WHAT TO DO IN PARIS IN 4 DAYS – ITINERARY
Are you planning your 4-day Paris itinerary and wondering about the best things to do in 4 days in Paris? Then use this post to plan your trip – find out about the best things to see, where to stay, and more.
Even though Paris wasn’t love at first sight for me – after spending a few days in the city I ended up falling in love. And since then, I have visited Paris many times. I strongly believe that if you visit France, you should explore Paris. Not only because Paris at night is the most beautiful city, but there are also many more reasons to visit.
If you have not been to Paris yet, my top tip is not to expect too much. But once you arrive, embrace its beauty to the fullest.
So, this Paris itinerary is a compilation, carefully curated, of my tips on the best places to go in Paris in 4 days + travel tips.
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TIPS FOR YOUR 4-DAY PARIS ITINERARY
Here are a few travel tips for your 4 days in Paris before discussing the best things to do + places to visit.
Best Time to Visit Paris
I have always visited Paris in the summer – or between May and September to be more precise – Except for once, the weather has always been lovely. It is not too hot (like Italy in summer), which is great because Paris has to be experienced outdoors. But of course, we can never rely on the weather – especially not in Central Europe.
While many places, like museums, can be visited at any time of year, I suggest visiting between April and October for the activities mentioned below. It is not a specific summer Paris itinerary, but the tips are probably most enjoyable when it is warmish outside.
After all, most of the mentioned activities are outdoors, and let’s face it: Paris on a gray day loses, like most other places, a bit of its charm.
Like the Tour de France and Fashion Week, many events make prices for accommodations even more expensive. So, if you aren’t visiting for one of those events, try avoiding those times.
In case you visit in winter, check out Paris at Christmas Time.
How to Get Around Paris
FOOT: Paris is best explored on foot. In Paris, I broke my walking record of 30 km of walking in one day. The city is geographically small, and many tourist attractions are quite close to each other.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Public transportation is pretty great. Take the metro to get around or buses. It is easy, fast, and affordable. There is no Oyster Card, like in London, so you could either buy single tickets or plan and buy multi-tickets to save a bit of money.
SIGHTSEEING BUSES: Hop-on and hop-off buses are also a great option, and you get a discount on several popular tourist attractions in Paris. Click here to find the best hop-on and hop-off tickets for your trip to Paris.
BIKE: On one of my previous trips, I discovered new areas of Paris by bike. It was a lot of fun, but they were mostly less famous and busy arrondissements (neighborhoods) that I cycled around. Call me chicken, but traffic in Paris is crazy, and I wouldn’t ride in the busy places of Paris. Parisian (or maybe all French) car drivers drive a bit… crazy (and that is putting it nicely), so if you plan to discover Paris by bike, just be careful with your surroundings.
You can rent a bike from the bike-share system if you plan to cycle around Paris.
TAXIS/UBERS: Taxis and Ubers are available, but probably hardly needed in a small city like Paris with so many beautiful sights along the way (and you would miss out on them in a taxi).
Language in Paris
French. And only French. Okay, some people speak English, especially in hotels. But I have also met staff in restaurants at the Champs-Élysées (and other touristy spots) that don’t speak (or don’t want to speak) any English. They might be able to speak English but Parisians often just refuse to speak any other language than French.
I learned French at school and still have some very basic French knowledge that helped me. Download an (offline) app that helps you translate if needed. If you want to understand the city better, watch these movies about Paris before you visit.
Where to Stay in Paris
You can find all kinds of accommodations in Paris. While the standard of accommodation is not very high (a 3-star hotel can be quite shabby), you aren’t in Paris for its hotels.
To check out accommodation rates for different hotels, click on each link.
- The luxurious hotels in Paris come with a big price tag but are probably worth the money. Four Seasons Hotel George V is one of the most iconic hotels in Paris – find out more about the hotel and its rates.
- Hotel Wo – this 3-star hotel has great reviews and is centrally located. Click here to find the best rates for this hotel.
- I sometimes book budget hotels – but actually, I cannot recommend budget hotels in Paris (if you know a great budget hotel let me know, though).
