4 Days in Paris – The Ultimate Paris Itinerary 4 Days

What to See in Paris in 4 Days

Paris is the capital and largest city in France, and many think it is one of the most influential cities in Europe. The architecture is incredible. The scenery is beautiful. The food is phenomenal! Paris is romantic!

What to visit in Paris in 4 days? Check out this 4 days in Paris itinerary for the best recommendations and tips on how to see the best of Paris with your limited time. This Paris itinerary 4 days is perfect for first-time visitors as it covers the key tourist attractions in Paris, plus a day trip.

With so many museums, attractions, beautiful parks, and gardens, some may want to visit Paris forever, so it is good to have a plan. These are my recommendations on what to see in Paris in 4 days.

Paris Itinerary 4 Days – My Proposal for 4 Days in Paris

What to see in Paris in 4 days? Here’s an  overview of the perfect Paris 4-day itinerary:

• Day 1 in Paris – Ile de la Cité, Le Marais, and Montmartre
• Day 2 in Paris – Right Bank
• Day 3 in Paris – Day Trip from Paris (I suggest Versailles)
• Day 4 in Paris – Left Bank

This Paris 4 days itinerary comes with three different maps, one for each day spent in Paris and the suggested points of interest.

This itinerary considers three days in Paris and a one-day trip from Paris to explore the city’s surroundings. Each day in Paris is concentrated around a specific area in the Right Bank or the Left Bank, so the transportation (or walking) times between the different sights are optimized.

This itinerary is completed with suggestions on where to stay in Paris for 4 days and insider tips on how to get around at the end of the article.

My Budget Tip for Four Days in Paris

The Paris Museum Pass is one of the best deals you can find out there! If you want to visit Paris’ main attractions and save money, look no further. Once purchased, the pass allows you to explore Paris freely without worrying about the costs of individual attractions! You can buy this pass for 2, or 4 consecutive days – Click here to buy your Paris Museum Pass

The Paris & Versailles bundle and the Paris City Card are two good (and cheaper) alternatives without a time limit.

Related Articles

Paris 4-day Itinerary, Day 1 – Cité and Right Bank

On day 1 of this Paris 4-day Itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Ile de la Cité
• Le Marais
• Montmartre
• Moulin Rouge

Click here to view this 4 days in Paris Map, day 1 on Google

Day 1 – Morning

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

The first day of this 4-day itinerary Paris starts with a coffee at Ile de la Cité. From the metro station Cité, walk to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is the heart of medieval Paris and a jewel of Gothic Architecture. The construction of Notre Dame began in the 13th century, and the works ended in the 15th century.

During the French Revolution, Notre Dame was badly damaged, and in the 19th century, it was the subject of an extensive restoration led by the architect Viollet-Le-Duc. It was Viollet-Le-Duc who added the famous cathedral spire.

After 5 years of restoration, Notre Dame reopened in December 2024 (here’s how to visit Notre Dame). Before entering the Cathedral, however, take some time to admire Notre Dame’s main facade with its fine proportions and beautiful sculptures. Notre Dame de Paris is dedicated to Our Lady of Paris, who is represented on the rose window on the main facade. 

2. Explore Other Sights on Ile de la Cité

After Notre Dame Cathedral, you may consider visiting other historical sights on Ile de la Cité. The most popular sights near Notre Dame are the Archaeological Crypt, the Sainte Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. Which one interests you most?

» The Archaeological Crypt is one of my favorite sites of Paris Underground. This museum was built around the Roman remains of former Lutetia, including some streets, part of Lutetia’s walls, and Roman baths.

» The Conciergerie was the former Royal Palace until the 14th century. During the French Revolution, the Conciergerie hosted Queen Marie Antoinette before her way to the guillotine. 

» The Sainte Chapelle was built in the 13th century as a private chapel for King Saint Louis. This gothic-style chapel is famous for its remarkable and tall stained glass windows, which depict 1,113 famous scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

TIP: Save money and time! Get the combo ticket Conciergerie + Sainte Chapelle with skip-the-line access.

