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 city. It covers the highlights of the city, using efficient routes so you can focus on different districts each day.
Deciding what to do for 4 days in Paris can be tough—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 now and still have so much more to conquer.
When you think about what to do in Paris, focus on your personal 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 of less interest to you 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 as your day 4, then just 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 completely 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 sort of emotional buildup after arriving in Paris and before locking eyes on the Eiffel Tower for the first time. So why wait? Let’s go see this beauty!
After three trips to Paris I still seek feel anxious to see the Eiffel Tower once I arrive. The magic of it 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 center path for pedestrians. Pont de Bir-Hakeim will lead you across the Seine River, connecting the 15th and 16th arrondissements.
If you are an early riser, consider making it to 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 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 for the view and 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 a variety of museums that may be of interest to some. Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine is a dedication to French architecture. You will also find the Théâtre National de Chaillot, where there are modern-dance productions. Depending on if these things are of interest to you, you may just 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, a request by Napoleon in honor of those who fought for France in war. The arc was complete in 1836 and Napoleon died before being able to see it to completion.
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 like you plan ahead, purchase skip-the-line access to the rooftop of 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 2 kilometers in length and many say it is one of the world’s most beautiful streets. If you have 4 days in Paris, this is worth a visit.
The street is home to a number of celebrations and parades that take place in Paris. Also, Champs-Élysées is where you can permanently find some of the best shopping in the world. From high-end designer fashion to more affordable styles, there’s something for everyone.
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 make your way back to the 7th arrondissement, home of the Eiffel Tower. Public transportation or Uber is always an option if you’ve hit your max on walking.
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 also serves as an excellent viewpoint to snap some 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 at least an hour before sunset to enjoy the last bit of daylight. This is my favorite time to hang out here, as the light starts to soften 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 once it’s dark outside, the Eiffel Tower puts on a pretty light show. 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 has stunning panoramic views over Paris. If you want to experience this, plan ahead and book skip-the-line tickets before you go. This will save you time since the Eiffel Tower is so popular. Click here to check availability of tickets for second floor Eiffel Tower access.
Day 2 in Paris: Latin Quarter to Le Marais
The second day of this 4-day Paris itinerary is all 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 referred to as ‘Le Marais.’ Similarly the 5th arrondissement is also referred to as ‘the Latin Quarter.’ People use both names interchangeably, as I do in this post.
This day is one of my favorites. I love both of these neighborhoods and always 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. In French the name of the garden is Jardin du Luxembourg, 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 that dates back to 1615. Today the French senate owns the garden and it is free for the public to enter and enjoy.
The garden is massive and 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
On the left bank of the Seine River you will find the Latin Quarter. This area is also known as the 5th arrondissement.
The Latin Quarter retains a historic feel, making it a popular area for visitors. The area is home to a variety of 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 own discoveries. There is so much to see, eat and enjoy.
Because there is SO much history in this area, a tour was really helpful for me. 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 is a place of worship that was founded in 1926. This beautiful structure is the largest Islamic place of worship in Paris.
The construction of the mosque began in 1922 and was completed in 1926. The building architecture is Moorish Style. 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 the least.
Panthéon
The Panthéon is another gem in the Latin Quarter. This monument and mausoleum is one of Paris’ most notable sights. Construction began in the mid 1700s but was delayed and later completed in 1790.
Architecture enthusiasts may not be surprised to hear that the Pantheon in Rome inspired the design of the exterior for the Pantheon in Paris. This landmark was a church when it was 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.
You can skip the line at the Pantheon by purchasing your entry ticket in advance. 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 important pieces from the Middle Ages.
Depending on how much interest you have 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 come across a Paris travel guide to the Latin Quarter without finding mention of this iconic bookstore. Shakespeare & Company opened in 1919 by an American woman, Sylvia Beach.
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. Sadly the magnificent church is off limits at this time due to fire damage, but you can still admire parts of it from afar.
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 is another neighborhood that has a ton of history that one might easily look over. There are some excellent, informative tours to help 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
If you like to wander and enjoy artsy areas, Montmartre is for you. It’s a neighborhood with a rich history of art and creativity. I love to visit this part of Paris with a loose agenda. This is why this day is a fairly unstructured part of this 4-day Paris itinerary.
