A Fantastic Itinerary To See Paris In 4 Days

You can see a lot in Paris in 4 days. While the French capital definitely deserves more time than that (I recommend spending at least a week in Paris), this is still a decent amount of time to appreciate the city.

I have been to Paris a few times and know the city well. This is a city I literally fell in love as soon as I set foot there, and I will never tire of it!

If it is your first time in the Ville Lumiere, your 4 days in Paris should definitely be spent exploring the most iconic attractions. However, those all require pre-advanced bookings as they work on a time-slot system. Following an itinerary is essential to maximize you time in the city.

Not a fan of planning? You are in good hands.

In this post, I will explain how you can get the most out of Paris in such a short time, visiting the most famous places to visit in Paris, and even some lesser known ones.

Finally, continue reading for the best Paris in 4 days itinerary – all you have to do is book your flights and hotel!

4 Days In Paris – Itinerary Overview

Are you wondering about what to see in Paris in 4 days?, or asking yourself “are 4 days in Paris enough?” Don’t worry! 4 days in Paris are enough to get a good feel of the city, though you certainly won’t be able to see all of it.

My 4 days in Paris itinerary is based on the assumption that you are sleeping 5 nights in the city, and you have 4 days in Paris. It may also work if you get there very early in the morning on your first day or leave very late in the evening on your last day.

Here is a quick overview of this itinerary to see Paris in 4 days:

Day One

Check out the most famous museum in the world, then enjoy a Seine River cruise:

• Palais-Royal
• Louvre
• Saint Chapelle
• Notre Dame
• Seine River Cruise
• Centre Pompidou and Le Marais

Day Two

Check out some of the best views in Paris and go for a walk through its most beautiful parks:

• Eiffel Tower
• Champ de Mars
• Arc de Triomphe
• Champs-Elysées
• Place de la Concorde
• Tuileries Garden

Day Three

Explore Montmartre in depth.

Day Four

You have two options for this day:

• Museé d’Orsay
• Latin Quarter
• Montparnasse Tower
• The Catacombs

or

• a day trip to Versailles

This itinerary is crafted in a way that allows you to visit attractions that are close to each other on the same day, and as such don’t have to commute much. On most days, you can follow it in reverse but make sure to check the closing time of the various attractions before you decide!

Traveling To Paris Soon?

Whether you are traveling to Paris on a whim or have been planning your trip for months, I recommend booking your attractions tickets and tours in Paris ASAP to avoid any disappointment.

Use GetYourGuide, my favorite tour provider which offers a variety of activities, flexible booking, and 24/7 support!

Finally, let’s look into this itinerary in a bit more detail.

What To See In Paris In 4 Days

Day 1

If you only have 4 days in Paris, you won’t have much time to devote to the Louvre, one of Paris’ best museums. Plan to see the highlights and perhaps opt for a guided tour so that you don’t waste time figuring out your way around the museum.

Map of day one

You can see the map of your first day itinerary here. It will appear as if the Seine River cruise is not included. That’s because the cruise will start from the dock close to the church. That’s where you hae to get off to continue exploring.

Palais-Royal

Your first stop in Paris will be the Palais-Royal, one of Paris hidden gems. It opens very early, and it is very close to the Louvre Museum, so you can pop in for a quick visit before you continue onto the more famous attractions.

Once home of Cardinal Richelieu, who lived there until his death in 1642, the Palais-Royal became property of Philippe II Duke of Orléans, who held the throne for Louis XV as he became king when he was only 5, in 1715.

The palace currently houses the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture. It’s a nice place to visit for photos thanks to an art installation of striped columns of various sizes, and it’s free to access!

Palais-Royal opens at 7:00 or 7:30 am depending on the season, and closes late. There is no admission fee.

Louvre

Did you know that the Louvre was once the Royal Palace of Paris. The last king that lived there was Louis XIII. His son Louis XIV moved the entire court to Versailles, and soon after the palace became an art gallery in the 1700s.

Here you will find one of the most incredible collections of art in the world. There are ancient greek sculptures, painting by the most famous artists in the world.

But there’s more: the building itself is actually stunning, from the outside and from the inside. Raise your head to admire the ceilings. Snap a photo of the glass pyramid outside, in the main courtyard. It was designed by the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei.

