I recently spent 4 days in Paris using this itinerary. This travel guide covers what to do in Paris in 4 days. My Paris itinerary will help you make the most of your time in France’s magical capital. It covers the city’s highlights, using efficient routes so you can focus on different districts each day.
Deciding what to do for four days in Paris can be tricky—there is so much to see! It’s not reasonable to expect to see everything in one trip. Paris is a massive, magical city. I’ve visited multiple times and still have much more to conquer.
When you think about what to do in Paris, focus on your interests and what brings you joy while traveling. If it’s art, maybe you want to make a few swaps in this Paris itinerary to include more museum time. If you are a foodie, maybe museums are less interesting and you want to prioritize wandering the streets in search of food.
The Perfect Itinerary for 4 Days in Paris
The great thing about this breakdown of 4 days in Paris is that you can rearrange it however you see fit. If day 2 of this Paris itinerary works better than your day 4, swap it! The goal here is to show how to knock out Paris in 4 days, but the order in which you approach it is entirely flexible.
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, hotels and experiences that I personally use, love and spend my own money on.
Day 1 in Paris: Eiffel Tower to Avenue des Champs-Élysées – 7th and 8th Arrondissements
The first day of this Paris itinerary focuses around the Eiffel Tower. I feel like there is some emotional buildup after arriving in Paris and before locking eyes on the Eiffel Tower for the first time. So why wait? Let’s see this beauty!
After three trips to Paris, I still feel anxious to see the Eiffel Tower once I arrive. Its magic hasn’t faded for me, and I hope it never does. That’s why day one of my Paris itinerary always starts in or around the 7th Arrondissement, where this magical tower stands tall.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Start the morning with a walk across Pont de Bir-Hakeim. This bridge has a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. A metro line runs on the upper level, but the lower level has a wide pedestrian center path. Pont de Bir-Hakeim will lead you across the Seine River, connecting the 15th and 16th arrondissements.
If you are an early riser, consider reaching the bridge around sunrise. The photos here were taken as the sun was coming up alongside the Eiffel Tower, a scene that’s hard to beat. I am not a morning person at all, but a good sunrise view is something I never regret. It’s often when I capture my best photos. Pont de Bir-Hakeim is one of my favorite photo spots in Paris.
Palais de Chaillot
The Palais de Chaillot is a popular stop on the map en route to the Arc de Triomphe. Many visitors stop here to view and take photos of the Eiffel Tower. Notably, this area is an extremely popular viewpoint, so expect crowds most of the time. If you want to avoid the rush of people, the earlier the better.
The landmark is also home to various museums that may interest some. Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine is a dedication to French architecture. You will also find the Théâtre National de Chaillot, where modern-dance productions exist. Depending on if these things interest you, you may make a short stop here to appreciate the view of the Eiffel Tower and capture a few photos.
Arc de Triomphe
Much like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe is a sight that screams, “I’m really in Paris!” This monument is massive in real life, making its impact all the more powerful. It stands tall at the western end of avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Construction of the arc began in 1806, at Napoleon’s request, in honor of those who fought for France in war. The arc was completed in 1836, but Napoleon died before seeing it completed.
The Arc de Triomphe is a must-see on this 4-day Paris itinerary. Depending on how much time you have, you can enjoy the view of this magnificent structure from the street, or you can access the viewing platform. For a fee, visitors can enter the observation deck of the arc and gain a stunning view of Paris.
If you’re like me and find comfort in planning ahead, you can purchase skip-the-line access to the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe. Click here to see prices and availability and easily purchase your tickets.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
This iconic street runs from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. It’s nearly two kilometers in length, and many say it is one of the world’s most beautiful streets. If you have four days in Paris, it is worth a visit.
The street is home to several celebrations and parades in Paris. Also, Champs-Élysées is where you can permanently find some of the best shopping in the world. There’s something for everyone, from high-end designer fashion to more affordable styles.
While shopping isn’t really my thing, I still feel that Avenue des Champs-Élysées is worth a trek at least once. And it’s not all fashion—there’s plenty of food, cultural insights, and stunning architecture to absorb.
