4 Days in Paris – the Perfect Paris Itinerary
There’s a reason Paris is loved by all! Actually, there are countless reasons, from its rich history and stunning architecture to its fine foods and brilliant art. But all of these things, and more, combine to create an aura of magic when you visit Paris. And while I encourage you to spend more than 4 days in Paris, I’ve created the perfect Paris itinerary for a limited stay that will give you a taste of all the best things to do in the City of Lights.
You won’t be able to see all the top attractions in Paris, nor visit all the museums and churches, or even scratch the surface of all the charming cafes and boutiques, but here are some must-sees for a 4 day trip to Paris. And you may be surprised to find one of its iconic sights missing!
4 Days in Paris Guide to the Top 12 Things to do in Paris
Many are surprised with how much they can see with a few days in Paris! Thanks to the ideal layout of the city, many top sights are along the Seine. This 4 days Paris itinerary is perfect for first time travellers visiting Paris!
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Visit the Eiffel Tower
The top sight on everyone’s Paris bucket list is the Eiffel Tower! Built for the Paris World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower opened to the public in 1889. Since then, it’s been an icon of the city and country!
Set along the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower has three floors that are open to visit. There’s also a museum and places to eat!
At 1083 feet tall, you’ll be rewarded with incredible wonderful views over Paris! The Eiffel Tower view is 360 degrees, and include sights like Sacre Coeur, Les Invalides, Grand Palais, the Arc de Triomphe, and more!
I highly recommend you venture out after dark to see the Eiffel Tower! Why? Well, every evening the tower sparkles! For five minutes on the hour every hour, it transforms into a thousand twinkling stars!
Travel Tip: Lines are long during peak season. However, you can skip the line with this Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise tour!
Wander the Parks & Gardens
Did you know that Paris is home to over 400 parks and gardens? Forget about City of Lights, how about City of Green?
If you’re looking for what to do in Paris you can easily spend all your time wandering its lovely green spaces. However, with limited time I recommend visiting at least a few of the top parks in Paris. A few of my favourites are Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes, La Promenade-Plantée, and Parc Monceau.
Jardin du Luxembourg is located in the 6th arrondissement and home to the stunning Medici Fountain. Jardin des Plantes has wonderful botanical gardens, a zoo, and a museum.
Parc Monceau is my favourite! Here you’ll find an array of curious pieces like a classical Roman colonnade, an Egyptian pyramid, and tons more treasures.
La Promenade-Plantée is an interesting green space as it runs along an old railway line and is one of Europe’s longest elevated parks.
Check out the Louvre Museum & others
Paris is home to over 100 museums and there’s one to suit everyone’s interests, from history to art and authors to science.
A few of the top museums in Paris that should be added to your four day itinerary in Paris are the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Rodin Museum, and Musée de Cluny.
If museums are your thing then consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass. The pass includes entry into many of the top museums as well as attractions like the Arc de Triomphe, and even churches. A 4 day Paris Museum Pass is €66, making it worth the money if you visit five or more of the museums and attractions that it covers. Another benefit is the fast track entry at some attractions, like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay.
Travel Tip: Depending on the time you’re visiting, line ups for the Louvre Museum are often long. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to save yourself time, try this skip the line ticket that includes a guided tour of the museum!
Can’t get to Paris yet? Check out these 8 Virtual Tours of Paris
Enjoy Paris Café Culture
In between running from attraction to museum, make sure to stop and enjoy your time in Paris. One of the best places to do that is at a café.
Café culture in Paris is an experience in itself. So, work on your French, grab a coffee, and sit back and soak it all in.
With over 9000 open terraced cafes and bars in Paris where do you start? The answer is anywhere!
If you’re looking for iconic cafes in Paris here are a few; Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, Café de la Paix, Café de la Rotonde, and the oldest – Café Procope.
One of my favourite cafes and bookstores is Shakespeare and Company Café! This famous bookshop also has a charming coffee shop in the Latin Quarter, with views of Notre Dame Cathedral!
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting cafes in Paris. You’ll have to ask for your bill. Plus, some of the popular (touristy) ones also come with hefty price tags.
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Eat
One of my favourite things about Paris is the ability to survive off of breads and sweets without judgment! So, be sure to push healthy eating aside and indulge in some of the best foods in Paris.
Some of my top picks for what to eat during your trip to Paris are proper French baguettes for breakfast and throughout the day, all the tasty desserts (like my favourite the strawberry tart), crepes for dinner, and of course macarons, of which my go-to flavour is pistachio.
As for choosing the best baguette, go early in the morning when they’re fresh from the oven, and make sure they are crisp and golden on the outside and tender on the inside.
If you’re looking for where to go for the best macarons, the two best are Ladurée and Pierre Hermé. And before you leave spend the rest of your Euros on macarons and chocolate croissants at the airport!
Travel Tip: A great way to get insider tips on the best things to eat in Paris is on a food tour! This Montmartre Food & Wine Tour is the perfect addition to your four day Paris itinerary! Your guide will take you to 10 different food stops where you’ll get to taste the best gourmet cheeses, meats, chocolates, and more! Plus, the tour takes you by many of the top Montmartre attractions!
