How To See Paris in 4 days: A Slow Travel Itinerary

Planning to visit Paris in 4 days and unsure how to start planning your itinerary? Fret not! I’ve traveled to Paris several times and am here to help you.

To get the most out of your trip, my top recommendations are to book all tickets in advance so you don’t get disappointed and miss out on anything, and to avoid cramming too many attractions into each day.

This Paris itinerary will help you with exactly that.

I’ve been on trips where we just wanted to do everything in a short time, but in all honesty, I didn’t enjoy the city at all on those trips.

So give yourself some space to savor Paris’ flavors, scents, and views by taking it easy while experiencing some of the must-see attractions.

Read on to start planning your Paris 4-day itinerary.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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4 day Paris itinerary

Day 1 – Montmartre, Notre Dame, and Pantheon

Start your first day in Paris by exploring the charming Montmartre district. It’s one of my favorite areas in the city, even though it’s become very touristy. I still find a lot of unique art there; you just need to look past the tourist traps.

Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre is, despite becoming extremely touristy, still one of my favorite places in Paris.

Packed with local artists creating beautiful pieces of paintings and drawings, this is the perfect place to stroll around and maybe even buy some art. Or check out the options if you want your portrait drawn.

While there are more and more touristy stands on the square, I always find at least one unique artist whose work I fall in love with.

The only downside is that what used to be a relaxed and bohemian place has turned into a place where you must navigate your way through crowds of tourists. I still think it’s worth going.

There are also numerous super cute cafes and restaurants in the surrounding streets if you want to grab a coffee.

Visit Sacre Cœur

Am I bold to say Sacre Cœur is one of the most beautiful structures in Paris? The Roman-Byzantine building sits elegantly on top of the highest point in Paris, Butte Montmartre, with its 130 meters.

Not only is the basilica spectacular from the outside but the architecture and incredible ceiling inside is breathtaking.

The construction of Sacre Cœur was mostly funded by the French population. A “subscription” was createdso people could purchase the stones and columns that were used to build the church. The names of the donors are engraved in the stones in the church, which is pretty unique.

Climb to the top of Sacre Cœur’s dome

When you come back out from Sacre Cœur, walk around to the right and down the stairs to climb the 300 steps to the dome.

The views are unmatched, and while the Eiffel Tower views take you a lot higher above the city, I love that you can see the Eiffel Tower too from there. Besides, I do have a sweet spot for seeing the towers and smaller domes up close.

The tickets were 8 Euros per person when I was there last in 2025, and you don’t need to book in advance. Just get in line and walk straight up once you have the tickets.

We didn’t even stand in a queue the last time I went (as opposed to the church entry).

Visit Notre Dame

After, head to the Ile de la Cité, where Notre Dame awaits. On my last visit to Paris, it had just reopened after the 2019 fire.

What I didn’t know then was that the towers also had opened for visits, so I missed out. I highly recommend booking it in advance so you don’t miss out too.

Notre Dame was the first place I really fell in love with in Paris, at the age of 17. Maybe it was because I’d seen Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame. So I was very excited to see how it had turned out after the reconstruction.

I can say that they totally nailed it! It’s beautiful inside, and I would never have thought that there had been a fire inside.

If you have the time, stroll around the Seine by Notre Dame. I used to enjoy the gardens of the cathedral, but they haven’t opened yet after the fire due to construction work. If they’re open again when you go, it’s a nice stroll seeing the cathedral from different angles.

Visit the Pantheon

The Pantheon is another amazing landmark that should be included when exploring Paris in 4 days. You can walk there from Notre Dame in only 15 minutes.

It was actually the first landmark in Paris, built between 1764 and 1790, before both the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

The Pantheon is the burial site of many famous French citizens like Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Émile Zola.

I recommend booking tickets in advance; you can do that here.

Day 2 – Louvre

On day 2 of your 4-day Paris itinerary, you’ll visit one of the most famous landmarks in France and one of the lesser-visited.

Visit the Garnier Palace

The Garnier Palace is one of the lesser-visited attractions in Paris, yet it blew my mind walking around the opulent 150-year-old palace.

The opulent halls and stairwell are nothing but incredible, and if there isn’t a performance in the theater, you can also see it. For me, it was the first time in an old theater like that, and I absolutely loved it.

There are several stories connected to the palace, like an underground lake, a chandelier that fell down and killed a person, and maze-like corridors hidden below the theater stage. These stories are said to have inspired the famous play, Phantom of the Opera.

Book your entry tickets here.

Visit Le Louvre

Get ready to visit the world’s largest art museum. There is no way you can get through it all when visiting Paris in 4 days. It might even be a bit too much for any person who isn’t a total museum aficionado.

