Four days in Paris gives you room to breathe. You can visit the heavy hitters—Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame—without feeling rushed. But you’ll also have time to explore the neighborhoods, sit at that café a little longer, and maybe even fit in a pastry detour (or three). This itinerary balances the iconic and the intimate. It includes everything from river cruises to rooftop cocktails, secret gardens to shopping stops—all timed to keep your pace relaxed and your trip packed with Parisian charm.
🗓️ Day 1: Paris Classics and Riverside Views
Morning at the Eiffel Tower
Start your Paris adventure with a stroll through the Champ de Mars toward the Eiffel Tower. While the tower is impressive up close, we recommend skipping the long queues and saving your skyline views for later. Take your time exploring the park and snapping photos from Trocadéro, across the river.
🛣️ Getting there: Métro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim or RER C to Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel.
Cruise along the Seine
From the Eiffel Tower, walk down to Port de la Bourdonnais and hop on a 1-hour river cruise. It’s a relaxing way to get your bearings and spot famous sights like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Musée d’Orsay.
💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise.
Lunch at Café de l’Homme
Located right at Trocadéro with a prime Eiffel view, this restaurant offers elevated French dishes in a stylish setting. Try the tuna tartare or beef carpaccio and enjoy the calm before a more cultural afternoon.
Afternoon at Musée d'Orsay
Walk or take Métro Line 9 to Alma-Marceau, then Line 1 to Concorde and Line 12 to Solférino. Housed in a former train station, Musée d’Orsay is packed with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. Highlights include Van Gogh’s self-portraits, Monet’s water lilies, and Degas’ ballerinas.
💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Musée d’Orsay entry.
Stroll through the Tuileries and Place de la Concorde
Leave the museum and wander through the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful stretch that links the Seine to the Louvre. Pass fountains, statues, and chairs perfect for a quick rest, then head through Place de la Concorde.
Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Finish your first day with dinner at Le Procope—the oldest café in Paris. Enjoy coq au vin or steak-frites under chandeliers and mirrored ceilings, surrounded by 18th-century charm.
Day 2: Art, Arches, and Rooftop Views
Morning at the Louvre
Beat the crowds with an early time slot. Stick to a highlights route—Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People—or explore lesser-known gems like the medieval foundations or Islamic art.
🛣️ Getting there: Métro Line 1 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre.
💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Louvre Museum entry.
Coffee in Palais-Royal Garden
Exit the museum and take a breather at Café Kitsuné in the Palais-Royal. Grab a coffee and enjoy the peaceful garden filled with art installations and tree-lined walkways.
Shopping and lunch at Galeries Lafayette
Hop on Métro Line 7 to Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette. Marvel at the glass-domed ceiling of Galeries Lafayette and browse the boutiques. Head to the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view, then grab lunch at the Galeries Lafayette Gourmet food hall—ideal for quick, delicious bites.
Afternoon at the Arc de Triomphe
Take Métro Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile and climb the Arc de Triomphe. The view is a sweeping 360 of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées stretching in either direction.
💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Arc de Triomphe entry.
Walk the Champs-Élysées
Stroll down this iconic boulevard. Pop into shops, grab a treat from Ladurée, or just enjoy the wide pavements and buzzing energy.
Dinner near the Eiffel Tower
Dinner near the Eiffel Tower
End your evening with a meal at Café Constant. This low-key gem serves modern French dishes without the fuss. Think seasonal vegetables, seared duck breast, and classic desserts like île flottante.
Day 3: Churches, Cheese, and Montmartre Charm
Morning at Sainte-Chapelle
Head to Île de la Cité and start your day in a blaze of stained glass. Sainte-Chapelle’s upper chapel glows with blues, reds, and purples—especially in the morning light.
🛣️ Métro Line 4 to Cité.
💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Sainte-Chapelle entry.
Explore Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame’s façade
Wander to the quieter Île Saint-Louis next door. Grab coffee and a pastry at Café Saint-Régis and admire the elegant townhouses. Then circle back to admire Notre-Dame’s exterior and its reconstruction progress.
Latin Quarter wander and lunch
Head into the Latin Quarter’s winding streets and stop at Le Petit Prince de Paris for lunch. Its vintage charm and seasonal French menu make it a cosy midday break.
Afternoon in Montmartre
Afternoon in Montmartre
Take Métro Line 4 to Barbès-Rochechouart, then walk or take the funicular up to Sacré-Cœur. Soak up the view, then spend the afternoon exploring Montmartre. Visit Espace Dalí, roam Place du Tertre, and peek into art studios or vintage shops.
💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Espace Dalí.
Pastries and hidden streets
Pick up a sweet treat from Le Grenier à Pain (their pistachio snail is a local favourite), then walk along Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue Lepic for that old-world Paris charm.
Dinner and a show at La Nouvelle Eve
Book a table and enjoy a classic cabaret performance full of sequins, dance and sparkle. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of Parisian flair.
🗓️ Day 4: Modern Paris and Green Escapes
Morning at the Centre Pompidou
Explore Paris’s vibrant contemporary art scene at Centre Pompidou. The building itself is a colourful marvel, and the modern art collection includes Kandinsky, Duchamp, and Matisse.
🛣️ Métro Line 11 to Rambuteau.
💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Centre Pompidou.
Coffee at Café Beaubourg
Right outside the museum, this café offers sleek interiors and people-watching gold. Grab a café crème and rest your feet.
Picnic lunch at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Pick up cheese, bread, fruit, and wine from a local market or Monoprix and take it to Buttes-Chaumont. This hilly park in the 19th arrondissement features waterfalls, a temple, and quiet paths with locals lounging in the sun.
🛣️ Métro Line 7bis to Buttes-Chaumont.
Afternoon at the Atelier des Lumières or Musée Rodin
Afternoon at the Atelier des Lumières or Musée Rodin
Depending on your mood, go immersive or classical. Atelier des Lumières uses 360° projection for digital art experiences, often featuring Van Gogh or Klimt. Alternatively, head to Musée Rodin to stroll through serene sculpture gardens.
💡 Both included with the Paris Pass.
Final dinner in the Marais
Head back to Le Marais for your final evening. Try Robert et Louise for steak cooked over an open fire in a medieval-style space. Or go for L’As du Fallafel for a casual, cult-favourite pita on the go.
🎒 Ready for more?
Four days in Paris gives you just enough time to experience the city’s many sides—from legendary landmarks and world-class museums to tucked-away cafés and riverside strolls. Whether you’ve followed this itinerary to the letter or mixed and matched along the way, you’ve seen a lot—and hopefully tasted even more. Want to keep the adventure going? Paris is a city that rewards repeat visits. And if you’re lucky enough to have a fifth day (or more), there’s always another garden, gallery or glass of wine waiting.
Enjoyed this? Then you might also like our comparison of Saintee-Chapelle and the Sacré-Coeur. Going to Meudon? Check out our guide to all the great (free!) things you can do nearby.
Step up your sightseeing with The Paris Pass®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with The Paris Pass® - just choose a pass to get started!
?_a=BAVAZGDY0)