For many, the highlight of visiting the Louvre is seeing Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Other pieces you should make a point to see include the Wedding at Cana by Veronese; the Sleeping Hermaphroditus by Bernini; the Venus of Milo; the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Since your aim is to see most of Paris in 4 days, you can’t spend too much time at the Louvre.

To plan your visit, there are a few things you need to know.

The Louvre works on a time-slot system. In other words, you need to buy tickets before your visit, and you must specify at what time you intend to visit.

As it is one of the most popular places to visit in Paris, it is of the utmost importance that you get your tickets well ahead of your visit. When you buy tickets online, you will be able to access via the fast-track security line.

Here is how you can get your ticket to this incredible museum:

You can get tickets on the Louvre official website. This is the most budget-friendly option.

Another option is to use GetYourGuide that also sells Louvre tickets. This third-party booking site allows you to select a time slot for your visit and tickets cost as much as on the official website. You can also get fast track tickets to the Louvre on Tiqets.

Finally, you can use the Paris Museum Pass – tickets included in the Paris Pass are fast-track too. You will have to visit the official website of the museum to book a time slot for your visit.

I actually recommend going on a guided tour if it is your first time at this museum. A knowledgeable guide will walk you around the museum and show you the most important pieces, and you won’t have to worry about finding your way around or dodging the crowds.

I recommend this masterpieces guided tour of the Louvre that lasts 3 hours and has free cancellation.

The Louvre is open every day but Tuesdays, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (it closes at 9:45 pm on Fridays). It is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. For the purpose of this itinerary, I recommend booking the first time-slot so that you have enough time to visit the other places.

If your 4 days in Paris include a Friday, you could consider following this day’s itinerary in reverse and on a Friday and leave the museum as the last attraction. The main benefit is that it won’t be as crowded. In this case, you may want to consider this Closing Time At The Louvre: The Mona Lisa At Her Most Peaceful tour which starts at 6:45 pm.

My post How To Visit The Louvre gives even more detailed information on how to plan your visit.

Sainte Chapelle

Your next stop will be Sainte Chapelle, a 13th century Gothic Church with impressive painted glass windows that go from floor to ceiling. It’s one of my favorite churches in the city, and fits easily in this itinerary.

You can spend about one hour there to marvel at the magnificent architecture and art in the church. Don’t worry, I am about to explain how to visit.

Sainte Chapelle is open every day except for 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December. It works on a time-slot system so you must book your visit in advance.

You will find tickets on the official website of Saint Chapelle. They are also included in the Paris Museum Pass.

This excellent Skip-the-Line Sainte-Chapelle, Seine Cruise & Medieval Quarter Tour by Take Walks (one of my favorite tour providers in Europe) goes to most places mentioned in today’s itinerary. In case you want to join it, pick an afternoon time-slot for the Louvre as it runs in the morning.

Notre-Dame

The most famous church in Paris, Notre Dame was completed in 1345. Did you know that it took around 200 years to complete it?

I loved spotting Notre-Dame the first time I visited Paris. I was arriving in town from the airport, and my RER train dropped me nearby. As I walked up the stairs, I saw the church and got goosebumps. I had no idea it would be there, and it certainly was a great surprise.

The church opened to visits again on 8 December 2024. This is following a fire that almost entirely destroyed the church on 15 April 2019. Visiting is free but you are better off booking a time slot via the official website.

You can also admire Notre-Dame from the outside. It perfectly fits in this itinerary since it is close to Saint Chapelle and a good place to hop on a Seine River cruise.

River Seine Cruise

A cruise along the River Seine is one of the unmissable things to do in Paris in 4 days. The views during the cruise are splendid – you will see Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre and the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. It’s a completely different perspective on the city, and one you should not miss.

There are all sorts of cruises available for purchase. Some are dinner cruises; others include a glass of champagne; some cruises come with a guide and some with just an audio-guide.

There even are some cruises which are literally like a hop-on hop-off service. The latter one is what I actually recommend. But let me explain more.

Most cruises depart from the Eiffel Tower, but the hop-on hop-off cruise departs from a small dock near Notre-Dame. It’s the one that best fits with your itinerary.

Consider getting Batobus hop-on hop-off cruise that departs close to the Notre-Dame Church. The Paris Museum Pass includes tickets for a Seine River cruise.

My post How To Pick The Best Seine River Cruise In Paris shows more options and cruise ideas and allows you to compare all the available cruises, what they offer and their departure point.