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS IN 4 DAYS
Let´s start with the first day in Paris – and let´s go to the Eiffel Tower first. How could it be any different?
DAY 1 OF 4 DAYS IN PARIS
I suggest starting your 4 days in Paris with a visit to the main Paris landmark – the Eiffel Tower. Arriving here early will mean you have the tower to yourself for a short while before all the other tourists come.
Stop 1: Visit the Eiffel Tower
Luckily, opinions can change! The Eiffel Tower was only meant to stay for a short duration (during a world exhibition). Later, they agreed that it should be kept as a permanent sight.
This towering structure of wrought-iron lattice stands on the Champ de Mars. This iconic Paris landmark was designed and constructed by the company of engineer Gustave Eiffel between 1887 and 1889, and bears his name as a tribute to his contribution.
It is probably one of the three most famous sights in the world and surely no hidden gem in Paris.
I recommend heading there early in the morning, while most people are still sleeping. You have the area almost all to yourself and can stroll around.
But even during the day, it is great to be around. There are some meadows in front of it where you can rest and chill, or you can climb the stairs and get on top. Whatever you do, make sure to plan enough time to see the Eiffel Tower from different perspectives and take great pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
- The Eiffel Tower opens to visitors at 9:30 am, so if you use the time before to stroll around the area, you can be one of the first people to visit.
- But you can go in until midnight if you prefer to get there later in the day.
- I recommend getting there early. You can enjoy great night views (that also include great views of the Eiffel Tower) from other vantage points, which I will mention later in this post.
- Prices: Prices depend on whether you take the lift or climb the stairs to get to the top of the second floor. Young people are discounted – ages 12-24 pay half, and under 12 pay even less. Prices for adults (second floor) start from 11€, but if you like to skip the lines, check out the Skip the Line Tickets: Eiffel Tower.
Stop 2: Stroll the Seine
After some time at the Eiffel Tower, strolls along the Seine River. The river is hard to miss – you will stumble upon it, and it is actually a great guide.
Stroll the Seine and look to the left and right. You will see beautiful little places along the way, so plan some time for detours.
I suggest walking all the way to the next main Paris attraction.
Stop 3: Admire the Bridges
You will also pass some pretty bridges, the most beautiful one being – in my opinion, Pont Alexandre III. This extravagant bridge opened in 1900 and has probably been a tourist magnet ever since then. Great views of the Eiffel Tower and more gorgeous surroundings are included.
But keep an eye on other detail-oriented bridges. There are numerous in Paris, and they are all pretty!
Stop 4: Picnic by the Seine
So, it is time for lunch!
I hardly give suggestions for restaurants – mostly because I am a vegetarian. I have a hard time in France with all that food. In Paris, I miss the hipster places, with their fresh juices and vegan menus, that we have in all other big cities in Europe. So I often buy food, have snacks, and sit down somewhere.
So my suggestion is the following: Bring your own snacks and drinks and sit by the Seine and have a picnic. I love just sitting and resting there – ideally next to the Seine River.
Stop 5: See Notre Dame
After lunch, head to another Paris tourist attraction- Notre Dame.
As you probably know, there was a severe fire in the cathedral in 2019 – so you cannot visit the inside anymore. But I still urge you to pay a visit and see it from the outside. The reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral is announced for the 8th of December 2024.
Notre Dame is located right next to the Seine River. The Cathedral is in the Gothic style and took about 200 years to complete (construction started in the 12th century).
From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame, it is about 5 km, so you are probably tired by now, and with the stops along the way, it is probably afternoon. I recommend heading to the Louvre from here. Even if you don’t want to visit the inside, you will have two of Paris‘ best things coming up on your way.
Stop 6: Explore the Louvre
After exploring Notre Dame, you might want to take a coffee break before it is time for the Louvre Museum. Yes, visiting is somehow a must and surely nothing unusual to do in Paris.
Everyone knows the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci – the Mona Lisa. If you have ever wondered where she calls home, the Palais du Louver’s answer in Paris. You can even visit her.
Click here to get the best rates for skip-the-lines tickets and audio-guided tours.
If you don’t want to visit the Louvre Museum itself, you should still add it to your 4-day Paris itinerary – the area is so pretty!
