of questions on what area of the city to stay in (answered in the above post).

But, in this post, I want to talk about my favorite hotels. I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels in Paris. Some good, some really terrible. To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Paris:

1. Hotel Bar Paris Bastille

A clean, modern, and comfortable hotel room at the Oh La La hotel in Paris, France

I think this is one of the best value places in the area. It has a bar on the ground floor that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. It also serves a delicious breakfast spread, with lots of variety (including fresh bread and croissants, pancakes, eggs, and cheese).

2. Hôtel Minerve

A small but cozy boutique hotel room at Hotel Minerve in Paris, France

The recently refurbished rooms are small but comfortable and include common perks like a flatscreen TV, desk, AC, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while also small, are pristine and have rainfall showers with excellent water pressure. The rooms are well soundproofed too, though the hotel is on a quieter street so there’s little traffic noise. I think this is the best budget choice for travelers who want something affordable but prefer not to stay in a hostel.

3. Pavillon de la Reine

A bright and spacious hotel room at the Pavillion de la Reine hotel in Paris, France

The rooms are all uniquely and lavishly decorated, with aristocratic furnishings like elaborate chandeliers and fine art on the fabric-coated walls. All rooms are comfortable and quiet, and while they aren’t huge, they offer lots of natural light from the enormous windows. Each room has AC, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are spacious and feature elegant tiles as well as upscale bath products. Breakfast isn’t included, and while it’s not cheap it is exceptional (the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant is worth a visit if you want to splash out). Paris has some luxury places and I think this is one of the best if you’re looking to spend some dough.

4. Le Relais Montmartre

A colorful hotel room with antique touches at the Le Relais hotel in Paris, France

Like most hotels in Paris, the rooms here aren’t huge, but they are colorful and bright. They also include free Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea maker, minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are a bit dated, but everything is clean and the water pressure is great. The hotel is just a three-minute walk to the Moulin Rouge too, so you really can’t beat this location. It’s also one of the most affordable hotels in the area, especially for the class of service you get.

5. Hôtel Wyld Saint Germain

A funky and colorful hotel room at Hotel Wyld in Paris, France

Rooms feature a flatscreen TV, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi. They’re not huge, but they are well-designed and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Some rooms also have balconies. The bathrooms, while also small, have modern fixtures and colorful tiles. The showers have good water pressure too.

6. Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

A sleek and modern hotel room near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

Decorated in a contemporary style, rooms feature comfy beds, a desk, flatscreen TVs with Chromecast, Nespresso machines, Alexa docking stations, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are large, with roomy walk-in rain showers that have excellent water pressure. If you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower, stay here.

7. Hôtel Thérèse

A cozy hotel room with a queen sized bed, soft lighting, a painting on the walls, and pastel colors throughout in Paris, France

The rooms are compact (but that’s to be expected in such a central location) and feature classy décor with unique artwork curated by the owners. All rooms include a desk, Bluetooth speakers, flatscreen TV with Chromecast, a minibar, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are also quite small, but they’re sparkling clean with walk-in showers and luxury bath products. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to stay in the city.

8. Hotel du Louvre

A Parisian hotel room with a queen sized bed, painting on the wall, and an open window showing the iconic architecture of Paris in the background

The rooms are stylishly decorated and bright and airy thanks to the large windows. They’re well insulated too so you don’t hear a lot of noise from the street. All rooms have a mini fridge, a minibar, flatscreen TV, electric kettle and Nespresso machine, and a desk. The bathrooms are huge with luxury bath products, robes, and slippers. This is a really nice choice for a higher-end stay in the heart of the city.

Paris is meant to be unraveled, to be explored at a leisurely pace as you meander its winding streets. But it’s also a large, sprawling city with tons of places to stay. By choosing from one of the hotels above, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable trip in the City of Lights.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Paris .

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Need a guide? Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company.

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Paris? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Paris for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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A s one of the world’s most recognizable cities, Paris is certainly never wanting for visitors. Francophiles descend upon the City of Light each year, taking in its unparalleled museums, nightlife, culinary scene and historic districts (known as “arrondissements”). Yet despite its centuries-long mainstay on the global stage, this city continues to delight and surprise. Its hotel scene in particular is ever evolving, with historic properties in a constant state of renewal and buzzy new boutiques seemingly opening every month. The best hotels in Paris are reflective of the Parisian experience itself, showcasing the creative heartbeat of the city in their décor, architecture, food and wellness offerings.

