Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by gregor
Looking for the perfect 4-day Paris itinerary? Look no further! This guide covers all the must-sees, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum. Plus, it includes plenty of time for rest and relaxation in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
4 days in Paris itinerary
If you’re looking for the perfect 4-day itinerary for your trip to Paris, look no further!
This guide covers all the best things to see and do in the City of Light, from famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to lesser-known gems like the Catacombs and the Musée Carnavalet. Plus, we’ve thrown in a few recommendations for great places to eat, drink, and shop.
Bon voyage!
How to spend 4 Days in Paris
Day 1: Paris Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay
Start your trip with a bang by heading straight for the Eiffel Tower. After admiring the incredible views from the top, explore the Champ de Mars and take some photos with the tower in the background.
Then, walk over to the nearby Musée d’Orsay for a dose of art history.
In the afternoon, stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens and people-watch from one of the many cafés lining the Seine.
Finish up your day with a glass of wine and some cheese at a charming Parisian wine bar.
Day 2: Paris Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Latin Quarter
On your second day in Paris, dive into the city’s rich culture with a visit to the Louvre Museum. Spend a few hours browsing the incredible art collection.
Then walk over to the Notre Dame Cathedral to see one of the most iconic Gothic buildings in the world.
In the afternoon, explore the Latin Quarter and do some shopping at the trendy boutiques on Rue de Rennes.
End your day with a delicious dinner at a traditional French restaurant.
Day 3: Paris Montmartre, Sacré Coeur Basilica
On day three, venture outside the city center to see some of Paris’s other attractions.
Start with a visit to the Catacombs, a spooky network of tunnels under the city that’s home to millions of bones.
Then, head to the Montmartre district to see the Sacré Coeur Basilica and explore the charming cobblestone streets. In the afternoon, take a boat ride down the Seine River to get a different perspective on the city.
Finally, make your way to the Eiffel Tower for a spectacular view of the city at night.
Day 4: Paris Place de la Bastille, Marais, Tuileries Garden
On your fourth and final day in Paris, start with a visit to the Musée Carnavalet, a museum dedicated to the history of the city.
Then, walk over to the Place de la Bastille and explore the Marais district, a trendy neighborhood is known for its great shops and restaurants.
In the afternoon, head to the Musée du Luxembourg to see a rotating selection of art exhibitions.
Finally, finish up your trip with a leisurely stroll through the Tuileries Garden and a cup of coffee at a nearby café.
Where to Stay in Paris
There are plenty of great places to stay in Paris, whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, a cozy apartment, or something in between.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, the 1st arrondissement is the place to be. This central district is home to many of Paris’s most popular attractions, including the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, and the Place Vendôme. You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops in this lively area.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the 6th arrondissement is a great option. This charming neighborhood is known for its winding streets, small cafes, and art galleries. The Luxembourg Gardens are also located in this district, making it a great place to enjoy some time outdoors.
If you’re traveling on a budget, the 10th arrondissement is a great option. This up-and-coming neighborhood is home to many inexpensive hotels and restaurants. Additionally, Canal Saint-Martin is a great place to take a stroll or relax by the water.
No matter what your budget or preferences are, there’s sure to be a great place for you to stay in Paris.
Important Tips For Visiting Paris
There are a few important things to keep in mind when visiting Paris:
1. Be aware of your surroundings and pickpockets. Unfortunately, Paris is known for being a pickpocket hot spot, so be extra careful with your belongings in crowded areas.
2. Don’t be afraid to try new things! Paris is known for its food and wine, so make sure to sample as much as you can.
3. Take advantage of the city’s many museums and art galleries. Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, so make sure to visit at least a few.
4. Be prepared to walk. A lot. Paris is a relatively large city, so you’ll likely find yourself doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and make sure to pack a bottle of water.
5. Don’t forget to enjoy the little things. Take time to people-watch in a park, enjoy a cup of coffee at a café, or simply stroll down the street and take in the sights and sounds of Paris.
The Best Time to Visit Paris
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on what you are looking for in a trip to Paris. However, many people believe that the best time to visit Paris is in the springtime when the weather is milder and the flowers are in bloom.
If you are interested in avoiding the crowds, you may want to plan your trip for the shoulder season (April-May or September-October), when the weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists.
How To Spend 4 Days In Paris
If you’re lucky enough to have four days to spend in Paris, make the most of it with this action-packed itinerary. Day one, start by getting a lay of the land with a cruise down the Seine.
Then, hit up the Louvre and Notre Dame. For dinner, chow down on some classic French fare at a charming bistro.
On day two, explore more of Paris’ world-famous museums, like the Musee d’Orsay and the Pompidou Center. In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris.
On day three, stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, shop on the Champs-Élysées, and visit the Arc de Triomphe.
