Looking for the best things to do in Paris in 4 days? Look no further! This Paris 4 day itinerary for first-timers will give you a great overview of the city of light, from the best tourist attractions to the trendiest districts.

Paris is always a good idea. But for first-time visitors, it can be hard to know where to start.

Of course, you’ll want to see all the famous landmarks that make Paris one of the most scenic and fascinating cities on the planet. But you also want to feel the city life, explore its charming neighborhoods, and mingle with the locals.

The first good news is that you can absolutely do all that in 4 days if you plan ahead. The second good news is that you came to the right place!

To help you overcome the overwhelm of planning a first-time visit to Paris, I’m sharing everything you need to know to have a great time in the city of love on this detailed Paris travel itinerary.

I’ve been to Paris three times already, and counting! My last visit was in December 2021 and I’m continuously updating this 4 day itinerary in Paris with the latest travel information and tips for 2025 and beyond.

There’s just so much to do and see in the French capital that one visit is simply not enough, as you are about to find out yourself.

So without further ado, here’s how to spend 4 days in Paris and have an amazing time.

Read more:

• 18 Best Day Trips from Paris
• Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in France

Best Time to Visit Paris

They say Paris is always a good idea, and that’s true. The French capital is a year-round destination, so the best time to visit is totally up to you and what you want.

I’ve visited Paris twice in the winter and once in the summer and loved it in both seasons!

Winter can be very cold in Paris, but you get to see the sights without the crowds (and prices) of the summer high season. Christmas is also a great time to visit Paris and see the beautiful Christmas markets, lights, and decorations.

For more pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists, spring and fall are your best options to visit the City of Love.

How to Get Around Paris

The easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around Paris is by Metro and walking. With 16 lines covering the whole city, you can get virtually anywhere in Paris with the subway, and then explore by foot.

The Paris Metro is also fairly easy to navigate and very affordable if you’re traveling on a budget. That’s what I did on my first two visits to Paris, with no complaints.

However, unfortunately only a few Paris metro stations are accessible for persons with reduced mobility, as we found out the hard way on our last visit – we traveled with my parents and ended up having to carry my dad’s mobility scooter up and down too many stairs during our first (and only!) metro trip.

A better alternative for wheelchair or mobility scooter users is to take the bus (almost all bus lines in Paris are accessible by now) or a taxi (as we did). There’s also Uber in Paris, but it’s not always cheaper or more convenient than taxis, which you can find anytime and anywhere in the city.

Finally, a fun, easy, and accessible way to see Paris landmarks and famous districts at your own pace is to hop on and off a sightseeing tour bus. You can book your 1-, 2-, or 3-days ticket online here.

Paris 4 Day Itinerary – Day 1

Explore bohemian Montmartre

Start your Paris 4 day trip exploring one of its most famous neighborhoods: Montmartre.

Montmartre is also one of the loveliest and most romantic Parisian districts, so I recommend giving yourself some time to explore it.

Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, sit in one of the many picturesque cafes, and enjoy the area’s bohemian flair.

Then head to the charming Place du Tertre, where dozens of artists, from painters to caricaturists, show their canvases and talent before the curious eyes of the tourists.

The lively scene evokes the creative atmosphere of the past when Montmartre was home to artists like Monet, Renoir, Mondrian, Modigliani, Picasso, and Van Gogh, who established their studios here and populated the cafes and cabarets.

Other places worth visiting in Montmartre are:

Museum of Montmartre – where Renoir lived and painted several of his masterpieces;

Le Bateau-Lavoir – a historical building where Modigliani and Picasso lived and worked, and where Cubism was born;

Lapin Agile – one of the oldest Parisian cabarets, where painters, poets, writers, and singers gathered during the Belle Époque;

Le Moulin de la Galette – the two last Montmartre windmills, which inspired Renoir and Van Gogh;

Montmartre Cemetery – some of the many famous artists buried here were painter Degas and writer Alexandre Dumas.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Montmartre and discover some of its hidden gems, I suggest joining a walking tour with a local guide.

Admire the beauty of the Sacré-Coeur

Set in the highest point of Paris, in the district of Montmartre, the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, and justifiably so.

This stunning white basilica overlooking Paris is simply one of the most beautiful Catholic churches I’ve ever visited!

The Romano-Byzantine architecture and the impressive ceiling mosaic lend it a unique and special aura.

I visited the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur in the evening when the Dome was already closed, but if you go earlier you can climb up the 3000 steps to the top and admire the panoramic views over Paris.