Visit the Dead
It may be strange but if you’re looking for unique things to do in Paris then visit the dead. Two great places to do this are the Catacombs of Paris and the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Located over 60 feet below the streets of Paris lies a labyrinth of bones. The Catacombs is known as ‘The World’s Largest Grave’. Here you’ll find the bones of millions and all creatively placed to appear as art.
Strangely enough, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is a beautiful place to wander, especially in the summer and fall. However, many visit to pay their respects to some of the world’s greatest artists like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf who are laid to rest here.
Be prepared because the cemetery is huge! You can easily wander the tree-lined avenues for hours. So, it’s best to plan ahead and know where you want to go. If you want to enjoy a quick visit and see specific sights and graves you can pick up a map at the gates for €2.
Travel Tip: Do you want to skip the line? Grab this Catacombs of Paris skip the line ticket!
Visit Montmartre
Are you looking for a pretty place to visit in Paris? Head to the hilltop neighbourhood of Montmartre!
Located in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is referred to as an artist village as many lived here like Vincent Van Goh, Dali, and Picasso.
You can easily spend half a day wandering the charming winding streets and taking in some of the area’s top attractions!
What should you do with a half-day in Montmartre? First up, visit the breathtaking Sacre Coeur Basilica. Here you can marvel at the largest mosaic ceiling in France and climb the dome for epic views over Paris. Plus, it’s free!
Along with a bunch of great cafes and lovely shops, be sure to see the iconic Moulin Rouge, Place du Tertre – the Artists Square, and Le Mur des Je t’Aime – the massive I Love You wall with I love you written in over 250 languages. And to wrap up your day, take in a beautiful sunset over Paris from the steps in front of Sacre Coeur.
Travel Tip: A wonderful way to explore one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Paris is on a walking tour! This 2-hour Montmartre walking tour takes you throughout the area and by top sights. Plus, you’ll learn all the fun stories behind the area’s history, its people, and hidden gems!
Travel Tip: Another must in Montmartre is to take in a Moulin Rouge cabaret show! Check out this advanced ticket that gives you a fun night out in Paris enjoying the Moulin Rouge Cabaret with champagne!
Climb the Arc de Triomphe
Standing tall and proud at the western end of the Champs-Élysées you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe. This imposing structure honors those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
You can take a self-guided tour or guided tour of the Arc, so plan to be there for between 30 minutes to an hour and 30 mins.
One of the big draws to visiting the Arc de Triomphe is the sweeping views of Paris, including a tall beauty nearby.
The cost to climb up the Arc is €13 but is free with the Paris Museum Pass.
Marvel at Churches
Paris is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. Many of which are churches! With nearly 200 churches in Paris proper, you’ll find an array of styles, shapes, and sizes. Most are full of glorious stained glass windows, stunning architecture, and incredible artwork.
You can pack in a lot of visits to churches during you four days in Paris as many you’ll only spend an hour or less in.
Notre Dame Cathedral
I would normally rave about how you must experience my favourite building of all time, Notre Dame Cathedral. Sadly, after the devastating fire in April of 2019, you can no longer visit this magical place. But I encourage you to at least swing by the left bank of the Seine (the south side) and take in what still stands. To find out more about the restoration of Notre Dame visit their website.
Sainte Chapelle
My second favourite church in Paris is Sainte Chapelle! Not far from Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle opened in 1248. It’s best known for the awesome stained glass windows within. I promise you’ll be blown away once you lay eyes on them!
There are plenty of other awe-inspiring churches in Paris! A few to add to your itinerary are Sacre Coeur, St. Sulpice, Saint-Eustache, Saint-Alexandre-Nevski cathedral, and Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which oldest church in Paris.
Go to the Opera
I’m a big supporter of taking in live performances while travelling. I went to my first ballet in the US on my first solo trip and took in an opera in Venice. And if you’re looking for memorable experiences in Paris then go to the opera. If a performance isn’t your thing then you should still take a tour of outstanding Palais Garnier. It’s probably one of the most famous opera houses in the world thanks to the Phantom of the Opera which was the inspiration and setting of the story.
Self-guided tours are €14 and guided tour €17 (or free with the Paris Pass), lasting roughly 90 minutes. For performances, tickets range from €5 to over €200, depending on seating and last minute deals.
Chase Literary Giants
Paris has always been a hub for creatives, from artists to writers. I’m not sure if it’s the magic that curses through the city or the air of romance, but I totally get the allure. On my last trip to Paris, I went chasing the haunted footsteps of literary giants that once called Paris home. Creatives around the world still flock to Paris. So I had to include this as part of my Paris itinerary.
There are endless places to visit in Paris that have either inspired artists or are simply locations where they once lived, worked, or ate. If you love greats like Hemingway, Wilde, Hugo, and Gertrude Stein like me, then here are a few places to be sure to add to your Paris itinerary.
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The famous Shakespeare & Company bookshop, the neighbourhood of St. Germain des Près – where many hung out, Père Lachaise Cemetery for graves of Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein, Place des Vosges where Victor Hugo lived and where you can visit his museum and the Panthéon where you’ll find tombs of Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo. Notable cafes where the likes of Hemingway, Wilde, Voltaire, and Balzac frequented include; Le Procope, Café de la Paix, and La Closerie des Lilas.
