4 days in Paris itinerary
Balanced 4-day Paris plan mixing major sights, museums, neighborhoods, relaxed meals, breaks and realistic transfers. Each day is paced for walking, coffee breaks and time to soak in neighborhoods.
Highlights
- Musée du Louvre
- Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
- Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro views
- Le Marais & Place des Vosges
- Jardin du Luxembourg & Saint‑Germain
Itinerary
Day 1
Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter and Saint‑Germain: light museum/heritage start, long lunch, gardens and a relaxed dinner.
Visit Sainte‑Chapelle (stained glass)
See the Gothic stained‑glass jewel of Île de la Cité — best visited early to avoid crowds.
Local tips:
- Buy timed tickets in advance if possible.
- Bring a light jacket — interior can feel cool.
- Photography allowed without flash.
Quick exterior visit to Cathédrale Notre‑Dame
Walk around the cathedral and appreciate the façade and Île de la Cité atmosphere (interior restoration ongoing).
Local tips:
- View from the bridge for best photos.
- Combine with a short walk along the Seine.
- No long interior queues while restoration continues.
Transfer: walk / short metro hop toward the Latin Quarter
Short transfer from Île de la Cité toward the Latin Quarter for lunch.
Local tips:
- Saint‑Michel area is walkable; use the stairs to reach Rue de l'Odéon.
- Expect narrow, cobbled streets.
- If using metro: Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame station is nearby.
Lunch at Le Procope (historic bistro)
Classic Parisian bistro — sit, relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
Local tips:
- Reserve ahead for a table.
- Try classic dishes like coq au vin or steak frites.
- Good spot for a longer, relaxed lunch.
Transfer: walk to Jardin du Luxembourg
Short walk across the Latin Quarter to the gardens for an afternoon stroll.
Local tips:
- Pleasant, easy walk — streets are lively and historic.
- Look for book/flower stalls along the way.
- Odéon / Luxembourg Metro area if you prefer transit.
Relax & stroll in Jardin du Luxembourg
Spend time wandering the lawns, statues and the formal garden — ideal for a digesting stroll or reading on a bench.
Local tips:
- Bring coins for the small sailboats if traveling with kids.
- Great people‑watching and photo opportunities.
- There are small kiosks for ice cream or coffee.
Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés stroll & coffee at Café de Flore
Explore Saint‑Germain boutiques and enjoy a coffee at a classic Parisian café.
Local tips:
- Café de Flore is an iconic spot; expect a crowd but it’s part of the experience.
- Try a café crème and watch the boulevard life.
- Good time for slow shopping in small ateliers nearby.
Dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais (bistro)
Classic, high‑quality bistro cooking — reserve in advance; enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Local tips:
- Highly popular — reserve early.
- Menu changes seasonally; ask for local wine pairings.
- Arrive a few minutes early to avoid losing the table.
Evening Seine walk to Pont Neuf
A gentle post‑dinner walk along the Seine toward Pont Neuf for views and night ambience.
Local tips:
- Evening lights make for great photos.
- Pick up a dessert or hot drink from a riverside stall if cool.
- Keep belongings secure in crowded areas.
Day 2
Louvre morning, Tuileries stroll, Musée d'Orsay and an evening exploring Le Marais with a lively dinner.
Morning at Musée du Louvre
Focus on highlights (Denon Wing: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory) rather than trying to see everything.
Local tips:
- Enter through a less crowded entrance if you can (Porte des Lions or Carrousel).
- Set a prioritized list of rooms to avoid museum fatigue.
- Allow time for security checks.
Lunch at Café Marly (Louvre arcades)
Lunch with a view of the Louvre courtyard — convenient and atmospheric.
Local tips:
- A bit touristy but very convenient after the Louvre.
- Try to sit with a courtyard view if available.
- Reservations recommended at peak times.
Stroll Jardin des Tuileries
Walk the formal gardens between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde — relax and enjoy sculptures and fountains.
Local tips:
- Good spot for a short rest on a garden chair.
- Walk toward the Place de la Concorde for photos.
- Seasonal flower beds are a highlight in spring/summer.
Afternoon at Musée d'Orsay
Explore Impressionist and post‑Impressionist masterpieces in a converted railway station.
Local tips:
- Audio guide helps contextualize key works.
- Check temporary exhibitions for something different.
- Arrive with museum ticket or timed entry if possible.
Evening stroll in Le Marais (Place des Vosges)
Explore narrow lanes, boutiques and the elegant Place des Vosges — a lively, authentic neighborhood with good bars.
Local tips:
- Place des Vosges is a calm square; nearby streets have many small galleries and shops.
- Great area for a pre-dinner apéritif.
- Keep an eye out for local bakeries and falafel shops.
Dinner at Chez Janou (Provençal bistro)
Friendly, buzzy bistro in the Marais serving Provençal classics — fun atmosphere for dinner.
