There are PLENTY of things to do in Paris, but 4 days is a good start! As a self-proclaimed local (by this point), here is my advice of the perfect 4 day itinerary for Paris.
Quick facts about Paris
Currency: Euro
Population: 2,211,297
Major airports: Charles De Gaulle (CDG), and Paris Orly (ORY), There is also Beauvais but it is about a 2 hour bus ride from Paris
Tipping: Service included in meal and drink price. Ask for une carafe d’eau if you want tap water
Where to stay
If you want to be near the tourist spots, you should stay close to the Seine. However, places can be a bit pricey there! If you want to save a bit of money but still be well connected to the tourist spots, I would recommend the 14th, 12th, or 10th arrondissments.
If you’re looking for a hostel to stay at, I recommend the following!
Caulaincourt – Located in Montmartre, this hostel is close to some great sights and in the heart of the artsy district. During the day, Montmartre is filled with locals enjoying a coffee in the sunshine. At night, the neighborhood comes alive with bars and clubs suited for everyone.
Les Piaules – This hostel is in a more local area, but walking distance to one of the best neighborhoods in Paris: Republique! Here you will find bars, restaurants, and speakeasies, and you can even walk down to Le Marais if you wish! If you want some greenery, you’re also close to Parc des Buttes Chaumont, one of the best parks in Paris.
MIJE Hostel – A bit pricey but the location cannot be beat! This hostel is located right in the center of Le Marais, the vibrant shopping neighborhood. You could wander the Marais for hours ansd you’re well connected both by metro and by foot to all the sights of Paris.
4 day Itinerary for Paris
Four days are a great start to seeing Paris! Follow this guide for the best advice on how to get around spend 4 days in Paris.
Hint: If you’ve been to Paris before and already knocked out the tourist stuff, check out these unique things to do in Paris.
Want to make the most of your time in Paris? Get a city pass to all the best attractions!
Day 1:
Le Louvre
Start your Paris trip by grabbing a coffee and spending a couple of hours at the Louvre. Famous for housing the Mona Lisa, this museum used to be a royal palace and is full of amazing artwork. It will take you awhile to get through it, as the museum is MASSIVE. There is also normally a huge line, so I’d recommend to buy skip the line tickets.
Jardin des Tuileries
As you leave the Louvre, you’ll be right at the Jardin des Tuileries. Formally, the palace gardens, the Jardin des Tuileries is now full of locals enjoying the sun when it’s out or picnicking on grass. Walk from the Louvre Pyramid to Place de la Concorde, the square that housed the guillotine during the French revolution. Many people, including Marie Antoinette, were beheaded in this plaza. Nowawadays, it’s a huge traffic circle!!
Eiffel Tower
From Place de la Concorde, you can walk on the bridge of the Seine all the way to the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the views. At night, the Eiffel Tower is lit up gold, and has a special sparkling show every hour on the hour, for about % minutes. You can climb to the top for a view, or just relax on Champs de Mars (the grassy area), with a bottle of wine and a baguette.
Day 2:
Day 2 is completely dedicated to Montmartre, as there are so many things to do there! This hipster, bohemian-esque neighborhood is full of great bars and restaurants and unique sights to see.
Basilique Sacre Cœur
First on the list is the Sacred Heart Basilica. It’s situated at the top of the hill and has great views of Paris.
To get to the top, you can either climb, or take the funicular. Once there, the church is free to enter, but you will have to pay if you want to climb the tower.
Place de Tertre
Right around the corner of the basilica, is a small square filled with restaurants and artists selling their work. Most of them are happy to talk to you/negotiate prices for a work of art, and it’s all different styles. There are also people walking around who will offer to draw a portrait of you, but it’s better to go to an artist with a booth set up, as the others are just trying to get money.
Maison Rose
This adorably pink restaurant was once a hangout for many artists, as well as many other places in Montmartre! Its color stands out against all the gray buildings, and is sometimes said to be the most photographed house in all of Paris.
Vigne du Clos
Just around the corner of La Maison Rose is the oldest vineyard in Paris! It’s a small plot of land in the middle of the city, and offers tours of the vineyard, as well as an annual harvest party.
La mur des je t’aime
Hidden inside a small garden near the metro Abbesses, is this mural of ‘I love you’ written in 250 languages. Try and find yours!
Moulin Rouge
Heading down the hill, you can find the historical cabaret: Moulin Rouge. If you have the time, book a show to conclude your day!
Day 3:
Palace of Versailles
Versailles is massive, so it really takes the whole day. There are two parts: The actual palace, and the palace gardens. They are two separate tickets, which you can buy here.
Versailles isn’t technically in Paris, so you have to take a train to get there. You can take the RER C train to Versailles Château, and walk from there. It’s the last stop on the train, but make sure it goes all the way and it’s the right direction! Once inside the station, look for the signs that point to ‘RER C Sud’.
Day 4:
Musee d’Orsay
Another impressive museum in Paris. This museum is housed in what used to be a train station. You will find a bit more modern of art than Le Louvre, including famous work by Van Gogh, Manet, and Renoir.
Le Marais
On the last day, visit everyone’s favorite neighborhood, Le Marais! This Jewish neighborhood is hipster and full of amazing shops and restaurants. It’s completely worth it to just spend hours wandering and shopping with the locals.
Notre Dame
Walk across the Seine from Le Marais, and you’ll eventually find the Cathedral de Notre Dame. At the moment you can’t go inside, as they are still renovating the inside after the fire of 2019. Today, there is a white wall around it filled with artwork of the Cathedral by various schools in France.
Arc de Triomphe
To end your trip, spend some time walking down the Champs Elysées and visit the Arc de Triomphe! The top of the Arc has arguably one of the best views in Paris, and there’s a small museum inside. A perfect end to your mini Paris trip.
On a budget? Check out my list of free things to do in Paris!
