How to Spend 4 Days in Paris: The Ultimate 4 Day Paris Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to France and wondering how to spend 4 days in Paris?
Paris, the City of Lights (or Love), is a dream destination for many travelers! Its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class art, and vibrant culture make it one of the most visited cities in the world.
After being lucky enough to visit Paris several times, I’ve fallen in love with this city and can easily see myself going back again and again.
But if it’s your first visit, it can be overwhelming to craft the “perfect itinerary” for your trip. The truth is, there is no perfect itinerary! I personally think the best way to experience Paris is to leave room in your schedule for spontaneity.
Of course, you’ll still need a general outline for your trip, which is where this itinerary comes in! I’m sharing how I recommend spending 4 days in Paris, which is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors!
I’ll also touch on where to stay, how to get around, and things you should know before visiting Paris.
Quick Mini Guide to Paris
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Paris to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
– Hotel Louis II (moderate & clean)
– Hotel des Londres Eiffel (great location)
– Hotel Mayfair Paris (boutique hotel)
When to Visit:
– I recommend shoulder season (Early May or late September)
– Summer (June – August) is peak season
– Winter can be chilly and rainy!
Things to Do:
– Go on a Seine river dinner cruise
– Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower
– Stroll through the many gardens
Itinerary Overview
Keep reading for more details, but here’s a quick summary of this 4 day Paris itinerary!
- Day 1: The Louvre, Le Marais, Île de la Cité, & the Latin Quarter
- Day 2: Trocadero, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, & Seine Dinner Cruise
- Day 3: Day Trip to Palace of Versailles or Giverny + Catacombs & Dinner Show
- Day 4: Canal Saint-Martin, Garden du Luxembourg, & Evening Picnic at the Champ-de-Mars
One important thing to know before visiting Paris for the first time is that a lot of attraction tickets require advanced purchase. And not only that, but most tickets have timed-entry, which means you need to choose a time slot when booking your tickets.
Morning time slots usually sell out first, so it’s important to book your tickets far enough in advance to secure the time you want!
Here’s a quick list of the activities mentioned in this itinerary and when I recommend purchasing tickets:
🖼️ The Louvre tickets (Timed-entry and skip the line, book as soon as your schedule is set)
🗼 Eiffel Tower tickets (Timed-entry and multiple ticket types, book 2-3 months out)
🏛️ Arc de Triomphe tickets (Skip the line, book as soon as your schedule is set)
🚤 Seine Dinner Cruise (Book at least 1 month out, especially if traveling in summer)
🏰 Versailles tickets (Timed-entry, book at least 1 month out or book with a guide!)
👠 Crazy Horse Cabaret (Very popular! Book a few months out)
💀 Catacombs (Timed-entry, tickets open 1 week in advance)
🥐 Le Maris Food Tour (Book a few days in advance)
Where to Stay in Paris
Before we get into the details of how to spend your 4 days in Paris, I wanted to first touch on where to stay in Paris!
As one of the most visited cities in the world, there are of course TONS of hotels in Paris to choose from. Now, unless you are very picky, I honestly wouldn’t stress about which hotel you choose.
For example, maybe you want to splurge and find the perfect hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower from your room. Or you absolutely need to stay at a Hilton on the Seine River.
However, most people just want a clean, safe hotel that fits in their price range and has the accommodations they require. I promise you will be able to find 30 hotels that meet your needs!
So, how do you choose the one for you in a sea of boutique hotels, budget hostels, luxurious suites, and everything in between?
If it is your first time visiting Paris, I recommend narrowing down your search to the fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh arrondissement to be as close to the main sites as possible!
Wondering what the heck an arrondissement is? It’s basically just a neighborhood, and Paris has 20 of them to organize the city.
Check out the map below from Trip Savvy to see where each is in relation to the main sites!
Aside from choose a hotel in one of these 4 arrondissements, the other tip I have is to choose a hotel near a metro station.
Even if you choose a hotel at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, I promise you will still be walking a ton during your 4 days in Paris!