Nevertheless, you’ll want to spend at least 2-3 hours. In my experience, it’s hard to leave, but I always get so tired after around 3 hours that I just need to get out and sit down.

Most people go there to see the Mona Lisa, and that’s it. Don’t make that mistake. The Mona Lisa is far from the most beautiful or interesting piece of art in the Louvre.

Personally, I think the entire section where she’s held is the least interesting in the museum, as there are only paintings there.

I love exploring the archaeological artifacts, statues, and, not to mention, the incredibly beautiful painted ceilings throughout the museum. so don’t forget to look up!

Make note that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so if you’re in Paris on a Tuesday, make sure you visit the museum on one of the other days. It’s easy to rotate the days in this itinerary.

Make sure you book your entry tickets in advance. If you want a deeper understanding of the art, I can highly recommend this private guided tour.

Day 3 – Seine boat tour, the Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe

Today, you’ll get to experience the possibly biggest Paris clishés, but also must-dos when visiting the city.

I saved the Eiffel Tower and the Seine cruise for the last day so that you can see the places you’ve already visited from the river and from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Boat trip along the Seine

Start the day with a boat trip along the Seine River. Some might say that this is one of the things to avoid in Paris, but to be honest with you, I think it’s fully worth it.

I really enjoy seeing the city from the water, and you’ll pass several of the attractions you’ve already visited, like the Louvre and Notre Dame.

The boats leave right next to the Eiffel Tower, and you can book tickets on the spot. But I actually recommend booking in advance so you avoid the long line to the ticket booth. Personally, I’d rather spend that time enjoying a nice coffee.

👉BOOK YOUR BOAT CRUISE HERE

Eiffel Tower

No Paris in 4 days trip is complete without climbing the Eiffel Tower. In fact, for many, Paris is one of the top places to visit at least once in a lifetime, just to climb the famous building.

You can either take the elevator up most of the tower or walk the whole way. The last bit isn’t accessible by elevator, so you’ll have to walk up the rest.

I warn anyone with vertigo. It’s scary! You see straight down between the metal bars of the tower, and it’s not fun if the dizziness takes over. If you are persistent, you’re going to climb it anyway, just focus on looking up. I did it twice, so you can do it too!

The views that meet you at the top, though! Paris Perfect! There is nothing like it, and a must while in the city of love. There is no doubt that climbing the Eiffel Tower is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.

It’s necessary to purchase tickets in advance, especially if you want to go to the top floor. On my last visit, we didn’t manage to get top-floor tickets, so we opted for the second floor.

It was a very good second, so I highly recommend it as an alternative option if it’s fully booked to the top.

There are also a few spots around the Eiffel Tower where you get nice views of the tower itself for pictures, so spend some time walking around and enjoy the iconic tower.

👉BOOK YOUR ENTRY TICKET TO THE EIFFEL TOWER HERE

Arc de Triomphe

Another of the must-see monuments during any Paris itinerary is the Arc de Triomphe. Honoring the French lives lost during the French Revolution and the Napoleon War, their names are all engraved in the inner walls.

There is also the burial of an anonymous soldier beneath the structure and a museum. You can climb to the top for the best views of Champs-Elysées.

Make sure you book tickets in advance. There’s a long underground queue to purchase tickets, and after you get the tickets, you’ll have to stand in another long queue.

On my last visit, we skipped it after estimating over an hour just to purchase the tickets, plus at least 20 minutes in a queue for the entry.

👉BOOK TICKETS TO THE ROOFTOP HERE

Champs-Elysées

If you want to fit shopping (or window shopping) into your Paris itinerary, 4 days in the city is enough to make it happen! Champs-Elysées is the shopping street, lined up with the leading fashion brands.

However, if shopping isn’t your thing (it definitely isn’t mine!) then make note that the 1,9 kilometer avenue and iconic Paris landmark is one of the world’s most beautiful avenues.

I always enjoy strolling down there and grabbing a coffee somewhere to soak in the surroundings.

Stroll along the Seine

If you don’t plan to spend the rest of your evening shopping, take a stroll along the Seine and enjoy the river and all the beautiful bridges. The Alexandre III Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Paris and is definitely picture-worthy.

But you also get to see the Eiffel Tower from the Seine, which is pretty magical. Just another reminder you’re actually in Paris!

Day 4 – Visit the Versailles Palace

On the last day of your 4 day in Paris itinerary, you should get out of the city and head to Versailles Palace.

Depending on when you get back, you can spend some time strolling around the streets, eat good food, and drink wine or coffee.

Basically, just let these 4 days in Paris sink in and be present before you leave this wonderful city.

