4 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

Visit Paris in 4 Days

4 days in Paris, what to do? 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!

With so many museums, attractions, beautiful parks, and gardens, some may want to visit Paris forever. But what if you can only visit Paris in 4 days? We’ve put together the perfect Paris itinerary 4 days, with maps and our best tips, so you can make the most of your four days in Paris.

‘An artist has no home in Europe except in Paris.’ -Friedrich Nietzsche

Paris 4-day Itinerary – Our Proposal for Four Days in Paris

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

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

This 4 day Paris 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) time between the different sights is optimized.

When planning your 4-day trip to Paris, you will read about the Arrondissements of Paris. The Paris Arrondissements are the Districts of Paris, and there are 20 in total. We recommend reading our Paris by Arrondissement Guide to learn what to see and do by Arrondissement.

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

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4 Days in Paris, Day 1: Cité & Paris Right Bank

Notre Dame | Ile de la Cité | Le Marais | Montmartre | Moulin Rouge

In Paris, you may hear about Paris’ Left Bank (Paris Rive Gauche) and Paris’ Right Bank (Paris Rive Droite). To get your bearings in Paris is very easy: when facing the Seine River downstream, the river’s northern bank is to the right, and the river’s southern bank is to the left.

The isle that you can see in the middle of the Seine River is named Ile de la Cité. This tiny island was the cradle of the Roman city Lutetia and the heart of Medieval Paris. Indeed, the first Royal Palace and the city’s main religious and institutional buildings were on this island. Ile de la Cité is the starting point of this 4 days in Paris itinerary.

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

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1. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

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

Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is one of the main tourist sights in 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.

Notre Dame was seriously damaged during a terrible fire last April 2019. Some parts like the roof and the spire were destroyed forever, but the main facade with its twin towers was saved, and the cathedral’s treasures were recovered. Because of the significant damages, the cathedral and its towers are close to the public until further notice.

You can still admire NotreDame’ss main facade with its fine proportions and beautiful sculptures. Notre Dame de Paris is dedicated to Our Lady of Paris, represented on the rose window on the main facade. The 28 sculptures below Our Lady of Paris represent the Kings of Judah and Israel, the ancestors of Christ. These ‘royal sculptures’ lost their heads during the French Revolution and what you can see today are just reproductions. 

2. EXPLORE OTHER SIGHTS ON ILE DE LA CITÉ

After a short stop to admire 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, just located in front of Notre Dame, is one of our 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. Visitors can learn about the history of Lutetia, from the Celtic settlement named Parisii to Roman times. There’s also a part of the first river port of the Seine.

» The Conciergerie was the Kings of France’s former Palace until the 14th century. When the Kings of France moved, this medieval palace was turned into the Palace of Justice and Prison. The Conciergerie has an amazing medieval hall (Salle des Gensd’Armess), unique in its style. 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 SeineRiver’ss banks. We recommend walking to Square du Vert Galant, Ile de laCité’ss pointy end. From there, you can see the Seine boats cruising the river up and down.

3. EXPLORE LE MARAIS 

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

Historically, Paris’ Right Bank was the center of banking and trade, the place of the new Royal Palace (the Louvre), and where nobility had their mansions. The Right Bank was a synonym of elegance and sophistication.

On the Right Bank, take rue de Rivoli and head east: you are entering Le Marais, one of the most beautiful areas in Paris. Le Marais is a historical area – part in Paris 3 and part in Paris 4 – well known for its elegant mansions, cute cafes, and art galleries. Le Marais’ main sights include Place des Vosges (one of the most beautiful Royal Squares in Paris), the National Archives, and the Carnavalet Museum. You can read more about Le Marais in our Paris 3 and Paris 4 guides.

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, we will head to Montmartre for some fresh air. Wander around the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre (Paris 18) 2-3 hours before sunset. We 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.

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. 

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

5. MOULIN ROUGE CABARET SHOW

For your first night in Paris, we recommend the Moulin Rouge 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 – Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge.

6. EVENING AT MONTMARTRE

If you are not interested in cabarets, Montmartre by night can be a good alternative for this four days in Paris itinerary, especially in the summer. There are many great places to have a nice dinner, especially if you stay out of the most touristy streets around Sacré Coeur. Check out the best restaurants in Montmartre with something for everybody.

When the weather is good, you can end your day in a rooftop bar for a cocktail or two. There are two great rooftop bars in Paris 18: Terrass Rooftop Bar and La Machine du Moulin Rouge.

4 Days in Paris, Day 2: Paris Right Bank

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

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

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

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1. THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

During the second day of this Paris 4 day itinerary, we keep exploring the Right Bank of the Seine River. The day starts with the visit to the Louvre Museum, in Paris 1. 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 use all your four days in Paris to explore its galleries and rooms. We recommend spending at least 2 hours at the Louvre to admire its top artworks.

We strongly recommend buying tickets online to ensure entry to the museum. Online tickets are for a specific date and access hour (access within half an hour of the time shown on the ticket). Check here how to skip the longest lines in Paris and the Louvre. During the high season in Paris, some time slots – and even some dates – are sold out very fast, so we recommend buying the Louvre tickets well in advance – Click here to buy your Louvre tickets right now

2. THE 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 it its name. The current layout still keeps the spirit of André LeNotre’ss 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 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.

3. PLACE VENDÔME

Let’s leave the Tuileries Gardens to visit a little bit of the Haussmannian Paris. You can take rue Castiglione, which starts at rue de Rivoli, in the north of the Tuileries Gardens. At the end of rue Castiglione, there’s 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 its unique atmosphere.