To reduce this, you’ll want to take public transportation as much as possible! And the easiest way to get around the city is via the metro system (just like the subways in NYC). So, choosing a hotel that is a quick walk away from any metro station will make your life easier!
(I’ll touch more on getting around Paris in the next section!)
Finally, if you want specific hotel recommendations, I got you! Here are some top choices that you can’t go wrong with:
- Hotel Louis II (moderate & clean)
- Hotel des Londres Eiffel (great location)
- Hotel Mayfair Paris (boutique hotel)
➡️ Check out my full guide on Where to Stay in Paris for First Time Visitors for more recommendations and details!
Getting Around Paris
As mentioned above, you might be wondering how you will be getting around Paris during your 4 days in this enchanting city.
No, you will not need a rental car in Paris!
Paris has a fabulous public transportation system that even tourists can figure out. RATP (Régie Autonome des Transport Parisiens) is the name of the entire system, which includes trains, the metro, trams, and buses.
I highly recommend downloading Google Maps for your trip, which has all the public transportation schedules built in. Just enter your location and where you need to go, and it’ll show you the different options for getting there, including the easiest and the fastest.
When you arrive at a metro station, you will find RATP ticket machines where you can purchase single-ride tickets or a 10-pack. I used to purchase paper tickets when visiting Paris, but now it’s even easier!
All you have to do is purchase a Navigo card through your phone’s e-wallet. Once you arrive in Paris, add a “Transit Card” to your Apple or Google wallet, and search for Navigo! You can choose to purchase one Metro or Bus ticket (or a pack of 10).
There’s also the 1-Day Pass or Visit Passes, but you have to ride the Metro A LOT in one day for these to be worth it.
Once you have paid for the tickets, you will just place your phone on the reader on the bus or at the metro station gate instead of inserting a paper ticket!
Whichever option you choose, make sure to take advantage of public transportation during your 4 days in Paris! Your feet will thank you!
What to Pack for Paris
I have a whole blog post on What to Pack for Paris, however, here is a quick summary! Make sure to check out that post for all the details.
1. Comfy Walking Shoes: During our first day in Paris we walked over 15 miles… If you don’t have the right shoes, you will be miserable. So make sure to pack comfy sandals or sneakers that won’t give you blisters. I swear by my platform converse (they’re soo squishy!).
2. Cross-Body Bag: Before you visit Paris, it’s important to know that pick-pockets are prominent! They frequent tourist areas like in front of the Eiffel Tower and in the Louvre and will steal from you without you even realizing. It’s important to have a small bag that always stays on your person and in front of you!
3. Cute Hat and Sunglasses: Not totally necessary but helps with cute photos!
4. Europe plug converter: If you’re traveling from the USA, you will need a converter like this one to use your electronics!
5. Power Bank: You will likely be out adventuring all day and not at your hotel much. Couple that with taking tons of photos and videos means one thing… low phone battery. I recommend buying a power bank to make sure your phone never dies!
Shop all of my Europe Travel Essentials here!
Day 1: The Louvre, Le Marais, Île de la Cité, and the Latin Quarter
Morning at the Louvre
Begin the first day of your Parisian adventure with a visit to the Louvre, the world’s largest and perhaps most famous art museum!
Important Note about Louvre Museum Timed Entrance Tickets: Make sure to grab your tickets in advance and arrive early to beat the crowds. The tickets have timed entrances, so you’ll need to choose whichever one fits your itinerary! I recommend going as early as you can.
Also, there are several entrances to the Louvre! Avoid the most popular one in front of the Pyramid, which sees insane lines. Instead, head to the underground entrance called Carrousel de Louvre.
Spend your morning wandering through the many corridors and hallways of this famous museum! Be sure to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. I also loved the Galerie d’Apollon with the French Crown Jewels!
The Louvre’s collection is incredibly diverse, so take your time exploring the different wings, each housing masterpieces from different eras and regions. I highly recommend researching in advance which specific areas you want to visit, because it’s impossible to see it all in one day!
Note: If you plan on visiting more than other museums like the Musée d’Orsay or the Musée Rodin during your time in Paris, consider getting the Paris MuseumPass to save some money!
