Are you looking to spend 4 days in Paris? Then, I’ve got the perfect itinerary for you!
Planning a trip to the City of Light can be overwhelming — there are so many iconic landmarks to visit, hidden gems to discover, and unforgettable experiences to enjoy. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel lost in all the options.
This is the Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary. It covers everything I did during my amazing visit to this beautiful city. This itinerary will cover all the essential spots while giving you the chance to soak in the Parisian atmosphere. Let’s dive in!
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Overview of your 4 days Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Classic Paris sights with breakfast at Angelina’s, Louvre visit, stroll through Tuileries, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Élysées ending with dinner at Le Fouquet’s.
Day 2: Eiffel Tower photoshoot and climb, picnic at Champ de Mars or Trocadéro, shopping at Galeries Lafayette, and a Seine dinner cruise.
Day 3: Discover Montmartre’s charm, relax in Luxembourg Gardens, visit Notre-Dame, and enjoy a scenic evening walk along the Seine.
Day 4: Day trip to Versailles, explore the eerie Catacombs, and end your Paris escape with dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge.
The Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary
Day 1: Classic Paris Experience: Angelina’s, The Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées
Morning:
– 8:30 AM: Breakfast at Angelina’s
Start your Parisian adventure with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a buttery croissant at Angelina’s (226 Rue de Rivoli). This historic tearoom is the perfect spot to indulge and set the tone for a day of exploration.
– 10:00 AM: Louvre Museum
After your relaxing breakfast, it’s time to head to the Louvre Museum (Rue de Rivoli) the world’s largest and most famous museum, just a short walk away from Angelina.
spend your morning exploring the masterpieces inside, make sure you don’t miss the iconic Mona Lisa and Napoleon Bonaparte Apartments. It’s easy to lose track of time here, so plan for a few hours to fully immerse yourself in the art.
Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum:
📌 Book your ticket in advance (click here for timed entry tickets)
📌 Avoid the main entrance, as it’s always the busiest and the lines are long (click here to watch my Instagram reel on how to enter the Louvre quickly)
📌 Don’t miss the Napoleon Bonaparte Apartments, one of the most stunning rooms in the museum (click here to watch my Instagram video to see what it looks like and how to find it)
Afternoon:
– 12:30 PM: Tuileries Gardens
After soaking in the art, head outside to the peaceful Tuileries Gardens. With beautiful fountains, sculptures, and plenty of green space, it’s the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Paris.
– 1:30 PM: Place de la Concorde
Wander to Place de la Concorde. Take a moment to admire the grandeur of the Obelisk of Luxor and the elegant fountains that surround this historic square. It’s the perfect spot for some quiet reflection or people-watching.
🚇Metro from Tuileries Gardens to Arc de Triomphe: Line 1 (Yellow Line) from Tuileries station to Charles de Gaulle – Etoile station (around 10 minutes).
Late afternoon:
– 3:00 PM: Arc de Triomphe
Now, it’s time to visit the monumental Arc de Triomphe, this monumental arch honours those who fought and died for France.
While seeing the Arc De Triumph up close is incredible, I highly recommend Climb to the top and you will be rewarded for the best panoramic views of Paris, where you can take in the grand avenues, including the Champs-Élysées and, in the distance, the Eiffel Tower.
Tickets to the top costs 16 euros per adult and you will need to climb 284 steps but it’s so worth it for the views!
– 4:30 PM: Walk along the Champs-Élysées
After the Arc, stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées. The lively street is lined with luxury shops, cafés, and theatres. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, and maybe stop for a coffee to watch the world go by.
– 7:00 PM: Dinner at Le Fouquet’s
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Le Fouquet’s, a renowned restaurant on the Champs-Élysées. The elegant setting, delicious French cuisine, and a glass of wine make this the perfect spot to end your first day in Paris.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Photos: Photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower, Climb the Eiffel Tower, picnic at Explore Champ de Mars Park, Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette, Eiffel Tower at Night and Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Morning:
– 7:00 AM: Photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower
Start your day with a photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower. I highly recommend booking a professional photographer
A photo session in Paris is more than just a photo op – it’s an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of romance and adventure. Whether you’re celebrating love, a special occasion, or simply want to immortalise your time in one of the most iconic cities in the world, a professional photo shoot in Paris offers the perfect way to make those moments last forever.
We had the incredible opportunity to take part in a photo session, and it turned out to be one of the most magical experiences and one of the best things we did in Paris.
If you’re thinking about booking a photo session in Paris, it’s worth every moment. You’ll not only receive breathtaking images but also create lasting memories of a city that’s synonymous with love and beauty. Trust me, it’s an experience you’ll treasure forever. Book your session today, and let Paris work its magic! Here are few of the top rated photo session experiences.
– 9:00 AM: Climb the Eiffel Tower
After your photos, make your way up the Eiffel Tower itself. You can either go to the second floor or take the elevator all the way to the summit. The views of Paris from up here are absolutely spectacular. Allow yourself 2-3 hours to truly enjoy the experience.
