4 Days in Paris itinerary: See The Best Of Paris

I have a confession to make, when I planned my trip to Paris as part of a one-month journey through Europe, I had very low expectations. I’d heard so many mixed reviews about Paris that I genuinely wasn’t sure what to expect.

But let me tell you, I was completely hooked. I fell in love with Paris almost instantly. It’s so much more than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and before I had even left, I was already planning my second trip.

That said, if it’s your first time visiting Paris, planning the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming. It was honestly one of the hardest cities I’ve ever planned. Everything looks close together on the map, but the attractions are actually quite spread out, and I spent hours researching how to organise my days efficiently.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I recommend spending 4 days in Paris . You’ll comfortably fit in the major highlights, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Catacombs, and even a day trip to Versailles.

And you know me, I’m all about making memories and levelling up the experience of every trip. So we’ll also slow things down with a romantic Seine River cruise, a photo shoot in front of the Eiffel Tower, and a picnic at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Let’s dive in!

Itinerary Overview

Before we dive into the details of this 4 days in Paris itinerary, here’s a quick overview so you know what we’re getting into!

• Day 1: The Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Angelina, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe & Seine Dinner Cruise
• Day 2: Eiffel Tower Photoshoot, Opéra, Galeries Lafayette, Champ de Mars Picnic & Eiffel Tower Visit
• Day 3: Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, Le Marais, Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
• Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles, Paris Catacombs & Moulin Rouge Dinner Show

How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?

I think four days is the absolute minimum you should spend in Paris. It gives you enough time to see the major highlights without feeling rushed, while still allowing space to slow down and actually enjoy the city. The city is packed with things to do, see, eat, and drink, so anything less really won’t let you experience it properly.

I personally spent 5 nights and 4 full days in Paris.

Where to Stay in Paris?

The first thing to know is that Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or neighborhoods, each with its own character and atmosphere. Choosing the right area can make a huge difference to your experience, especially if it’s your first visit.

For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in the 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th arrondissement. These central neighborhoods put you within easy reach of many of Paris’s most famous attractions, helping you spend less time commuting and more time enjoying your Paris itinerary.

Having explored Paris extensively, my biggest tip is to stay close to a metro station in Paris. You’ll likely use the metro multiple times a day, and having easy access to public transport in Paris will make sightseeing much more convenient.

Helpful Paris Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, I have a guide on the safest areas to stay in Paris.
If you’re traveling as a couple, check out best hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views.

Check out the map below to see where each is in relation to the main sites!

Day 1: The Louvre, Garden, Hot Chocolate, Arc de Triomphe and Seine Dinner Cruise

Morning at the Louvre

Bonjour! Today you’re starting your Parisian adventure at The Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the world’s largest and most famous museum. 

My biggest tip is to book your timed-entry ticket in advance, as they sell out quickly and you don’t want to waste time standing in long lines. Plan to arrive around 9 AM when the museum opens, as it gets much busier later in the day..

Because the Louvre is so massive, I did a bit of research before going so I could focus on the main highlights in 2–3 hours, including the Mona Lisa. Of course, it’s a must-see, but one of my personal favourite parts of the museum is the Napoléon III Apartments, and you’ll understand why once you visit.

Sally’s Tip: Avoid the main entrance by the glass pyramid — it’s always packed. Instead, use my favourite entry point: the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. (I even made an Instagram reel showing exactly how to get there!).

Late Morning Relaxing in the Tuileries Garden

Now that you’ve explored the Louvre, walk down to one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries.

The Tuileries Garden is located just outside the Louvre and is home to elegant fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined pathways. I absolutely loved this garden and often dreamed about going back again. 

I could have stayed here for hours. Sitting on the iconic green chairs by the fountains just feels so uniquely Parisian, I’ve never experienced anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. Best of all, entry is free.

Early Afternoon Hot Chocolate at Angelina Paris

After relaxing in the Tuileries Garden, it’s time for a Parisian treat. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Angelina Paris, one of the city’s most famous cafés.

Angelina is known for its legendary hot chocolate, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. Rich, thick, and incredibly indulgent, it’s one of the best hot chocolates I’ve ever had. We ordered the Chocolat chaud with whipped cream on the side and a croissant for the full experience.

Late Afternoon Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

After a hearty hot chocolate and croissant, it’s time to climb the Arc de Triomphe for one of the best views in Paris.

Standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, this iconic monument was built to honour those who fought and died for France. While it’s impressive from the ground, I highly recommend heading to the top for the views.

Make sure to book your ticket in advance to avoid long queues. 

To reach the terrace, we climbed 284 steps, but the panoramic views are well worth the effort. In my opinion, this is one of the best viewpoints in Paris. From the top, we had a 360-degree view of the city, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.

After our visit, we took a stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous avenues, known for its luxury shopping, cafés, and flagship stores including Dior.

Evening Seine Dinner Cruise

End your first day in Paris, with one of the most romantic and magical experiences in the city, a Seine River dinner cruise.