Of course, it depends on how much time you will need for each activity, etc., but if you arrive in the late afternoon, you have time to go inside the Louvre. The best, however, is to be there in the “dark”. The beautiful glass pyramid is probably the most distinctive feature.
Depending on the season, it might be dark already. If it is still not dark, you can have dinner somewhere near the Louvre and come back after sunset.
- Tip: If you are around the Louvre during the day, you can also check out the impressive Musee d´Órsay, one of the top museums in the city. It is a 10-minute walk from the Louvre.
Stop: 7 Stroll Back from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower – in the Dark
Okay, it really depends on when it gets dark. I am not a party person or night owl, but strolling through Paris at night is my personal top-top tip. No other city is as beautiful at night as Paris.
The City of Lights deserves its name, and all the illuminated buildings (and some sights) make Paris the most beautiful city at night!
If in Paris, plan to sleep a few hours less than regular, so you can spend at least two or three nights outdoors. You will not regret it! That I can say for sure.
End your day at the Eiffel Tower. I am like a child, amazed by illuminated buildings and especially by their beauty. For a few minutes, at the top of the hour, it even sparkles!
Ending your day there, buying a snack, and sitting outside is just beyond perfection.
OMG – I see it myself – this first day in Paris is crazy. But I have done it myself – it is doable!
DAY 2 OF 4 DAYS IN PARIS
If you didn’t make it inside the Louvre the day before, you could start your day there. If you made it, start your day with some time at the park.
Stop 1: Rest at Jardin des Tuileries
After all the walking and exploring on the first day in Paris, the second day can start slowly. Why not in the lovely Jardin des Tuileries, which is next to the Louvre?
- The garden opens at 7 am and is open until around 9 pm (11 pm in the summer). Some days, it is closed. Entry is free.
From there, you can head to the next attraction, which is easily accessible on foot from the garden.
Stop 2: Stroll Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Before lunch, start walking towards the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous tourist spots in Paris. And there is a reason for that. This almost two-kilometer-long avenue is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes, and you could spend hours and hours here.
It starts at the Place de la Concorde (which is, by the way, another interesting place to see, but it probably won‘t take much time to check out) and ends at Place Charles-de-Gaulle. It is also a beautiful place to visit at night.
However, there are many shops and restaurants so you can have your lunch here before heading to the end of the avenue.
Stop 3: Learn About History at Arc de Triomphe
This famous landmark – Arc de Triomphe – is located on the western end of the Champs-Élysées.
It is in the middle of a roundabout (probably one of the busiest ones in Paris). To get there, you need to use an underground tunnel, and if you get closer to it, you´ll notice the amazing little details that tell you the whole story.
The Arc de Triomphe was built to honor the dead soldiers during the time of Napoleon in the 19th century. You can learn more about this during a self-guided or guided tour.
From the panoramic terrace, you have a great view of Paris – especially at night. This view is one of a kind.
- Opening hours are from around 10 am to 10:30 pm (11 pm in the summer).
- The entrance fee is about 12€ (free access for people under 26, or Paris Museum Pass Cardholders).
- Again, you can buy a “skip the lines ticket” to save yourself some valuable time in Paris.
For day 2, it is a great place to end the day – have your dinner somewhere close by. This day was not so busy, but you will need all your energy for the next day!
DAY 3 OF 4 DAYS IN PARIS
Okay, now it is time for another classic.
Stop 1: Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is waiting for the third day of your Paris itinerary. Come to Montmartre around 9 am or 10 am at the latest. It gets jam-packed later, so you have some quiet time.
This is the lovely artist neighborhood with the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The basilica sits on a hill – and thus, is a great vantage point! Of course, it looks wonderful inside as well (and it is another great, free thing to do in Paris).
There is no excuse not to visit when you are spending four days in Paris.
I would suggest going there in the morning when Paris is still sleeping or slowly waking, and after lunch, heading to the next beautiful place.
- I explored it by myself (or with friends and family), but there are also guided walking tours available, which you can check out here.
You should plan in half a day for this area. Also, enjoy your lunch here before it is time to rest in one of the prettiest gardens in Paris.