Lunch & Exploring Le Marais
After a morning at the Louvre, head to the nearby Le Marais district for lunch. This historic area is known for its charming streets, trendy boutiques, and vibrant, international atmosphere.
Stop by a traditional French bistro or a chic café to enjoy a leisurely lunch. You can’t go wrong with places like Au Bourguignon du Marais, or Le Ju’ with its colorful hanging umbrellas!
If you’re looking to try some international cuisine, Le Marais is also home to the Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find incredible falafel, knish, and more.
However, we personally decided to do a pastry tour through Le Marais, which was absolutely divine! We got to learn so much about the history of the area, while trying both traditional and under the radar French pastries.
We tasted everything from croissants to cakes to choux pastry to chocolate and more!
Book your own Le Marais pastry tour here! 🥐 🍫🍰
After lunch, take a stroll through the picturesque Place des Vosges, one of Paris’s oldest and most beautiful squares, and explore the narrow, winding streets lined with half-timbered houses and art galleries.
Afternoon in Île de la Cité
In the late afternoon, cross over one of the famous bridges like the Pont Neuf or Pont au Change to Île de la Cité, aka as the Island of the City.
This famous little island used to be the city of Paris! It lays in the middle of the Seine River and is home to two famous landmarks: the Sainte Chapelle and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
As of 2025, the Notre Dame Cathedral is back open to the public and absolutely worth visiting the inside! Entry is completely free, and while you can try to snag skip-the-line reservations online, we waited in the normal line and it took less than 10 minutes to get inside.
Also on the island is the Sainte Chapelle church, known for its stunning stained glass windows. Entry to the church is ~13 euros and I recommend purchasing tickets in advance!
Make sure to take some time to relax in the tranquil gardens of Square Jean XXIII, located behind the Notre Dame!
Evening in the Latin Quarter
To wrap up this action-packed first day in Paris, head over to the iconic Latin Quarter area, known for its bohemian atmosphere and vibrant nightlife for dinner and a nightcap.
On the way over from Île de la Cité, make sure to stop by the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a haven for book lovers. You can also swing by the Panthéon for a quick photo-op!
We also grabbed a quick cappuccino here on our last trip to Paris at one of the many charming Paris bistros. You haven’t truly experienced Paris until you’ve sat outside at a cafe and just enjoyed the energy.
For dinner, there are tons of restaurants to choose from offering delicious French cuisine, like La Petite Perigourdine or Bonvivant.
You can also grab a drink at one of my favorite hidden gems in Paris, Cour du Commerce Saint-André, an adorable covered street with bars and restaurants!
Day 2: Trocadero, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, and Seine Dinner Cruise
Morning at the Trocadero (with Eiffel Tower Views)
Start your second day in Paris off with a visit to the Jardins du Trocadero (also known as the Trocadero Gardens), which offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower!
From the Gardens, you can capture stunning photos of Paris’s most iconic landmark from across the Seine River. If you are trying to avoid the crowds, I highly recommend getting here as early as possible!
If you want to, you can also head across the River and go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower! Or, you’ll have another opportunity to do this on the last night of the itinerary.
Late Morning Exploring Montmartre
After you’re done at the Trocadero, it’s time to head to Montmartre, the artistic heart of Paris.
🚇 Travel Tip: The easiest way to get from Trocadero to Montmartre is to take the Metro Line 6 from Trocadero Station to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile Station, then transfer to Line 2 and take that to Anvers Station. From Anvers Station, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to Sacré-Cœur!
Begin your exploration at the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched on the highest point in the city. Walking up to the church from the street level is half the fun, as it towers above you! You can choose to climb the stairs to the top (what we did) or take the Montmartre funicular for the cost of a metro ticket.
At the top, you’ll find incredible sweeping views of all of Paris. You can hang out on the steps and take in the views before heading inside the church if you choose to!
The basilica is open every day of the year, generally from 6.30am to 10.30pm. Admission is free! Full transparency: We skipped this because the line was super long!