Pont Alexandre III
After strolling Avenue des Champs-Élysées, return to the 7th arrondissement, home of the Eiffel Tower. If you’ve hit your max on walking, public transportation or Uber is always an option.
If you’re still up for exploring by foot, use Pont Alexandre III to move along the route. The bridge spans the Seine River and connects Champs-Élysées to the 7th arrondissement. The bridge is beautiful, on top of being necessary to get across the water.
The lavishly decorated bridge was built at the end of the 19th century and opened for the Universal Exposition in 1900. Pont Alexandre III is a work of art in itself, but it also serves as an excellent viewpoint from which to snap iconic photos of Paris. This is one of my favorite places to visit with my camera gear.
Eiffel Tower
Spend the evening at the Eiffel Tower. During all hours of the day, you will find people sitting on the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower having a picnic. Stop by a grocery store in the area and pick up some snacks and drinks to take with you.
Arrive an hour before sunset to enjoy the last bit of daylight. This is my favorite time to hang out here, as the light softens and the tower glows with the setting sun. Watching this unfold with a bottle of French wine is one of the cheapest, yet most magical experiences you’ll find in any Paris itinerary.
Note that the Eiffel Tower puts on a pretty light show once it’s dark outside. Every hour, at the top of the hour, the tower twinkles with glittering white lights for a few minutes. Be sure to experience this at least once during your 4 days in Paris.
The second floor of the Eiffel Tower offers stunning panoramic views over Paris. If you want to experience this, plan ahead and book skip-the-line tickets before you go. Since the Eiffel Tower is so popular, this will save you time. Click here to check the availability of tickets for second-floor Eiffel Tower access.
Day 2 in Paris: Latin Quarter to Le Marais
This 4-day Paris itinerary’s second day is about the 4th and 5th arrondissements. The first stop on the itinerary technically falls in the 6th on the map, but it’s up against the Latin Quarter, where the first half of this day begins.
For reference, the 4th arrondissement is also known as ‘Le Marais.’ Similarly, the 5th arrondissement is known as ‘the Latin Quarter.’ People use both names interchangeably, as I do in this post.
This day is one of my favorites. I love these neighborhoods and suggest this area when I share advice on what to do in Paris in 4 days.
Luxembourg Gardens
A peaceful morning walk through Luxembourg Gardens is my idea of a great start to a day. The garden’s name is Jardin du Luxembourg in French, which is how you will see it written on many maps and signs.
Luxembourg Gardens sits in front of Luxembourg Palace, a former royal residence dating back to 1615. Today, the French senate owns the garden, which is free for the public to enter and enjoy.
The massive garden has seating scattered throughout, so it’s common to see people sitting down with coffee or a book. There are statues, fountains, fruit trees, gorgeous flowers, and more greenery than one plant lover could hope to find. Make sure you walk through the grounds at least once during your 4 days in Paris.
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter, also known as the 5th arrondissement, is located on the left bank of the Seine River.
The Latin Quarter retains a historic feel, making it a popular area for visitors. The area is home to various famous sights, landmarks, museums, bookstores, and food options.
I’ll touch on some specific spots throughout this section that are worth noting in the Latin Quarter. This part of Paris is also great for wandering, getting lost in the streets, and uncovering your discoveries. There is so much to see, eat and enjoy.
Because this area has SO much history, a tour was invaluable. It’s great learning from locals and diving deep into parts of a city that I’d otherwise pass up without guidance
Here are a few tours I recommend that cover the Latin Quarter specifically:
- Paris Latin Quarter Walking Tour – this one is a group tour
- Paris 2-Hour Latin Quarter Walking Tour – this one is a private tour
- Macarons Class in the Latin Quarter – perfect activity for foodies like myself!
Grande Mosquée de Paris
The Grande Mosquée de Paris, founded in 1926, is a beautiful structure and the largest Islamic place of worship in Paris.
The construction of the mosque began in 1922 and was completed in 1926. The building’s architecture is Moorish. Grande Mosquée de Paris is open to the public for an entry fee of 3 euros. The building itself and surrounding grounds are really lovely and worth passing by, at least.
Panthéon
The Panthéon is another gem in the Latin Quarter. This monument and mausoleum are among Paris’ most notable sights. Construction began in the mid-1700s but was delayed and completed in 1790.