If you show up late like me, you can still enjoy great views of the city from the Basilica’s terrace.

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of the Sacré-Coeur here.

See a show at the Moulin Rouge

Montmartre is also famous for its nightlife and cabarets, the most notorious of all being the Moulin Rouge.

Immortalized in several movies, books, and paintings, the Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in the world and is considered the birthplace of the modern Cancan dance.

Since its foundation in 1889, the stage of the Moulin Rouge has made many stars, from the first dancers of the French Cancan to singer Edith Piaf.

Today the Moulin Rouge still offers musical dance shows and it’s one of Paris’ biggest tourist attractions.

Book your ticket for the Moulin Rouge here.

Paris 4 Day Itinerary – Day 2

Admire the Arc de Triomphe

Start your second day in Paris at the Arc de Triomphe, another Parisian landmark and must-see in Paris in 4 days.

Inaugurated in 1836, the Triumphal Arch is a monument to the soldiers who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Under the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which honors all the French unidentified soldiers killed during World War I.

Inside, a museum tells the story of the Arch. It is also possible to climb up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

You can buy your skip-the-line ticket to the rooftop here.

Stroll along the Champs-Élysées

From the Arc de Triomphe, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, Paris’ most celebrated avenue and one of the world’s most glamorous streets.

From luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. to fast fashion stores like Zara or H&M, from trendy theatres and cinemas to Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic cafés, and impressive rooftops, there’s something for everyone on the most famous Parisian avenue.

The French call it “the most beautiful avenue in the world”. True or not, nothing says Paris like a walk through the Champs-Élysées.

Start at the Arc de Triomphe and stroll down the Champs-Élysées, admire the beautiful architecture, indulge in some shopping, and have a pause at Ladurée for the most delicious French macarons.

Then walk all the way down to the Champs-Élysées Gardens, where the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais art museums are also worthy of a visit.

Ride the Big Wheel

At the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Big Wheel dominates the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris.

La Grande Roue de Paris is the world’s biggest mobile Ferris wheel, offering a stunning 360 degrees view over the Champs-Élysées, the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, and the Seine, all the way to the Eiffel Tower.

UPDATE: The city of Paris decided to shut down the Big Wheel and remove it from the prestigious Place de la Concorde in 2018. La Grande Roue de Paris was permanently relocated to the Tuileries Gardens in 2019 but it’s now closed.

Visit the Louvre

Continue your Paris 4 day itinerary exploring another Paris must-see: the Louvre Museum.

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and, as such, impossible to see fully in one day. This means you’ll need to be selective.

For my first-time visit, I decided to stick to the Denon wing and see some major works of art like the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, and the Dying Slave, by Michelangelo. I ended up spending around two hours at the museum.

The Louvre was a former defensive fortress turned into a royal residence in the XVI century.

When the Palace of Versailles was chosen as the official residence of the French kings, the Louvre Palace became a place to display the royal collection and was later converted into today’s museum.

If you’d like to save some time when visiting the Louvre, I strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance.

Avoid the long lines to enter the Louvre Museum by booking your ticket here.

Climb up the Eiffel Tower at sunset

Climbing up the Eiffel Tower is a mandatory thing to do in Paris, and one of the most romantic ones!

I recommend getting the lift to the top platform at sunset for breathtaking views over the city of light.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Exposition held in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is the most emblematic symbol of France and the most-visited paid monument in the whole world.

As such, it’s also very busy at any time of the day. Do yourself a favor and book your ticket online, if you don’t wish to spend hours waiting to get in – I can tell you, by personal experience, that it’s not fun!

Book your skip-the-line ticket for the Eiffel Tower, including free cancellation, here.

After your visit, take some time to admire the Eiffel Tower from the outside. The Iron Lady is especially beautiful when lit at night. so be prepared to be amazed!

Paris 4 Day Itinerary – Day 3

Fall in love with the Notre-Dame

The third day of your four day Paris itinerary starts at another icon of the city, the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Located in the small Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine river, the magnificent Paris cathedral was immortalized by French writer Victor Hugo in its novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

You may remember Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s love story from the Walt Disney musical with the same name. But whether you’ve seen the movie or not, the Notre-Dame will impress you with its beauty and most certainly make you fall in love.

UPDATE: Due to the fire of April 2019, it’s no longer possible to visit the interior of the Notre-Dame. You can still admire it from the outside though.

Cross the Pont Neuf

From the Notre-Dame, walk to the tip of the Île de la Cité where you’ll find the oldest remaining bridge over the Seine, the Pont Neuf.