In my opinion, this is an absolute must-do. You know me, I’m all about turning a great trip into an unforgettable experience, and this is exactly that.

I loved this one-hour cruise because it offered timed entry, so I could choose a departure time that fit perfectly into my itinerary. Unlike some other cruises, there was no waiting around, and having a guaranteed seat made the experience even more enjoyable. It also had an open deck for great views and photos.

If your budget allows, I’d also highly recommend the Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise. This is actually what I’m planning to do on my next trip to Paris, as I’ve heard fantastic reviews about it. One of the highlights is the chance to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling as night falls. The cruise also features an open upper deck.

This is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris, what could be better than ending your first day in Paris by watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle while sipping a glass of champagne?

Read Next: 5 Best Evening Seine River Cruises In Paris, duration, prices and what to expect

Day 2: Eiffel Photoshoot, Opéra, Galeries Lafayette, Picnic and Eiffel Tower Visit

Morning Eiffel Tower Photoshoot

Start your second day of this 4-day Paris itinerary with a photoshoot at the iconic Eiffel Tower.

You know me, I’m all about experiences and creating memories that will stay with you forever. One of the best things I did in Paris was book a photoshoot with my husband and two boys, and it was worth every cent.

Not only did we get beautiful professional photos with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, but we also came home with memories we’ll cherish forever. Most photographers know the best spots and times to avoid the crowds, so you’ll end up with stunning photos that look like you had Paris all to yourself.

Don’t worry, we’ll be coming back here later today for a completely different experience.

Planning a romantic trip to Paris? I’ve got you covered! Check out these guides:
🏨 15 Best Romantic Hotels in Paris With Eiffel Tower view
❤️  15 Most Romantic Things To Do In Paris for Couples

Late Morning: Exploring the Opéra Garnier

After that, head to Opéra Garnier (Palais Garnier)  which is one of the most impressive buildings in all of Paris, and a must-visit if it’s your first time in the city.

To be honest, I was going to skip it, but I’m so glad I didn’t. I was genuinely blown away by this masterpiece, every corner is incredibly detailed, from the grand staircase to the ornate ceilings.

Afternoon Galeries Lafayette

Just on the opposite side of the Opéra Garnier, you’ll find Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s largest department store, famous for its Art Nouveau glass dome, one of the most photographed interiors in Paris.

If you’re like me, you’ll probably want to spend a few hours here shopping. If you’re hungry, you can also grab lunch inside the store.

Sally’s Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop terrace on the 8th floor (La Terrasse) for one of the best free panoramic views of Paris. From here, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and so much more.

Early Evening Sunset Picnic at Champ de Mars

After exploring Galeries Lafayette, make your way back to the Eiffel Tower, this time for a sunset picnic where you’ll watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle once again.

Directly in front of the Eiffel Tower lies a large green space called the Champ de Mars. It’s where people gather to watch the sky change colours, snack on food in the park, and enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkling as night falls.

If you want to make it extra special, bring a French blanket, fresh strawberries, and a mini bottle of champagne — because why not?

We arrived about two hours before sunset, since we were already tired from all the walking, and stayed until we saw the first sparkle of the Eiffel Tower, which happens every hour for about five minutes.

This is one of the most magical (and completely free) experiences you can have in Paris.

Sally’s Note: Check sunset times depending on when you’re visiting, for example, sunset in summer can be around 10 PM, while in winter it’s much earlier. Make sure to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Evening Eiffel Tower Visit

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, especially if it’s your first time. 

While seeing the Eiffel Tower up close is incredible, I highly recommend climbing to the top for epic views of the city. Walking inside the Eiffel Tower is also a truly unique experience that you shouldn’t miss.

If you’re planning 4 days in Paris with kids, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance, as the queues to buy them on the day can take up to 3 hours. You can book directly through the official Eiffel Tower website, but tickets often sell out quickly (sometimes up to 60 days in advance), or you can join a skip-the-line tour, which I highly recommend. The benefit of a guided tour is that you often get ahead of the main queues.

We booked a 10:30 PM entry ticket for a few reasons , it was much less busy, and the night views were just incredible.

Sally’s Tip: There are two ways to reach the top — by elevator or by stairs. We took the elevator on the way up and the stairs on the way down, so we got to experience both.

Day 3: Notre-Dame, Latin Quarter, Montmartre and  Sacré-Cœur 

Our third day of your 4 days trip to Paris is all about exploring the city’s most charming neighbourhoods. 

Morning Explore Île de la Cité 

Start your day by crossing one of Paris’ famous bridges, the Pont Neuf, into Île de la Cité, often referred to as the Island of the City.

This small island is considered the historic heart of Paris — in fact, it was once the entire city. Sitting in the middle of the Seine River, it is home to two of Paris’ most famous landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.

As of 2025, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is finally back open to the public and absolutely worth visiting inside. Entry is free.  Personally, I didn’t get the chance to visit during my trip, as when I visited in 2024 it was still closed for restoration after the fire, so I unfortunately missed it.