There’s options for every type of traveler here, whether you’re seeking a rendezvous with history at the city’s most renowned properties, like Ritz Paris , or hoping to get a peek at the evolution of the Parisian hotel scene at buzzy newcomers like Maison Proust and Hôtel Dame Des Arts . With so many options to choose from, we went ahead and narrowed down the best of the best, based on multiple trips and stays. Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris this year for the 2024 Olympics or just for pleasure, read on to discover the can’t-miss properties that will make your getaway truly magnifique .

Best High-End Hotel In Paris: Le Bristol Paris, Oetker Collection

Best hotel for families in paris: four seasons hotel george v, best value hotel in paris: hotel rochechouart, best hotel near shopping in paris: hôtel plaza athénée, best hotel near the louvre in paris: le meurice, dorchester collection, best historic hotel in paris: ritz paris, best hotel for romance in paris: maison souquet, best hotel with views of the eiffel tower in paris: shangri-la paris, best spa and wellness hotel in paris: maison proust.

  • Best Hotel In The Latin Quarter In Paris: Hôtel Dame Des Arts

Lobby at Le Bristol.

Le Bristol Paris, Oetker Collection

Who Will Love It : Travelers looking for “quiet luxury” in a high-end but still understated setting
All-Star Amenities : “Breakfast with Picasso,” which includes a curated meal by Chef Eric Frechon served in-suite facing the Picasso masterpiece Maison à Juan-Les-Pins; an on-site pasta laboratory, Il Pastificio; wraparound balcony with views of the Eiffel Tower
What Not To Miss : Dinner at three-Michelin starred restaurant Epicure; a spa treatment featuring La Prairie products
Location : 8th Arrondissement (Faubourg Saint-Honore)

A landmark of Parisian hospitality, Le Bristol has been a must-stay destination for discerning travelers since opening its doors in 1925. Socialites, celebrities, politicians and even royals have all checked in here, taking advantage of the property’s ideal location in the historical heart of Paris, right near the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysée. Decked out with crystal chandeliers, marble floors, Versailles-style furniture and 17th-century antique tapestries, guests who stay at Le Bristol should prepare for a taste of true French grandeur. Yet despite its opulence, the hotel still gives off an air of modern elegance, with 190 rooms and suites joined by a galleried glass hall and separated by a classic French-style garden.

Some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants can be found at Le Bristol, including Chef Eric Frechon's Epicure, which boasts three Michelin stars, and the more casual 114 Faubourg, which received one Michelin star. If your taste buds are crying out for more, there’s also an on-site mill and bakery, a chocolate factory, a cheese cave, a wine cellar and the recently introduced pasta laboratory, Il Pastificio, where handmade pasta is made each day in eight traditional sizes and shapes. Make sure to wind down at the recently redesigned spa, Le Spa Le Bristol—which features treatments using beloved beauty brands La Prairie, Tata Harper, KOS, and Bonpoint (for children)—and make sure to request of the fourteen Signature Suites, all of which were recently redesigned from top to toe.

Parisian Suite at Four Seasons Hotel George V.

Four Seasons Hotel George V

Who Will Love It : Families with young children
All-Star Amenities : 3 Michelin-starred restaurants under one roof, with children welcomed in all restaurants; babysitting services
What Not To Miss : “Precious Little Moments” package for children, which includes special personalizations for children of all ages as well as a family afternoon tea
Location : 8th Arrondissement (Élysée)

With its impeccable service and grand entryway, it’s no surprise that Four Seasons Hotel George V is widely considered one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Aside from its terrace—which features views of the Eiffel Tower—and its opulent Louis XV-style furnishings, it holds the distinction of being the first European hotel to have five Michelin stars under one roof. Tables at its three restaurants, including fine dining favorite Le Cinq, are constantly in demand by locals and visitors alike.