The bridge connecting the two banks of the river through the small island that was once the center of Paris is considered a historical monument.

From Pont Neuf, you can admire the views of the city, or take one of the many Seine cruises departing from here.

Take a selfie at Pont des Arts

Next, head to Pont des Arts. This pedestrian bridge connecting the Institut de France and the Louvre became famous worldwide for its love locks – padlocks that were attached to the bridge, with couples’ initials written on them, and their keys were thrown into the river below as a proof of eternal love.

But what looked like a harmless romantic gesture in the city of love soon became a danger to the structure of the bridge and tourists themselves, and, in 2015, more than a million locks weighing approximately 45 tons were removed by the city for security reasons.

Paris remains as romantic as before though, and Pont des Arts is still well worth visiting. Just follow the “Love Without Locks” campaign motto and take a selfie instead.

Explore the intellectual district of Saint-German-des-Prés

Dedicate the rest of your third day in Paris to exploring the districts on the left bank of the Seine, starting with Saint-German-des-Prés, the most chic and intellectual Paris neighborhood.

Visit its church, the oldest in Paris, and sit in one of its famous cafes, Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore or Brasserie Lipp, once frequented by names like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

Finally, explore the many art galleries and bookstores, or shop in the new luxury stores and designer boutiques.

Have a pause at the Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens, located between Saint-German-des-Prés and the Quartier Latin, are one of the most beautiful Parisian parks and a very popular space with locals and visitors alike.

Built in 1612, by Queen Marie de Medici, the gardens spread before the beautiful Luxembourg Palace, the house of the French parliament, and are the perfect place for a pause from the city bustle.

In an area of 25 hectares, you can find the French and English gardens, a forest, a large pond, an apple orchard, an orangery, an apiary, greenhouses with orchids, and a rose garden.

Wandering through the Luxembourg Gardens, you can also admire the romantic Medici Fountains and a total of 106 statues decorating the park.

Kids too will love this place, which includes a playground area, a puppet theatre with shows during the warmer months, and remote-control boat rentals at the central pond.

Discover the student life at the Latin Quarter

The bohemian Quartier Latin grew around the oldest and most famous French university, the Sorbonne, and is best known for its student life and its role in the events of May 1968.

The Quartier Latin owes its name to the Latin language commonly spoken by the students during the Middle Ages. Today, it’s still home to several universities and higher education establishments and to a vibrant student atmosphere.

The Pantheon, where you can find the tombs of Voltaire, Rousseau, or Alexandre Dumas, is also located here and another mandatory stop when looking for what to do in Paris for 4 days.

Book a walking tour of the iconic Quartier Latin here.

Enjoy the views from Montparnasse Tower

End your day at the Montparnasse Tower, for one of the best views over Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

Once the highest skyscraper in France, the Montparnasse Tower is mostly occupied by business offices and is not particularly pretty when viewed from the outside.

But going up to its 56th floor, you can enjoy nothing less than spectacular panoramic views of the French capital and, certainly, the best view over the Eiffel Tower.

You can book your ticket to the Montparnasse Tower here.

Paris 4 Day Itinerary – Day 4

Delve into the trendy Le Marais

Le Marais is one of Paris’ oldest areas and the city’s trendiest district. It’s also my favorite area to stay in Paris for 4 days (check out my hotel recommendations below).

Once home to the Parisian aristocracy, today it attracts a young population with its cool bars and restaurants, trendy shops, hip designers, art galleries, and museums.

The neighborhood is also the city’s most famous Jewish quarter and, since the 1980s, a hub for the LGTB Parisian community.

For your last day in Paris, delve into the narrow streets of medieval Paris and explore the hipster Marais of the present.

Book a Le Marais walking tour here.

Visit the Pompidou Centre

Close to the Marais district, you’ll find the Centre Georges Pompidou, which houses the largest modern art museum in Europe.

The building itself, an example of high-tech architecture, is pretty remarkable.

Book your Pompidou Center entrance ticket here and avoid the long lines.

Right next to it, the Stravinsky Place, with its sculptural fountain and architectural contrasts, is also worthy of a closer look.

Unfortunately for me, the Stravinsky Fountain by Niki de Saint-Phalle and Jean Tinguely was not working at the time of my last visit, but you can see it in action during the spring and summer months.

Admire the Louis Vuitton Foundation

The next stop of your Paris 4 day itinerary is the Louis Vuitton Foundation, in the Bois de Boulogne, a public park outside of the city center.