Centre Pompidou and Le Marais

If you get off from your Seine River Cruise at Notre-Dame, you will be within easy walking distance from the Centre Pompidou. Since it is open late on a regular basis (it closed at 9:00 pm), it’s easy to add it to your itinerary.

If you don’t want to go inside, you can still take in the unique construction, and the area where it is located.

The Centre Pompidou is found in the heart of the Marais District and houses the National Museum of Modern Art – Europe’s largest modern art museum. Inside you can see the works of artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky. After your visit, you can go to the balcony for the stunning views.

You can book your tickets on the Centre Pompidou official website, and they are also included in the Paris Museum Pass.

if you are staying in Le Marais as I recommend, you will have many chances to explore the area, which is incredibly quaint and packed with nice local cafés, bars and brasseries. It’s a very artsy area, with nice small independent boutiques and interesting museums too.

Unfortunately, with only 4 days in Paris you won’t have time to properly visit any, but in case you are interested, museums in Le Marais include the Museum of French History, the Musée National Picasso-Paris, the Musée Carnavalet, and Victor Hugo House Museum.

I have a guide to What To See And Do In Le Marais which will help you plan your visit.

Day 2

This day is all about the Eiffel Tower – you will go up for views of the city, and then walk to various viewpoints to admire it. You will then walk to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées and continue to Place de la Concorde and explore the Tuileries Garden.

Map of day two

Here is a link to the Google Maps itinerary you have to follow.

If you are hoping to get sunset or evening views of the Eiffel Tower and from the Eiffel Tower, follow this itinerary in reverse. In this case, use the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, near the Louvre, as your starting point.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is – quite simply – the symbol of Paris, and one of the most iconic and famous buildings in the world. It was built in 1889 for the World Expo, and back then it attracted a lot of criticism and was only meant to be a temporary structure.

With time, Parisians started to love it and it was decided to keep it, and now it gets millions of visitors every year!

The tower measures 324 meters (1,063 feet). When it was built, it was the tallest building in France. It now is the highest man-made observation deck in Europe: 276 meters (905.5 feet).

The views of the city from the Eiffel Tower are simply stunning. From the second floor, you can see the Sacre Coeur and Montmartre.

It will take you around 2 hours to visit the Eiffel Tower, from the time you get there until the moment you leave.

Should you go to the summit? If you have the budget for that, you definitely should. Don’t believe those that tell you that the best views are from the second floor. The views and the perspective simply chance from each level, so of course if you can you should check them out all. In any case, if you get summit tickets you can access all other levels.

The Tour Eiffel (that’s its name in French) works on a time-slot system, and you should book your visit as far in advance as possible. Although tickets are skip-the-line, you still have to go through security checks and line for the elevator.

The Eiffel Tower is open every day. The official site reports the opening hours, which can vary depending on the day and month and differ for the elevator and the stairs.

Tickets for the Eiffel Tower can be bought on the official Eiffel Tower site – but these are not refundable. You can also get tickets via a third-party booking site – in this case, if you cancel within 24 hours of your visit you can get a 50% refund.

There’s also this highly rated Eiffel Tower summit guided visit which includes a guide and has a more flexible cancellation policy (you can get a refund as long as you cancel 72 hours before you visit).

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower are also included in the Paris Museum Pass but remember you will have to book your Eiffel Tower time-slot via the official website

Alternatively, you could get the Paris City Card (it’s not the same as the Paris Pass), which allows you to pick a time-slot directly at the time of purchase.

If you decide to follow this itinerary in reverse, I have a few more tips for you. Indeed, you could have dinner at the Eiffel Tower!

There are two excellent restaurants on the Eiffel Tower, but they require advanced reservations.

JULES VERNE – A Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor that is perfect for a special occasion, and also very pricey.

MADAME BRASSERIE – A nice (and cheaper brasserie) on the first floor, it’s a bit more easy going.

Here’s a little hack for you. If you want to have lunch at Madame Brasserie, you can actually book a 3-course meal on GetYourGuide and that will also include elevator access to the first floor.

Read my post How To Visit The Eiffel Tower for more information on how to plan your visit and make the most of it.

Champs de Mars

Open 24/7 and 100% free to access, Champs de Mars park was first opened in 1780, next to the École Militaire. It’s a lovely place for a picnic during sunny days. Locals and tourists alike love going there during the weekend, on special occasions and honestly whenever they can since the views of the Eiffel Tower from there are magnificent.