Ile-de-la-Cité is the perfect place for a quick sandwich or a picnic on the Seine River’s banks. I recommend walking to Square du Vert Galant, Ile de la Cité’s pointy end. From there, you can see the Seine boats cruising the river up and down.

Day 1 – Afternoon and Evening

3. Explore Le Marais 

After lunch, it’s coffee time, and there’s no better place for a good coffee than in a Parisian café at Le Marais. Take one of the three bridges which connect Ile de La Cité with Paris Right Bank.

Le Marais is one of the most beautiful areas in Paris, well known for its elegant mansions, cute cafés, and art galleries. Stroll around Place des Vosges (one of the most beautiful Royal Squares in Paris), and pass by the National Archives and the Carnavalet Museum.

TIP: Le Marais has many secluded gardens, perfect for a break in the shade.

4. Up to Montmartre!

For the last hours of this first day in Paris, head to Montmartre for some fresh air. Wander around the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre 2-3 hours before sunset. I suggest arriving at the metro station Anvers (line 12). From there, head to Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the starting point of our Stories of Montmartre Walking Tour, which covers the main sights of this picturesque area of Paris.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: climb up to Sacré Coeur’s dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris! The access to the dome is from outside the basilica, on the left side.

Remember that Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood, with many steps between the lowest streets around Abbesses and the Sacré-Coeur. Take it easy, perhaps with a wine break on your way. 

5. Paris Cabaret Show

For your first night in Paris, I recommend a cabaret show + dinner for a night of music, can-can, and lots of bubbles.

The Moulin Rouge is one of the most iconic cabarets in Paris, which is why it is always full. For the Moulin Rouge, you may want to book your tickets well in advance.

If you prefer a lower-priced option, La Nouvelle Eve cabaret is literally right down the block and the reviews are equally good.

4 Days in Paris Itinerary, Day 2 – Right Bank

When spending 3 or 4 days in Paris, you might have time for one big museum, either the Louvre Museum or the Orsay Museum. I recommend the Louvre.

On day 2 of this 4 days in Paris itinerary, you will be visiting:

• Louvre Museum
• Tuileries Garden
• Place Vendôme
• Opéra Garnier
• La Villette

Click here to view this 4 days in Paris Map, day 2 on Google

Day 2 – Morning

1. Louvre Museum

During the second day of this Paris itinerary 4 days, keep exploring the Seine’s Right Bank. The day starts with the visit to the Louvre Museum, in the first Arrondissement. Built as a royal palace for the Kings of France, the Louvre Palace is today one of the most visited museums in the world and one of the main Paris tourist attractions.

The Louvre is a huge museum, and you could spend four days in Paris exploring its galleries and rooms! For this itinerary, however, target 2 hours. Use this Louvre Guide to learn how to navigate the Louvre, get the shortest lines, and have the best experience inside! Buy timed-entrance tickets online in advance to ensure entry to the museum (choose one of the first time slots of the day).

2. Tuileries Garden

After you visit the Louvre Museum, it’s a good idea to get some fresh air in one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.

The Tuileries Garden was built in the 16th century on the site of ancient tileries that gave the garden its name. The current layout still keeps the spirit of André LeNotre’s design, the same landscape designer as Versailles Gardens and the Gardens of Château de Chantilly. 

You can just walk around the Tuileries Gardens without any specific direction. The two guinguettes (casual eateries) located inside the park are great for a coffee + a quick snack.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Learn about the most famous garden in Paris while having fun with the Treasure Hunt at the Tuileries Gardens.

Day 2 – Afternoon and Evening

3. Place Vendôme

From the Tuileries Gardens, walk to the elegant Place Vendôme, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Paris (and in the world!). Place Vendôme hosts some of the most exclusive luxury jewelry shops and international hotels in Paris.

