Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. It has history, culture, world-class museums, beautiful architecture, and some of the best food you will ever taste. Spending four days in Paris gives you enough time to see the city’s most famous sights while also enjoying its neighborhoods, parks, and cafes. With the right plan, you can leave Paris feeling like you have experienced both its grand landmarks and its daily rhythm.
This guide shows you how to enjoy Paris in four days. Each day focuses on a different part of the city, with enough time for sightseeing but also space for relaxing, exploring, and simply enjoying being in Paris.
Day 1: The Icons of the City
Begin your trip with the most famous landmark of all: the Eiffel Tower. Arriving early in the morning helps you avoid the longest lines. You can choose to take the elevator to the top for sweeping views of the city or walk part of the way for a different perspective. Standing beneath the tower and looking up is an unforgettable moment.
From the Eiffel Tower, walk across the Seine River to the Trocadéro Gardens, which offer one of the best views for photos. Then take a gentle stroll along the riverbanks, where bookstalls and street artists give the area a lively feel.
Your next stop is the Arc de Triomphe, located at the top of the Champs-Élysées. Built to honor French soldiers, it is another symbol of the city. You can climb to the top for another view of Paris, with the wide boulevard stretching out in both directions.
Spend your afternoon walking down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. It is lined with shops, cafes, and theaters. Stop for a coffee or a pastry along the way and enjoy people-watching.
In the evening, head back to the Eiffel Tower area to see it sparkle after sunset. Every hour, the lights twinkle for a few minutes, creating a magical atmosphere. Ending your first day here is the perfect way to feel the romance of Paris.
Day 2: The Louvre and the Old Center
Start your second day with the Louvre Museum, the largest art museum in the world. Even if you are not a big art lover, the Louvre is impressive for its size and history. Highlights include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Because the museum is so large, it is best to choose a few key sections to focus on instead of trying to see everything.
After the Louvre, take a walk through the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful green space that connects the museum to Place de la Concorde. Here you can relax on a chair by the fountains, take in the views, and enjoy the calm atmosphere in the middle of the city.
From there, make your way to Île de la Cité, the island in the middle of the Seine where Paris began. Visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is still under restoration after the 2019 fire but remains a symbol of the city. Nearby, the Sainte-Chapelle is another must-see, with its stunning stained-glass windows that fill the chapel with colorful light.
In the evening, explore the Latin Quarter, just across the river from Île de la Cité. This area is known for its narrow streets, lively cafes, and student atmosphere, thanks to the nearby Sorbonne University. It is a great place to have dinner, with plenty of traditional bistros as well as international food options.
Day 3: Montmartre and Artistic Paris
On your third day, head to Montmartre, the hilltop neighborhood that has long been associated with artists and bohemian life. Start at the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, a white church that sits at the highest point in Paris. The view from the steps is one of the best in the city. Inside, the mosaic decorations are also worth seeing.
After visiting Sacré-Cœur, wander the streets of Montmartre. Place du Tertre is a square where artists display their work and paint portraits of visitors, keeping alive the neighborhood’s artistic spirit. Small cafes and shops add to the charm of the area.
Spend some time visiting the Montmartre Museum, which tells the story of the artists who lived and worked here, including Renoir and Picasso. Another interesting stop is the Wall of Love, a mural where the words “I love you” are written in many different languages.
In the afternoon, return to central Paris and explore the Opéra Garnier, a grand 19th-century opera house. Its marble staircases, chandeliers, and painted ceiling make it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
As evening approaches, consider a Seine River cruise. These boat rides give you a different perspective of Paris as you glide past landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the bridges that cross the river. Many cruises offer dinner or drinks, making it a memorable way to spend your night.
Day 4: Modern City and Parks
On your final day, mix modern attractions with some of Paris’s lesser-known treasures. Start at the Musée d’Orsay, a museum housed in a former train station. It is famous for its collection of Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. The building itself, with its large clock windows, is also a highlight.
Next, walk to the nearby Orangerie Museum, which is smaller but home to Monet’s Water Lilies series, displayed in oval rooms designed for them. It is a peaceful and moving experience.
For lunch, head to Le Marais, a historic neighborhood with narrow streets, boutique shops, and plenty of restaurants. The area also has a large Jewish community, and you can try falafel, which is a popular food here. Place des Vosges, one of the oldest squares in Paris, is a beautiful place to sit and relax.
In the afternoon, visit the modern side of the city at La Défense, a business district filled with skyscrapers and the striking Grande Arche. It offers a sharp contrast to the historic parts of Paris and shows how the city continues to grow and change.
If you prefer something quieter, you can instead spend the afternoon at Luxembourg Gardens, one of the most loved parks in Paris. It is perfect for a final walk, enjoying the fountains, statues, and peaceful atmosphere.
Finish your trip with a special dinner in a traditional Parisian restaurant. Try classic dishes like onion soup, coq au vin, or crème brûlée. Pair it with French wine, and you will have the perfect end to your four days in Paris.
Tips for Visiting Paris in Four Days
Four days in Paris gives you a chance to see the major sights while also enjoying the city’s unique rhythm. To make the most of your time, book tickets in advance for popular places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay. This saves hours of waiting in line.
Walking is one of the best ways to experience Paris, so wear comfortable shoes. The metro is also quick and easy, making it simple to move from one area to another.
Take time to enjoy small moments. Have coffee in a sidewalk cafe, browse the bookstalls along the Seine, or watch locals playing chess in a park. These experiences often become the highlights of a trip.
Finally, remember that Paris is big and full of things to see. You will not be able to do everything in four days, so focus on the areas and experiences that interest you most.
Conclusion
Four days in Paris gives you a wonderful balance of famous landmarks, world-class museums, lively neighborhoods, and quiet parks. You will see the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Seine, admire masterpieces in the Louvre, and enjoy the artistic charm of Montmartre. At the same time, you will taste French food, relax in gardens, and discover the small details that make Paris so special.
This plan helps you experience the city’s best-known attractions while also leaving space for personal discoveries. By the end of your trip, you will understand why Paris has captured the hearts of travelers for centuries. Four days is enough to give you lasting memories and a strong desire to return.
Paris is a city of beauty, history, and daily life, all blending together in a way that feels timeless. In just four days, you can feel connected to its spirit and enjoy a trip that will stay with you long after you leave.