Architecture enthusiasts may not be surprised to hear that the Pantheon in Rome inspired the exterior design for the Pantheon in Paris. This landmark was a church built in 1758 before it became a shrine to honor the heroes of the French Revolution.
When you visit the Pantheon, consider admiring the views from the dome. If you are willing to climb over 250 steps to reach the top, you will enjoy lovely views of Paris.
Purchase your entry ticket in advance to skip the line at the Pantheon. Click here to check ticket availability for your travel dates.
Musée de Cluny – Musée national du Moyen Âge
Musée de Cluny is also known as Musée national du Moyen Âge – Thermes et hôtel de Cluny. In English, Musée de Cluny – Musée national du Moyen Âge translates to ‘National Museum of the Middle Ages — Cluny thermal baths and mansion.’ The museum is located in the 5th arrondissement and houses some of the most essential pieces from the Middle Ages.
Depending on your interest in the Middle Ages, you can decide if a visit to Musée de Cluny is worth your time. There is a lot to see and do in the Latin Quarter, so cutting out a block of time here may not be a top priority for everyone.
Shakespeare & Company
It’s hard to find a Paris travel guide to the Latin Quarter without mentioning this iconic bookstore. Shakespeare & Company was opened in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, an American woman.
Beach closed her store during the Nazi occupation and another bookstore was later opened in a new location by George Whitman in 1951. Originally under a different name, Whitman renamed the store to Shakespeare & Company in 1964.
Both stores have a long, combined history of being a gathering place for aspiring writers. The current store sells new and second-hand books and houses aspiring writers and artists.
Le Marais
After some time in the Latin Quarter, cross over the River Seine to experience Le Marais. On your way you will pass Notre Dame.
Le Marais is a neighborhood that I like to visit without an agenda. There are a ton of cute boutique shops, cafes, and food options that I found unintentionally.
But there is still so much to learn about Le Marais. This neighborhood has a ton of history that one might easily overlook. There are some excellent, informative tours to help you get the most out of your time in Le Marais.
Here are some of the Le Marais tours that I would recommend:
- 2.5-hour Guided Walking Tour in Le Marais – this is a group tour
- Le Marais 2-hour Walking Tour – this is a private tour
- Le Marais Walking Food Tour – another great Paris food tour for foodies like me!
Day 3 in Paris: Montmartre
Montmartre is for you if you like to wander and enjoy artsy areas. It’s a neighborhood with a rich history of art and creativity. I love to visit this part of Paris with a loose agenda, which is why this day is a fairly unstructured part of this four-day Paris itinerary.
A visit to Montmartre is where all of my French fantasies come true. It sounds weird, but seriously, getting lost in these streets is everything I imagined an artsy Parisian life to be. Maybe this isn’t what real Parisians do every day, but let me live.
Montmartre is an area of historical significance. As a result, rules are in place for new developments to preserve the neighborhood’s original character. I appreciate these efforts because Montmartre has SO much cool history and local charm.
To get a deeper look at Montmartre, consider a tour with a local guide as part of your 4-day Paris itinerary. Here are a few of the tours that I recommend to best experience Montmartre:
- Montmartre 2-hour Walking Tour – this is a group tour
- Montmartre 2-hour Walking Tour – this is a private tour
- Hidden Gems of Montmartre with a Local Guide
- Montmartre Cheese, Wine and Pastry Tour – taste the best of Paris with this foodie tour!
Sacre de CoEUr – Basilique du Sacré COEUr
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur opened in Paris in 1914. This Catholic Church is located on top of the Montmartre hill. It is the second highest point of Paris. The highest point is the Eiffel Tower.
I recently read that Sacré-Cœur is the second most visited landmark in Paris, following Notre Dame. As a result, it is also the second most visited church in France. Of course, the devastating Notre Dame fire impacted this data.
Visitors can enter the church for free. However, there is an entry fee to access the dome for a view over Paris. Even if you decide not to pay to enter the dome, the ground level outside of the church still offers a stunning view over the city.
If you want to gain more insight into Sacré-Cœur and its history, this Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur tour includes an expert guide.