Take a Seine River Cruise
Slicing through Paris is the Seine River! Stretching nearly 800 km across northern France, it’s the third longest river in the country.
Adding a scenic Seine River cruise to your Paris itinerary is a must! Seeing the city from the river adds a whole new dimension to the city! Plus, gives visitors a different perspective on many of the city’s top attractions!
There are plenty of Seine River cruises available! Some are strictly scenic with commentary about the river and Paris. While on others you can indulge in lunch or dinner, or take in the starry night over you!
What will you see on a Seine cruise? A few top sights are Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Pont Neuf, which is the oldest standing bridge in Paris!
I highly recommend taking the Bateaux Paris Seine River Cruise! This one-hour sightseeing cruise departs near the Eiffel Tower and takes you past top landmarks in Paris. Plus, it’s ideal for budget travellers!
Fun Fact: It’s illegal to swim in the river Seine!
Best Views over Paris
When many think of iconic skylines Paris is right up there with the tall iron beauty of the Eiffel Tower. And while some think the best views of Paris are from the Eiffel Tower, I strongly disagree. It’s one of the reasons I don’t recommend climbing it. For a perfect view of Paris you need the Eiffel Tower in it and that won’t happen if you’re standing on it.
My favourite place for Paris views was always from Notre Dame, but sadly that’s not an option now. So, I’ve compiled four options across the city to take in awesome postcard-worthy views. For views try these locations: through the famous see-through clock in Musée d’Orsay, the 7th floor of Galleries Lafayette (and it’s free), from the steps of Sacre Coeur, and from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
4 Days in Paris Itinerary
You may be asking, is four days in Paris enough? With so much to see and do in Paris, you can stay for months and not see it all. But if you have limited time, a few days in Paris is a perfect start! Here’s what to do in Paris in 4 days.
1 Day – Explore many of Paris’s main sights that are located along the Seine like the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Shakespeare & Company, and Place des Vosges. Scatter stops at cafes throughout your day. And be sure to stop and take in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower and head out on a scenic Seine River cruise.
2 Day – Visit the Opera, Palais Garnier, stroll through Parc Monceau, and spend the rest of your day exploring Montmartre’s charming streets, Sacre Coeur, cafes, the Artists Square, and more.
3 Day – After an early morning visit to the Catacombs explore the Left Bank’s 5th and 6th arrondissements, taking in Jardin du Luxembourg and or Jardin des Plantes, try one or more incredible cafes in St. Germain des Près like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, visit the Pantheon, St. Sulpice and Saint Chapelle. And if you still have time check out the Cluny Museum.
4 Day – On your last day plan for a little less and soak in the magic of Paris from its cafes, architecture, and hidden gardens. But don’t forget to visit Père Lachaise Cemetery and the La Promenade-Plantée. Or if you want to pack in as much as you can, check out a few of the smaller museums that you missed.
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Where to Stay in Paris
Looking for places to stay in Paris can be difficult, it all depends on budget and location. Even the budget-friendly options are more expensive than other cities. Is it worth it? Very!! I’ve chosen a few different options for you ranging from budget-friendly hotels, mid-range, and one with a high price tag that will wow you enough into staying.
Mary’s Hotel Republique is a great budget-friendly option in Paris. This no-frills hotel is clean, close to the metro and train, has a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and is in a good location in the 11th arrondissement. Rooms range from singles to an apartment. I enjoyed my stay and thought it a great option for solo travellers that don’t want a hostel.
Hotel Bridget is an affordable option located a little further from the central hub in the 20th arrondissement but still close to transportation. This beautiful hotel has a beachy modern vibe and offers city views, 24-hour reception, and buffet breakfast.
If you’re looking for a bit of a splurge then opt for L’Hotel. Located in Saint-Germain des Prés, this 5 star hotel is within walking distance to many of the top attractions, plus close to tons of cafes and restaurants. A stay at L’Hotel is worth every Euro, with stunning Baroque-style rooms with seating areas, breakfast, and even an interior swimming pool, sauna, and hammam. It’s also home to a one Michelin Star restaurant. And the pièce de résistance for literary buffs is the Oscar Wilde room, 16. You can book your stay in the room where Wilde last lived.
Paris Day Trip Ideas
If you’re staying in Paris for four days or more and looking for some day trip ideas the options are endless. From setting off to try some of the best wine in France to historic places, there’s a day trip for everyone. And I’ve got a few great ones for you!
One of the most popular Paris day trips is to Versailles. Approximately an hour west of Paris, this stunning palace is home to sweeping gardens and the famous Hall of Mirrors.
For those looking for a little fun in the sand then you may be surprised that there are over 20 beaches near Paris! All of which are under a three hour drive away.
Another great day trip option is the hidden gem of Clermont-Ferrand. Located south of Paris, you’ll find a wealth of things to do in Clermont-Ferrand that range from beautiful churches to great museums. And one last epic Paris day trip is to Mont Saint-Michel. Set on the Normandy coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.
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