Despite its accolades, this grand dame of the Champs-Élysée is refreshingly down to earth, and truly rolls the red carpet out for families with children. The hotel’s thoughtful "Precious Little Moments" package provides children with a completely personalized stay from the second they check in. Delights include a family-friendly afternoon tea, Tartine et Chocolat bed linens and a plush toy of Little George, the hotel’s mascot. For parents who want a night out on the town, babysitting is available with a 24 hour notice, and young ones are also welcomed guests in any of the on-site restaurants.

Exterior of Hotel Rochechouart.

Hotel Rochechouart

Who Will Love It : The young and well-dressed creative crowd; those yearning for an authentic Parisian experience without breaking the bank
All-Star Amenities : Restored Art Deco architecture, including aged mirrors, a glass elevator and blue mosaic floors in the brasserie; views of the Sacré Coeur form the rooftop bar
What Not To Miss : A meal at the ground floor brasserie, a true locals’ spot
Location : 9th Arrondissement (Pigalle)

Just steps from the iconic Moulin Rouge, Pigalle was once a neighborhood best known for its late night debauchery. Today, that same cheerful mischief and merriment is alive and well at Hotel Rochechouart, the hip reincarnation of a hotel that was one of the most popular neighborhood haunts of the Roaring Twenties. 106 rooms highlight this property’s storied Art Deco past, with suspension lamps and tiled bathrooms. Some northern-facing rooms even boast views of the Sacré Coeur (but you can also get a great view from the rooftop bar).

There’s always action happening here, which makes it a great choice for younger travelers who don’t mind a little late night noise. The hotel’s ground floor brasserie is not to be missed, with locals crowding it every night in search of Parisian classics like chicken liver pâté and the beloved crêpe cake for dessert. The property is also walking distance from plenty of cafés and shops, as well as performance venues like La Cigale and Le Trianon. And with room rates coming in at under $200 a night during the off-season, it offers great value for a true Parisian experience.

La Cour Jardin Restaurant at Hotel Plaza Athenee.

Hotel Plaza Athénée

Who Will Love It : Shoppers; nightlife seekers; Art Deco enthusiasts
All-Star Amenities : Onsite skating rink; Beltrami linens; in-house Dior Institute spa
What Not To Miss : Meals at the acclaimed on-site Alain Ducasse restaurant and at Le Renais Plaza, one of the last remaining Art Deco rooms in Paris

Fashion lovers will want to check in at Hotel Plaza Athénée, which boasts one of the best shopping addresses in Paris on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, home to the Galleries Lafayette as well as several major haute-couture brands, including the flagship Dior, a partner of the hotel. Fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City will feel right at home here: the hotel was featured in the popular 2006 film starring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, and the balcony rooms at the front of the hotel were made famous by Carrie Bradshaw in a scene from the infamous HBO show’s sixth season.

After a day of shopping ‘til your drop, relax in one of the property’s Louis XVI and Art Deco-style rooms, then savor a meal at the on-site 3-star Michelin restaurant, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée. Don’t miss an opportunity to decompress in the property’s impressively deep tubs made of light marble, and for a special twist, make sure to book a facial at the hotel’s on-site Dior Institute spa. Upon arrival, guests are asked to choose a Dior scent to be diffused into their treatment room, making you feel like you’re living in a perfume commercial.

Belle Étoile suite terrace at Le Meurice.

Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection

Who Will Love It : Art lovers; travelers looking for a prime location
All-Star Amenities : Italian marble bathrooms; Maison Francis Kurkdjian toiletries; spa using Valmont products; location right near the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden
What Not To Miss : Complimentary Alain Ducasse chocolates for every guest
Location : 1st Arrondissement (Le Premier)

Everyone comes to Paris to experience beauty, but even the most discerning aesthete is sure to be blown away by a stay at Le Meurice. Pablo Picasso famously hosted his wedding banquet here, while Salvador Dalí was a frequent guest; modern-day bold-named frequenters include Beyoncé and Justin Bieber. Sitting right off the Tuileries Garden and just steps from the Louvre, this iconic property offers a prime location near one of the world’s most beautiful museums while also being a must-see destination for art and design lovers itself.