4. OPÉRA GARNIER

The next stop of this Paris itinerary is the Opéra Garnier, at the end of Avenue del’Opéra. Also known as Opéra de Paris, this magnificent building was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III as part of his reconstruction of Paris. 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, plus there’s still the shade of the phantom of the Opera around. We strongly recommend visiting the Palais Garnier inside during your 4 days in Paris.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: we recommend the Opéra Garnier Night Tour, starting at 5.30 pm, which includes the legends and visit to the phantom’s box seat in the opera.

If you are not interested in visiting the Opera building, you can stroll along Boulevard Haussmann to admire some of the best Haussmannian architecture and some fancy shopping. On this boulevard, there’s Galeries Lafayette, 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. This part of Paris along Canal del’Ourcq does not see many tourists, has a more local feeling, plus it is cool!

Bassin de la Villette, located northeast of the city (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 strolling, having a picnic by the canal in the summer, or stopping 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 propose ‘planches’ with different kinds of cheese and cold cuts, which can do the job for a casual dinner.

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

4 Days in Paris, Day 3: Versailles

VERSAILLES PALACE & GARDENS

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

We propose to visit 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 surrounded by the stunning French-style Versailles Gardens. For the perfect day trip to Versailles, check out our Versailles Quick Guide.

TIP: This Versailles Skip-the-line Guided Tour of 1.5 hrs always has great reviews!

But of course, there are many other interesting day trips from Paris! Have a look at the best day trips from Paris, with interesting proposals like Fontainebleau or Monet’s Garden in Giverny.

Another good option is to visit one of the picturesque small towns near Paris; there are many worth a day trip!

4 Days in Paris, Day 4: Paris Left Bank

The Latin Quarter | Panthéon | Luxembourg Gardens | Saint-Germain-des-Pres | Eiffel Tower | Seine Cruise

During the last day of this Paris 4 day itinerary, we will cross the Seine River and explore its Left Bank, specifically the 5th, 6th, and 7th Arrondissements of Paris.

Historically the Left Bank, and more especially Paris 6 and Paris 5, was the bohemian part of Paris and the focus of the intellectual and religious life in the city. All the first universities, La Sorbonne included, and monasteries were located in Paris 5 and Paris 6.

It was also the Paris of the Roaring Twenties,  the headquarters of Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, or F. Scott Fitzgerald, just to name a few, until the painters and artists decided to move to Montmartre because it was cheaper.

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

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1. THE LATIN QUARTER

Quick off the last day of this 4 days in Paris itinerary 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 times, was located at current rue Soufflot while today’s rue Saint Jacques was the former Cardo Maximus and one of the two main streets in Roman times.

Other interesting remains of Roman Paris still visible in today’s Paris are Les Arènes de Lutèce (amphitheater for different kinds of shows) and the Roman Baths of Cluny Museum.

2. THE PANTHÉON

Unless you want to visit the Roman remains, you can start your walking tour with 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. Marie Curie was the first woman interred in the Panthéon on her own merits in the Pantheon (1995).

The Panthéon was also the place where Foucault demonstrated in 1851 the rotation of the Earth by hanging a 67-meter long pendulum from the central dome Foucault’s pendulum). 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.

Around the Panthéon, the list of interesting sights includes the first universities of Paris, like the famous Sorbonne, the Collège de France, and the church of Saint Étienne-du-Mont.

3. THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

After visiting the Panthéon, let’s head to 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, 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!

4. SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

Let’s head to Saint-Germain-des-Près, one of the fanciest neighborhoods of Paris Rive Gauche. You can go from Luxembourg Gardens to Saint Germain-des-Prés by taking avenue Bonaparte, which limits the park on the west (10 minutes walk). 

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

Americans visiting Paris will be interested in knowing 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 Hoteld’Yorkk 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

We 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 Paris in 4 days itinerary with a Seine night cruise with dinner to admire Paris’ historical monuments lit up: the Eiffel Tower, the Muséed’Orsayy, the Conciergerie, and more. There are different Seine Riverboat tours, click here to compare the best Seine Cruises. Cruises usually come with or without dinner, and they are a great way to end your trip to Paris.

TIP: This 2-hour Seine Dinner Cruise always has excellent reviews

Other Things to Do in Paris in 4 Days

» 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 easy weekend getaways from Paris by train.

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

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How to Get from and to the Airports of Paris

OPTION	TO	DURATION	PRICE	HOURS
Train Paris CDG Airport	Gare du Nord or Châtelet	30-40 min	10,3€	4.50 am – 11.50 pm
Welcome Pickups CDG Airport (Private transfer)	Your hotel	30-40 min	60€ approx	24/7
CDG Private Airport Transfer	Your hotel	60 min	25€ approx	24/7
Taxi CDG Airport	Your hotel	30-40 min	60€ approx	24/7
Orly Bus Paris ORY Airport	Denfert- Rochereau	30-40 min	9.5€	6 am – 0.30 am
Welcome Pickups ORY Airport (Private transfer)	Your hotel	30-40 min	50€ approx	24/7
ORY Airport Shared transfer	Your hotel	60 min	15€ approx	24/7
Taxi ORY Airport	Your hotel	30-40 min	50€ approx	24/7

Paris Itinerary 4 days: Where to Sleep

If you haven’t decided where to sleep during your 4-day trip to Paris yet, check out our suggestions below:

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

Have a look at our 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

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