The square is dominated by the Vendôme Column, commissioned by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz. The guy on the top of the Vendôme Column is Napoleon I himself. Admire the architecture of the buildings around and soak up the boulevard’s unique atmosphere.

4. Opéra Garnier

The next stop of this Paris itinerary is the Opéra Garnier, at the end of Avenue de l’Opéra. Also known as Palais Garnier, the building was designed by the architect Charles Garnier, and it is considered a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque Architecture.

The Opera’s interiors are richly decorated, the history of its construction is fascinating, and there’s still the shade of the phantom of the Opera around. I strongly recommend visiting the Palais Garnier inside (self-guided tour) during your 4 days in Paris.

Alternatively, you can stroll along Boulevard Haussmann to admire some of the best Haussmannian architecture and do some fancy shopping. On this boulevard, you will find the Galeries Lafayette (40 Boulevard Haussmann), with beautiful Art Déco interiors.

5. Bassin de la Villette

With 4 days in Paris available, it is possible to go off the beaten path to places with a more local feel.

Bassin de la Villette (Paris 19), was a former port during the era of industrialization of rivers and waterways for transport trade in Paris. Highly known for its commercial and industrial purpose, it is now a lively hub of cultural and leisure activities by the canal.

Bassin de la Villette is a great place for a stroll, to have a picnic by the canal in the summer, or to stop over at one of the many bars or restaurants.

If it is the time for an apéritif, do like the locals and choose one of the cute bars by the canal for a drink or two. Some bars also offer “planches” with different kinds of cheese and cold cuts, which can do the job for a casual dinner.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: if you visit Paris in the summer, rent a self-drive electric boat to explore Canal del’Ourcq from the water. It does not require any permit, plus it is fun!

Paris 4 Days Itinerary, Day 3 – Versailles

Versailles Palace and Gardens

After two days exploring Paris, take a day trip out of the city to see a little bit more of what the French countryside has to offer.

I recommend visiting the Palace of Versailles and its Gardens, located only 40 minutes from Paris by train. The home to King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette is a splendid baroque palace and the Versailles Gardens are stunning. Check out this Versailles guide to plan the perfect day trip to Versailles.

TIP: This Versailles Skip-the-line Guided Tour with transportation always has great reviews!

But of course, there are many other interesting day trips from Paris! From Fontainebleau to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny or other lovely small towns near Paris, there’s something for everyone.

4 Day Itinerary Paris, Day 4 – Left Bank

On day 4 of this Paris 4-day itinerary Paris you will be visiting:

• Latin Quarter
• The Panthéon
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Eiffel Tower
• Seine River Cruise

Click here to view this 4 days in Paris Map, day 4 on Google

Day 4 – Morning

1. Latin Quarter

Quick off the last day in Paris with a coffee at the Latin Quarter (Paris 5), the heart of university life in Paris.

Paris 5 is also where the Roman city (IC AD) was born. It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the center of religious and civil life during the Roman Paris, was located at the current Rue Soufflot while today’s Rue Saint Jacques was the former Cardo Maximus and one of the two main streets in Roman times.

This self-guided Latin Quarter walking tour will help you to discover the most interesting sights in this neighborhood, like the Arènes de Lutèce (Roman amphitheater), the famous Sorbonne, and the beautiful Church of Saint Étienne-du-Mont.

2. The Panthéon

This 4-day Paris itinerary includes a visit to the Panthéon, one of the most famous landmarks in Paris.

The Panthéon, built in Neoclassical style, is today a mausoleum dedicated to the most illustrious citizens of France (Les Grandes Hommes). Here, you can see the tombs of people like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, or Soufflot, its architect.

The Panthéon was also the place where Léon Foucault demonstrated in 1851 the rotation of the Earth by hanging a 67-meter long pendulum from the central dome. Today, visitors can see a replica of this famous pendulum still swinging from the dome to commemorate this achievement – Click here to buy your tickets to the Panthéon.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Don’t miss the views from the Panthéon’s dome! Referred to as the “Balcony of Paris,” the dome offers amazing 360-degree views of Paris.

