4 Days In Paris: The Best Itinerary For First Timers, Guaranteed!

Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Audrey

Paris is one of the most romantic and charming cities ever, and welcomes millions of visitors annually, thanks to its rich history and jaw-dropping amount of things to do and see. You can watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the evening, visit breathtaking cathedrals like Notre Dame or Saint Chapelle, or spend the day admiring the Monet and Van Gogh in the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay.

I’ll be honest, Ratatouille is my favorite movie. So when I visited for the first time, I had high expectations of a romantic Parisian vacation, and I was not disappointed! Now that I’ve come back a couple of times, there is always something to do, and never a dull moment.

There is so much history, art, and excitement packed in this city. I’ve created a 4-day itinerary based on my personal experiences that is perfect for first-timers. I can guarantee you’ll have the most unforgettable experience! I’ll take you to all the essentials you shouldn’t miss, plus introduce you to some personal hidden gems I discovered and loved. We’re Emily in Paris now, baby! So let’s get started!

4 Days in Paris: What to Expect

1️⃣ Day 1. Trocadero, Musee d’Orsay, Tuileries Garden, Seine River Cruise

2️⃣ Day 2. Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Cabaret Show

3️⃣ Day 3. Louvre, Le Marais, Eiffel Tower

4️⃣ Day 4. Montmartre, Sacre-Coeur, Opera Garnier, Galerie Lafayette

4 Days in Paris: Pre-trip planning

Before you start your trip, I recommend looking into the Go City Paris Pass. Visitors are offered a pass that includes entry to nearly 100 of the city’s top attractions, like the Musee d’Orsay, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc De Triomphe, just to name a few. But you don’t just get access to attractions; there are walking tours, wine tours, or you can have a free lunch or dinner at certain restaurants and cafes.

The Paris Pass is best for first-timers because you get a great deal for a ton of attractions that you probably would visit anyway, and there’s a free bus tour around the city, along with the other perks I mentioned before. This guide loosely follows the Go City Paris Pass, but you can still use this itinerary without the pass and simply purchase tickets a la carte.

All-Inclusive Paris Pass vs Paris Explorer Pass

When I visited Paris, there were two passes, museum and non-museum. Now, you have a choice between the All-Inclusive Pass or the Explorer Pass.

The All-Inclusive pass has absorbed the Paris Museum Pass and allows you to visit almost any site for several days of your choosing (between 2 to 6 days) and starts at €169. Or you can choose the Explorer Pass where you can visit 3 to 7 attractions of your choosing with a 60-day time limit, which is a little cheaper at €99.

Each pass has some exclusive choices, so I would look carefully at the attractions that each pass offers here and calculate how much money you’ll be saving, or if it’s better to buy tickets a la carte.

👉 Book your Go City Paris Passes here for 50% off attractions!

Some attractions don’t require reservations, while others like Saint Chapelle, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre require a timed entry that you can reserve on the Go City website. With the timed entry, you’ll get to skip the line at many attractions! However, you won’t be able to see everything in just 4 days, so you’ll have to pick and choose.

Paris Big Bus Tour

There’s also a hop-on hop-off bus tour included with the Go City Pass that takes you to all the major attractions! This includes the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee d’Orsay, Grand Palais, and Opera Garnier just to name a few.

I recommend it because I was able to see all the major sites while removing the hassle of transportation. I included a Big Bus tour on day 2 of your itinerary, so keep scrolling!

How to use the Go City Paris Pass

When I visited, I had to pick up physical passes near the Musee d’Orsay. Luckily, they have gotten rid of needing to pick up a physical copy and all you have to do is download the app, where you’ll have access to all your passes and tickets.

When you go to your first attraction, your pass will activate and remain active until the number of days or attractions expires! It’s super easy and convenient, much more than when I used it!

4 Days in Paris: Day 1

Trocadero, Musee d’Orsay, Tuileries Garden, Seine River Cruise

First Look at the Eiffel Tower at Trocadéro

Let’s start your trip with a bright and early view of the Eiffel Tower! I was so excited to see the tower up close when I landed in Paris, and there’s no better view than the Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement. The Trocadéro has massive gardens, ornamental ponds, and fountains all over the park, with an amazing view of the tower.

It’s a great photo spot, with lots of seasonal blooms and sculptures around the park. You can also see the famous Warsaw fountains that have water canons! The park is open 24/7, so you can always stop by and enjoy the view.

I actually did an early morning photo shoot here during my stay in Paris, and it was a fun activity with my family that created awesome lasting memories of our vacation! When will you ever get to capture a photo dancing under the Eiffel Tower again? You don’t need to go as far as I did and wake up at 5 am to take pictures in the cold, but it’s certainly a beautiful place to experience Paris’s best.

💡 Pro Tip: Although it is included in your Go City Paris Pass if you want to go, I would skip going up the Eiffel Tower. The Arc de Triomphe has a more spectacular view because you can see the Eiffel Tower!

Lunch at Les Deux Magots

Lunch is a little ways out from Trocadero, but it’s such a legendary spot I feel like it can’t be missed. You’ll head to Les Deux Magots in the 6th Arr., which will be close to your next stop, Musee d’ Orsay.

