A Perfect 4 Days Paris Itinerary + Top Tips [2026]

Looking for the best 4 days Paris itinerary that includes all the best bits of the city along with a few hidden gem recommendations? 

Consider this the crème de la crème of tried and tested itineraries, complete with up-to-date links, insider restaurant recommendations, and top tips for your visit. 

As someone who lives in the UK, just a short train ride from London, I’m only ever a few hours away from the city of love. 

Therefore, I’ve made it my mission over the years to devise the ultimate 4 days Paris itinerary – because a weekend is simply never enough!

This itinerary for 4 days in Paris is ideal for your first time, because it includes all the iconic highlights as well as some lesser-visited gems as well. 

However, it also works for people who have been before, as I’ll include alternative recommendations to the big sights you may have already seen. 

I’ll start with the highlights and the itinerary in brief for those in a hurry, and then go into detail about each day to help you plan your trip. 

At the end, I’ll include some FAQs about where to stay and how to get around and some of my top Paris travel tips!

4 Days Paris Itinerary in Brief 

Day 1 

Climb the Eiffel Tower 

See the Sights on a Seine River Cruise 

Watch the Sunset in Montmartre 

Day 2 

Admire the Notre Dame and Sainte-Chappelle 

Take a French Food Tour or Cooking Class 

Enjoy a Burlesque Cabaret Show (Spoiler alert, the best one isn’t at Moulin Rouge)

Day 3 

Get Lost in the Louvre 

Wander down the Champs-Élysées

Marvel at the Arc de Triomphe 

Day 4 

Take a Day Trip to Versailles/Disneyland Paris/Champagne Region

Or 

Check out the Musée d’Orsay

Stroll Around the Latin Quarter 

Make Your Own Parisian Perfume to Take Home 

Enjoy a Show-Stopping Final Meal with a View of the Eiffel Tower 

4 Days Paris Itinerary in Detail 

Day 1 

Climb the Eiffel Tower 

What 4 days Paris itinerary would be complete without a pilgrimage up to the the Eiffel Tower summit? 

Start your visit with one of the most iconic sights in the city by taking the lift or climbing to the top of the most famous monument in France. 

You can either take the lift all the way to the top or climb half of the way and then take the lift for the final ascent. Whichever option you choose, it is essential to book skip-the-line tickets in advance, otherwise you will spend all day queuing for tickets. 

I recommend heading to the Eiffel Tower first thing when it opens at 9am. This way you’ll be one of the first ones to the top and can take in the panoramic views over Paris in the softer morning light. 

After you have climbed the tower, you should head over to the Trocadero fountain for the best perspective of the tower from afar. 

Book your Eiffel Tower tickets here.

If you are a Paris veteran who has already seen the Eiffel Tower, I recommend exploring Les Invalides instead. This is a show-stopping complex home to Napoleon’s tomb and interesting artefacts from the military history of France. 

Find tickets for Les Invalides here. 

See the Sights on a Seine River Cruise 

After climbing all those stairs, you’ll no doubt be hungry, and what better way to satisfy your cravings than with a three-course meal on the Seine? 

This highly-rated tour allows you to cruise the river and spot the city’s most famous monuments while you indulge in some delicious French cuisine and wine. chef’s kiss

Book it here. 

If your budget can’t stretch to a meal on the Seine, you can simply pop into a cafe for lunch instead, and then hop on one of the sightseeing river cruises instead. These boats cruise past all the same sights with a little commentary on the history of the city. 

Get sightseeing Seine River cruise tickets here. 

Watch the Sunset in Montmartre 

Once you’ve soaked up some of the sights of Paris from the serenity of the Seine, you can either head back to your accomodation to freshen up for the evening or head straight to the bohemium Montemarte district, which is perched on a hill overlooking the city.

Montmartre is located a little further out of the centre of the city, in the 18th arrondissement. Therefore you will need to catch the metro or jump in a taxi to get there. Metro stations Anvers, Pigalle, and The Abbesses are all located in the neighbourhood

There are lots of things to do in Montemarte if you arrive before sunset, from getting lost in the gorgeous cobbled streets to climbing up to the impressive white-domed Basilica of Sacre-Coeur or getting your portrait sketched by a local street artist. 

You can also go and see the infamous red windmills of the Moulin Rouge Cabaret show, although if you’re in the market for a show during your trip, I recommend a different one later in this itinerary. 

