Are you wondering "What to see in Paris in 4 days"?
If so, you're in the right place!
In this article, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about "What to see in Paris in 4 days," helping you plan an unforgettable trip.
Drawing from my experience as a professional tour guide who hosts over 100 guests each year, I’ve crafted this guide to combine iconic must-sees, hidden gems, local food spots, and practical travel tips into a perfect four-day itinerary.Whether it's your first visit or a short return trip, you'll find everything you need here to make your Paris experience truly magical.
With a private guide, they will take you to spots where you can enjoy to your heart’s content, according to your preferences.
The Ultimate 4-Day Paris Itinerary
This itinerary balances structure and flexibility, blending famous sights with local experiences. You'll explore iconic monuments, charming neighborhoods, delicious Parisian food, and some hidden treasures along the way.
Day 1: Paris Icons and First Impressions
Eiffel Tower (ticket booking, best photo angles)
Start your Paris journey with the most iconic symbol: the Eiffel Tower.
Book your tickets online well in advance and aim for a morning visit to avoid the worst crowds. For the best photos, visit Trocadéro Gardens at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is magical. You can also capture unique angles from Rue de l'Université and Champ de Mars. Climb up to the summit if you can — the view is unforgettable.
Seine River Cruise
After visiting the Eiffel Tower, relax with a Seine River Cruise. Cruises depart nearby and glide past Paris’s most beautiful landmarks: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and more.
A daytime cruise offers perfect views; a sunset or evening cruise brings extra romance.
Companies like Vedettes de Paris are reliable choices. Audio guides are usually available in multiple languages.
With a private guide, they will take you to spots where you can enjoy to your heart's content, according to your preferences.
Musée d'Orsay
Next, cross the river to Musée d'Orsay, housed in a beautiful old train station.
It’s home to world-famous works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas.
The layout is manageable compared to the Louvre, and the art is breathtaking. Don’t miss the giant clock window overlooking the Seine — a hidden photo spot!
Walk and Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
In the evening, stroll through Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Explore chic boutiques, historic cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, and elegant bookstores.
For dinner, indulge in classic French cuisine at a cozy brasserie or modern bistro. Pair your meal with a glass of Bordeaux or Burgundy wine.
Optional: Night Walk Through the Historic Center
If you still have energy, enjoy a night walk through the historic heart of Paris.
Cross the Pont des Arts, admire Notre-Dame by night, and wander the atmospheric streets of Île de la Cité. Paris at night is pure magic, especially with the Seine shimmering under the lights.
Day 2: Art, Hidden Corners, and Local Paris
Louvre Museum (smart visiting strategies)
Start your day at the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum. Book your ticket in advance and enter through the Carrousel du Louvre to skip long lines.
Plan a focused visit: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and perhaps one or two more sections depending on your interests. The Louvre can be overwhelming, so it's better to enjoy it selectively than try to see it all.
Palais Royal Gardens and Secret Cafés
After the Louvre, head to the tranquil Palais Royal Gardens. Relax among perfectly manicured gardens and discover hidden cafés under the arcades.
Enjoy a coffee at Café Kitsuné, and admire the quirky black-and-white columns of Les Deux Plateaux.
Parisian Covered Passages
Nearby, explore Paris’s historic covered passages like Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas. These charming glass-roofed arcades are lined with vintage shops, artisan boutiques, and cozy tea rooms.
Perfect for a rainy day — or just a magical stroll back in time.
Montmartre Exploration (Hidden Gems and Sunset)
In the afternoon, take the metro to Montmartre. Beyond Sacré-Cœur, discover secret streets like Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Place Dalida. Visit Musée de Montmartre, and enjoy an aperitif at a local wine bar.
Stay until sunset for breathtaking panoramic views over Paris from the basilica steps.
Day 3: Beyond Paris or Deeper Dive
Option 1: Day Trip to Versailles
Take the RER C train to Versailles, a 45-minute journey from Paris.
The Palace of Versailles is pure grandeur: gilded halls, stunning gardens, and historic rooms that once housed kings and queens. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, where major events like the Treaty of Versailles were signed.
Wander the gardens — rent a bike or golf cart if you want to see it all — and explore Marie Antoinette’s rustic Hamlet for a softer, more intimate side of royal life.
Book tickets online and arrive early to avoid the long queues.
Option 2: Explore Le Marais + Boutique Museums
If you stay in Paris, spend a full day exploring Le Marais.