Pro Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower:
📌 Buy Tickets in Advance:
To avoid long lines at the ticket counters, it’s a smart idea to purchase your Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance. This will save you time and let you skip the queues—trust me, you won’t want to waste two hours waiting just to get your ticket! (click here to get your tickets) or else if your are opting for a guided tour (click here to get your guided tour ticket)
📌 Choose what type of ticket to purchase:
There are two types of Eiffel Tower tickets: one for the second floor and one for the summit. The second-floor ticket offers access via stairs or elevator, with great views at 115 meters. The summit ticket grants access to the top (276 meters) via elevator only, and it’s best to book in advance to avoid long lines.
📌 Be prepared for long lines for the elevators:
For a bit of exercise, consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The lines are typically shorter, and you’ll get a closer look at the Eiffel Tower’s structure as you climb. We chose the elevator up and enjoyed the stairs on the way down, which was a great way to experience both views.
📌 Enjoy the View at Different Levels:
The Eiffel Tower has three levels that offer different views of Paris. Consider visiting all three levels to get a panoramic perspective of the city, its landmarks, and the River Seine.
📌 Be Mindful of Your Belongings:
Like any tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower attracts pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
📌 Dress Comfortably:
Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a fair amount of walking and standing involved. Additionally, consider dressing in layers as the weather at the top of the tower can be windy and cooler.
📌 Plan Your Visit According to the Weather:
Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure you have appropriate clothing and to choose the best day for clear views from the top of the tower.
– 11:00 AM: Explore Champ de Mars Park (Option 1):
If you’re in the mood for some quiet time, take a leisurely stroll through Champ de Mars Park. This peaceful spot offers excellent views of the Eiffel Tower and is perfect for a little rest or even a picnic.
– 11:00 AM: Visit Trocadéro Gardens (Option 2):
For a different perspective, head over to Trocadéro Gardens. It offers the best panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower for even more picture-perfect moments.
– 12:30 PM: Lunch near the Eiffel Tower
After your morning adventures, treat yourself to lunch at Le Bistro Parisien (Port de la Bourdonnais), a cozy spot with fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll love the quiche Lorraine paired with a refreshing glass of wine.
Afternoon:
– 2:00 PM: Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette
Next, head to the Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier) (get your timed entry tickets here), an opulent opera house with stunning interiors (watch my Instagram reel)
Once you’ve marveled at the architecture, make your way to Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann shopping mall (40 Boulevard Haussmann). Don’t forget to visit the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette for another spectacular view of Paris.
Pro tips for visiting Galeries Lafayette Paris rooftop terrace
📌The roof top located at the 8th floor of Galeries Lafayette mall.
📌its FREE TO VISIT
📌Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur, Notre Dame: all these monuments can be seen from the rooftop
📌Gallery Lafayette and Opéra Garnier are next to each other, so you can plan both on the same day, we did the opera than the rooftop and it was amazing experience
– Metro from Eiffel Tower to Palais Garnier / Galeries Lafayette: Line 6 (Green Line) from Bir-Hakeim Station to Montparnasse-Bienvenüe Station, then transfer to Line 12 (Green Line) to Madeleine Station. The Palais Garnier is just a short walk from there.
Evening:
– 8:00 PM: Eiffel Tower at Night
Now it’s time to see the Eiffel Tower in a whole new light—literally! Head there in the evening to watch it sparkle for five magical minutes every hour. For the best views, grab a spot at Pont de Bir-Hakeim or Place du Trocadéro and soak in the breathtaking moment!
When does the Eiffel Tower Sparkle?
✨ The Eiffel Tower sparkles every evening on the hour every hour, starting from sunset until 11:45 pm. the final sparkles will take place at 11.00 pm
✨The sparkling lights are on for about 5 minutes at the beginning of each hour.
✨In summer months and french holidays the sparkles are on each hour until 1.00 am. At 1am, the monument continues to sparkle for a few minutes. this is an exceptional show! Don’t miss it
Where are the best places to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night ?
📌Pont de Bir-Hakeim
📌Place du Trocadero
📌Pont d’lena
📌Champ de Mars
📌Av. De Camoens
📌Seine River Cruise
– 9:00 PM: Dinner Cruise on the Seine
For a truly memorable evening, take a dinner cruise along the Seine River. As you savor a delicious meal, watch the city’s landmarks—like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame—glow under the night sky. I highly recommend Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise or Bateaux Mouches (exact tours below), this was truly amazing experience and the highlight of our Paris trip.
🚢 Read Next: Guide to the Best Seine Dinner Cruises in Paris! 🚢
Day 3: Artistic Charm and Historic Views: Montmartre, Luxembourg Gardens, and Notre-Dame, Evening walk along the Seine
Morning:
– 9:00 AM: Breakfast at Le Consulat
Today you will experience the artistic charm of Paris in one the most charming neighbourhoods in Montmartre.
Begin your day with a traditional French breakfast at Le Consulat (18 Rue Norvins) in Montmartre. Enjoy a croissant, café crème, and freshly squeezed orange juice while you soak in the charming atmosphere.