Artists’ Square – Place du Tertre
Place de Tertre, the “Artists’ Square,” feels like the heart of Montmartre. Here, you will find artists of all sorts creating and selling beautiful pieces. Although this square seems to be busy at all times, it is worth strolling through at some point during your four days in Paris.
Visitors flock to the area to have their portraits done onsite by a local artist. You will also find paintings and sketches depicting popular scenes of Paris. Purchasing local art is one of my favorite items to take home from a trip. It forever has a special memory attached to it, and I love supporting local artists.
Wall of Love – Le Mur des Je t’aime
Le Mur des Je t’aime, Wall of Love in English, is a popular stop for visitors exploring the Montmartre area. The love wall is 40 square meters of artwork on blue tile.
The phrase ‘I love you’ appears 311 times on the wall in 250 different languages at Jehan-Rictus Square.
Moulin Rouge
Most people are familiar with the famous cabaret in Paris, Moulin Rouge. This is the birthplace of the famous French can-can dance. Moulin Rouge opened its doors in 1889 but suffered a devastating fire in 1915. The rebuilt Moulin Rouge reopened in 1921.
Through movies and pop culture, Moulin Rouge has become a popular sight for Paris travelers. Visitors can book tickets to a dinner and a show in advance. If shows aren’t your thing, admire the iconic windmill and snap photos from the exterior.
Note that tickets to Moulin Rouge often sell out months in advance—so please plan ahead! If you want to watch a show at Moulin Rouge, there are various options and price ranges. Here are a few of the ticket options you can choose from:
- Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne
- Moulin Rouge Show with Dinner
- Moulin Rouge Show with Drop-Off Service This option includes dinner and champagne, in addition to drop-off service.
Day 4 in Paris: Museum Day and the River Seine
The final day of this four-day Paris itinerary takes us back to the end of the Champs-Elysées as our starting point. It never ceases to amaze me how much there is to see and do in Paris, which often calls for sightseeing routes to be broken up over multiple days.
The lineup for the final day of this Paris itinerary may seem a bit sparse, but that is intentional. This day includes the Louvre Museum and/or Musée d’Orsay. I say “and/or” because many travelers decide to do one or the other. Both can be time consuming experiences.
Place de la Concorde
Start your fourth day in Paris at Place de la Concorde. The area likely looks somewhat familiar. On day one, you may have caught a glimpse of Place de la Concorde after exploring the Champs-Elysées and heading back to the other side of the Seine River.
The famous Luxor Obelisk, installed at the square in 1836, is here. It is an Egyptian artifact and the oldest monument in Paris, having been constructed in the 13th century BC.
Place de la Concorde was the site of many executions throughout the French Revolution. Two names you may recognize from history class, Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, were guillotined at this square.
Louvre Museum
It’s hard to think of Paris without thinking of the Louvre Museum. When it comes to museums, this is the one most art lovers worldwide dream of visiting. And rightfully so—it is the largest art museum in the world.
The Louvre Museum is located in Paris’ 1st arrondissement on the right bank of the river. This place is massive, so do not underestimate how much there is to see here. The total area of the Louvre is 782,910 square feet.
The museum opened in 1793 and today is home to approximately 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art. Based on these numbers alone, you can imagine how long it would take to observe everything at the Louvre.
Should you visit the Louvre? And if so, how much time should you set aside for it? The answer to both questions varies from person to person. For reference, I have travelled to Paris three times, and only during my first trip did I visit the Louvre. I spent somewhere between three and four hours exploring.
If time is a concern, consider booking this fast-track tour of the Louvre. You’ll skip the line and have a guide lead you on a smart two-hour route through the museum.
Musée d’Orsay
Not far from the Louvre Museum is Musée d’Orsay. Here, an impressive exhibit of artwork spanning the Impressionist, Postimpressionist, and Art Nouveau movements is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, a beautiful building worth seeing in itself.
The painting collection includes must-sees from artists like Monet and Van Gogh. The entire museum collection dates from 1848 to 1914. Musée d’Orsay is much smaller and easier to navigate than the Louvre. You can purchase a skip-the-line ticket to Musée d’Orsay in advance.