Designed by Philippe and Ara Starck, guests can feast their eyes on copper-rimmed mirrors, original Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs and sumptuous silks and velvets. Garnier Thiebaut linens can be found on each bed, while bathrooms include Italian marble flooring and, in suites, deep soaking tubs. In the evenings, snag a table at Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Meurice Alain Ducasse (or enjoy some of his chocolates in your room), then kick back in a deep leather armchair with a cocktail and live jazz at the legendary Bar 228.

Suite at Ritz Paris.

Who Will Love It : History buffs; luxury lovers; vacationers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience
All-Star Amenities : Marble fireplaces; a recently renovated Club & Spa; the soon-to-reopen once-Michelin starred L'Espadon
What Not To Miss : A cocktail at the legendary Bar Hemingway, known as one of the most historic literary bars in the world

One of the most renowned names on the Parisian hotel scene, Ritz Paris has been the crown jewel of city hotels since it opened its doors in 1898. The grande dame has hosted numerous bold names throughout history, from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Audrey Hepburn, and was once the residence of Coco Chanel, who lived in Suite No. 307 from 1937 until her death in 1971. Those who check in at the Ritz will be treated to palatial grandeur right in one of the city’s most famous squares, Place Vendôme, with refined service straight out of the Gilded Age and the sort of deep-pocketed clientele that prefer to see rather than be seen.

With décor spanning the Baroque to the Belle Époque, every floor of this property feels like stepping back in time, and each room is decorated with sumptuous touches, from velvet curtains to marble bathrooms and gilded frames. But the tony interiors and storied guest list aren’t the only thing that makes the Ritz a must-stay for history buffs: a tipple at the iconic, on-site Bar Hemingway, considered one of the best bars in the world and named after once frequent guest Ernest, is non-negotiable.

Library at Maison Souquet.

Maison Souquet

Who Will Love It : Couples; honeymooners; lovers looking for the perfect place to rendezvous
All-Star Amenities : Marble bathrooms stocked with Hermés toiletries; personalized butler service; private access to a pool, hammam and treatment room
What Not To Miss : A cocktail at the on-site Mille et Une Nuits lounge

Paris may have a reputation for romance, but one hotel stands above the rest when it comes to setting the scene for l’amour . The sultry Maison Souquet is bound to seduce any pair of lovers with its luscious velvet interiors, palette of mauve and plum and intoxicating aromas of rose, jasmine and tobacco. Drawing inspiration from its former life as a maison close (upscale brothel), the property—just a short walk from the iconic Moulin Rouge—has been reincarnated as one of the city’s most sensual hideaways. Its Arabian and Napoleonic design tickles the senses with Moorish tiling, turquoise mosaics and, yes, plenty of nude portraiture.

Comprised of just 20 rooms, your experience here will be hushed and intimate, leaving you time to unwind in your room, complete with soft bedding, moody lighting and walls embossed in imported silk. Ultimate relaxation calls for an indulgent bath in your marble bathroom, using top of the line Hermés products. When morning comes, tear away from your sweetheart just long enough to invite the sun in from your French windows. No request is too laborious for the concierge service to take care of, and room service can be enjoyed both in-room and at the on-site bar.

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Shangri-La Paris

Who Will Love It : Travelers who prioritize waking up to a perfect view above all else; museum lovers
All-Star Amenities : Marble bathrooms with Guerlain bath products; 24-hour room service; on-site dining at Shang Palace, the country’s first Michelin-starred Chinese fine dining establishment
What Not To Miss : A night at the Eiffel View Room or Terrace Eiffel View Room, both of which boast the city’s best views of the tower
Location : 16th Arrondissement (Quartier de Passy)

This luxe mansion perched near the Seine was once the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon, and hosted many gatherings of artists, academics and other friends of the French royal. Today it stands as one of the finest hotels in Paris, with a superb location just a few blocks from the Place du Tocadero, Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées, not to mention a position directly across the river from the Eiffel Tower. If views of the iconic tower are what you’re here for, it doesn’t get more prime than this: 40 percent of the rooms and 60 percent of the suites at the property feature views of The Iron Lady, with many of the 36 suites featuring a private balcony that allows you to wake up to a picture-perfect Parisian panorama.