Les Deux Magots is a famous literary cafe where many famous writers have hung out over the course of its 150 years of operation. Guillaume Apollinaire, Jean Giraudoux, and Ernest Hemingway are just some of the big names of writers who created incredible stories from these cafe seats.

Les Deux Magots embodies a true Parisian lifestyle, with outdoor seating in an ideal street that is perfect for people watching all day long. Traditional French food is served here, although it is a little pricey. You could always just have a coffee and enjoy the history behind this iconic spot instead.

Musee d’Orsay

There are a lot of museums in Paris (14, to be exact), but Musee d’Orsay and Louvre top the list of what you shouldn’t miss when you visit this grand city. Musee d’Orsay is a magnificent museum in a huge, opulent train station that features world-famous Impressionist artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Courbet, just to name a few.

A ticket to the Musee d’Orsay is included in the Paris Museum Pass, and you don’t need a reservation to enter! I’d say around 2 hours is enough to see most of the museum’s pieces. My favorite was seeing Van Gogh’s Starry Night over the Rhone, which was a small little bucket list item for me. It’s always so cool seeing paintings in real life that you’ve seen all over the internet.

Before you leave, don’t miss the modern art paintings by Édouard Manet. His Olympia, made in 1863, shook society with his featured nude art and caused some massive scandals. Nowadays I feel like nudity is almost a dime a dozen in museums, but hearing the history of Manet, who is disputed as the father of modern art in France along with Paul Cézanne, made it much more intriguing.

Coffee Break at Maison Fleuret Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker like me, you might need an afternoon pick-me-up while traveling the city. I’d like to recommend Maison Fleuret, a hidden gem that I stumbled upon that is right next to Musee d’Orsay.

As soon as I walked in, I fell in love with the vibe of this place. It’s a literary coffee shop in an old bookstore, which has actually been active since 1872! Countless books decorate the walls here, giving it a cozy, calming atmosphere amid such a busy city. I tried the Tumeric latte and absolutely loved it, and ordered a couple of pastries that were all amazing. Stop by here if you get the chance!

Tuileries Garden

Our last stop before dinner is the wonderful Tuileries Gardens that connects the Rue de Rivoli street and the Louvre to Place de la Concorde, a large public square with great historical importance (mentioned later in Day 4). The gardens are huge, and decorated in the French formal style. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and relax.

There’s a large ferris wheel, and a ton of amazing ponds and sculptures to walk through at your leisure. Honestly, the gardens are so large, I got lost wandering around in here! it’s absolutely massive.

Dinner on the River Seine

For your first night in Paris, have a dinner along the Seine River! I know, I know, having a boat dinner along the River Seine is admittingly a pretty touristy thing to do, but it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the city, and it’s fun and romantic! Even locals do it once or twice, so don’t count it out as a tourist trap before you try it.

I believe it’s best to have the dinner cruise on your first or second day, as many major landmarks are shown during the cruise and you might see something you’ll want to come back to later on in your trip.

I used this dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches, and paid extra ($170/person) for a nice table near the window. You can get a middle table for $135, and you’re free to explore the top of the boat and take pictures so you don’t necessarily need the better table. The dinner cruise is from 8:30 PM-10:30 PM, and departs and returns at Port de la Conference, right next to Musee d’Orsay.

I have to say the absolute best part of the cruise was cruising around the Eiffel Tower and watching it light up for the first time on our first night! I brought my mom and she had the biggest smile I’d ever seen as she watched the lights twinkle. The cruise experience is the highlight for sure, but you also enjoy a four-course dinner, with a free bottle of wine and an awesome live band.

🛳️ Book your 4-course dinner cruise with a live band here! 🛳️

Right before we landed back to the dock, the band played Bella Ciao from Money Heist! It was such a fun song to see us out, I’ll always remember it. The dinner cruise was a great way to end our first night in this lovely city, and I completely recommend it.

turning in for the night

Did you enjoy your first day in the beautiful city of light? You got your first look at the Eiffel Tower at one of the best viewing spots, visited the famous cafe where many writing legends were born, walked through one of the best museums in the city, and boated down the River Seine!

There’s a lot that has happened on your first day, and so much more to explore. I recommend heading to bed early because there’s a lot of ground to cover tomorrow!

4 Days in Paris: Day 2

Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees

Breakfast at Les Parisiennes

We’ll start the day off with breakfast at Les Parisiennes, a modern French restaurant with great eggs benedict, pastries, and breakfast options. It has a hip, trendy vibe and is a great place to start off your day. It also provides a great view if you enjoy people-watching!

Big Bus Tour Hop on Hop Off

If you snagged a Go City Paris Pass, you get to go on a Big Bus tour around the city for free! This ticket is usually $45, and you get to see all the famous landmarks in just a couple of hours if you stay on for the entire ride.

I enjoyed it because I was able to see Opera Garnier, Saint Chappelle, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, and several other sites that are relatively far apart from each other, and was able to hop on and off the bus throughout the day.

The bus has a top deck with outside views, or you can stay inside where its nice and cozy. There’s a pre-recorded audio guide available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and more!