You could actually plan to bring a small picnic with you and have lunch there before you continue your explorations.

Trocadero

On the other side of the river from the Eiffel Tower, you will reach the Trocadéro – another place to get marvelous views of the tower and one of the most famous photo spots in the city.

If you are planning to climb the Eiffel Tower in the morning, you may want to push yourself out of bed early enough to get to the Trocadero in time for sunrise. It’s beautifully empty at that time of day, and you’ll have plenty of excellent photo opportunities.

Otherwise, I am afraid you will have to bear with the crowds!

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is located in Place de l’Etoile, at the western end of the Champs-Elysées, where it was erected to celebrate war victories and to pay homage to the many people who died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. 

The arch measures 50 meters (164 feet), and not only it is a beautiful sight itself, and one of the symbols of Paris, but the views from the terrace are impressive and span all the way to La Défense, the modern side of Paris. Of course you can see the Eiffel Tower too!

To get in, you can use the underpass – by all means, do not attempt to cross the massive and incredibly busy roundabout as you’ll likely risk your life. You have the option of climbing the stairs to go up, or use the elevator – the stairs are nice to photograph on the way out.

The Arc de Triomphe is open every day. For opening times visit the official Arc de Triomphe website. It is closed on 1 January, 1 May, 8 May (morning), 14 July (morning), 11 November (morning) and 25 December.

You can get tickets for the Arc the Triomphe on the official website, or use the ticket included in the Paris Museum Pass. Tickets are also available on GetYourGuide for the official rate.

Champs-Elysées

This itinerary to explore Paris in 4 days will take for a walk along one of the most famous streets in the world. The Champs-Elysées are located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, they measure 1.9 kilometer (1.2 miles) in length and 70 meters (230 feet) in width.

The Avenue des Champs-Élysée runs all the way from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde and they are named after the Elysian Fields, which in Greek mythology is a place for dead heroes.

Scattered along the street there are luxury boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Here you’ll also be able to see the Lido, one of the most famous cabaret shows in Paris (the other one is the Moulin Rouge).

Another interesting fact about the Champs-Elysées is that this is where the final bits of the Tour de France bike race takes place and where the parade on 14 July (Bastille Day, one of the most important days in France) also occurs.

Place de la Concorde

Paris’ largest square was built in 1772, when it was known as Place Louis XV.

It name was changed to Place de la Révolution during the revolution. During those times, executions of persons such as King Louis XVI and his wife Queen Marie Antoinette took place there.

At the center of the square you will see a fountain dating back to the time of Louis-Philippe and an obelisk that was taken from the entrance of Luxor Temple in Egypt.

Tuileries Garden

Located at the end of the Champs-Elysées and right after Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden is one of the nicest parks in Paris – if only have time for one park during your 4 days in Paris, this is the one you should pick.

The garden was named after the tile factories located in this part of the city. They were the private garden of the Palais de Tuileries, built in 1564 and where Queen Catherine de Medici used to live.

The park was redesigned in 1664 by André Le Nôtre, gardener of King Louis XIV, and later on by Vaux-le-Vicomte – the same person who designed the gardens of Versailles.

Not only is this a beautiful park for a walk, but it’s an attraction in its own rights. Here you can find the statues of Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti. At the south-west part of park there’s the Musée de l’Orangerie, where you can admire the works of Monet.

The last admission at the Musée de l’Orangerie is at 5:15 pm so you may be able to visit. If you want to, get your tickets in advance.

The park is open daily from 7:00 or 7:30 am to 7:30, 9:00 or 11:00 pm depending on the time of year.

At the end of the Tuileries Gardens you will find the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which is behind the Louvre.

Day 3

If you have 4 days in Paris, use one to explore the lovely Montmartre. Just make sure not to go there during the weekend, as it can be really crowded.

Map of day three

You can see the map of your day 5 itinerary here. I have included the main highlights of Montmartre but there are plenty more to discover. 

Moulin Rouge

Located in the district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, southwest of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge is one of the most famous cabarets in the world and the birth place of the can can dance. It’s easy to spot: get out of the Pigalle metro station, and it will be just in front of you.

The Moulin Rouge first opened in 1899 – the same year that the Eiffel Tower was also opened. It was the time of the Belle Epoque, and so much was happening in the city.