Throughout the hotel, ornate décor is subtly blended with the hotel group’s Asian influence. The lobby’s grand staircase makes a weighty first impression, and the building’s facade, crafted by the same sculptors who modeled the Louvre, is designed in the Louis XIV style, bringing the palatial theme full circle. Kick back at Chi, the hotel’s luxe spa offering Asian-inspired holistic treatments, and don’t miss out on dining at the on-site Shang Palace, a haute cuisine institution that has the distinction of being the first Michelin-starred Chinese fine dining restaurant in France.

The Spa at Maison Proust.

Maison Proust

Who Will Love It : Bookworms; spa lovers
All-Star Amenities : On-site rotunda library filled with antique books; literary-themed bar featuring Marcel Proust-inspired cocktails made with French spirits
What Not To Miss : The underground Moroccan-inspired hammam spa, one of the most opulent in Paris
Location : 3rd Arrondissement (Le Marais)

Located in Le Marais, a neighborhood sprinkled with cobblestone streets and cozy cafés, this intimate 23-room boutique is a taste of la vie Bohème , the Bohemian life, in a district known for its literary history. Its rooms and suites sit across six themed floors, all of which are inspired by Claude Monet, Émile Zola and other bold-named authors and artists of the Gilded Age. The lampshades in each room are, quite literally, open books, designed to shine light out of passages from the hotel’s namesake author Marcel Proust ’s In Search of Lost Time. No detail is left unexamined, from the bold patterned wallpaper to velvet banquettes and plush bedrooms highlighted with polished wood. After a day of exploration, the private bar in the ground floor salon slings up cocktails named after Proust’s most famous works.

While the hotel itself may transport you to the days of the Belle Époque, head downstairs for the real star of the show: a Moorish spa complete with a marble hammam, sapphire blue pool and three treatment suites. Majestic columns covered in traditional geometric tiles will greet you as you walk down a colorful pathway crowned by ornate lanterns, with Orient-inspired fragrances wafting through the space. As if the lavish decoration wasn’t opulent enough, the Salon d’Eau features products from top luxury skincare line La Mer. Because an experience like this calls for true indulgence, high-rollers can book out the entire spa for private use.

Best Hotel In The Latin Quarter In Paris: Hôtel Dames Des Arts

Junior suite with terrace at Hotel Dames Des Arts.

Hôtel Dames Des Arts

Who Will Love It : Young creatives; groups of friends; first-timers looking to be in the artistic center of it all
All-Star Amenities : Diptyque toiletries; electric bikes available for rent; fitness studio; sauna; on-site dining concept serving Mexican cuisine
What Not To Miss : A night at the rooftop bar, which features 360-degree panorama views of the city
Location : 6th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter)

A newcomer to the Parisian hotel scene, Hotel Dames Des Arts opened earlier this year right in the heart of the city’s Latin Quarter, one of the artistic heartbeats of the city and the former stomping ground of legends like Pablo Picasso and Henry Miller. In an ode to its surroundings, the property incorporates the area’s artistic energy into its 109 rooms, all featuring original pieces from local artists, not to mention a bespoke typeface used across all menus and merchandise and named after beloved filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, a native of the Left Bank.

In fact, those who check in here will feel like you’ve stepped right into a film from the celebrated French New Wave. Earth-toned fabrics, eye-popping prints and shelves stuffed with film books provide a hip but welcoming atmosphere that feels trendy but thoughtful. Rooms are compact, which is to be expected in such a central location, but still offer natural light, plush bedding and a window-shaped desk in case you feel inspired to write the next great novel. Don’t miss an evening sipping cocktails on the hotel’s popular rooftop, which has bragging rights to panoramic views of the Sacré Coeur and La Défense in the distance; lines can get long, but hotel guests are prioritized.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran , a 7-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries. The writer of each of our hotel roundups is handpicked based on their area of expertise, whether they are area locals or avid travelers who have visited the destination frequently—and all have bylines in other reputable travel publications. Further, this story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. It was last updated in February 2024.

About Astrid Taran, Your Paris Guide

I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. As a lifelong New Yorker, I always feel happiest in an urban setting, and my favorite thing to do while traveling is to take in the art, culture and culinary gems of a new city. Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world and a destination I always find myself returning to. I have visited the city numerous times and stayed at multiple properties on this list. Currently, I am the Senior Travel Editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee all things hotels, cruises and travel accessories. You can read more of my Forbes Vetted stories here .