A visit to Montmartre is where all of my French fantasies come true. 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 everyday, but let me live.
Montmartre is an area of historical significance. As a result there are rules in place for new developments in order to preserve the original character of this neighborhood. I appreciate these efforts because there is SO much cool history and local charm in Montmartre.
To get a more in-depth 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 this also makes it the second most-visited church in all of France. This data was impacted by the devastating Notre Dame fire, of course.
Visitors can enter the church for free. If you want to access the dome for a view over Paris, there is an entry fee. 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 to 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. In this square you will find artists of all sorts creating and selling beautiful pieces. This square seems to be busy at all times but is worth strolling through at some point during your 4 days in Paris.
Visitors flock the area to have their portrait 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’ is one the wall 311 times in 250 different languages. The wall is 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 to visit for Paris travelers. Visitors can book tickets to experience a dinner and a show in advance. If shows aren’t your thing, simply 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 a variety of 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 also includes the dinner and champagne, in addition to drop off service
Day 4 in Paris: Museum Day and the River Seine
The final day of this 4-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 broke 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 is here, which was installed at the square in 1836. The obelisk is an Egyptian artifact and the oldest monument in Paris. It was constructed in 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 around the world 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.
So should you visit the Louvre? And if so, how much time should you set aside for it? The answer to both questions vary 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 get to skip the line and have a guide that leads you on a smart 2-hour route through the museum.
Musée d’Orsay
Not far from the Louvre Museum you will find Musée d’Orsay. Here lives an impressive exhibit of artwork spanning the Impressionist, Postimpressionist and art nouveau movements. The museum is in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, a beautiful building that is 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 if you 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. And, 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 comes down to how much time you have in Paris and what type of trip you want to have. I am personally not a fan of spending a majority 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 of a museum.
So think about what works best for you. Paris is an incredible experience either way, so don’t feel pressured to visit each and every museum just because someone else calls it a must-see. It’s impossible for one person to tackle all of Paris’ “must-sees” in one trip, so make sure you make your Paris itinerary special 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. Pont des Arts bridge is known by many tourists because it used to be the ‘love lock’ bridge. This is 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. The bridge 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 Post des Arts became so popular that the city decided to cut off the locks in 2015. Additionally, City Hall of Paris modified the bridge with panels where locks are unable to 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 or nearby fences, or even other bridges.
As tourists, we should be respectful to the destinations that we visit. We are guests, therefore we should behave in a way that respects the wishes, rules and norms of the place in which we are visiting.
The city of Paris decided to remove the locks because so many of them accumulated, and became so heavy, that it was causing damage severe to the structure of the bridge. I am passionate about doing my best to respect the places I visit. My new motto I tell myself 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 4 days, 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 4 days in Paris?
As part of this Paris itinerary I’m just going to share a few options I love. Based on my own personal taste, style, and area preferences, here are some of the places I would stay in Paris.
The list has options in different parts of the city, including the reason why I would choose that area. These properties all align with parts of this 4-day Paris itinerary.
For all neighborhoods, also check out the options on Airbnb in Paris. There are some lovely rentals with amazing views in various neighborhoods of the city.
Places to Stay Near the Eiffel Tower
- Hotel La Comtesse // This beautiful property has reasonable prices in comparison with many hotels in the posh 7th arrondissement. Some of the rooms have amazing 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, near the Eiffel Tower, and really close to 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, shops and bursting with Parisian life. Accommodations are simple but nice and clean; this is for someone who isn’t 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 will even be able to tackle in 4 days in Paris. Love this spot!
- Hotel des Grands Hommes // Another location that’s hard to beat. This property is decked out in chic 19th century vibes so it gives off a classic Parisian feel.
Places to Stay in Le Marais
- Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais // I adore the design of this place. The decor is inspired by Beaumarchais, an 18th-century writer. 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 if you are looking to splurge on a special experience, this is a beautiful option. In addition to being a stunning property, it’s surrounded by incredible food, bars and shops.
Staying Connected in Paris
When I travel abroad I usually use a portable pocket WiFi as a way to stay connected when I’m outside of my cell phone service area. If you need a way to stay connected during your 4-day Paris trip, check out Tep Wireless. For the trips where I used Tep, internet service and customer support have both been excellent. Check the Tep Wireless website for device plans and pricing.
