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- February 10, 2025
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4 Days in Paris: Detailed Itinerary for First Trip
Planning a 4-day trip to Paris, France? With so much to see and do, it can be tough to figure out how to squeeze it all in. From world-famous landmarks to charming little cafés, Paris has a way of stealing the hearts of many—whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. Maybe you’re excited to see the Eiffel Tower up close, wander through the Louvre, or go to Disneyland! Whatever brings you here, one thing’s for sure—Paris is a city that will keep you on your toes and looking for more to do.
Paris is a place you’ve probably seen in movies, read about in books, or scrolled past on Instagram a hundred times. And while you could easily spend weeks to see and do everything possible, four days is plenty to hit the highlights and get a real feel for the city.
After visiting Paris multiple times (pre and post-COVID), we’ve put together a guide that breaks down everything you need for the perfect four-day Paris itinerary—must-see sights, cool neighborhoods, and a few hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, here’s how to make the most of your time in Paris!
Table of Contents
Who is This 4-Day Paris Itinerary tailored for?
This itinerary for visiting Paris, France is mostly geared towards those visiting Paris for the first time. However, even if you are a returning visitor, this guide can still offer a lot of value and new experiences to add to your itinerary.
Why Should You Visit Paris?
Paris, known as the City of Love, is a top destination for travelers from around the world. With its iconic landmarks—like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral—alongside its rich history and culture, it’s no surprise that Paris continues to captivate visitors year after year.
Where is Paris Located?
Paris is situated in north-central France along the Seine River. As the capital and largest city in the country, it serves as a major hub for art, fashion, and history.
Best Sights in Paris
We will certainly get more into our complete 4-day itinerary, but below are a few of the best things to do in Paris at a glance:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Arc de Triomphe
- Disneyland Paris
- Champs-Élysées
- Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre
- Musée d’Orsay
- Seine River
- Palace of Versailles
- Luxembourg Gardens
Is 4 Days in Paris enough time?
You could easily spend a week in Paris, but we think four days is the perfect amount of time for a first visit. It gives you enough time to see the main sights, try delicious French food, and soak in the city’s atmosphere without feeling too rushed. Of course, if you have more time, there’s always more to explore, but four days is a great introduction to Paris.
4 Days in Paris, France Itinerary – Overview
In this blog post, we’ll give you a breakdown of the top things to do in Paris, as well as some tips and recommendations for making the most out of your four days. From iconic landmarks to charming neighborhoods, here’s how to make the most of your time in Paris:
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & First Impressions
Whenever we visit a new city, the first thing we want to do is check out all the iconic landmarks we’ve seen countless times in photos and movies. Well, Paris has no shortage of those—so let’s get into it!
Eiffel Tower
Let’s start with the obvious one. The Eiffel Tower is a must-see in Paris, and you can’t miss it towering over the cityscape. We were lucky to visit right before the 2024 Olympics, so we got to see the iconic Olympic Rings displayed on the tower.
When you visit, you can go up to the second floor or all the way to the top. The views from the top are incredible! It even felt like the tower was swaying slightly, which was a bit strange and even a little worrying, but still an amazing experience.
If you don’t want to go up or are on a budget, you can simply hang out around the tower and have a picnic. In our opinion, going to the top isn’t a must, which is why we skipped it the second time we visited. We recommend coming as early as possible to avoid the insanely large crowds. However, we implore you to come back later at night for the light show! It happens every hour after sunset and it is breathtaking.
Another cool fact we learned is that the Eiffel Tower has had many different colors over the years. It was originally reddish-brown, then painted yellow and later a darker red. Now it is painted an iconic shade of brown-grey which gives it its recognizable appearance.
Arc de Triomphe
After visiting the Eiffel Tower, another iconic landmark to see is the Arc de Triomphe. It is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, a famous avenue in Paris, and was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806. The arc stands 50 meters (164 ft) high, 45 meters (148 ft) wide, and 22 meters (72 ft) deep, making it one of the largest triumphal arches in the world!
Visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of Paris, including a direct view down the Champs-Élysées. For those who don’t want to make the climb, you can still admire the beautiful designs on the arc from ground level. The intricate carvings and sculptures depict scenes from important French battles and victories.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is hands down one of the most beautiful landmarks in Paris. Its stunning Gothic architecture and massive rose windows make it an absolute must-see. Unfortunately, the Notre Dame Cathedral was badly damaged in a fire in April 2019, just a few weeks before our first visit to Paris. Then, on our second trip, it was only a few months away from reopening in December 2024—so we just missed it both times! Even though we couldn’t go inside, the exterior is still incredible to see in person. Now that it’s finally reopened, visitors can once again experience its full beauty, both inside and out!
Seine River Cruise
A perfect way to see the city of love is by taking a cruise down the Seine River. This iconic river flows through the heart of Paris, passing by some of its most famous landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower. Cruises can range from short one-hour tours to longer dinner cruises with a nice French meal. If you can go around sunset, that would be the best time as the city lights up and creates a romantic atmosphere.