You can hop on starting around 9:45/10:00 AM. You can view the bus route here, but I’ll let you know that the closest stop from Les Parisiennes is stop #11, 2 Av. de Tourville. Head on in and enjoy the ride, because we’ll be hopping off at stop #3 to see Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame!

💡 Pro tip: The buses stop running after 5:00 PM, so plan to hop on the bus around 4:15-4:45 if you’d like to use it for easy transit back to your accommodation.

Saint Chapelle

Hop off at stop #3 (3, Rue Lagrange) to enter Saint Chapelle, a quaint church with breathtaking stained glass windows in a radiant Gothic style. Saint Chapelle is an absolute jewel, built in the 13th century to house the Crown of Thorns and part of the true cross. The countless stained glass windows tell the story of the Old and New Testaments and the history of the world as told in the bible.

Whether you are religious or not (I wasn’t), being in this church feels absolutely magical, especially if you have the pleasure of visiting when the afternoon light hits the stained glass, and creates an extraordinary atmosphere.

There is an upper and lower level that you can visit, but the church in totality is not very large, so I would account for around 45 minutes to an hour to visit.

Notre Dame Cathedral

After visiting Saint Chapelle, head over to Notre Dame next. It’s right next door, so it should be a quick walk. Notre Dame is the most famous Gothic cathedral from the Middle Ages and was built in the 1200s on top of the ruins of two previous churches.

When I visited, I could only look at it from the outside as the cathedral was still under renovation. Although it’s still closed due to the shocking fire a few years ago, it’s scheduled to reopen in December 2024! Even if you can’t go inside just yet, you can see the intricate architectural details as soon as you walk closer.

As you walk up, don’t forget to take a peek at the famous gargoyles that were in the Hunchback of Notre Dame! The gargoyles scare away evil forces from the sacred walls (while also removing rainwater and keeping the building clean!)

Ride the Bus to stop #5 Champs-Elysées

Now, you’ll hop back on the Big Bus and ride it to stop #5, Champs-Elysees. We’ll go ahead and skip stop #4 because you already went to the Musee d’Orsay area yesterday. Although this will drop you off at the Arc De Triomphe already, we’ll make a detour for lunch at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. It’s a 15-minute walk, or a 5-minute taxi ride from Big Bus Stop #5.

If you had any intention of hopping on the bus again later, keep in mind that the last time to hop on is 16:05, as buses stop running at 17:00. However, if you are following this itinerary I think you’ll be out the rest of the night and won’t need to a ride home so early!

If you aren’t traveling via the Big Bus tour, you can go ahead and take a 10-minute taxi or take the scenic route and walk for 20 minutes to the restaurant.

Lunch at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

I hope you’re hungry, because you’re getting sirloin steak for lunch! And a lot of it, might I add.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is a very well-known restaurant that is famous for one thing: its single course menu! All they serve is a walnut salad and a sirloin steak with their famous secret green sauce, along with a plate of perfectly crisp french fries.

They only do one thing, and let me tell you… they do it so well. This place is absolutely delicious!! I still think about this place. One thing that I really like about it is that it’s a no-frills restaurant. No reservations are needed, you sit down, eat, have your fill, and that’s it! No pondering the menu needed.

But before you fill yourself up on french fries like I did, save room in your stomach! You actually get two servings of steak! I didn’t know this bit of information and inhaled the french fries like there was no tomorrow (they were really good). When our waiter rolled up and asked if we wanted a second serving, you can imagine the look of shock mixed with regret on my face. The waiter had a tiny look of disapproval for me, too. I won’t blame him though, as I was inadequately prepared..

Arc de Triomphe

Backtrack your way to Arc de Triomphe, a national monument that was built in the 1800s to honor those who fought for France during the French Revolution. All the French victories and generals’ names are inscribed on the monument. Its looks definitely resembles the Arch of Titus that I visited in Rome, and I later learned this Arc makes a direct reference to it! No wonder!

You can go up for free if you have the Go City Paris Pass, no reservation required. Otherwise, it’s €16, but I still recommend it as it’s a much better view than the Eiffel Tower. It’s a beautiful view of the city at the top, though a little windy obviously. Also, keep in mind that it’s quite a lot of steps to get up to the top. In fact, 284 to be exact! However, for those who need it, there is an elevator option available.

You’ll now be in the Champs-Elysees area. I’ll give you two options for you to do next. You can either go shopping for an hour or two, or you can continue sightseeing near the area.

Option 1: Shopping around Champs-Elysees

Once you descend the Arc, you’ll be able to easily spot our next location: Champs-Elysees, the most famous street in Paris! It’s a pretty crazy street that is filled to the brim with all sorts of brands you can shop at.

In fact, there are a ton of luxury brands in this area, if you’re interested in shopping at some designer stores like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. It was really cool to see how the stores are designed differently in their home country. In particular, I found the Dior store to be absolutely beautiful, as they designed it to look like a gallery showcasing their best designs.

Designer aside, there are also a bunch of flagship stores here like Louis Vuitton, Adidas, On, and Miniso. The stores on this street are huge, and you can easily spend a couple of hours shopping and exploring here. Most shops are open until 20:00 on average, so you have a good amount of time.