Owners Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, also ran the Paris Olympia theater, and wanted a place where Parisians could relax and have a fun night out.

In 1925 a fire destroyed the Moulin Rouge, but the popular theater was immediately rebuilt.

If you want to attend a show, you need to get tickets for the Moulin Rouge in advance. There are several packages available, with some that also include a glass of champagne.

Sacré-Coeur

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is the most important church in Montmartre. You will find it at the very top of Montmartre Hill, and you can get there by funicular or by climbing the stairs.

The church was built between 1875 and 1914 in Romano-Byzantine style. However, it was only consecrated at the end of World War I.

The stairs outside the church provide a great vantage point to get views of the city, but they can be terribly crowded. You can also climb the dome for more views – in this case, as there is a fee, there will definitely be less crowds.

For an in-depth visit of the church, you can join this guided tour that lasts 1.5 hours.

Montmartre

There is no way I could ever create a Paris in 4 days itinerary and not include Montmartre. Yes, this area of Paris has become very touristy in recent years, but it’s also so charming, so quaint and completely different from the rest of the city.

Montmartre is home to low houses, quaint looking cafés – the most famous ones are Le Consulat and La Refuge Café – and independent boutiques, and there is a lot to see and do there.

The area is full of history, too. It became an artists’s hub in the 19th century, when painters like Monet, Renoir, Modigliani, Picasso, and even Van Gogh lived and had their studios here.

The artsy vibe remains today. Head to Place du Tertre to spot painters and caricature artists at work. Did you know that they had to go through a selection to be allowed to work in the area?

There are art galleries and small museums too – for example Dalì Museum.

For the most iconic photos, head to the Maison Rose, a lovely local restaurant. There’s also Dalida’s statue, dedicated to one of Paris’ most famous singers (who was of Italian descent); and the Mur des Je T’Aime – a wall with “I love you” written in many languages.

For a cute corner, try to find the Vigne du Clos Montmartre, a tiny vineyard that is the last working vineyard in Paris.

Montmartre is a pleasant place to explore by yourself, but to learn more about the area and its unique history you could join a guided tour.

I recommend this budget friendly Montmartre 2-hour walking tour. It’s the tour I took the first time I visited and the guide was excellent, and shared lots of interesting facts about Montmartre.

If you want something a bit more in depth, I recommend this Exclusive Montmartre Experience with Private Vineyard Tasting, Skip-the-Line Museum Tour, & Sacré-Coeur – It’s operated by Take Walks, one of the best tour providers in Europe, and lasts 2.5 hours during which you will also see the last remaining vineyard of Paris!

I also have a post about The Best Places To Visit In Montmartre that highlights some more places you could visit in the area.

Day 4 – Option 1

I am giving you two options for your last day in Paris. Either explore more of the city’s sights and museums, or entirely get out for a day to discover the impressive Castle of Versailles. Either way, you are bound to have a great time.

Map of day 4

You can download a map of your day 4 itinerary here. You only really need to use public transportation to get to the Musee d’Orsay and to move from there to Shakespeare and Company (it’s a 2 km – 1.2 miles – distance in case you want to walk).

If you happen walk this itinerary on a Thursday, start from the Catacombs and finish at the Musee d’Orsay as it closes at 9:45 pm on Thursdays. 

Musee d’Orsay

If you love impressionist art you will likely want to include the phenomenal Musée d’Orsay in your Paris in 4 days itinerary. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting, even if you can only spend a couple of hours exploring at most.

Orsay Museum is located in what once was the Gare D’Orsay, specifically built for the Universal Expo – the same of 1889 for which the Tour Eiffel was also built. You can still see how the building looked. If you go to the top level you can even find the clock, and this is a nice spot to catch views of the city too.

The collection on display focuses on pieces that date from 1848 onwards, with works of Monet, Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh and many more. At times, the museum hosts special exhibits too – for example, the first time I visited there was one about Degas.

Factor in some extra time if you visit when there is a special exhibit.

The Orsay Museum is not nearly overwhelming as the Louvre, but there’s still a lot to see so you may want to grab an audio-guide to guide you through the most important pieces on display. You could even consider joining a guided tour for a more in depth experience.

Museé d’Orsay is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. On Thursdays it closes at 9:45 pm. It is closed on Mondays.