This striking contemporary art museum, designed by the American architect Frank Gehry, was inaugurated in 2014 and presents a yearlong artistic program.

I saw an exhibition from the MoMA with works from artists like Andy Warhol, Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Pollok, and Klimt.

I didn’t really plan in advance, so I had to wait 1,5 hours to get inside and see this amazing exhibition. In the end, it was totally worth the wait though.

But you can be smarter than I was and skip the lines by booking online here.

Whether you’re visiting the museum or just relaxing in its gardens, this place is a must-see in Paris.

Take a River Seine evening cruise

Say au revoir to Paris with a magical experience: an evening cruise along the Seine River.

For your last evening in Paris, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise and see the city lit up at night from the water.

This dinner river cruise experience includes a gourmet 3-course dinner on board while cruising past some famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.

Have More Time in Paris?

Take a day trip outside the city

Check out the best day trips from Paris here.

Where to Eat in Paris: My Favorite Restaurants

Le Potager du Marais

For delicious traditional French food in a vegan style, make sure to try Le Potager du Marais.

This was the best meal I had on my first visit to Paris and I highly recommend this place, even if you’re not a vegetarian or vegan yourself.

L’Aller Retour

Unpretentious and authentic, L’Aller Retour is the place to go for amazing meat and wine in Le Marais.

We had the escargots de Bourgogne and the marrow on the bone with toast as a starter, and then some steaks. Everything was delicious and cooked to the point.

We paired our meal with a bottle of fantastic red wine, recommended by the very helpful and friendly staff.

The restaurant itself is decorated like an apartment to make you feel at home in a laid-back and cozy atmosphere.

Make sure to make reservations though as this is a busy place – for good reason!

Le Colimaçon Marais

Considered one of the best bistros in the city, Le Colimaçon does not disappoint.

Serving traditional French cuisine in a rustic atmosphere, dining in Paris really doesn’t get any better than this!

We started with the escargot with edible shells, which were to eat and die for. For main courses, we had the exquisite Magret de canard and the so very tasty grilled octopus.

Everything was so good, we couldn’t resist ordering some dessert, even though the portions were very generous. We finished with a delicious chocolate mousse and a promise to return!

Where to Stay in Paris

Hotel de Roubaix

I stayed at Hotel de Roubaix for three nights during one of my visits to Paris.

Location and price are the best things about this place. Hotel de Roubaix is located near Les Marais and the Pompidou Centre, close to many restaurants and cafés, and a short 5-minute walk from the metro and bus stops.

Paris is such an expensive city, but prices here were surprisingly affordable for a double room with a private bathroom.

My room was small though and the bathroom minuscule, but I guess that’s the norm in Paris.

The hotel has a nice quirky decoration inspired by comic books. Breakfast was ok, although not included in the price.

All in all, this is a nice budget hotel, with a great location close to one of the most interesting districts in Paris, but expect no luxuries.

Click here for more info and booking.

Hotel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais

I stayed at Hotel Jeanne d’Arc on my last visit to Paris and really loved this place – and would definitely stay here again!

This 3-star charming hotel has a very romantic and elegant feel, as well as a great location on a quiet street in the heart of the trendy Le Marais district, close to many cafés, restaurants, and the metro.

Our superior double room was lovely decorated and very spacious and comfortable, with an ensuite bathroom, street view, and lots of Parisian charm.

The only thing that could be improved was breakfast, which was very basic but did the job.

The hotel service on the other hand was great, very friendly, and attentive.

If you’re looking for the best value for your money, look no further than this gem of a hotel!

Click here for more info and booking.

Les Rives de Notre-Dame

For a more upscale stay right in the heart of Paris, I recommend the beautiful boutique hotel Les Rives de Notre-Dame.

Located in the Quartier Latin, Les Rives de Notre-Dame offers 10 comfy and stylish rooms with views of the Seine River and the Notre-Dame.

Close to all the major attractions, this is the perfect base for your stay in Paris.

Click here for more info and booking.

So there you go, how to visit Paris in 4 days. There are, of course, many other things to see in Paris, but this 4 days in Paris itinerary will show you the best the city has to offer and, most importantly, make you want to return again and again.

Need more Paris travel tips? Check out how to save money and time in Paris.

More travel tips

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.

They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.

You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.

Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the vast majority of my stays through them.

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

Car Rentals

Booking.com has a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

Have you been to Paris? What do you like the most about the city of love? What would you add to this Paris 4 day itinerary for first-timers? Share in the comments section below.

Read more:

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• Best Berlin 2, 3, and 4 Day Itinerary Ideas

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