Versailles Palace

Spread over 63 154 square meters, Versailles Palace has a total of 2300 rooms. The World Heritage site is a masterpiece of French art from the 17th century and an amazing experience. It also features some of the most astounding gardens in France.

The Versailles Palace is easily one of the most impressive palaces I’ve ever been to, and it feels like more of a museum.

It’s a great day trip from Paris by train, and it takes about an hour to get there. Take the PER C train to Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station.

Make sure you book tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on this amazing experience.

I also really enjoyed this guided tour with bus transfer from Paris. It made it so smooth to get there, but it was also very interesting to learn about the palace and the gardens from a local guide.

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How to get to Paris

Paris is one of the big hubs in Europe, and you can easily get there by plane from all parts of the world.

The main airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), where there are frequent bus and train connections into the heart of Paris.

You can also take the train or bus from major European cities and make your way to Paris. There are direct buses and trains from London, Brussels, Madrid, and numerous other cities.

👉CHECK TRAIN AND BUS TICKETS HERE

Best time to visit Paris in 4 days

Paris is really great all year round, but depending on your preferences, I’ll go through the seasons with you so you can find the best time for you to go on your 4-day trip to Paris.

Every season is different, so make sure you plan your trip to Paris accordingly. With great planning, even if you travel to Paris for the first time, you’ll have a blast in the city of love either season.

The winter months in Paris can become pretty cold with temperatures down to 3 degrees Celsius, making it colder than other winter destinations in France. However, it is just as nice to walk around this marvelous city with your winter coat and scarf and you’ll see the city in a whole different way as other times a year.

Especially Paris in December is magical with all the Christmas lights covering the city.

The shoulder seasons between April and June and September to October are mild and usually not too hot. These months you can get nice, sunny days that are perfect for walking the city.

In the summer months between mid-June and August, temperatures are normally in the mid-20s and mostly sunny.

Where to stay in Paris

When looking at where to stay in Paris, there are many factors to take into account. Paris is divided into areas, called Arrondissements. They count from 1 to 20. Some are close to the main attractions, some are more affordable, and some are not very safe.

On our last trip, we stayed in the 19th Arrondissement, which is quite far out from the center, more affordable, and well-connected with the rest of the city by metro and bus. We also felt fairly safe, even though there were a few interesting characters out in the streets after dark. This is a good budget option.

However, my favorite areas are the 6th and the 7th Arrondissements, as they’re central, close to the main attractions, which saves you travel time. However, the 1st to the 4th are all central, though I also liked staying in the 9th.

Here are my top hotel recommendations for every budget:

LUXURY: Le Meurice (1st Arrondissement) – There’s no match to luxury when visiting this historical 5-star hotel. They have two Michelin-starred restaurants and possibly the most friendly and helpful staff in Paris.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Du Quai Voltaire (7th Arrondissement) – Located just across the Seine from Le Louvre, this is a fantastic hotel with friendly staff, at the perfect location for several main attractions in Paris.

BUDGET: Hotel Meslay Republique (3rd Arrondissement) – This is a nice budget option with lovely staff. It’s close to the metro, but you can also walk to Le Louvre and Ile de Cité, where Notre Dame is located.

HOSTEL: UCPA Sport Station Hostel Paris (19th Arrondissement) – This hostel is a great budget option where you can meet other travelers. It’s also right next to the tram, metro, train, and bus stations, so you can get around easily.

Responsible travel advice for Paris

When exploring Paris in 4 days, make sure you travel responsibly so you leave no negative impact on the locals or the environment.

A good thing to start with is to bring your own reusable water bottle so you avoid single-use plastic bottles.

If you’re a coffee junkie and need one on the go, then take a reusable coffee cup with you so you can avoid those disposable ones.

Try, as long as possible, to shop from local artists and in smaller locally owned shops to support the locals in Paris instead of the large brands, which are often foreign-owned.

Learn a few phrases in French before you go, so that you show that you’re trying when communicating with the locals.

In my experience, Paris has changed a lot over the years. I used to experience the locals as very arrogant and not interested in communicating in English at all.

During my last few visits, I’ve had a very different experience, with locals trying their English as soon as I ask something in my stumbling French. And a big apologetic smile, of course!

Summing up 4 days in Paris

Summing up, 4 days in Paris is just enough time to really get a good feeling of what the city is really about, while exploring the different neighborhoods and attractions.

I’ve visited Paris on a long weekend before, too, like when I went with Mohammed on his first Paris trip. It gave us time to see the main attractions in the city, but we skipped the Versailles Palace since it’s outside the city and would have been too stressful.

As you can see, you do need at least 4 days for this magnificent city. But if you have more, there are plenty more attractions to see, as well as if you return a second time.

Happy travels!

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