After exploring around Sacré-Cœur, head down across the way to the Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels to paint and sell their work. You can also check out the Musée de Montmartre to learn about the area’s rich artistic history (which there is a lot of!).
For lunch, find a cozy café like La Bonne Franquette or the famous Le Consulat and enjoy some classic French dishes.
Note: Want to learn more about the history of Montmartre for free? Download the Le Walk app, which takes you on a free walking tour with an audio guide!
Afternoon Climb of the Arc de Triomphe
After lunch, it’s time to make your way to the Arc de Triomphe! Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, this monumental arch honors those who fought and died for France.
🚇 Travel Tip: The easiest way to get from Montmartre to the Arc de Triomphe is to take the Metro Line 2 from Blanche Station back to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile Station! This station is located right underneath the Monument.
Once you arrive at the Metro station, follow the signs for the Champs Elysées exit and look for the underground passage to the monument. If you end up out on the street across from the Monument, you’ve gone too far!
While seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close is incredible, I highly recommend climbing to the top for epic views of the city!
Make sure to book your tickets for the Monument in advance to avoid long lines.
When booking online directly, you’ll have to select an entry time, which are in 20-minute increments! The cost for entrance is ~16 euros per adult. Or, you can book this version on GetYourGuide which is good for the full day!
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To get to the top of the Monument, you’ll need to climb 284 steps on a spiral staircase! However, an elevator is available only to those who need it.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views over Paris. Here, you can see the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, La Defense, as well as the twelve grand avenues radiating from the arch like a star. This was one of my favorite things we did in Paris!
If you have time after visiting the Arc de Triomphe, you can take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées, exploring its luxury shops and cafés. However, make sure to give yourself plenty of time for your next activity!
Evening on a Seine Dinner Cruise
To conclude your second day of this Paris itinerary, it’s time to go on a magical Seine River cruise.
My personal favorite option is this 4-course Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise, especially if you are looking for something romantic! We absolutely loved this cruise and decided to splurge on seats at the front of the boat, which I highly recommend for the best views!
Most dinner cruises last between 2 and 3 hours. In the summer, they’ll leave around 8pm since the sunset isn’t until ~10pm!
As you glide along the Seine river, you’ll pass by many of Paris’s most famous landmarks, like the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and the Statue of Liberty, which are beautifully illuminated at night.
We loved the Bateaux Mouches cruise because they timed our arrival at the Eiffel Tower perfectly, right at dusk when it sparkled for the first time! Their boats also have an open-air rooftop deck where you can go to see the sites more clearly.
What’s more romantic than watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle with a glass of champagne in hand? I can’t think of anything!
➡️ Read Next: Guide to the Best Seine Dinner Cruises in Paris! 🚢
Day 3: Day Trip + Catacombs and Dinner Show
On the 3rd day of your 4 days in Paris, it’s time to get outside of the city! If you only have 2 or 3 days in Paris, you might opt out of the day trip. However, with 4 days, I highly recommend it!
Option 1: Palace of Versailles
The most popular day trip from Paris is almost certainly to the Palace of Versailles, which lies just 9 miles (16 km) outside the city.
🚇 Travel Tip: The easiest way to get from Paris to Versailles is to take a RER-C train, which depart from popular stations around Paris, including the Champs de Mars by the Eiffel Tower.
The cost of the train from Paris to Versailles is around 8€ for a round trip ticket and typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on your starting point. Or, if you purchased a Paris Visite pass, this route is included!
The Versailles Château-Rive Gauche station is a quick, 10-minute walk to the Palace – just follow the crowds!
Once you arrive at the Palace, you’ll need to enter based on your timed-entry ticket. Again, it’s very important to purchase a ticket in advance. This will help you avoid long lines, and tickets do sell out in the summer months.
You can easily spend an entire day exploring the interior of the Palace of Versailles plus the sprawling exterior gardens and manors!
Some of the most popular spots inside include the extravagant Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the King’s Grand Apartments, adorned with luxurious furnishings and intricate details.