Day 2: Art, History & Charming Neighborhoods
Louvre Museum
Day 2 of your 4 days in Paris must start at the Louvre Museum, one of the world’s largest and most renowned art museums. Home to over 35,000 works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a must-visit for anyone. You could easily spend a full day here, but you’ll only need a few hours to see the most iconic pieces like The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, and Liberty Leading the People. Even if you’re not an art lover, the sheer size and beauty of the Louvre make it a great experience.
We don’t want to be a buzzkill, but you might find the Mona Lisa a little underwhelming. It’s undoubtedly one of the most famous paintings in the world, but if you’re not into art history, it may not live up to the hype. It’s much smaller than most people expect, and it’s constantly surrounded by a massive crowd, all trying to snap the perfect selfie. This can make it hard to really take it in and appreciate its significance. That said, don’t let this stop you from visiting the Louvre—there are countless other incredible masterpieces that will leave a much bigger impression and make your visit totally worth it!
Lastly, make sure to buy your tickets in advance and even better, a skip-the-line ticket. Trust us, you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line!
Musée d'Orsay
If you’re a fan of impressionist and post-impressionist art and in the mood for another museum, then the Musée d’Orsay is a must-visit in Paris. Housed in a former train station, the museum has a large collection of works by renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
Luxembourg Gardens
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city, head to the Luxembourg Gardens. This beautiful public park is perfect for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day. You can also find several statues and fountains scattered throughout the gardens, as well as a small pond where you can rent boats to paddle around.
Sainte-Chapelle
Located in the heart of Paris, the Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel. It was built in the 13th century to house religious relics, and its most notable feature is its beautiful stained glass windows that cover over 15,000 square feet. The colors and designs were incredible to see and this is a great stop on your second day in Paris.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica de Montmartre
Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of our favorite landmarks in all of Paris, and we highly recommend a visit! Located in the charming neighborhood of Montmartre, this stunning white basilica sits at the highest point in the city, offering some of the best panoramic views of Paris. You can either climb the 300 steps to the dome for an even higher vantage point or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the basilica’s front steps.
Inside, the basilica is just as cool, with gorgeous mosaics, detailed stained glass, and a really peaceful vibe. The area around Sacré-Cœur is worth checking out too—Montmartre’s winding streets, cozy cafés, and artsy history make it a fun spot to explore.
Panthéon
Similar to the Pantheon in Rome, Paris’ Pantheon should not be skipped. Located in the Latin Quarter, it’s this huge, impressive building that was originally built as a church but now serves as a mausoleum for some of France’s most famous figures, like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo. It’s a great spot to learn a bit about the country’s past while soaking in the beauty of the place.
Moulin Rouge
For a taste of Paris’ famous cabaret scene, head to the iconic Moulin Rouge for your evening. This legendary venue has been entertaining audiences with dazzling performances since 1889 and is popular among tourists and locals.
Day 3: Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a must-visit for anyone exploring Paris! It’s about a 45-minute train ride from the city center, but it’s worth every minute. This massive palace was once the residence of the royal family and is now a museum showcasing stunning architecture and opulent furnishings. It’s also known for the “let them eat cake” phrase, famously attributed to Marie Antoinette.
The Palace of Versailles is insanely cool! There’s so much gold and the gardens are so well manicured. Make sure to take a tour of the Hall of Mirrors and see where important historical events took place, such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. You can also rent a bike and ride through the gardens, which is a great way to see more of the expansive grounds.
You should also check out the Petit Trianon, a smaller palace on the grounds where Marie Antoinette had her own private retreat. The Petit Trianon was gifted by her husband, King Louis XVI, and she used it as a place to escape the pressures of court life.
Overall, you can’t come to Paris and not see the Palace of Versailles. It’s the most incredible Palace we’ve ever seen and you’ll understand why when you get here. Pro tip: please check the hours of operation before you come because the Palace is closed on Mondays.
Day 4: Disneyland Paris
Calling all Disney fans! If you’re looking to add a little extra magic to your Paris trip, Disneyland Paris is the perfect day trip! Located about 40 minutes from the city by train, this iconic theme park brings all the Disney charm to Europe, with a French twist. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or just looking for a fun-filled day, Disneyland Paris offers something for everyone. If you have kids, we especially recommend this day trip. Below are tips on how to spend one day at Disneyland Paris:
What to Expect
Disneyland Paris is actually two parks in one: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park is home to the classic fairytale experience, with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle as the centerpiece, while Walt Disney Studios Park has a more behind-the-scenes Hollywood vibe, with attractions inspired by Pixar and Marvel.
Our favorite rides include:
- Big Thunder Mountain – One of the best versions of this classic rollercoaster.
- Crush’s Coaster – A thrilling ride through the world of Finding Nemo.
- Hyperspace Mountain – A Star Wars-themed twist on the iconic Space Mountain.