This museum does not work on a time slot system, but I recommend arriving there as soon as it opens and getting tickets in advance. Factor in about 2 hours to visit the museum if you only stick to the most famous pieces.

Tickets to Musée d’Orsay are included in the Paris Museum Pass. Otherwise, you can get tickets on the museum’s official website or on third-party booking sites for the same price.

My post How To Visit Musée D’Orsay shares more information that will help you plan your visit.

Shakespeare and Company

As you walk to the Pantheon, stop by Shakespeare and Company, a lovely, quaint, independent anglophone bookstore in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

It first opened in 1951 and since then became a meeting point for English speaking writers and readers. The building used to be a 17th century monastery.

You can look at books, walk around the shop and attend one of workshops and seminars (though I doubt you will have time if you are visiting Paris in 4 days only) and even pet the resident cat – if she lets you.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon of Paris was built between 1758 and 1790 on Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. Back then, it was designed to be a church. However, during the French Revolution it was turned into a mausoleum.

Buried at Paris’ Pantheon there are some of France’s most notable people such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo and Émile Zola.

The Pantheon is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 or 6:30 pm. You can check the opening hours and get tickets on the official website. Tickets give you access to the nave and crypt too. Tickets are also available on third-party booking sites for the same price.

Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens are on the way between the Pantheon to Montparnasse Tower, so an easy addition to this 4 days in Paris itinerary. This is actually my favorite park in Paris. It’s a bit more distant from the most famous attractions, so you get a bit more of a local feel.

Built upon orders of Maria de’ Medici at the beginning of the 17th century, the park houses a palace which is currently the seat of the French Senate. It’s a lovely place to relax, catch a bit of local action, and breathe some fresh air in the summer.

Make sure to catch a glimpse of the statues of 20 French queens and Medici’s fountain.

Montparnasse Tower

Montparnasse neighborhood is a nice one to explore, but if you are visiting Paris in 4 days you won’t really have time to explore it. However, you should definitely go up Montparnasse Tower.

Many will tell you this is the ugliest building in Paris, and who am I to disagree? So what’s the reason I suggest you go? It’s simple. When you are on the Montparnasse Tower, you can’t see the Montparnasse Tower – but just the stunning views of the city: first and foremost the Eiffel Tower.

Tour Montparnasse, as it is called in French, was built in the early 1970s and it currently Paris’ second highest building with its 210 meters (689 feet). Other than the Eiffel Tower, you can see the Montparnasse District below, and La Defense.

You may want to time your visit for sunset – though this depends on which season you are visiting Paris.

Montparnasse Tower observation deck is open every day from 9:30 am. Closing time varies, so check the official website for more details. That’s where you can also get tickets. Admission is included in the Paris Museum Pass, and you can also get tickets on third party booking sites.

The Catacombs

If you are looking for a unique place to visit in Paris in 4 days, then you will be glad to see that I have included the Paris Catacombs in your itinerary.

The catacombs are found where there used to be limestone mine. When towards the end of the 18th century Parisian cemeteries were full, the limestone mine started started being filled with bodies.

They are located 20 meters (more than 65 feet) underground, so the temperature is constant throughout the year: around 14°C (57°F) and quite humid (make sure to dress appropriately for your visit, and bring an extra layer if you are visiting in the summer as it can be much colder than outside).

One thing to keep in mind before you decide to visit the Catacombs is that they are not disabled friendly: you need to go down 131 steps and then climb up 112 steps in order to visit.

The Paris Catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:45 am to 8:30 pm (last admission is at 7:30 pm). They are closed on Mondays and on January 1, May 1 and December 25.

The Catacombs work on a time slot system You can book tickets on the official website or also book a time-slot on a third-party booking site. It will take you about one hour to visit.

Day 4, Option 2: Versailles

With just 4 days in Paris, you don’t really have much time to get out of the city unless you decide to skip a few of the attractions in this itinerary. I can’t really decide that for you, but if you do get out of town for a day trip from Paris, I think you should go to Versailles.

The small town of Versailles is very close to Paris – about 16 km (around 10 miles) southwest of the city. You can easily get there by train from central Paris.

The Castle of Versailles is known as the center of power of the French Monarchy. Built around the hunting lodge used by King Louis XIII, it is here that King Louis XIV established his court – and the French Government – in an attempt to keep it under his watch.