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4 day trip in paris

Hello everyone,

When I looked at the Hotel+Train packages in https://www.eurostar.com/, I gave it a try and I found that there is some good cost savings involved as opposed to buying the train ticket separately. In other words, if the total train tickets cost 1000 Euros round trip for our group, it costs only 200 Euros more than when a hotel is booked separately.

Hence wanted to check with you folks to find out if anyone has tried this route to get some benefit of cost savings? Other than cost factor, please let me know if there are any drawbacks with this approach.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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Europe Hotels and Places to Stay

4 day trip in paris

Seasonal Cravings US

Day Trips From Paris

P aris is a wonderful city to travel to, but the little pieces of history outside of the city are worth seeing while on vacation. France is the cornerstone for inspiring wine and cheese and is rich in historical landmarks.

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Day trips make it possible for you to have a hotel in a central location while having the opportunity to see the true lifestyle of the people of France. As many know, France can be costly; therefore, these five-day trips are a comfortable distance from central Paris.

Paris is a city like no other. Home to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and more, Paris is well known worldwide for its beauty, history, and charm. Whether you have lived in Paris all your life or have plans to visit, you should know that there are some amazing day trips from Paris, France , to be enjoyed by you and your loved ones. Read on for five amazing day trips from Paris, France, for a vacation your family will never forget.

Revel in the grandeur, majesty, and glory of beautiful Versailles. Young and old alike will delight at the amazing spectacle that is Versailles. Stroll the magnificent gardens, tour the palace and Petit Trianon, and follow in the footsteps of French royals such as Marie Antoinette. Versailles offers many tours of the grounds and buildings, fountain shows, and ample room for picnicking. Expect a total travel time of 35 minutes to Versailles from Paris, France.

Loire Valley

Another amazing place that is just a short drive from Paris, France, is Loire Valley. Loire Valley is famous for its wine, gardens, and agriculture. Tour a Muscadet winery, enjoy the beautiful gardens of Chateau de Chenonceau, or delight in the magnificent local architecture displayed in local buildings such as the Chateau de Villandry. While in Loire Valley, dine at one of their amazing restaurants, such as Auberge du XIIe Si¨cle. Loire Valley is roughly 2.5 hours from Paris, France.

Mont St. Michel

Aside from Paris, Mont St. Michel is one of France's most visited locations by tourists. Every year Mont St. Michel manages to welcome a staggering 3.5 million guests. Mont St. Michel looks like something out of a fairy tale, set in the middle of a bay with picturesque buildings such as the abbey, the parish church, and the museum of Mont St. Michel. Mont St. Michel also has plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging. While you are visiting Mont St. Michel, be sure to dine in one of their quaint restaurants, such as Cafeteria la Bella Normandie. You can expect a 3.5-hour drive from Paris, France, to Mont St. Michel.

A trip to Normandy is a must for any visitor to France. While Normandy is most famous as a World War II landmark, it is also well known for its beautiful scenery, orchards, and seaside serenity. View Omaha beach, take a stroll along the seaside, and bask in all that Normandy has to offer. While visiting, be sure to check out some of their finer restaurants, such as L'Essentiel. You can expect a 4-hour drive from Paris, France, to Normandy.

Fontainebleau

Another great adventure to embark upon you are in France is a day trip to Fontainebleau, France. Fontainebleau has much to offer, including tours, sightseeing, dining, and more. Take a tour of the fabulous Fontainebleau Castle, meander through the Barbizon village or delight in fine dining at one of Fontainebleau's restaurants such as Restaurant Letroubadour. You can expect to travel for 1 hour from Paris, France, to Fontainebleau.

Ile-de-France Wine Region

The idea of French wine conjures up pictures of the famous Champagne and Bourdeaux regions, but little known Ile de France grows the most superb grapes in the countryside. For travelers to Paris, this means that one doesn't have to spend a fortune traveling to the better-known wine regions since this is just an hour or two(depending on where you choose to go) outside of Paris.