Local tips:
- Very popular — reservations recommended.
- Great to pair dishes with a southern French rosé.
- Try the chocolate mousse if available.
Day 3
Montmartre morning, local museum and afternoon along Canal Saint‑Martin, finishing with a classic Parisian bistro dinner.
Montmartre & Basilique du Sacré‑Cœur visit
Climb to the basilica viewpoint, wander cobbled streets and absorb bohemian Montmartre charm.
Local tips:
- Arrive early to avoid artist market crowds at Place du Tertre.
- Wear comfortable shoes — many steep streets and steps.
- Consider visiting the dome for wide views if open.
Transfer: short walk / metro in Montmartre
Move toward a nearby lunch spot in lower Montmartre; short transfer on foot or metro.
Local tips:
- Anvers or Abbesses stations are nearby depending on where you descend.
- Enjoy views as you walk down from the basilica.
- Watch for street performers around Place du Tertre.
Lunch at Le Moulin de la Galette
Historic Montmartre restaurant with classic French dishes — a relaxed midday meal.
Local tips:
- Historic setting — good for lunch photos.
- Portions generous; share starters if you want dessert.
- Reserve if possible on weekends.
Musée de Montmartre & gardens
Small, charming museum detailing Montmartre's artistic past with a peaceful garden.
Local tips:
- Short, focused visit — good after lunch.
- Check the temporary exhibits and garden viewpoints.
- Museum is compact; 60–90 minutes usually enough.
Transfer to Canal Saint‑Martin area (metro)
Take metro toward Canal Saint‑Martin for a scenic, lively afternoon neighborhood.
Local tips:
- Expect 25–35 minute transit depending on connections.
- Use Line 2/Line 5 connections; watch for busy trains at rush hour.
- An easy change at Barbès or République may be needed.
Canal Saint‑Martin stroll & neighborhood time
Walk along the canal, browse independent shops and enjoy cafés lining the water.
Local tips:
- Great area for relaxed cafes and people‑watching.
- Bring a camera — the iron footbridges are picturesque.
- Consider a short boat cruise in warmer months.
Dinner at Bistrot Paul Bert (classic bistro)
Well‑loved Parisian bistro known for steak frites and excellent desserts.
Local tips:
- Book in advance; limited seating.
- Try the tarte tatin or île flottante for dessert.
- Casual but high quality — perfect end to the day.
Day 4
Iconic views at Trocadéro/Eiffel, Rodin museum, a Champs‑Élysées walk and a relaxed farewell dinner.
Trocadéro viewpoint and photos
Start the day with classic views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro esplanade.
Local tips:
- Morning light is great for photos and usually fewer people.
- Watch for street performers near the esplanade.
- Restrooms and cafés available nearby.
Walk across Champ de Mars – Eiffel Tower area
Stroll the park at the foot of the Tower; optional ascent if you have tickets (allow extra time).
Local tips:
- If you plan to ascend the tower, pre-book timed tickets to avoid long lines.
- Consider a short picnic on the lawns if weather is good.
- Security checks apply if entering the tower grounds.
Musée Rodin visit
Relaxed visit to Rodin's sculptures and his peaceful garden — a quieter museum experience.
Local tips:
- Lovely sculpture garden is a highlight; sit a while on the lawns.
- Combine with a short coffee in the museum café.
- Smaller and less crowded than larger national museums.
Lunch at Café Constant (near Eiffel)
Friendly neighborhood bistro with well‑crafted seasonal dishes — excellent mid‑day stop.
Local tips:
- Casual but well regarded — good for a midday break.
- Try the set lunch menu for good value.
- Reserve if arriving during peak lunch hours.
Stroll along Avenue des Champs‑Élysées toward Arc de Triomphe
Afternoon window‑shopping and people‑watching along the famous avenue; end at the Arc for photos.
Local tips:
- If you want to go up the Arc de Triomphe, buy tickets in advance or account for lines.
- This stretch has many flagship stores and cafés.
- Keep an eye on pickpockets in crowded sections.
Break / tea at Ladurée on the Champs‑Élysées
Pause for pastries, macarons and a short rest before a final evening.
Local tips:
- Try a selection of macarons to sample varieties.
- Indoor seating gives a restful pause from strolling.
- Ideal location for last-minute souvenir sweets.
Boulevard Saint‑Germain stroll (late afternoon)
Return toward the Left Bank for a final browse of boutiques and bookshops on Boulevard Saint‑Germain.
Local tips:
- Great area for last-minute book or design finds.
- Pick a terrace café for a final apéritif if time allows.
- Many independent shops close by early evening on Sundays.
Farewell dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte
Simple, classic menu (salad + steak frites + dessert) — a reliably delicious Parisian ritual.
Local tips:
- No menu choices for mains — they serve their signature formula.
- Expect a line; arriving earlier helps, or reserve if the branch accepts it.
- A convivial way to end your Paris stay.