After exploring the Palace, head outside to the opulent Gardens, which sprawl for miles. You can get lost amid the manicured hedges and make sure to catch a fountain show! This was our favorite part of visiting Versailles.
Then, take the Petit Train to the other areas of the grounds like the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon. You can even explore where Marie Antoinette lived!
➡️ Read Next: Detailed Guide on Taking a Day Trip from Paris to Versailles! 👑
Option 2: Day Trip to Giverny
If you don’t have any interest in (or have already visited) the Palace of Versailles, another great day trip option from Paris is to the town of Giverny!
Giverny was the home of Claude Monet, so visiting here is a must of Impressionist art lovers.
🚇 Travel Tip: To get from Paris to Giverny, you’ll need to take a train from Paris to Vernon, and then a quick bus ride or taxi to Giverny. Or, consider taking a guided tour to make your travel day stress free!
Start your visit with a tour of Monet’s house, where the artist lived and worked for over 40 years. The house has been preserved as a museum, showcasing Monet’s personal collection of Japanese prints and the rooms where he created some of his most famous works.
However, the real highlight of Giverny is the stunning gardens, meticulously maintained to look exactly as it did during Monet’s time.
Wander through the flower gardens, bursting with vibrant colors, and cross the iconic Japanese bridge over the water lily pond, which served as the inspiration for many of Monet’s masterpieces.
Not interested in Versailles or Giverny? Check out my full guide on Paris day trips by train for more options!
Evening: Optional Catacombs and a Dinner Show
After returning from your day trip outside Paris, head back to your hotel for some down time and maybe an espresso!
If you arrive back in the afternoon, consider squeezing in a visit to the Paris catacombs before dinner. You’ll descend into the underground ossuary where the remains of over six million people are stored.
It took me 3 trips to Paris to finally visit the catacombs, and it’s absolutely worth it (even if it’s a bit creepy). The labyrinth of tunnels lined with bones offer a unique into the city’s history. It takes about an hour to explore the entire tunnel!
Tickets to the catacombs open 1 week in advance and are sold in specific time slots. Make sure to purchase in advance to get the time you want!
After the catacombs, it’s time to finish off your night with dinner and a cabaret show!
The most popular option of course is Moulin Rouge, located back in Montmartre. This famous cabaret show dates back to the late 1800s and offers a unique glimpse into the Belle Époque period of Paris, complete with four spectacular acts of sequins and sparkles.
However, if you’re interested in something more adult-oriented, I highly recommend checking out the Crazy Horse show. We saw Le Crazy Horse on our last trip to Paris and were absolutely blown away.
This show is a lot more sultry than Moulin Rouge, as nudity is a common theme in each performance. Expect topless women and provocative dancing coupled with incredible lighting, fun music, and more!
Photos aren’t allowed inside the performance, but you can watch a preview video here!
If cabaret performances aren’t your thing, you can check out my full guide on things to do in Paris at night!
Day 4: Canal Saint-Martin, Luxembourg Gardens, Picnic at the Champ de Mars
Morning along the Canal Saint-Martin
Begin your last day of this 4 day Paris itinerary by taking it slow and seeing some of Paris’s hidden gems!
I highly recommend having a slower morning, maybe grabbing a pastry and coffee at an outdoor cafe and enjoying the Paris lifestyle. That is – sitting, eating, drinking, and just relaxing.
After breakfast, head over to the little known Canal Saint-Martin, a picturesque waterway lined with charming cafés, boutiques, and leafy trees.
Here, you can take a leisurely stroll along the canal and enjoy the little cafes and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for brunch, check out Chez Prune!
Afterwards, continue your stroll along the Canal, exploring the little boutique shops along the way. If you want to grab a cocktail, Le Comptoir General is a trendy and picturesque spot!
➡️ Read Next: 15 Hidden Gems in Paris You Have to Explore!
Afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens
In the afternoon, head to the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg. This sprawling garden is a favorite among Parisians and visitors alike, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. And, it’s been around since the 1600s!
It’s especially beautiful in front of the Senate house with the flowers blooming! Nearby, don’t miss the picturesque Medici Fountain, a great spot for photos.