The palace functioned as a royal residence from 1682 until 1789, when the French Revolution started.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since in 1979, Versailles is actually quite big to explore. Other than the Castle, you will also be able to see the beautiful park with the musical fountains, the Petit Trianon (where Queen Marie Antoinette liked to reside) and the Grand Trianon (where Napoleon lived).

Versailles Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday (it’s closed on Mondays) from 9:00 am and works on a time slot system, which means you must get tickets in advance.

You can get tickets on the official website, or get these Versailles Palace, Gardens and Estate tickets on Tiqets.

I actually recommend joining a guided tour to explore Versailles. Most tours only last a couple of hours after which you can explore by yourself. The guide will be with you inside the castle, and depending on the tour also take you around the gardens.

This A Day at the Palace: Small Group Paris to Versailles Day Trip with Garden Stroll starts in Paris so you won’t even have to worry about getting on the train.

The best way to get from Paris to Versailles is by RER C train. Buy your return ticket from the train station in Paris as at times the lines at Versailles ticket station are too long.

My post A Complete Guide To Visiting Versailles has more detailed information that will help you plan your trip to Versailles.

Practical Tips To See Paris In 4 Days

Where to stay in Paris

If you plan to visit Paris in 4 days, you should pick a hotel that is close to a metro station and from where you can move around easily.

I recommend staying in Le Marais, from where you can easily walk to the Louvre and Notre-Dame. It’s a very friendly and safe part of Paris and you will find plenty of nice cafés, bars and restaurants. 

Here are some good places to stay in Le Marais:

MAISON SANTONGE – If you are looking for a budget friendly place to stay in Paris, this is one of your best picks. The rooms are actually very small, but cozy and stylish, and breakfast is included in the price of your stay. It’s probably the best value for money.

LE CHAMBRE DU MARAIS – This small Parisian hotel has large, comfortable rooms in a gorgeous setting. It’s not the cheapest place you can find, but it certainly is one of the best. Rooms are furnished in a classic way, and breakfast is an add-on.

HOTEL DE JOSEPHINE BONAPARTE – If you have a knack for classic decor with a touch of quirky and retro, this hotel is the best place to stay for you. Rooms are of a good size by Paris standards, and the hotel is also accessible to disabled guests. Breakfast is not included in the price of the room, but you can book it for a reasonable price.

Where to eat in Paris

If you only have 4 days in Paris, you won’t have time to sit down for more than a meal every day. To save on precious time, I suggest hitting one of the many nice bakeries in Paris, or go to a brasseries or a local cafés and have something quick.

Comes dinner, there are some fabulous places you may want to try. Here are some top picks:

A LA BICHE AU BOIS – If you want to try traditional French food, this is one of the best options and it is not too expensive either.

LE PETIT RETRO – A lovely restaurants in a very romantic setting, perfect for a nice evening out and it is not too expensive either. The focus is once again traditional cuisine.

ALLARD – Another great option for a meal with a strong focus on French cuisine. It’s the kind of place you should go to try duck for example. It’s not too pricey.

L’AMI JEAN – If you have a healthy appetite, you won’t be disappointed at this lovely restaurant that is actually quite reasonably priced. Their pork belly is delicious, and so is their rice pudding.

TEKES – I am a massive fan of Israeli chef Assaf Granit, and while this is a very expensive restaurant, it’s probably the best option for vegan and vegetarians as there is a strong focus on Mediterranean food and vegetables.

You can use the app The Fork – available on iPhone and Android – to find (and book) more restaurants, read their menus, check the reviews and more.

Using a Paris Pass to explore Paris in 4 days

If you have 4 days in Paris, it may make sense to get a city pass to access the attractions in this itinerary. Passes usually include tickets to a variety of attractions, with skip the line options, and discount for others. They usually also include public transportation.

To be honest I am not a real fan of city passes, as most of them will have you jump from site to site to book the time slot to book your visits to the various attractions.

Another thing to keep in mind if you get the Paris Pass is that not all of them include access to the Eiffel Tower – the only one that does is this Paris City Pass.

Best time to visit Paris

I will say that Paris is a great city to visit any time of the year. However, it can be very cold in the winter, when days are short, and tremendously crowded in the summer. I’d opt to go there in late spring (May) before the crowds arrive, or in October, when days are still fairly long.

How to get to Paris

Paris is extremely well connected to the rest of France, Europe and the world. There are several train stations in town, most are centrally located and from each station you can take the metro to reach your hotel.