For dinner, treat yourself to a French feast at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Finally, on day four, take a day trip to Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
Things to know before visiting Paris
When planning a trip to Paris, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, Paris is a very popular tourist destination, so be sure to book your hotel and plane tickets well in advance.
Second, the city is large and can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to plan your sightseeing in advance and make sure you have a good map.
Third, be prepared for the crowds and the high prices.
Fourth, be aware that Paris is a very cosmopolitan city, so you’ll find a wide range of people and cultures. Finally, enjoy your trip!
How to save money on your 4-day Paris itinerary
There are many ways to save money on a 4-day trip to Paris. Here are some tips:
1. Stay in a less expensive hotel or hostel. There are many great options that won’t break the bank.
2. Eat at less expensive restaurants. There are plenty of great places to eat that aren’t too pricey.
3. Take advantage of free activities. There are many great things to see and do in Paris that don’t cost anything.
4. Use public transportation. Paris has an excellent public transportation system that can save you money on taxis or rental cars.
5. Shop at less expensive stores. There are many great stores in Paris that sell affordable clothing, souvenirs, and more.
4 days in Paris in the summer
There’s so much to do in Paris in summer! Here are some ideas for how to spend four days in the City of Lights:
Day 1: Start with a classic: the Eiffel Tower. Take the stairs to the second level for incredible views of the city. Then walk along the Champ de Mars to the Trocadero for more photo ops. In the afternoon, explore the Latin Quarter and grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés.
Day 2: Today is all about art. Visit the Louvre in the morning to see the Mona Lisa and other famous paintings. Then walk to the Musée d’Orsay to see the world’s largest collection of impressionist art. In the afternoon, stroll through the Tuileries Garden and enjoy the sunshine.
Day 3: Take a day trip to one of the nearby châteaux, like Versailles or Fontainebleau. Or explore more of Paris with a walk along the Seine River and a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Day 4: On your last day, treat yourself to a shopping spree on the Champs-Élysées. Then relax in one of the city’s many parks, like the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Bois de Boulogne. Finish your trip with a glass of Champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower as you watch the sunset over Paris.
4 days in Paris in winter
Day One:
Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel. Head out to explore the city and find a cozy spot for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Eiffel Tower and take in the stunning views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner at a charming Parisian restaurant.
Day Two:
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, head out to explore more of the city. Visit the Louvre Museum and spend some time marveling at the masterpieces. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and some live entertainment at a local cabaret.
Day Three:
After breakfast, head out to explore more of the attractions in Paris. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Spend some time walking around the Montmartre district and enjoy the views from the top of the hill. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Seine River. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner for two at a cozy Parisian bistro.
Day Four:
After breakfast, pack up and check out of your hotel. Spend your last day in Paris exploring some of the city’s many shops and cafes. In the afternoon, head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for one last look at the stunning views. In the evening, enjoy a final romantic dinner at a charming Parisian restaurant before heading back to your hotel to catch your flight home.
Best Time to Visit For a Paris Honeymoon or Trip
Generally speaking, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer the best combination of weather and crowds. The weather is usually mild and pleasant, with fewer tourists than in the summer months.
Keep in mind, though, that Paris is a popular destination year-round, so no matter when you go, you can expect some crowds.
Logistics: Getting to and Around during a Paris Itinerary
Assuming you would like tips for getting around Paris:
The most important tip is to purchase a Paris Visite pass which allows unlimited use of the metro, RER, buses, and trams. A 1-day pass costs €11.65, a 2-day pass costs €19.40, a 3-day pass costs €26.15, and a 5-day pass costs €35.80. The pass can be bought online or at any metro station.
If you will be staying in Paris for a longer period of time, it might be worth it to buy a Navigo Découverte pass. This pass costs €70 for a 7-day period and allows unlimited use of the metro, RER, buses, and trams within Paris and the Île-de-France area.
Single metro tickets can also be bought for €1.90. Keep in mind that you cannot use the same ticket to transfer between metro lines or to take the RER.
The RER is a suburban train system that can be used to get to the airport or to reach the outskirts of Paris. A single ticket costs €2.90.
Buses in Paris are a cheaper alternative to the metro, with a single ticket costing €1.90. There are also night buses, which operate between 1 am and 5 am, that cost €2.
Taxis are widely available but can be expensive. A ride from Charles de Gaulle airport to the city center, for example, can cost upwards of €60.
Finally, Paris has an extensive bicycle rental system called Vélib. There are 1,800 stations throughout the city where you can pick up and drop off bikes. A one-day pass costs €1.70 and a 7-day pass costs €8.
Eiffel Tower & St-Germain
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It was built in 1889 and stands 324 meters tall. The tower is located on the Champ de Mars in Paris and is the most-visited paid monument in the world. Every year, millions of people flock to the tower to take in its breathtaking views of the city.