If you have time, you can also visit Sainte-Chapelle, known for its breathtaking stained glass windows. Entry is around €13, and I highly recommend booking tickets in advance.

For an early lunch, you can stop at a nearby café like Au Vieux d’Arcole, a popular Instagram spot known for its beautiful exterior, before continuing your walk along the river.

Afternoon Walk Through the Latin Quarter

Next, make your way from Île de la Cité across the Seine into the Latin Quarter. Stop at the famous Shakespeare & Co bookstore, which has been welcoming writers and travellers since 1919.

If you have time, swing by the Panthéon for a quick photo stop before continuing your walk through the area.

I also visited the Jardin du Luxembourg, another beautiful green space in Paris.

Evening Explore Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

After that, it’s time to explore one of my favourite neighbourhoods in all of Paris, Montmartre.

I loved wandering through its charming streets, passing iconic spots like Le Consulat, La Maison Rose, and Place du Tertre, a lively square filled with artists painting, sketching portraits, and displaying their work.

From there, I made my way up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which sits on the highest hill in Paris. The views from here are absolutely incredible. If you happen to visit around sunset, I highly recommend finding a spot on the famous steps and taking in the views over the city as the sky changes colour. You can also head inside the basilica if you wish.

After exploring Montmartre, we decided to stay for dinner and ate at Madame Catherine, where I had one of the best French onion soups and duck dishes of our trip.

Book a walking guided tour with a local here.

Day 4: Versailles Day Trip, Catacombs and Dinner Show

Morning Day Trip 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.

Grab a quick lunch at one of the cafes near Versailles or inside the gardens.

Evening Optional 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.

👻 Read my Full Guide Are the Paris Catacombs Worth Visiting?

Late Evening Moulin Rouge Dinner Show

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!

How to Get to Paris

To travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) into central Paris, you have a few different transport options.

The most affordable option is the RER B train, which takes around 30–40 minutes to reach central Paris and costs approximately €10.30. You can catch it from Terminal 2.

You can also take an Uber, which is what I personally did. It was a really easy and comfortable way to get into the city straight from the airport. Expect to pay around €45–€60 to central Paris and usually take 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. 

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is a very walkable city, and many of the must-see attractions are close to each other, making it easy to explore on foot. As you’ll see in this 4-day Paris itinerary, you can cover a lot of the main highlights simply by walking.

That said, Paris is still a large city, and to make the most of your time, you’ll likely need to use public transport at some point. Luckily, Paris has an excellent and efficient system that makes getting around very easy.

The public transport network is operated by RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) and includes the metro, buses, trams, and regional trains. Even as a visitor, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate.

I highly recommend using Google Maps during your trip. It includes live transport schedules and will show you the fastest and easiest routes from point A to B, which makes getting around stress-free.

When it comes to tickets, you can use either station machines or, even easier, a digital option. Instead of paper tickets, I recommend setting up a Navigo pass on your phone. You can add a transit card to your Apple or Google Wallet and load it with single metro/bus tickets or a pack of 10.

There are also day and weekly passes available, but in my experience, they’re only worth it if you’re using the metro very frequently in one day.

Once set up, it’s super simple, just tap your phone on the reader at metro gates or on buses, and you’re good to go.

Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is truly a year-round destination, and there’s really no bad time to visit. However, each season feels completely different, so the best time really depends on what you want to do and, of course, your budget.

If you want to maximise your Paris trip, summer is ideal because the days are incredibly long. The sun usually rises around 6am and sets around 10pm, giving you plenty of time for sightseeing and fitting everything in.

However, this is also peak season, so you’ll need to be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.

That said, I actually visited in July and had a lovely time. I just made sure to book the major attractions in advance and went for the very first time slots of the day, which helped me avoid the worst of the crowds.

I visited the Louvre and Versailles early in the morning during the first available time slots, which made the experience so much more enjoyable and less overwhelming. For the Eiffel Tower, I booked a later time slot in the evening, which meant fewer crowds and a much more magical atmosphere.

In my opinion, late spring and early autumn are the sweet spot. You still get beautiful weather, but with fewer crowds. In spring, the city is full of flowers in bloom, and in autumn you get those stunning golden tones all across Paris.

The festive season is also magical, with Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. If you’re planning a winter trip, it’s definitely worth it for the atmosphere alone.

Even winter itself can be a great time to visit — Paris is generally milder than many other European cities, with daytime temperatures around 5–8°C (41–46°F), which is still comfortable for exploring the city.

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.

Read more

🏠 The Perfect 4 Day Paris Itinerary
🏨 9 Safest Places To Stay In Paris For First Time Visitors 
🏞️ Ultimate Paris Travel Guide: 15 Memorable & Best Things to do in Paris
🛥️ 5 Best Evening Seine River Cruises In Paris, duration, prices and what to expect
🏨 15 Best Romantic Hotels in Paris With Eiffel Tower view
🏨 15 Most Romantic Things To Do In Paris for Couples
👻 Are the Paris Catacombs Worth Visiting? A Complete Guide
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