Take a bite out of a Macaron at Pierre Hermes

Make sure to stop by Pierre Hermes in Champ Elysees! It’s a terrific pastry shop with a specialty in macarons, said to be better than Laduree Macarons. They also serve cheesecake and ice cream among other things, but I focused on the macaroons, and I recommend you to do the same.

The macarons are to die for, they have so much flavor and are baked to perfection!! I ate one every day during my trip and couldn’t get enough of them. My favorite flavors were the lemon zest and the Morello cherry cream. I can’t recall the exact price, but you can expect to pay €1-4 for a macaroon because of the expertise that this dessert requires. If you like sweets, take a peek and see if you like anything!

Maybe you’re not a big shopper, and Champs-Elysees doesn’t interest you too much. In that case, no worries! There are two other great landmarks close by that you can visit instead.

Option 2: Sightseeing around Champs-Elysees

Pont Alexandre III Bridge

The Pont Alexandre III Bridge is a major photo spot that you’ll enjoy. It’s an ornate, historical bridge in the Beaux Arts style that connects the Grand Palais and the Champs-Elysees quarter in the 8th Arrondissement with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower in the 7th Arrondissement.

The bridge itself is very glamorous, with huge pythons, and gilded bronze winged horses. Not only will you get some beautiful photos, but you’ll also get amazing views of the Eiffel Tower and the Grand and Petit Palais, two other notable museums. It’s a wonderful place to take a stroll, and if you continue walking you’ll end up in…

Place de la Concorde

Place De La Concorde is a huge public square in Paris, where many historically significant events took place (like royal beheadings!) It was built to glorify King Louis XV, but ironically many royals like Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed here at the guillotine during the 1789 French Revolution instead.

During the Olympics the square had a lot of construction going on, but hopefully by the time you get there most of the construction will be removed. You’ll be able to spot the ancient historical Obelisk of Luxor in the center of the square. The obelisk was a gift from Eygpt, and is the second of a pair from the Luxor Temple in Egypt.

Fine Dining at Apicius

For tonight’s dinner, you should try Apicius, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that was recommended to me by a local I met during my trip. France has tons of amazing Michelin-star restaurants, so I recommend trying out a couple while you have the opportunity in the city. Apicius is a Haute French restaurant conveniently located near Champs-Elysees, known for its excellent execution of traditional French cuisine.

Along with a breathtaking garden terrace that makes you feel like you’ve left the city, the restaurant itself operates in a mansion, giving dinner a classy, elegant vibe, as if you’re dining in a celebrity’s home.

You can select the three-course menu for €95, a 6-course menu for €250, or you also have the option to order a la carte. There’s caviar mashed potatoes, langoustine tartare, fois gras… Every dish looks incredible, with amazing presentation and taste. You’ll love the experience! Make sure to save a couple of hours so that you don’t feel rushed.

Alternatively, if fine dining isn’t really your thing, or if you’d rather make your money work for you a bit more, I recommend going straight to a burlesque show (the next attraction I recommend) and opting for the dinner option while you’re there.

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Optional: After Dinner Burlesque show

To end your second day in Paris, I suggest checking out a cabaret show, either at Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse! Since you only have four days to fully enjoy Paris, your second day will be pretty jammed full.

Seeing a burlesque show in Paris is a classic activity, but keep in mind that you will see topless dancers, though it is in a tasteful way. Due to this fact, children under 6 are not allowed. This activity is completely optional, and you’ll still have an amazing trip even if you decide to skip out on this one.

Choosing a Cabaret Show

The two best burlesque shows in the city are Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse.

Moulin Rouge is the original and provides classic can-can dances, and has more variety in the acts such as including acrobats with their dancers. Crazy Horse is a bit more wild, serving a more mature audience, but is also very tasteful and artistic. Crazy Horse seems to be the more affordable option, as well.

💃 Book Moulin Rouge Tickets Here! 🍸

Showtimes and Costs

Moulin Rouge has three shows ranging from €120 to €280, with their dinner show (19:00) being the most expensive. You’ll be served a 3-course dinner followed by the cabaret show at 21:00.

On the other hand, Crazy Horse has tickets starting at €75 and going up to €295 depending on what add-ons you prefer. Dinner is served at the 20:00 and 22:30 time slots and costs around €205, about €75 less than Moulin Rouge.

As I mentioned before, if you want to skip Apicius but go to a burlesque show, you may want to book the dinner option.

🍷 Book Crazy Horse Cabaret Tickets Here! 👯‍♀️

Location

If you’re around the Champs-Elysees area, which you probably are if you’ve been following my itinerary, Crazy Horse is the more convenient option.

Moulin Rouge is a bit out of the way, but if your heart is set on going there, you may want to consider watching the show on the day you go to Montmartre (Day 4) as it’s also in the 18th arrondissement.

4 Days in Paris: Day 3

Louvre, Le Marais, Eiffel Tower

Since you’ll be starting your day at the Louvre very early, I recommend popping into a cafe close to you and grabbing a coffee and pastry to go around. It’s best to start heading out at 8 or 9 AM, because you’ll probably want to spend a few hours at the Louvre at the very least.