Visit the Picasso Museum and Musée Carnavalet for cultural immersion.
Shop for trendy fashion and vintage finds along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue Vieille du Temple.
Lunch on world-famous falafel at L’As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers.
Relax in Place des Vosges, one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Paris.
Day 4: Living Like a Local
Morning Bakery Tour or Market Visit
Start your final day with a slow Parisian morning.
Pick up a buttery croissant at Du Pain et des Idées or enjoy the buzz of Marché d'Aligre, where you’ll find colorful produce, cheeses, and flowers.
Take your time savoring each bite — no rushing allowed today!
Luxembourg Gardens or Canal Saint-Martin Walk
After breakfast, choose between Luxembourg Gardens or Canal Saint-Martin. The gardens offer wide paths, fountains, and shady chairs perfect for a mid-morning break. Alternatively, stroll along the Canal, stopping at hip cafés and indie bookstores.
Last-Minute Shopping
Use the afternoon for last-minute shopping:
Luxury shops near Rue Saint-Honoré, concept stores in Le Marais, or gourmet souvenirs like macarons, cheese, and wine to bring home.
Farewell Dinner and Night View of the Eiffel Tower
End your journey with a memorable dinner at a rooftop restaurant like Les Ombres, boasting incredible Eiffel Tower views.
After dinner, return to Trocadéro or Champ de Mars for one last magical view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling against the Paris night sky.
With a private guide, they will take you to spots where you can enjoy to your heart's content, according to your preferences.
Essential Tips Before You Go
Traveling to Paris is exciting, but a little preparation can make your experience even smoother. Here are essential tips to help you get the most out of your four-day Paris adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring and Fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to early November) are ideal times to visit Paris, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists compared to the busy summer season.
Parks and gardens bloom in spring, while autumn paints the city in warm, golden colors.
Hotels and flights may also be slightly more affordable outside peak months.
Packing tips: Layers, comfortable shoes, a stylish but practical wardrobe
Parisian weather can change quickly, so pack versatile layers: light sweaters, scarves, and a good jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for cobbled streets and metro transfers.
Opt for a simple, chic wardrobe — Parisians dress stylishly but practically.
Apps: Citymapper, Bonjour RATP, Google Translate
Citymapper is excellent for real-time metro and bus directions.
Bonjour RATP is the official app for Paris public transportation, including metro maps and schedules.
Google Translate will help bridge any language barriers, especially at restaurants or small shops.
Scams to avoid: Petition scams, bracelet scams near tourist areas
Stay alert around major tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.
Scammers may approach you with fake petitions asking for donations or try to tie friendship bracelets onto your wrist and demand payment.
A firm "Non, merci" and walking away are your best defenses.
Getting around: Metro is best for speed; buses offer scenic routes; walking reveals hidden gems
The Paris Metro is fast, cheap, and extensive — perfect for covering long distances.
Buses offer a slower but scenic way to explore neighborhoods and landmarks above ground. Walking remains the best way to soak up Paris’s charm and discover secret courtyards, cafés, and beautiful streets.
Language basics: Learn Bonjour, Merci, S’il vous plaît, and a few other polite phrases
A few words in French go a long way in Paris. Greeting shopkeepers with "Bonjour" when entering and saying "Merci" when leaving are small but important gestures.
Politeness is highly valued, and even basic French will earn you better service and smiles.
Connectivity: Buy a local SIM like Orange Holiday or rent pocket Wi-Fi
Staying connected is easy in Paris. You can buy a prepaid SIM card like Orange Holiday at the airport or in the city for mobile data.
Alternatively, renting a pocket Wi-Fi device provides unlimited internet access for multiple devices.
Money: Cards accepted almost everywhere; cash still useful for markets and small shops
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Paris, even for small transactions.
However, it’s smart to carry some cash for open-air markets, small bakeries, and older establishments that prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.
Emergencies: 112 is the emergency number; pharmacies everywhere for minor issues
For any emergency in Paris, dial 112 — the EU-wide emergency number.
Pharmacies (with a green cross sign) are abundant and offer assistance for minor health concerns, from cold medicine to first aid.
Pharmacists are generally knowledgeable and can give quick advice if you’re feeling unwell.
With a private guide, they will take you to spots where you can enjoy to your heart's content, according to your preferences.
Printable Summary: Your 4-Day Paris Plan
Planning made simple! Here's a quick, printable version of your four-day Paris itinerary so you can easily keep track during your trip.
