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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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).
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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).
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
Tips from local experts:
- 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.