- Ratatouille: The Adventure – A 4D ride that shrinks you down to the size of a rat in a Parisian kitchen.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – A thrilling drop ride with a spooky backstory.
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Disneyland Paris from the city is by taking the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, which drops you off right at the entrance. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
Tips for Visiting
- Buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines and save money!
- Arrive early to make the most of your day, especially if you plan to visit both parks.
- Stay for the fireworks – the nightly show at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is spectacular. This was probably our favorite part and honestly got a little emotional watching it.
- Consider staying overnight if you want a more relaxed experience—there are Disney-themed hotels nearby. We stayed at the Cars themed hotel, Disney Hotel Santa Fe!
Disneyland Paris is a great way to mix a little magic into your Paris itinerary, whether you visit for a day or make it a bigger part of your trip.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is definitely in the summer! The weather is warm and the days are longer, allowing you to fully experience all that the city has to offer. Paris is also a very rainy city and summer will avoid that a little more. Plus, there are often special events and festivals happening during this time.
As always, if you want to avoid peak tourist season, come in the shoulder season, preferably in May or September because it’s still nice outside, without higher prices and more people. If you’re willing to brave the cold, winter can also be a beautiful and quieter time to visit Paris.
Where should I stay in Paris?
Choosing where to stay in Paris depends on your budget, travel style, and what you want to see. The city is divided into arrondissements (districts), each offering a unique atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Paris:
1st & 2nd Arrondissements (Central & Luxury Stays)
If you want to be right in the heart of Paris, close to major landmarks like the Louvre, the Seine, and Palais Royal, this is the place. Hotels here tend to be on the expensive side, but you’ll be within walking distance of most attractions.
- Best for: First-time visitors, luxury travelers, sightseeing.
- Top Hotel Picks: Hôtel du Louvre and Golden Tulip Hotel Washington Opera Hotel
Le Marais (Trendy & Lively – 3rd & 4th Arrondissements)
This stylish neighborhood is packed with boutiques, art galleries, and historic sites like Place des Vosges. It’s also home to some of the best nightlife and food spots in Paris.
- Best for: Trendy travelers and nightlife lovers
- Top Hotel Picks: Hôtel Georgette and Hôtel Relais des Halles Paris
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Classic Parisian Charm – 6th Arrondissement)
If you’re looking for that authentic Parisian feel, this is it. Cobblestone streets, chic cafés, and historic literary cafés make this a dreamy place to stay.
- Best for: Couples, history lovers, café culture.
- Top Hotel Picks: Hôtel Royal Saint-Germain and Legend Hotel Paris 6e
Latin Quarter (Budget-Friendly & Student Vibes – 5th Arrondissement)
Home to the Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter is vibrant, affordable, and full of history. It’s a great place to stay if you’re on a budget but still want a central location.
- Best for: Budget travelers, students, backpackers.
- Top Hotel Picks: Hôtel de Suez and Hotel Studia (Cheapest)
Champs-Élysées & 8th Arrondissement (Luxury & Shopping)
If you love high-end shopping and elegant boulevards, this is your spot. Expect luxury hotels, designer stores, and easy access to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Best for: Luxury travelers and shopping enthusiasts.
- Top Hotel Picks: Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel and Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées
Tips for visiting Paris, France
Getting Around
- Use the Metro – It’s fast and affordable; buy a Navigo Easy card for multiple trips.
- Check for strikes – Transport disruptions are common; stay updated.
- Uber and Bolt – A convenient and cheaper option than taxis.
Avoiding Long Lines
- Book tickets in advance – Skip-the-line tickets save time at major attractions.
- Visit early or late – Museums and landmarks are less crowded in the morning or near closing.
Dining & Etiquette
- Expect slow service – Meals are leisurely, and waiters won’t bring the bill unless asked.
- Reservations are essential – Many restaurants require bookings, even for lunch.
- Greet with “Bonjour” – Always say hello when entering shops or speaking to locals.
Money & Safety
- Cards are widely accepted, but carry small cash for cafés and markets.
- Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up is appreciated.
- Beware of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas and the Metro.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-June) & Fall (Sept-Oct) – good weather, fewer crowds.
- Summer (July-Aug) – Best weather, Peak season, long lines, higher prices.
- Winter (Dec-Feb) – Cold weather and fewer tourists, great for Christmas markets.
Budget-Friendly Activities
- Free museum days – Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
- Picnic by the Seine – A cheap, scenic way to enjoy the city.
- Explore free sights – Jardin du Luxembourg, Sacré-Cœur, and street markets.
Final Thoughts: 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
Paris is an iconic city that has something for everyone. From world-renowned museums and historic landmarks to charming cafés and picturesque neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the City of Light.
Overall, Paris isn’t one of our favorite cities in Europe due to its cleanliness issues and overcrowding. That said, it’s still a must-visit for its famous landmarks, though it’s not a place we’re itching to return to. There’s so much to experience here, so be prepared to stay busy—and to walk a lot!
As always, thank you for supporting our blog, and safe travels!
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