Louvre Museum

Now we’ll move on to my personal favorite place in Paris, the Louvre Museum! This is one of my favorite museums because it’s just so beautiful, both the artifacts on display as well as the museum itself.

When I visited, the admission fee (€24) was waived with the Go City Paris Pass. However, I purchased an additional guided museum tour from the official museum website for €12. I had heard about how large the museum was and thought a tour would make it easier to navigate.

The tour was pretty good, but I don’t think it’s necessary because there are placards everywhere explaining everything. Just make sure to download Google Translate in advance so you can use the camera translation feature, as all the placards are in French! And if you’re interested in a tour, book ahead as they sell out months in advance.

💡 Pro tip: There are several entrances to the Louvre, and if you purchase a tour it may be entrance-specific. Check the map here, and arrive early!

The museum is absolutely immense, and I spent the entire day exploring it. My favorite part was the sculptures on level 1 and 0. There were ample amounts of sunlight, and the sculptures were stunningly radiant when the light hit them right.

There was also a music dance performance while I was there, and I can’t put into words the emotions I felt listening to beautiful music while graceful dancers performed an expressive story, surrounded by these timeless sculptures. It’s the most beautiful museum I had the pleasure of visiting and I would go back again and again.

What to see at the Louvre?

Honestly, there’s so much here that it’s impossible to see everything in one day. There’s the Crown Jewels, the Italian frescoes, the Glass Pyramids… there are so many masterpieces, that you might end up feeling pretty overwhelmed.

If you don’t know what to do, you can focus on the Big Three: Nike of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and the Mona Lisa.

You absolutely cannot miss the Nike of Samothrace, it’s my favorite piece and it’s very large (unmissable, almost!). Thought to be created as the mantle of a ship, the Winged Goddess of Victory is positioned perfectly between floors of the museum so that everyone can see her, and looks just like a headless angel when the light hits it right.

Second is the Venus de Milo, also known as Aphrodite, who is widely popular and referenced everywhere. The gentle way she’s sculpted and the fine details have attributed to how she is hailed as a masterpiece.

❔ Did you know? The first restorer of Venus de Milo wanted to construct her arms, but they couldn’t decide how they would be positioned or what they’d be holding!

The third of the Big Three is, of course, the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa. You can hate me for saying this, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t really enjoy seeing the Mona Lisa.

Or rather, I couldn’t enjoy looking at her because the line just to stand in front of the painting was so long (I think around 100 people), and you’re only allowed to stand maybe 15-20 feet from the painting, which is still really far. It ruined my ability to appreciate viewing her in real life, but who knows? You might have a better experience than me.

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Lunch: Choose your option

Option 1: Stay in the Louvre and eat at Café Richelieu Angelina

If you end up wanting to spend the whole day at the Louvre like I did, I recommend eating lunch at Café Richelieu Angelina for a beautiful view of the gardens and the famous glass pyramids. I had an awesome quiche and salad there, along with a cup of coffee. It’s a beautiful environment to enjoy lunch, and you won’t find a view like it anywhere.

However, if you want to prioritize exploring the rest of Paris, I don’t blame you! Four days is a really short amount of time, after all. In that case, 2-3 hours should be enough to see most of the museum, and you can head to L’Escargot for lunch after exiting the museum.

Option 2: Leave the Louvre and eat at L’Escargot 

If you love escargot, or if you’re open-minded enough to try, you need to go to L’Escargot. This was my first time trying escargot, and it was absolutely AMAZING! I tried escargot in other Parisian restaurants subsequently and they couldn’t compare to L’Escargot. It’s in their namesake for a reason!

The best dishes I tried were their escargot in several different flavors, as well as their foie gras. Both of their specialties were incredible. The escargot is also presented very tastefully, and you get little forks to twist it out. I was a little uncomfortable, but the taste quickly erased any apprehension I had. Immediately.

The restaurant itself has a beautiful historical atmosphere. The staff are really welcoming and helpful, so definitely try to come here at least once during your trip, either for lunch or dinner!

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Explore Le Marais

Since you’ll already be in the area after eating at L’Escargot, you should spend some time visiting Le Marais! Le Marais lies on the right side of the Seine River and is known for being the cool, trendy art district in Paris. It’s also regarded as being very open-minded and LGBT-friendly.

There are a ton of things to do in Le Marais. You could see awesome art sculptures, and walk along 17th century mansions, such as the Hotel de Ville. There’s also the nearby Picasso Museum or Rue des Rosiers in the Jewish Quarters that you could swing by.

Although I think that you can enjoy walking around Le Marais on your own, I should add that there is a free 90-minute walking tour included with the Go City Paris Pass that you may want to check out. However, our next stop is in Rue Cler, which is 20 minutes away, so I recommend you start heading in that direction.

Eiffel Tower Picnic For Dinner

For dinner, we’re going to have a picnic in Champs de Mars Park. The Champs de Mars Gardens surround the Eiffel Tower, and is one of the biggest green spaces in Paris, with spectacular views.