If you are flying to Paris, the best airport is Charles de Gaulle, because it’s the one that’s best connected to the city center. From there, you can opt to take a train – it’s actually the fastest way to get to the city.

However, if you have a lot of luggage and don’t want to have to carry it on and off the train and the metro, you can book a private transfer. I recommend using Welcome Pickups: they offer private transfers worldwide. I use them all the time and they have good cars and reliable drivers.

My post How To Get From Charles De Gaulle Airport CDG To Paris gives more detailed information on how to get from the airport to the city.

How to move around Paris

My 4 days in Paris itinerary is designed to minimize the use of public transportation, but you will need to use the subway at times – called “metro” in French. Don’t worry, it is easy to use and works really well.

A one-way subway ticket in Paris costs just €2.15. You can get the Navigo Card and top it up any time you need.

Get attraction tickets in advance

One of my most important tips for visiting Paris for the first time, and especially important if you only have 4 days in Paris, is to book all the attractions you wish to visit in advance.

You really don’t want to take any chances and have to spend precious time at the ticket counter only to find out that the attraction is sold out!

Having skip-the-line tickets and pre-booked time slots makes visiting even the most popular and crowded attractions much easier – you will only have to go through the security line.

Take it easy the day you arrive

If you are anything like me, even after a long-haul flight adrenaline will kick in and you will feel like you have lots of energy to explore. Somehow though, this energy seems to be all gone by the time you get to your hotel.

Don’t pack too much on the day you arrive – unless it really is a full day, in which case you really have to push yourself.

Here’s something that will help you plan that first day.

It will take you about 2 hours from the moment you land (provided your flight is on time) to get to your hotel. Once there, take a shower and go out for a walk in the neighborhood, get a bite and go to bed early.

Alternatively, join a guided food tour. This private food tour allows you to decide the time it starts. This other one is in Le Marais – perfect if you are staying there as I have recommended – and starts at 2:00 pm.

Luggage storage in Paris

In case you need to check out of your hotel but still have a full day to explore, you may find leaving your luggage at a central location (ie a train station) handy. There are storage facilities at most stations, including Gare du Nord. Storage costs from €5 depending on the size of your bag, and must be booked in advance. BagBnB is a good option.

Other useful information

Dress for success

The key to making the most of your 4 days in Paris is to be dressed comfortably, more than fashionably. Honestly Paris is such a big city, and like all other European capitals nobody really cares about what other people are wearing.

Read my post What To Wear In Paris for guidance in selecting the items you should take with you on your Paris trip.

Get a data plan for your smartphone

Make sure that your smartphone plan covers you overseas. You need to have data to be able to use apps such as Google Maps or Uber, and others that will make your trip way smoother. It’s also helpful to have data if you need to find a place to eat, or to check out opening times of attractions last minute.

Get a guide book

You know, some people thing that in the era of everything online having a guidebook is old school. Well I am old school and recommend you grab a good Paris guide! Buy one that has maps, restaurant recommendations, and summaries of the attractions you intend to visit.

Here are my recommendations:

• Lonely Planet Paris guidebook
• DK Eyewitness travel guide Paris
• Rick Steves Paris Pocket Guide

Mind the scams

Scams and touts are common in Paris, like in any other big city that sees a large influx of tourists.

My post How To Avoid The Most Common Paris Scams has detailed descriptions on the most common tricks touts use to distract you and scam you.

Common scams in the French capital include the friendship bracelet (that’s also a common one in Rome), the golden ring, the cup and ball game which is played all over in the surroundings of the Eiffel Tower.

Don’t trust anybody who claims to be raising funds for disadvantaged categories such as the deaf.

Mind pickpockets too, especially when on a crowded bus or subway train.

Get a good travel insurance

Even if you just have 4 days in Paris, you still need to get travel insurance. I recommend Heymondo as one of the best insurance companies for travelers.

Further Readings

Make sure to read my other posts that will provide insights about the many attractions of Paris:

• A Wonderful Itinerary For 5 Days In Paris
• Paris In 3 Days: A Great Itinerary To Make The Most Of It
• A Fabulous Itinerary For 2 Days In Paris
• A Guide To The 5 Best Cities To Visit In France
• The Perfect Itinerary To See Paris In A Day
• 15 Amazing Day Trips From Paris

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