Saint-Germain is a neighborhood in Paris that is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
The neighborhood is known for its chic cafés, art galleries, and designer boutiques. Saint-Germain is the perfect place to explore Parisian culture.
Paris Classics – Churches, Museums & Monuments
There’s no shortage of things to see in Paris, but if you’re looking for the classics – the must-see sights that make the City of Light so famous – here’s a list to get you started. From iconic churches and world-famous museums to historic monuments, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in the world, and for good reason. The Gothic architecture is breathtaking, and the views from the top of the towers are not to be missed.
If you’re interested in art, the Louvre is a must-see. It’s one of the largest museums in the world, and home to some of the most famous paintings, like the Mona Lisa. For a different kind of art, head to the Musée d’Orsay to see the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings.
For something a little more historic, pay a visit to the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower. The Arc de Triomphe is a monument dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French Revolution, and the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
If you’re looking for a different kind of history, the Catacombs of Paris are a must-see. They’re a network of tunnels and caves that were once used as burial grounds, and now house the remains of more than six million people.
Get lost in the world’s largest museum, the Louvre
The Louvre is the world’s largest museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. Nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century are exhibited over an area of 60,600 square meters.
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built as a fortress in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II. Remnants of the fortress are visible in the basement of the museum.
Due to the urban expansion of the city, the fortress eventually lost its defensive function. The rooms inside the palace were gradually turned into galleries.
The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, the majority of the works being confiscated from Church and Royal properties.
The collection was increased under Napoleon and the museum was renamed the Musée Napoléon. After the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, many works seized by his armies were returned to their original owners.
The collection was further increased during the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X, and during the Second French Empire, the museum gained 20,000 pieces. Following the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine in 1870–71, many German works came into the possession of the French state.
Get to know the gargoyles and chimera at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
The gargoyles and chimera at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris are some of the most famous and recognizable monuments in the city. They have been featured in countless movies and TV shows set in Paris, and are one of the main reasons why the cathedral is so popular with tourists. If you’re interested in getting to know these iconic creatures better, there are plenty of resources available online. You can also take a tour of the cathedral itself, which is highly recommended if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.
How far along is the rebuilding of Notre Dame?
Three years after the great fire, construction work in Notre Dame is in full swing. The Paris Cathedral should be open to the public again by 2024.
Relax in the sun at Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is a great place to relax in the sun. It is located near the Louvre Museum and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Stroll along Avenue des Champs-Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world. It is a beautiful, tree-lined avenue that runs for over a mile through the heart of Paris. The avenue is home to many high-end shops, restaurants, and cafés. It is also a popular place to stroll, relax, and people watch.
See Monet’s Nymphéas (Water Lilies) at Musée de l’Orangerie
The Musée de l’Orangerie is a museum in Paris, France, located on the bank of the Seine River. It is home to the world-famous Nymphéas (Water Lilies) paintings by Claude Monet. The museum is open to the public and offers a variety of educational programs and events.
Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in the world, and wandering to the top of it is an experience that cannot be missed.
The tower was built in 1889 and stands 324 meters tall. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, with over 7 million people visiting each year.
Top Tip: Paris: Eiffel Tower Direct Access Tour to Summit by Elevator (Book Tickets here)
Mosey on down the Seine on a Bateau Mouche
Mosey is on down the Seine for a Bateau Mouche ride to see some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Admire the Eiffel Tower from the water, and then disembark at the Louvre or Notre Dame.
Step inside the beautiful Basilique du Sacré Cœur
The Basilique du Sacré Cœur is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris.
It is located on top of Montmartre, and from its steps, you can see Notre Dame and the rest of the city. The church is very popular with tourists and Parisians alike.
Top Tip: Paris: Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre Tour with Expert Guide (Book your ticket here)
Snap some very Instagrammable Parisian hot spots
If you’re looking to snap some very Instagrammable Parisian hot spots, you’ll want to wander around Montmartre and Rue du Chat qui Pêche. These charming areas are full of cute cafés, quaint cobblestone streets, and gorgeous architecture.
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See the Impressionists at Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is a world-renowned museum located in Paris, France. The museum is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist art, making it a must-see for any art lover. The Louvre, another famous museum in Paris, is also worth a visit.
See ‘The Thinker’ at Musée Rodin
The Thinker is one of the most famous sculptures in the world, and it can be found at the Musée Rodin in Paris. The Musée Rodin is a museum dedicated to the work of French sculptor Auguste Rodin, and it is one of the most visited museums in Paris. If you’re looking to wander through a museum and see some incredible artwork, the Musée Rodin should definitely be on your list.
Top Tip: Paris: Rodin Museum Entrance Ticket
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just a chance to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, consider spending four days in Paris.
This city has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in art, history, fashion, food, or just taking in the sights.
With a little planning, you can make the most of your time and see all that Paris has to offer.
Other Paris Travel related articles:
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