Enjoying a relaxed picnic while soaking in the view of the Eiffel Tower, could you ask for a better evening? However, before we can do that, we have to buy some food in Rue Cler first, which is a market street nearby that has everything you might need: cheese, bread, flowers, wine, dessert, the options are endless!

Pick up picnic supplies in Rue Cler

Take some time browsing the streets and picking up some food to enjoy under the tower. I recommend a classic charcuterie board, and if you’d like some sandwiches I recommend checking out Maison Bergeron one street over. They have delicious sandwiches and pastries (as well as the best croissants!), and offer both sweet and savory items with a large selection.

A picnic in Paris doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. Pick up a cheap blanket, or grab some towels if you’re lucky to have your accommodations close by. What matters is the experience! Who knows if you’ll ever get the chance to be in Paris again, sipping regional French wine and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle?

💡 Pro tip: Make sure to stay after sunset to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! Every night, after dusk, the tower will sparkle for 5 minutes at the start of every hour until 1 AM.

Have a Drink at a local Bar

It’s been a pretty long day. Okay, it’s probably been a very long day. But maybe you want to maximize your time here in Paris and have the energy to make it out to a bar before you crash for the night.

In that case, I recommend Bar 8 in the 2nd arrondissement or Gentleman 1919 in the 8th arrondissement. Gentleman 1919 is a 10-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute bus ride from Champs de Mars Park, while Bar 8 is a bit further. I recommend either of them, but keep reading to see which one suits your interests better first.

Bar 8

Both bars were local recommendations, and they really did impress! Bar 8 is a super luxurious, chic bar in Mandarin Oriental, a 5-star hotel. The bar area is made out of marble, and there’s a beautiful outdoor venue with lights and luscious greenery. The bartenders are really friendly and serve amazing cocktails (my favorite!). It can be a little expensive, but the quality is apparent in the drinks you receive.

Gentleman 1919

Gentleman 1919 has a distinctly different vibe. It’s a discreet speakeasy, tucked behind a barbershop. There’s also a cigar lounge, where you can bring your own cigars to enjoy, but also has a smoke-free zone. The drinks are awesome here as well! If you’re looking for a unique experience during your four-day trip, this is the place.

💡 Pro tip: If you want the back area for privacy, make sure to make a reservation first.

4 Days in Paris: Day 4

Montmartre, Sacre-Coeur, Opera Garnier, Galerie Lafayette

Take a Stroll Around Montmartre

We’ll start heading over to Montmartre now, which is about a 15-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute subway ride. It’s a bit out of the way, but Montmartre is a neighborhood you won’t want to miss the first time you visit Paris.

Montmartre is a large hill in the 18th arrondissement that is famous for its artistic heritage, with beautiful hills, and stone buildings decorated with climbing greenery. Cobbled streets and an old windmill contribute to a whimsical village atmosphere despite still being in the city!

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

The main attraction here is Sacre-Coeur Basilica, located at the highest point of the hill. It’s quite a number of steep steps to get to the top, but there is a bus that can take you to the top for a small fee. Once you get to the top, it’s one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city down below.

The church itself is an important monument of the city and is easily recognizable by its all-white color. I didn’t get a chance to go inside, but you are welcome to come in and see the largest mosaic in France that adorns the ceiling. The crypt is also open to view!

Place du Tertre

A short walk from the Basilica is Place du Tertre, a popular hangout destination for street artists. I loved walking around here. Not only is the neighborhood absolutely beautiful with its bohemian buildings and winding streets, but also because there are tons of amazing art galleries as well as local artists.

We got several paintings of the city hand painted by a local artist that we got to hang up at home. You can also get yourself painted here in various ways, such as a self-portrait or caricature!

Lunch at Les Confreres

When you start getting hungry, I recommend stopping by Les Confreres. It’s on the way from Montmartre to Opera Garnier, your next stop. They serve really great food in a relaxed environment. Greenery on the ceiling and relaxed bulb lighting give it a cozy, quiet vibe.

They have lots of shareable dishes, and my personal favorites were the ceviche with mangoes and raspberries, as well as the pork belly.

Opera Garnier

Head over to Opera Garnier, also known as Palace Garnier, in the 19th arrondissement. This building is famously known as a masterpiece of theater architecture. Originally built in the 19th century by Charles Garnier, it houses the Paris Opera and can accommodate up to 1,979 seats!

To really see the intricate interior, you can get a free tour or watch a show here. There are both self-guided (€15) and guided tours (€23) available, while performance tickets vary.

I stopped by briefly to look inside but wasn’t able to schedule a tour, so I strongly recommend booking ahead on the official website.

Shop at Galerie Lafayette Haussmann

Galerie Lafayette is an iconic, fancy, and huge department store with tons of shops. The main feature of the building is the glass coupole that rises to the ceiling. It’s dazzling to look at and is an architectural marvel.

I spent a good few hours here, there’s just so much to explore and look at! It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, gifts, and food to bring back home from Paris. I picked up a ton of pate and snacks to bring home. The food court also serves pretty good food too, if you missed lunch.