Perfect for checking off sights, booking last-minute tickets, and staying organized while exploring the City of Light.
Visual daily itinerary checklist
Stay on track with a clear visual checklist of your daily activities. This list helps you quickly see what’s planned each day, making it easy to adjust on the go.
Fast booking links for tickets
Save time by booking key tickets in advance. Below are direct links to official booking sites for major attractions:
- Eiffel Tower Tickets
- Musée d'Orsay Tickets
- Louvre Museum Tickets
- Versailles Palace Tickets
- Picasso Museum Tickets
- Musée Carnavalet Tickets
Expand Your Paris Experience: Bonus Sections
Make your Paris trip even more magical with these extra tips and ideas.
These bonus sections offer flexible options, perfect for customizing your adventure based on your interests, weather, or mood.
Best Instagram Spots: Trocadéro, Montmartre, Rue Crémieux, Palais Royal
Capture Paris’s beauty at these picture-perfect spots. Trocadéro offers the ultimate Eiffel Tower backdrop, Montmartre’s cobblestone streets are endlessly charming, Rue Crémieux explodes with colorful houses, and Palais Royal dazzles with its iconic black-and-white columns.
Arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the best light!
Rainy Day Ideas: Musée de l'Orangerie, covered passages, cozy cafés
Don’t let rain dampen your Paris spirit!
Spend a cozy afternoon admiring Monet’s Water Lilies at Musée de l'Orangerie, wander through glass-roofed covered passages, or curl up with a hot chocolate in a historic café. Paris is just as magical in the rain.
Nighttime Paris: Seine night cruises, rooftop bars like Le Perchoir
Paris at night is pure enchantment. Take a Seine night cruise to see illuminated landmarks, or head to rooftop bars like Le Perchoir for stylish cocktails and skyline views.
The sparkling Eiffel Tower show every hour after dark is unmissable!
Foodie Guide: Best boulangeries, fromageries, wine bars
Savor Paris’s incredible food scene beyond restaurants. Visit legendary boulangeries like Du Pain et des Idées, browse artisan cheese shops (fromageries), and unwind in intimate wine bars scattered across the city.
Every bite and sip tells a story.
Family-Friendly: Jardin du Luxembourg, Cité des Sciences museum
Paris welcomes families with open arms. Kids love sailing model boats at Jardin du Luxembourg and exploring interactive exhibits at Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, one of Europe’s largest science museums.
These spots offer fun for all ages!
Relaxing Spots: Square du Vert-Galant, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Escape the city buzz in hidden green oases. Square du Vert-Galant offers serene river views from the tip of Île de la Cité, while Parc des Buttes-Chaumont’s hilly paths and waterfalls create a surprising countryside feel within the city.
Perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Understanding Transport: Metro line hacks, bus sightseeing routes
Mastering Paris transport saves time and energy. Use Metro Line 1 for major tourist sites, and Line 4 for quick north-south travel. Buses like 42 and 69 offer sightseeing-worthy routes, passing landmarks without a tour bus price tag.
Arrival/Departure Tips: Flexible ideas for first or last day; luggage storage options
On your arrival or departure day, plan light activities like a café visit, a stroll along Canal Saint-Martin, or shopping in Le Marais.
Use luggage storage services like Nannybag or Radical Storage to move freely without your bags.
Paris Safety Essentials: Quick safety checklist, offline emergency numbers
- Paris is generally safe, but stay alert especially in crowded areas.
- Keep bags zipped, be cautious at ATMs, and use offline access to emergency contacts like 112 (general emergency) and embassy numbers.
- Prepare a small card with key phrases and numbers.
French Language Cheat Sheet: Essential phrases for smooth communication
Speaking a few French phrases enhances your experience and earns you kindness. Learn greetings (Bonjour, Bonsoir), thank you (Merci), please (S’il vous plaît), and asking for help (Pouvez-vous m’aider?).
A small effort makes a big difference!
Conclusion
With this ultimate What to See in Paris in 4 Days itinerary, you're fully prepared to experience the magic, romance, and wonder that Paris has to offer. From world-famous landmarks to hidden alleys, from elegant bistros to lazy mornings in leafy parks, Paris is a city that rewards both the dreamer and the explorer.
Embrace every moment — your Parisian adventure awaits!
Bon voyage!
For a tailor-made journey, pick your favourite guide and message them directly.
