4 Days in Paris: A Complete Itinerary

Four days covers Paris's major landmarks at a comfortable pace, with room for a day trip if you want one. This itinerary groups sights geographically to minimize backtracking across the city.

Day 1: The Louvre and central Paris

Start at the Louvre with a timed entry ticket and a plan for which sections to prioritize — the museum is far too large to see completely in one visit. In the afternoon, walk through the Tuileries Garden toward Place de la Concorde, then along the Champs-Elysees toward the Arc de Triomphe.

Day 2: The Eiffel Tower and the Left Bank

Book a morning slot for the Eiffel Tower, then cross to the Trocadero gardens for the classic view back at the tower. In the afternoon, explore Saint-Germain-des-Pres and the Luxembourg Gardens, and consider the Musee d'Orsay if Impressionist art interests you.

Day 3: Notre-Dame and the Marais

Walk through Ile de la Cite past Notre-Dame (check current restoration access) and Sainte-Chapelle, then spend the afternoon in the Marais — its historic mansions, boutiques, and a stop at Place des Vosges. End the day with an evening Seine river cruise to see the illuminated landmarks after dark.

Day 4: Montmartre, or a day trip

Spend the morning in Montmartre, walking up to Sacre-Coeur and through Place du Tertre before the crowds build. If you'd rather use the day for an excursion, Versailles is a straightforward train ride away and easily fills a half or full day on its own.

Getting around

The Metro connects all four days efficiently; a multi-day transit pass is worth it if you're making several trips daily. Much of each day can also be covered on foot, particularly within central arrondissements.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes and a layer for variable weather matter in any season — see our Paris travel guide for the fuller packing breakdown and more on choosing where to stay.