Clos Montmartre, a remarkable vineyard in the region, has 1,900 vines with twenty-eight grape varieties. The popular varieties are Gamay and Pinot Noir and the vineyard is said to produce over 1,700 bottles of delicious wine each year. Call the winery to set up a tasting and consider yourself a lucky soul- the winery does not sell the wine commercially. And there is no need to search for a hearty meal; the winery serves platters alongside the wine tasting for an additional fee.

The can't-miss bistro in the region is Moulin de Ponceau, located on 21 rue de la Tannerie in Chartres. The restaurant offers majestic views of the River Eure, so be sure to ask for a table with a window. The menu changes regularly, but one can guarantee that rabbit terrine and foie gras to always be on the menu.

Reims, the champagne capital of France

The French love wine, so much so that they store up to 75 million bottles of Champagne under the streets of Reims. Just an hour and forty-five minutes outside of the city lies the Champagne capital of France. The city is beautiful and modern, yet antiquated, and a must-see for any lover of French culture.

Be sure to visit the House of G.M. Mumms, which stores 25 million bottles of Champagne under the streets and in the city's caves. Tourists should set up a walking tour in advance. The tour includes several tastings and a delightful experience in the world of the Champagne king.

Monet's Gardens at Giverny

One cannot go to France without peering into Claude Monet's life's inspiration and final moments. Monet's Gardens is a tribute to the impressionist's beautiful life and the paintings that he contributed to the art realm. Visitors can walk through the gardens, dine at bordering restaurants, and enjoy a calm, serene walk before returning to the bustle of Paris.

France is far too expensive to see in one trip, but one can fill their vacation with many day trips without ever having to stay anywhere but Paris. Day trips give visitors the flexibility to see French culture, and beautiful scenery, sip on French's delightful wine, and avoid the need to book several hotels. The outskirts of France can make any trip memorable.

Day Trips From Paris

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Nice in 4 Days: A Riviera Retreat

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February 26, 2024 · 2 min read

Nice 4 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 4-day journey through the stunning city of Nice, where the azure waters of the Baie des Anges beckon. Begin your adventure with a 2-hour stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, followed by an inspiring visit to the Marc Chagall National Museum, housing some of the artist's most renowned works. Day 2 invites you to soak up the sun at Blue Beach for a full day of relaxation and a trip to the picturesque village of St Paul de Vence. The third day is a blend of urban charm and historic allure; start with a brief visit to Place Masséna, then ascend to Castle Hill for panoramic views, and conclude with a 3-hour exploration of the quaint town of Èze. Your final day is dedicated to the serene beauty of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a small town perfect for a day's retreat, and a 2-hour scenic experience at Le Cap de Nice. This itinerary promises a mix of leisure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, all wrapped up in the vibrant atmosphere of Nice.

hotelStar

  • Day 1: Basking in the Beauty of Nice

Baie des Anges

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Begin your Nice adventure with a serene stroll along the Baie des Anges, a crescent of coastline that beckons with its azure waters. As the first stop of your day, allow the gentle sea breeze to set a tranquil tone for the hours ahead. Spend a couple of hours here, soaking in the panoramic views and the soothing ambiance of this picturesque bay.

Attraction Info

  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

L'Inattendu

Promenade Des Anglais

Next, let the allure of the Mediterranean guide you to the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Just a short jaunt from Baie des Anges, this famed walkway offers a glimpse into the heart of Nice. With only an hour here, take in the vibrant atmosphere, the palm-fringed boulevards, and the elegant architecture that has drawn visitors for decades.

  • Nice, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour

Restaurant le Vingt4

Marc Chagall National Museum

Conclude your day's exploration with a cultural infusion at the Marc Chagall National Museum. Nestled within Nice, this art gallery is a tribute to the eponymous artist's masterpieces. With an hour to immerse yourself in the vivid colors and dreamlike scenes of Chagall's works, this visit promises to be a highlight for art lovers and curious minds alike.

  • Av. Dr Ménard, 06000 Nice, France
  • Open from 5/2-5/31,Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 11/1-4/30,Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 6/1-6/30,Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-12:00pm,2:00pm-5:30pm;Open from 7/1-10/31,Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Closed on Tue;Closed all day on 5/1,The museum is open every day except January 1st and December 25th.The evacuation of museum rooms begins 15 minutes before closing; the specific business status of different holidays is subject to the opening situation on that day.