3. Luxembourg Gardens

After visiting the Panthéon, walk down to the Luxembourg Gardens, at the end of Rue Soufflot.

The Palace and Luxembourg Gardens were built for Queen Marie de Médicis, the widow of King Henri IV. Today the Palace hosts the French Senate, and it is open to the public only during special occasions.

The Luxembourg Gardens, instead, is one of the most popular parks in the city and one of the top sights of Paris Left Bank. Don’t miss the octagonal pond, the music kiosk, or the Médicis Fountain, which is considered one of the most romantic places in Paris. If the weather is good, the Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect place for a picnic on the grass.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: visit the Luxembourg Gardens differently with this DIY Treasure Hunt!

Day 4 – Afternoon and Evening

4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

After lunch, head to Saint-Germain-des-Près for a stroll. From Luxembourg Gardens, take Avenue Bonaparte, which limits the park on the west (10-minute walk). 

One of the fanciest neighborhoods of Paris Rive Gauche, Saint-Germain-des-Prés exists since the 12th century when it was a rural village around the powerful Saint-Germain Abbey. After the Second World War and already part of the city of Paris, Saint-Germain became a center of intellectual and cultural life, with many small printers and bookshops.

The cafés of Saint Germain were a common meeting place for these intellectuals. Café Procope (considered the oldest cafe in Paris), Café de Flore, or Café Les Deux Magots, are the most popular.

Americans visiting Paris will be interested to know that the Treaty of Paris between Britain and the United States, which ended the American Revolution and granted the U.S. its independence, was signed on 3 September 1783 at the Hotel d’York in Saint-Germain (56 Rue Jacob).

Saint Germain-des-Prés is a picturesque area to explore, and it is also famous for its pastries and chocolate tours.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: This Saint-Germain Chocolate & Pastries Walking Tour always has excellent reviews

5. The Eiffel Tower

I have kept the visit to the Eiffel Tower and a night cruise along the Seine River for your last evening in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is best visited at night when the golden floodlights come on. Once the Eiffel Tower lits up, it sparkles during the first five minutes of every hour, and it is very cool to see from Champ de Mars or Trocadéro Gardens – Buy your Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Tickets with Summit Acces

6. Seine River Cruise with Dinner

Finish your trip to Paris with a Seine night cruise with dinner to admire Paris’ historical monuments lit up: the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more.

This dinner cruise by Bateaux Parisiens is always the best rated, but there are many more! Here are the best Seine River cruises in Paris compared, with my best tips to help you decide.

What to Visit in Paris in 4 Days – Alternatives

» If you are not that interested in the Louvre Museum, you can exchange it for a visit to the Orsay Museum.

» Do you want to add a second day out of Paris? Then follow this 2 days in Paris Itinerary and check out some ideas of other day trips from Paris or easy weekend trips from Paris by train.

» What to see in Paris in 4 days if it is pouring down? I’ve got you covered with some fun things to do in Paris during rainy days. 

4 Days in Paris – Where to Stay

When it comes to where to stay in Paris, there is no one right answer; it very much depends on the sort of trip you are planning. Check out my suggestions on the best districts to stay in Paris, or browse the map here below.

How to Get Around Paris

Once you are in Paris, the easiest way to get around is via the metro. Check out this Metro of Paris guide, with all the information, different types of metro tickets and passes, and our best tips.

And there you have it, a comprehensive itinerary for your 4 days in Paris. Follow this guide step by step or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

If you decide to extend or shorten your stay in Paris, have a look at my other Paris itineraries:

• 1 day in Paris Itinerary
• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 5 days in Paris Itinerary
• 6 days in Paris Itinerary
• 7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

Back to Homepage

Pin it now & read it later