Stop 2: Rest at Jardin du Luxembourg
Do you want to experience a nice time in a park? Then head to Jardin du Luxembourg. Okay, Montmartre is not really close (about five kilometers apart) but you can hop on a metro or bus and head to my favorite park in Paris.
Okay, admittedly the garden is so big, and you will probably also walk a lot here, but eventually, you can rest and enjoy the last few hours of your Paris trip.
The former royal garden covers 25 hectares and offers a lot of seating options and some snack stalls. Lovely statues are situated throughout the park. The Medici Fountain and the Pavillion Davioud are just some of the sights to see here.
- The entrance is free.
- While the park opens early in the summer (7:30-8:15 am, depending on the season), it also closes quite early, between 4:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
Thus this is a great place to spend the afternoon of your third day. From the garden, the next stop is not too far.
Stop 3: Dine at Montparnasse Tower and Enjoy the Views
For dinner, head to this place.
I mentioned that there are better viewpoints than the Eiffel Tower, and here is another one: Montparnasse Tower – the second-highest skyscraper in Paris.
Or you can make a reservation for the Ciel de Paris Restaurant and enjoy the view from the restaurant. (I did both.)
The food is exquisite (they even had some vegetarian dishes) and so was the view, which is probably one of the best ones I have had in a city.
DAY 4 OF 4 DAYS IN PARIS
For the last day in Paris, I recommend a day trip.
Stop 1: Visit Versailles
You need to wake up a bit earlier to enjoy some time at Versailles without the crowds. Ideally, you are in Versailles around 9 am!
Versailles is a small town outside of Paris and is most famous for its grand Palace of Versailles, which used to be the French kings’ residence, including the infamous Louis XIV.
You can either visit the gardens (which come with shorter lines) or visit the gardens and the palace, spreading over 800 hectares.
Outdoors, you can enjoy the extremely neat meadow and the fountains, or you can enter the even more impressive and opulent interior and learn about the history of France and Versailles.
Though your 4-day Paris itinerary might be busy and you don’t feel like leaving the beautiful city, this trip should be on everyone’s list.
If you plan your trip on your own, you could probably finish it in about five hours (including travel time). However, I recommend scheduling in at least 6-8 hours, so you are not overly stressed. Getting there early is the best way to avoid the crazy lines (yes, here are the crazy lines again), so try to be there at 9 am sharp.
If you want to do an independent tour, you can get there by train. One-way tickets are around 7€ from the city center and take about one hour.
I went there twice but always booked a guided tour. Here is a tour that you can check out. If you like to skip lines – I know, it is getting repetitive – buy tickets in advance. Click here to get the best prices for skipping the lines at Versailles.
For the afternoon, I would not plan too much and see what you feel like. I always like to give myself some “free time“ to do what I want, so I recommend the same for you.
In the evening, however, I recommend a Seine boat cruise. Since a trip to Versailles probably will take all day, you have to make plans for the evening of the 4th day in Paris.
Stop 2: Seine River Cruise
No trip to any place with a river would be complete without a boat cruise. At least to me. And when in Paris, I recommend going on an evening river cruise.
Of course, you can do it in the daytime, too, but as mentioned above, Paris at night is like a different world, and a River Cruise at night is one of the best things to experience in Paris.
Personally, I think it is an amazing way to end this trip. You will remember the view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower, illuminated at night. I could not have asked for more!
CONCLUSION: EXPLORE PARIS IN 4 DAYS
Paris, the quintessential city of romance and art, beckons with its timeless charm. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the artistic enclave of Montmartre, each corner tells a story. Stroll along the Seine, explore world-class museums like the Louvre, and indulge in culinary delights.
Paris combines historic grandeur with contemporary zest, offering enchanting experiences that blend culture, and history in a mesmerizing urban tapestry.
Hopefully, this 4-day Paris itinerary has given you a good idea now, where to go and what to see in this unique city that offers so much to its visitors. While 4 days in Paris might sound a lot to some of you at first, it surely is not that much. If you fall in love with Paris – like so many of us – you can always re-visit because Paris is always a good idea!
- Check out more day trip ideas from Paris.
- Here is my France itinerary for first-time visitors.