– 10:00 AM: Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica
After breakfast, make your way to Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Rue du Cardinal Dubois) Walk (10 minutes). The climb to the top is worth it for panoramic views of the city. Inside, don’t miss the stunning Christ in Majesty mosaic.
Entry to the church is free, however if you want to climb the dome you have to pay 8 euros per person.
– 11:00 AM: Explore Place du Tertre
Strolling through Place du Tertre feels like stepping into a postcard—this charming square has long been a gathering place for famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Amedeo Modigliani and is still buzzing with talented locals showcasing their work.
As you wander past their easels, you’ll see everything from detailed Parisian street scenes to vibrant modern pieces, each capturing the city’s unique charm.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not have your portrait drawn by one of the artists? It’s a fun experience and a special keepsake to remember your time in Montmartre.
– 12:00 PM: Lunch at La Mère Catherine
For lunch, head to La Mère Catherine , known for its cozy ambiance and delicious French fare. We tried few dishes but the duck confit and onion soup is a must-try!
Afternoon:
– 2:30 PM: Luxembourg Gardens
Take the metro to Luxembourg Gardens, a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris. The garden is a favourite among Parisians and tourists, offering peaceful surroundings in the heart of Paris.
Walk around the stunning gardens, admire the Medici Fountain, and enjoy the beauty of Luxembourg Palace.
– Metro from Montmartre to Luxembourg Gardens: Line 12 (Green Line)from Abbesses Station to Sèvres – Babylone Station (around 25 minutes).
– 3:30 PM: Visit Musée du Luxembourg
If you’re in the mood for more art, head to the Musée du Luxembourg, located within the gardens. It’s a great place to see both classical and contemporary exhibitions.
Evening: Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter
– 5:30 PM: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
Make your way to Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité. The facade is still a masterpiece, and the surrounding area is full of charm.
– Metro from Luxembourg Gardens to Notre-Dame: Line 4 (Purple Line) from Saint-Sulpice Station to Cité Station (around 15 minutes).
– 6:15 PM: Stroll Through the Latin Quarter
After Notre-Dame, wander through the vibrant Latin Quarter. This historic area is full of quirky bookshops, cafés, and cozy streets. Don’t forget to stop by the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore a haven for book lovers.
– 7:00 PM: Dinner at Le Procope
End your Parisian adventure with a delightful dinner at Le Procope (13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie), Paris’s oldest café. Indulge in classic French dishes like escargots or coq au vin.
– 9:00 PM: Evening Walk Along the Seine
After dinner, take a peaceful stroll along the Seine River. Enjoy the view of the illuminated Pont Neuf and Île de la Cité.
Day 4: Artistic Charm and Historic Views: Versailles, Catacombs and Dinner at Moulin Rouge
– 8:00 AM Visit to Versailles
Start early: Take the RER C train to Versailles from central Paris (the journey takes about 30-40 minutes). Aim to arrive early to maximize your time at the palace. Don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance to avoid long lines.
Spend a few hours marveling at the opulent Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments. If time permits, consider visiting the Grand Trianon or Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, both of which are part of the estate.
After visiting the interiors of the palace, head to the stunning gardens of Versailles, which extends for miles.
– Lunch: Grab a quick lunch at one of the cafes near Versailles or inside the gardens.
– 1:00 PM The Paris Catacombs
Travel back to Paris: After your visit to Versailles, head back to Paris (another 30-40 minutes by RER C).
– Visit the Catacombs: The Catacombs are located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. Plan to arrive around 2-3 PM, as it can take an hour or more to go through the site. The underground ossuaries are a fascinating (and slightly eerie) way to learn about Paris’ history.
The 1.7 km of tunnels house the remains of six million Parisians people , and the tour is a journey through the macabre past of the city.
– 6:00 PM Relaxing dinner:
For a truly unforgettable evening in Paris, I highly recommend having dinner at the Moulin Rouge. The iconic cabaret offers a spectacular show with dazzling performances, and the dinner experience is equally impressive, featuring delicious French cuisine in a vibrant, historic setting. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a night out and end your 4 days Paris trip, while immersing yourself in the magic of Parisian nightlife!
Where to Stay in Paris
If it’s your first time visiting, I recommend focusing on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th arrondissement—these neighborhoods keep you close to the city’s most famous sights.
You might be wondering, what exactly is an arrondissement? Simply put, it’s a neighborhood—Paris has 20 of them, each with its own unique vibe and charm.
Besides picking a hotel in one of these central areas, another tip is to choose a place near a metro station. It makes getting around the city so much easier and gives you more time to explore.
Choosing the right area can feel overwhelming, so I’ve put together a complete guide on where to stay in Paris with detailed tips on the best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading all the way to the end—I hope this itinerary has inspired your own Paris adventure!
Paris always leaves you wanting more, but this 4-day plan offers the perfect mix of iconic sights and local experiences to help you fall in love with the City of Light. Whether it’s your very first visit or a long-awaited return, these four days are sure to create memories you’ll cherish forever.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t miss my Ultimate Paris Travel Guide—it’s packed with advice on what to do, when to visit, and how to get around, plus hidden gems and must-see landmarks to make your Paris experience seamless and unforgettable.
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