Alternatively, check out the Love Wall, made famous by Emily in Paris, or hunt for some of the most coveted Instagram backdrops in the city, such as Cafe La Maison Rose, bistro Le Consulat and Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

Here you can find a fantastic Montmartre walking tour that starts at 6:30pm if you’d prefer to have a local show you around. 

When the time comes for sunset, grab a takeaway coffee or bottle of wine to share with your loved one and head up to the stairs of the Sacre-Coeur, where you can find a quiet spot to watch the city turn pink. 

You’ll usually be serenaded by some street musicians as you watch, which makes for a truly unforgettable atmosphere!

Afterwards, there are plentiful authentic French bistros in which to grab a bite to eat in Montmartre. I recommend La Boîte aux Lettres for cosy local fare, Bicoques for seafood, and Le Replat de Montmartre for upscale-rustic dishes. 

Stay in One of the Most Romantic Hotels in Paris

Whether you’re headed to the city of love with your other half or not, you can’t help but embrace the romance of the City of Love.

Read my guide to the 25 most romantic places to stay, from cosy budget boltholes to luxurious Parisian palaces and mid-range boutiques with Eiffel Tower Views.

Read the full guide here.

Day 2 

Admire the Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle 

The second day of your 4 days Paris itinerary starts with a visit to some famous Gothic monuments located on an island in the middle of the Seine. 

Île de la Cité is right in the heart of Paris in the 4th Arrondissement, so you should easily be able to grab a coffee and some croissants on your way there. 

You’ll have cruised past these churches yesterday, so you may already have a little background on them. 

The inside of Notre Dame has re-opened on the 8 December 2024 after an extensive restoration following the devastating fire of 2019. It’s free to go inside.

Few people know there is another beautiful church on this island to explore, known as Sainte Chapelle.

Fashioned almost entirely out of stained glass windows, this incredible church looks especially striking on a summer’s morning with the sun streaming through.

Book guided tour tickets for the Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle here. 

If you’ve seen the Notre Dame Cathedral before, you may want to revisit Île de la Cité for Sainte Chapelle. 

Nearby, there is also The Conciergerie, a part of the royal Paris that was once used as a prison for Mary Antoinette. You can buy a combined ticket for both here. 

Take a French Food Tour or Cooking Class 

France is known for its exceptional food and cuisine, so it would be a crime to leave without sampling some of the best Paris has to offer. I thoroughly recommend taking a food tour or cooking class to truly whet your appetite. 

The No Diet Club does a highly rated 3-hour walking tour that starts at midday and takes you through the trendy Marais district as you savour French classics like the croque monsieur from hidden local bistros.

Book it here.

Alternatively, this cooking course gives you plenty of time to learn from a professional Parisian chef, with a three-course lunch included. You’ll also get your recipes to take home for the souvenir that keeps on giving!

Find out more here. 

If you came to Paris for the pastries, you can also find classes that teach the art of the French croissant at the Maison Flueret pastry School. Check it out here.

If you’re not much of a foodie, you could try a perfume-making workshop instead, or replace it with one of the activities mentioned on day 4 of this Paris itinerary (there are a few to choose from!). 

Enjoy a Cabaret Show

Your food tour or cooking class will likely finish around mid-afternoon, which will give you enough time to head back to your accommodation and freshen up in preparation for an evening of real Parisian razzle dazzle!

Forget everything you think you know about cabaret and burlesque shows. The Crazy Horse Paris is a tasteful expression of the female form with show-stopping costumes, optics, special effects and a few surprises along the way. 

Perhaps not suitable for those with kids, but a fantastic option for those travelling with their partner or on a girls’ trip when visiting Paris. 

I personally prefer the Crazy Horse Show to the more well-known show at the Moulin Rouge, because it’s less ‘touristy’ and focuses more on celebrating the female form. 

There are usually multiple evening shows to choose from, meaning you can schedule dinner for before or after, or eat at the show if you prefer. 

You can also try the Paradis Latin if you’re on a tighter budget, although I haven’t seen this one so can’t vouch for the acts! See tickets for Paradis Latin here.

You can get tickets just for the show or ones that come with dinner and/or champagne as well. Get the champagne I say – you might only be in Paris once!