Louvre Museum vs. Musée d’Orsay
So, how do you decide whether to visit the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, or both? Well, as I mentioned before, this is where personal preference comes in, and you need to weigh your priorities. I’ve heard from people who spent two full days dedicated only to the Louvre. I also know people who chose to visit only Musée d’Orsay rather than the Louvre because that era and style of art interest them more.
It all depends on how much time you have in Paris and what type of trip you want to take. I personally do not like spending most of my travel time indoors. Whether that is at a museum or a show, I much prefer to be out wandering the streets.
That said, I do still go to museums and special exhibits sometimes. It just needs to feature a topic or era that is of extreme interest to me. Or if the weather is terrible, I also find that to be a time that I am more drawn to spending time inside a museum.
So think about what works best for you. Paris is an incredible experience either way, so don’t feel pressured to visit every museum just because someone else calls it a must-see. One person can’t tackle all of Paris’ “must-sees” in one trip, so make sure you make your Paris itinerary unique and tailored for you!
Whichever you decide to visit, save time by purchasing tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line. Here is where you can get your entry tickets to each museum:
Pont des Arts
The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Seine River. Many tourists know it because it used to be the ‘love lock’ bridge, where visiting lovebirds would write their names on a lock and attach it to the bridge.
Pont des Arts leads to and from the Louvre. It is 509 feet long and offers gorgeous views of Paris in all directions. It opened in 1984, replacing a previous bridge that was unsafe after it suffered damage during World War II.
Attaching Locks to Pont des Arts—can I do it?
Please don’t do it.
Attaching a lock to Pont des Arts became so popular that the city removed them in 2015. Additionally, City Hall of Paris modified the bridge with panels where locks could not be attached.
On my recent visit, I observed that people are still trying to make the love lock thing happen, some attaching them around light posts, nearby fences, or even other bridges.
As tourists, we should respect the destinations we visit. We are guests, so we should behave in a way that respects the wishes, rules, and norms of the place we are visiting.
The city of Paris decided to remove the locks because so many of them accumulated and became so heavy that they were causing severe damage to the structure of the bridge. I am passionate about doing my best to respect the places I visit. My new motto is to always leave places better than I found them. That said, I hope that other travelers will keep this in mind and respect the wishes of the city of Paris by not attaching locks to any bridges.
Where to Stay in Paris for 4 Days
There are so many options when it comes to deciding where to stay in Paris for four days that it can be quite overwhelming. The good news is that there isn’t one right answer. Certainly, there are so many amazing places and areas to choose from. So, where’s the best place to stay for four days in Paris?
As part of this Paris itinerary, I will share a few options I love. Based on my personal taste, style, and area preferences, here are some places I would stay in Paris.
The list includes options in different parts of the city, including why I would choose that area. These properties all align with parts of this four-day Paris itinerary.
Places to Stay Near the Eiffel Tower
- Hotel La Comtesse // This beautiful property has reasonable prices compared to many hotels in the posh 7th arrondissement. Some of the rooms have fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower. The location is super convenient for those who want to explore by foot in all directions.
- Hotel Relais Bosquest // This place is so charming. It is near the Eiffel Tower and a metro station, which is a huge plus.
- Cler Hotel // This location is hard to beat since it’s right on Rue Cler, which is full of food and shops and bursting with Parisian life. Accommodations are simple but nice and clean; this is for someone not concerned with having a ton of space and luxury amenities.
Places to Stay in the Latin Quarter
- Villa d’Estrees // This Latin Quarter hotel is gorgeous and smack in the middle of all the action. The rooms are stunning and you are within walking distance to more than you can even tackle in 4 days in Paris. Love this spot!
- Hotel des Grands Hommes // This location is hard to beat. This property is decorated in chic 19th-century style, giving it a classic Parisian feel.
Places to Stay in Le Marais
- Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais // I adore the design of this place. Beaumarchais, an 18th-century writer, inspires the decor. The details are SO cute; this is my kind of space.
- 9confidentiel // This hotel is pricier than most of the others I included on the list so far. But this is a beautiful option to splurge on a memorable experience. In addition to being a stunning property, it’s surrounded by incredible food, bars and shops.