I browsed through a lot of luxury stores during my visit here. All the workers are super nice and helpful. I especially clicked with a Dior employee (all the Dior employees I’ve met in Paris were tremendously kind) who was so sweet and let me try on tons of jewelry for fun!

I was able to get the Dior Gem bracelet for my mom’s 60th birthday here, as well as a medium classic Chanel that I had been saving up for. The savings you get from buying luxury items in Europe versus the States is significant, so I definitely recommend it if you’re interested.

Dinner at Le Bon Georges

Our last dinner in Paris will be at Le Bon Georges, which is super well-loved by tourists and locals alike. It’s a classic Parisian bistro with amazing authentic French dishes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. They have an extensive wine selection (over 2000!) as well. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time, because it gets booked so fast!

My top favorites are pollock carpaccio, their famous deviled eggs, the pate, and the puffed pastry… but I’ll be honest, everything is absolutely amazing and you can’t really go wrong with anything here.

This place is an absolute must-try for everyone! I insist you check this place out and find time to eat here at least once. I can’t recommend it enough.

After Dinner: Live Music at New Morning

If you love live music, stop by the New Morning Club! It’s a club featuring live music with a cheap cover fee (€5).

It’s a hole-in-the-wall venue with an intimate music experience, and the incredible thing about it is how close you get to the performers. It only fits 500 people, so you really get to connect with the performers to enjoy the music. In fact, this place is so well-loved that some people have been coming back to this club since it opened in the 80’s!

They primarily play rock and jazz, but who knows who will be performing when you stop by. I think Prince even made a surprise appearance here once! There’s always someone playing, and regardless of who it is, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time there.

💡 Pro tip: the parking fee is €20 for 3 hours, so I recommend taking a taxi or public transportation.

Got More Time to Spend in Paris?

Did you get blessed with another day or two in Paris? In that case, you’re in luck, because I could barely fit everything in, and there are still a ton of things that you could do with an extra day or two.

I have a few more points of interest that you could visit if you want to stay in the city and have recommendations for taking a day trip as well.

More things to do in Paris

Musée de l’Orangerie

If you love Claude Monet, you’ll really enjoy visiting l’Orangerie, as it houses eight of his Water Lilies murals. The art gallery primarily features Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings, and in addition to Monet, displays work by Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, and others.

Of course, the highlight is the set of Water Lillies that were given to the French State by Monet as a symbol of peace. They have their own gallery and span the entire room, invoking a calming, peaceful energy.

Grand Palais

If you are a museum lover like me, you should definitely stop by the Grand Palais if it’s open by this time. As of August 2024, it is still temporarily closed to the public as it was accommodating the Olympic Games, but you can admire it from the outside if you’re unable to go in.

The Grand Palas is a historical monument that signifies the glory and grandeur of French art and architecture. You may have walked by this recognizable large building with a glass top a few times while strolling around Champs-Elysees.

It was originally built in 1900 for the World’s Fair, and also hosted Chanel runway shows, and most recently the 2024 Summer Olympics. When it opens, visitors will be able to visit a science museum, as well as special fashion, art, and photography exhibitions.

Petit Palais

Petit Palais is another popular museum that has collections of paintings and sculptures acquired by Paris since the late 1800s. I didn’t include this on the main itinerary because I would choose to visit the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay first, but save this museum if you have extra time or plan to subsequently return to Paris.

Pantheon

The Pantheon in Paris is the temple that houses the great men and women of France and is known as an architectural masterpiece created by Soufflot. It’s a ways away from the other landmarks of the city. You can find the monument in the 5th arrondissement, standing on top of the Sainte-Genevieve mountain in the Latin quarter.

Amazing people such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Marie Curie, and Rousseau have been laid to rest here. Although, if you’re looking for Napoleon, you’ll have to head over to Les Invalides. At the Pantheon, you’ll learn a lot about the incredible history and achievements of the French, while walking through its incredible design.

Les Invalides

If you cross the Alexander III Bridge from Champs-Elysees when heading over to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll actually bump into Les Invalides. This complex of 17th-century buildings was originally designed to house disabled veterans and to be a place of worship. Then, it was later converted into museums and a tomb for Napoleon I, as well as his family and several other important figures of the French army. Today, it is a museum, a monument, and a mausoleum all combined into one.

If you’re interested in war history, you’re sure to love Les Invalides. There are French military objects from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, such as armor, sabres, swords, and photographs on display here.

However, the most notable site of Les Invalides is of course Napoleon’s tomb, which is easily distinguishable as soon as you walk into the room. His red sarcophagus lies directly under the giant golden dome. Opt to spend an hour or two here to check out Napoleon and everything about the French army.

Did you know? There are 12 victory statues around his sarcophagus symbolizing his military campaigns.

Catacombs

Ever been interested in seeing human remains? The Catacombs of Paris takes you to the labyrinth that is underground Paris, where the remains of several million Parisians rest.

Due to major health concerns linked to cemeteries, in the 18th century, the city decided to transform a quarry into an ossuary. The result was the catacombs that are viewable today, remains that have been carefully organized in a huge space of similar depth to a 5-story building.