Be aware that you will need to dress up a bit for any of the cabaret shows – sportswear and shorts for men are not allowed. 

Book tickets for the Crazy Horse Show here. 

Family travellers can try the immersive light show called Aura Invalides, which takes place inside Napoleon’s tomb and includes a sensational three-part spectacle. Book it here.

Day 3 

Get Lost in the Louvre 

What 4 days Paris itinerary would be complete without a trip to the Louvre, France’s most visited attraction?! This sprawling museum and art gallery is seriously impressive stuff, even if you’re not much of an art lover (guilty!). 

Of course, you can check out the iconic Mona Lisa, but there are some other sensational pieces to hunt down that aren’t surrounded by crowds. 

Look for infamous marble statues such as the Venus de Milo, Cupid’s Kiss and The Dying and Rebellious Slaves. 

Famed painted works include The Lacemaker, Liberty Leading the People, The Coronation of Napoleon and The Raft of Medusa, which is a moody portrayal of Greek myth origin. 

If you are particularly into art and history I recommend dedicating an entire day to the Louvre and skipping the Champs-Élysées – you can always head to the Arc de Triomphe at sunset or in the evening since it stays open until 11pm. 

Just as with the Eiffel Tower, it’s essential to buy skip-the-line tickets for the Louvre in advance. 

A Louvre museum timed entrance ticket gives you guaranteed access within a 30-minute time slot, meaning you skip the ticket queue and only have to wait in line for security. Get yours here.

If you are particularly interested in specific works or want to learn more about the Louvre in general, you may want to book a tour guide for your visit. Try this small group guided tour with an entrance ticket included.

If you’re using this 4 days Paris itinerary for your second or third trip to Paris, you can replace the Louvre with one of the city’s other stunning art museums. 

I loved the Musée Rodin on my fourth visit to Paris, but the Musée de l’Orangerie (home of many Claude Monet pieces) or Musée d’Orsay (housed in an old railway station) are equally popular choices. 

Have Lunch in a Classic French Cafe

Once you have had your fill of the Louvre, head out for a well-deserved rest and some lunch in a quintessential French cafe or Bistro.

Near the museum, I recommend Happy Cafe for casual crepes and baguettes or Louise Cafe for a more filling re-fuel in an aesthetic setting.  

Wander down the Champs-Élysées

If you’re into shopping or simply want to capitalise on being in one of Europe’s fashion capitals, a stroll down the Champs-Élysées is a must on a 4 days Paris itinerary. 

This iconic avenue is beautifully wide, tree-lined, and stocked full of all your favourite French and international designers. 

It runs from the Place de la Concorde – a 10-minute stroll from the Louvre through some beautiful gardens – to the iconic island overlooked by the Arc de Triomphe. 

Don’t miss the gorgeous Galeries Lafayette – the Harrods of Paris – and French designer flagship stores like Louis Vuitton. 

If you’re not done with artwork for the day, you can also pop into the Petit Palace, not far from the Place de la Concorde, which is free to enter and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy shopping street. 

It houses a vibrant collection of modern art and a quaint cafe where you can stop for a coffee. 

Marvel at the Arc de Triomphe 

At the end of the majestic Champs-Élysées is the famous monument known as the Arc de Triomphe, which was originally built for Napoleon’s instigation. 

You can buy tickets to climb it for a fabulous view of the city as the sun is setting, or simply admire it from afar and below. 

By day 3 of a busy 4 days Paris itinerary you will no doubt be pretty tired, so I recommend heading back to your accommodation and enjoying a cosy night at a local bistro – ask your hotel for the best nearby recommendations! 

If you’re still eager to get out there and enjoy the City of Lights, I recommend a stroll along the banks of the Seine. 

Here you can soak up the lively atmosphere, watch the street performers and admire the twinkling display of the Eiffel Tower every hour. 

There is a lovely riverside promenade from the gilded Pont Alexandre III to the base of the tower which takes about 25 minutes to walk. 

Day 4 

Take a Day Trip to Versailles/Disneyland Paris 

It’s time to choose your own adventure for the finale of your 4 days Paris itinerary – from iconic theme parks and breathtaking palaces to more time spent exploring the city. 

A day trip to Versailles is a popular choice, especially for those who have already experienced the sights within the city itself. 