If you didn’t eat along the Canal Saint-Martin, you can also grab a sandwich or a pastry from one of the nearby bakeries and enjoy a picnic in the park! Don’t forget to check out the little model sailboats on the Grand Bassin.
We loved just slowing down here and taking in the beauty of Paris on our last day.
In the late afternoon, take some free time to explore any areas of Paris you might have missed or want to revisit.
Whether it’s shopping for souvenirs, visiting another museum, or simply wandering through the charming streets, use this time to make the trip your own! Again, don’t feel like you need your cram your itinerary with activities.
Evening Picnic at the Champ-de-Mars
To wrap up your final evening in Paris, you will be doing my favorite activity that we do on every trip – a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower!
Directly in front of the Eiffel Tower lies a large green space called the Champ De Mars. You have probably seen it often in movies or tv shows!
Every evening, locals and tourists alike gather here to enjoy the sparkling of the tower at dusk, and every hour after.
Pick up some French goodies from a local market or bakery nearby, like cheese, charcuterie, fruit, and a baguette. Of course, you can’t forget a bottle of wine (or two)!
I highly recommend packing a small blanket or towel in case the grass is wet.
Arrive before sunset to get a good seat! However, don’t worry if you’re further back, the view is great from all angles!
You’ll get to witness the beautiful sunset behind the Tower and see the city basked in a golden glow.
Then, at dusk, the Tower will light up with golden lights, and on the hour, it will sparkle for 5 minutes! This repeats every hour, on the hour, until midnight!
This was the most magical and romantic thing we did in Paris, and I personally think it’s the perfect way to end your 4 days in Paris!
➡️ Read Next: Check out my complete guide on how to plan an Eiffel Tower picnic!
This is also a great time to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower if you want to add that to your itinerary! Just remember to book tickets far in advance to secure the time slot you want!
Other Tips for 4 days in Paris
Before we wrap up this guide on how to spend 4 days in Paris, I wanted to touch on a few more tips that will make your trip more enjoyable!
- Learn a little French! A simple “bonjour” or “merci” goes a long way to the locals.
- Wear comfortable shoes! You will be walking A LOT.
- Watch out for scammers! They pry on tourists in front of popular attractions.
- Spend time doing nothing! And enjoy that Parisian lifestyle.
➡️ For more tips, make sure to check out my list of 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Paris for the First Time!
Final Thoughts
4 days in Paris may not seem like enough to experience all that this magnificent city has to offer. However, I personally think it’s the perfect amount of time to spend in the City of Love!
If you have less time, make sure to check out my 3 Day Paris itinerary! If you have more time, consider adding on a trip to London (check out my 7 Day London and Paris Itinerary for more details) or 3 days in Nice, France!
From the artistic treasures of the Louvre to the romantic banks of the Seine, you’ll have time with 4 days to both explore and relax! Remember that Parisians often spend a whole morning just sitting at a cafe, and you should too!
I hope this Paris itinerary was helpful and you are ready to plan the ultimate Paris vacation! Now that you have your general itinerary, check out my Guide on Where to Stay in Paris for First Timers to help you pick a hotel.
Or, check out my other Paris blog posts below! ⬇️ 🇫🇷
Visiting Paris For The First Time: 10 Things To Know!
Where To Stay In Paris For First Time Visitors: Detailed Guide
3 Days In Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary
Day Trip From Paris To Versailles: A Complete Guide
19 AMAZING Things To Do In Paris At Night!
5 BEST Dinner Cruises In Paris: Prices, Duration, & More
The 7 Best Day Trips From Paris By Train: A Complete Guide
How To Spend 4 Days In Paris: The Ultimate 4 Day Paris Itinerary
A Perfect Packing List For Paris For Every Season!
15 Hidden Gems In Paris You HAVE To Visit!
How To Have A PERFECT Picnic At The Eiffel Tower In Paris
London Vs Paris: Which European City Should YOU Visit?
The BEST 7 Day London And Paris Itinerary!
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