Les Pecheurs

Where to Stay Tonight

Appartement le verger, nice azur riviera, hôtel byakko nice, ibis nice centre notre-dame.

  • Day 2: Basking in the Riviera Sun and Exploring Artistic St Paul de Vence

Starting your second day with the soothing sounds of the waves, Blue Beach is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the quintessential Côte d'Azur experience. Located at 32 Promenade des Anglais, this private beach offers a serene escape with its azure waters and golden sands. Spend your day lounging under the Mediterranean sun or indulging in a variety of water sports. The beachside restaurant provides a taste of local cuisine with a view that's hard to beat. Blue Beach isn't just a place to relax; it's a slice of Nice's luxurious lifestyle that you can savor for an entire day.

  • 32 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

St Paul de Vence

After soaking up the sun, take a short journey to the artistic haven of St Paul de Vence. This medieval village is a treasure trove of art galleries, boutiques, and winding cobblestone streets. With a history that dates back centuries, it has been a muse for artists and writers alike. Spend a couple of hours exploring the charming nooks and crannies, and perhaps find a unique piece of art to take home. The panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the village ramparts are simply breathtaking and provide a perfect backdrop to this cultural exploration.

  • St Paul de Vence, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour

Restaurant Cote Jardin

La Maison Aux Bonsais

Hostellerie de la fontaine, hotel le saint paul, villa st maxime.

  • Day 3: From the Vibrant Place Masséna to the Charming Village of Èze

Place Masséna

Begin your third day in Nice with a leisurely stroll through the iconic Place Masséna, the city's main square that's a hub of activity and beauty. As the first stop of the day, this vibrant space sets the tone with its checkerboard flooring, stunning Fontaine du Soleil, and the striking statues perched atop tall pillars. Spend half an hour soaking in the Mediterranean ambiance and admiring the elegant buildings that frame the square.

  • Plassa Carlou Aubert, 06000 Nice, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour

ORNATO kitchen bar

Castle Hill

Next, elevate your Nice experience—literally—by visiting Castle Hill, just a short journey from Place Masséna. Allow a couple of hours to explore this historic cradle of Nice, where lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Baie des Anges await. The remnants of the old château, coupled with the breathtaking vistas, make this a photographer's paradise and a peaceful retreat from the city buzz.

  • 06300 Nice, France
  • Open from 8:30am-8:00pm

Conclude your day with a visit to the picturesque town of Èze, a jewel nestled above the French Riviera. Dedicate three hours to wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of this medieval village, discovering artisan shops, fragrant gardens, and the renowned Fragonard perfume factory. The small-town charm of Èze, combined with its stunning sea views, provides a perfect, serene finale to an eventful day.

  • 06360, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour

La Maison de Beaulieu

Chateau de La Chevre D or

Chateau eza, la perle d'eze - aparthotel, stunning penthouse with panoramic views of eze village and the french riviera.

  • Day 4: Exploring the Hidden Gems of the French Riviera

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Begin your final day with a serene escape to the picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the bustling city, this tranquil haven offers a perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and historic beauty. Spend your day meandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets, soaking up the local culture, and basking in the stunning seaside views. Villefranche-sur-Mer is not just a town; it's a timeless retreat that will capture your heart and make your last day in Nice truly unforgettable.

  • 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer,France

La Femme Du Boulanger

Le Cap de Nice

As the afternoon sun kisses the horizon, make your way to Le Cap de Nice for a breathtaking experience. Just a short drive from the city center, this coastal promenade is a feast for the senses, offering panoramic views of the azure sea against a backdrop of lush vegetation. Allocate a couple of hours to immerse yourself in the natural splendor, watch the waves crash against the rugged cliffs, and let the sea breeze refresh your spirit. It's the perfect culmination to your Nice adventure, leaving you with memories as vivid as the Côte d'Azur's waters.

  • 31 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, 06300 Nice

Hotel Provencal

Top things to do in nice-2024.

old nice

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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IMAGES

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