You can easily get the train to Versailles from Gare St. Lazare (to Versailles Rive Droite) or from Montparnasse (to Versailles Chantiers). There is also an RER express train from Javel to Versailles Rive Gauche. The train journey takes around 30 minutes.

If you’re taking the train, I recommend leaving yourself plenty of time to get to the palace. You’ll need to buy all-access tickets in advance, which include access to both the palace and the gardens.

To get the best out of the experience, I suggest a guided tour. 

If you prefer not to have to worry about public transport, you can also book a tour that includes transfers from Paris. Find out more here. 

On some Saturday and Sunday evenings during the summer, there is a sensational fountain and firework display in the gardens, which you may want to hang around for! You can find tickets for that here.

Alternatively, if you have children or are not too bothered about seeing Versailles, you can visit Disneyland Paris instead. 

The famous theme park is also accessible by train, around a 40-minute journey to Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy, from Nation station, which can be reached via the metro from most locations in Paris. 

You can also book the Disney shuttle bus as part of your park entrance ticket, which leaves from three convenient locations in Paris. Find out more here.

Finally, you can book a private transfer for the most straightforward travel to and from the park. 

If you’re not interested in Versaille or Disneyland, you can also take a day trip from Paris to the Champagne region instead, to learn all about how they make your favourite fizzy gold stuff.

Check out the More Parisian Art Museums

If you decide to stay in the city for the day, you still have plenty of options! The Musée d’Orsay is probably the most popular choice. 

This iconic art gallery and museum is located in a historic former rail station and serves as a homage to French paintings, sculptures and photography. This includes famous works like Gustave Courbet’s The Origin of the World, Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, and Claude Monet’s Blue Water Lillies. 

Musée d’Orsay is located on the left bank of the Seine in the centre of Paris. Buy skip-the-line entrance tickets here.

Other options for the morning include the Musée de l’Orangerie (home of many Claude Monet pieces) and the Musée Rodin (housed in a stunning 18th-century mansion dedicated to the sculptural works of Auguste Rodin). 

Stroll Around the Latin Quarter 

If you have spare time on day 4 (or anytime during a 4 day Paris itinerary), you should take a stroll around the charming Latin quarter, otherwise known as the 5th Arrondissement. 

Filled to the brim with quaint cobblestone streets, cute bookshops, farmer’s markets and bohemian cafes, this area has been home to dreamers and philanthropists since it first became known as the student district in 1253. 

Shakespeare and Company is a famous ramshackle bookshop filled with English-language titles that was once known as the meeting point for poets and writers. 

There are also some interesting landmarks to explore such as the Musée de Cluny, which is built around the remains of a Medieval bathhouse, and the National Museum of Natual History (great for kids!). 

If you prefer green spaces, why not grab a baguette and a book from Shakespeare and Co., and find a bench at the free botanical Jardin des Plantes to while away the afternoon?

Make Your Own Parisian Perfume to Take Home 

If none of the other options appeal and you’re searching for the perfect souvenir to take home, make like Coco Chanel with a perfume-making workshop! 

This fantastic activity lets you blend your own signature scent in a bottle to take away with you while learning a little about the history of the perfume industry in France. C’est fantastique!

Enjoy a Show-Stopping Meal with a View of the Eiffel Tower 

For your final evening in Paris, unless you are spending it outside the city, I recommend splashing out on some haute cuisine with a view. 

While any restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower is sure to be expensive, you’ll probably find the experience makes it all worth it, with memories made for a lifetime. There are lots of choices, especially for fine dining.

Some of the most popular spots include Cafe de l’Homme found on the top of Trocadero’s Palais de Chaillot, Chez Francis, a cosy, pet-friendly bistro, and Le Ciel de Paris, which overs sprawling views over the whole city from the 56th floor of Tour Montparnasse. 

I personally love Les Ombres, which has an expansive terrace where you can take stunning photos with the sparkling tower as your backdrop. You really feel as though you are on the roof of Paris here, with an open-air terrace for the summer months and floor-to-ceiling glass for Paris in the winter.

Le Bistro Parisien is known as a more reasonably priced choice, set on the banks of the River Seine with a glass roof and daily special menus. 

If there is one memory of your 4 days in Paris you will want to bottle up and take home, I guarantee it will be this one! 

No matter which restaurant you decide on, you must book in advance if you want to guarantee a table. Many of the restaurants mentioned above are booked up many months in advance. 