You’ll be taken down underground to learn about the history of the catacomb’s creation and will walk through the quarries until you see the ossuary itself. It’s a super unique and educational experience, although admittingly quite morbid and a little creepy.

💡 Pro tip: Be aware that no physical tickets are sold on-site, you can only purchase them online. Booking is only available for the next 7 days due to circulating fraudulent tickets!

Take a Day trip outside of Paris

Palace of Versailles

Is it essential to see the decadent, luxurious Palace of Versailles the first time you visit Paris? No, it’s not… but if you manage to find the time, it’s really really incredible to visit. And also very cool.

The Palace of Versailles is a little over 30 minutes away from the city, so it’s quite an easy day trip. The entire landmark is composed of the Palace, gardens, park, and Trianon Estate, and is cumulatively more than 800 hectares. That’s a huge space!

When visiting, you’ll walk through the Hall of Mirrors, the most famous and opulent room in the palace that features twinkling chandeliers, beautiful painting compositions featuring French political successes, and endless gold walls. Mirrors, which at the time were a grand luxury, fill up the room in a lavish French style. I won’t even mention the elaborate gardens that took thousands of men to create, but you get the idea.

You’ll get to learn about the history of the Palace from the 1600s under Louis XIII until the court left for good in 1789. In addition to all that, the Palace currently operates as a museum with over 60,000 works in the collection! Make sure to save a full day for the Palace of Versailles, because there are a ton of things to discover.

💡 Pro tip: During the spring and summer, there are fountain shows in the gardens that occasionally feature drones and fireworks, so check the official website for any special events happening when you visit!

Giverny Monet’s Garden

Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny are another incredible day trip option that is only an hour away from Paris. Claude Monet is one of the most celebrated Impressionist painters and is recognized worldwide.

You’ll get to stroll right into a scene from his water lily paintings when you walk through his gardens, with vibrant flowers and serene ponds. His house contains his personal belongings and artwork, and both his home and gardens have been meticulously maintained in order to keep everything the same as when he used to live in it.

Visiting Monet’s home can take a couple of hours to a half day if you include the transit time and also include visiting the town of Giverny. It’s a quaint, serene experience that makes you feel like you’re stepping into one of Monet’s masterpieces.

Disneyland Paris

If you’re a Disney lover and enjoy theme parks, a day trip to Disneyland Paris is an easy 35-minute train ride away from the city. It’s a perfect day trip for families, couples, or anyone looking for a touch of magic.

Disneyland Paris has put a charming French setting on their version of the park and features unique offerings like Ratatouille: The Adventure, in addition to classic attractions like It’s a Small World and Sleeping Beauty Castle. I personally love going to different Disney parks and comparing what the differences are.

Is 4 Days in Paris Enough?

There’s so much to see, I’d recommend at least 4 days in Paris to see the major attractions in the city. If you only have four days in Paris, I would not recommend venturing out of the city because there’s already so much to do.

You could even stay in Paris for as long as a week to see everything in the city while having a few extra days to explore the outer neighborhoods or make a day trip to Versailles or Giverny. However, regardless of the amount of time you have available, Paris is an enriching destination that is definitely a must-visit.

4 Days in Paris: Where to Stay

Quick Answer: I recommend staying in Le Marais! It’s close to everything and has tons of fun restaurants and shops to stroll through.

Since this is probably the first time you’ll be visiting Paris, I recommend staying near the city center. The neighborhoods in Paris are separated into arrondissements (or Arr. for short), which will help you navigate the city a bit easier.

I recommend staying in either the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements to be close to the center and most of Paris’s landmarks like Notre Dame, the Gardens and Museums, and the Latin Quarter.

My personal favorite, and where I have stayed in the past, is Le Marais, which is the 3rd and 4th arrondissement. I love Le Marais because it’s in a terrific location close to many attractions and museums, and is a historic neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife. If you want to be close to neighborhood restaurants and bars, this is the place for you. Le Marais also has a ton of fashion boutiques and thrift stores (or fripperies, as they call them!)

The 7th, 8th, and 9th arrondissements are also options, but not my favorite for a variety of reasons. The 7th arr. is where you’ll want to stay if you want to be close to the Eiffel Tower, but it’s not near much else, and it will be more expensive to stay near the tower. The 8th and 9th arr. are fine, and are more ideal for visitors who mostly want to shop. Montmartre is another neighborhood some visitors stay at, but it is very far from most of the other attractions.

What to Pack for 4 Days in Paris

Not including the essentials (phone, credit card, passport), here are some things I recommend bringing on your trip to Paris:

🔋 Portable Battery

🔌 Adapter Plug

💧 Reusable Water Bottle

💶 Cash

👚 Clothes

☂️ Umbrella (If visiting in June, May, or December)

☀️ Sun protection

👟 Comfortable walking shoes

🎒 Backpack or large purse

Conclusion: 4 Days in Paris

I hope you enjoyed my itinerary for the perfect four days in Paris! This is everything I personally have done and loved, and I guarantee you will have a great time if you follow it! Paris is a magical city, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip, feel free to contact me or leave a comment! I love creating customized itineraries to ensure you have the most amazing vacation.