So there you have it! A perfect, romantic 4 days Paris itinerary to experience the very best of the city of love and lights. 

Have something you want to add or ask? Let me know in the comments!

4 Days Itinerary Paris: FAQs

Is 4 Days in Paris Enough?

Although you won’t get to see everything this beautiful city has to offer, an optimised itinerary for 4 days in Paris will ensure you see all of the most famous highlights with enough time leftover to spend lounging in local cafes and bistros.

Of course, there is always more to see and do, and I have provided some additional options for additional things to do in the itinerary above, in case you decide to return for another visit!

Where to stay in Paris?

During my most recent visit to Paris, we stayed at the Hotel de L’Empereur (pictured above) which is a cosy boutique with comfy rooms and views out the window of the beautiful golden dome of Les Invalides. 

It’s the perfect location for a 4 days Paris itinerary and the rooms with a view are surprisingly reasonably priced!

Other recommended options include:

• Hotel Moderniste: Located a little outside the centre but clean and modern with lots of room configurations for different group sizes. 
• Hôtel Plaza Athénée: A prestigious five-star hotel just a few steps from the Champs-Élysées, offering rooms with Eiffel Tower views for that once-in-a-lifetime Paris experience. 
• Hotel Astra Opera: A fantastic mid-range choice in the heart of the action, with a pool and sauna for soothing those sightseeing muscles!

Heading to the city of love with your other half? Discover the 25 most romantic Paris hotels from luxe to budget!

How to Get to Paris?

If you’re coming from London or the UK, getting to Paris is incredibly easy. Simply hop on the Eurostar from London King’s Cross, which takes you straight to the heart of the action at Gare Nord. 

Buy Eurostar tickets here.

Alternatively, the city’s international airport is called Charles de Gaulle with direct flights to major destinations around the world, particularly in the UK and Europe. You can also take regional trains and buses from elsewhere in France. 

Best Time to Visit Paris?

In my opinion, Paris is truly a year-round destination. Each season has its unique charm, from the sparkle of Paris in winter to the flower-filled days of summer and everything in between. There is so much to see and do both indoors and outdoors, I recommend multiple visits in different seasons!

I went recently in February for a Paris hen do, and the atmosphere was as electric as ever, despite the cold, crisp weather. 

I’ve also been in summer and enjoyed lazy days on the Seine, Christmas for the ultimate shopping break, and autumn for a romantic, rain-streaked visit that could have made a famous watercolour painting. 

How to Get Around in Paris 

Paris is a large sprawling city divided into 20 specific districts known as arrondissements. This means the best way to get around is usually by metro, with a well-connected subway system that connects all of the arrondissements while dodging the hectic traffic. 

The 4 day Paris itinerary above is specifically designed so that many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other, however, you might have to start or end your day on the metro, depending on the location of your accommodation. 

I recommend buying a multi-day metro pass to make life easier (and often cheaper) than buying tickets for each journey individually. This way you can always hop on the train whenever you don’t feel like walking. 

There are also abundant ride-hailing apps available such as Uber and Bolt, as well as e-bikes and e-scooters, which can often be picked up from the the side of the road using the relevant app (you will need mobile data or an internet connection). 

If you prefer to get around without the need for tech, regular taxis are also very common. You can jump in one at any taxi stand, get your hotel or restaurant to order one, or hail one in the street with a bright light on the top (meaning unoccupied). 

Top Tips for Your 4 Days Itinerary Paris

To round off this 4 day itinerary for Paris, here are a few top tips to keep in mind during your visit:

• Book tickets for attractions in advance, especially if you are travelling during a busy period. I recommend getting skip-the-line tickets where possible.
• Book a Paris Museum Pass to save money, which includes several of the attractions mentioned on this itinerary 
• Wear comfortable shoes as you are likely to be walking a lot! You may need more dressy clothes for some evening venues, check before you go. For example, the burlesque and cabaret shows usually have a dress code. 
• Don’t bother booking breakfast in your hotel. Instead, soak up the city’s beautiful atmosphere in one of the many charming cafes and bakeries on every street corner!
• Avoid big landmarks at peak hours. For example, instead of heading to the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre at mid-morning, try to get there when they open. 

I hope that has given you plenty of ideas and tips for your trip to Paris but if there’s anything I missed, please let me know in the comments!