Paris is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Yes, some people do call it overrated and some people say that it's crowded and dirty, but I did enjoy my visit there. I loved walking along the Parisian streets and taking in all the architecture. I loved visiting the museums and I really enjoyed sitting at an outdoor café and sipping coffee, while watching people go about their day.

4 Days in Paris

Technically, I spent a total of five days in Paris but since I arrived late in the afternoon, I only had a full four days of sightseeing and exploring. It really wasn't enough and I'd love to come back next time.

If you're visiting Paris and you only have four days in the city, then here's how to spend it.

Itinerary for 4 Days in Paris

Day 1: Introduction to Paris and Visiting the Louvre

Spend the first half of your day in the Louvre Museum, which is home to thousands of artworks, including the famous Mona Lisa. Make sure to book your ticket in advance so you can skip the long queues. I'd also recommend booking a tour guide so you get to learn more about the different artworks displayed in the museum. 

Louvre
the Louvre Museum

Then stroll through the Tuileries Gardens nearby. You can also visit the Palais-Royal and its gardens, which are just a short walk from the Louvre.

After having lunch at a nearby café, head over to  Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is still closed and under rehabilitation. Explore the Latin Quarter, including the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. Then end your day with a nighttime cruise along the Seine.

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and More Art

Start your day at the Trocadéro Gardens for a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunrise. If you go there early in the morning, you get to avoid the crowds and take amazing photos without any people in the background. Walk over to the tower for a closer view and explore the Champ de Mars park nearby.

Eiffel Tower in Paris
the Eiffel Tower during sunrise

Walk along the Seine River to enjoy the scenic views. Then head over to the Musée d'Orsay to see an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. On the way to the museum, you'll pass by Pont Alexandre III and Esplanade des Invalides so don't forget to take photos of these landmarks.

Then go to the Arc de Triomphe for stunning panoramic views of the city that includes the Eiffel Tower and explore the Champs-Élysées.

Day 3: Versailles

For the third day, I'd recommend visiting the Château de Versailles, which is one of the most famous and opulent palaces in the world. Located just outside of Paris, it's a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting for a few days in the city. As always, I'd highly recommend buying your ticket in advance, which includes timed entry to the palace, so you don't have to wait in line for too long. The palace grounds and gardens, which are free and open to the public, are also a must-see as they feature stunning landscaping.

Versailles
Château de Versailles surrounded by its lush gardens

Exploring the Château de Versaille won't take up the whole day, especially if you get a morning time slot. After the palace, head back to Paris and explore the charming streets of the Marais district.

Day 4: Exploring Montmartre and Shopping

Easily my favorite area in Paris, Montmartre is a historic and picturesque hilltop neighborhood located in the 18th arrondissement. For the fourth day in Paris, explore Montmartre to enjoy the artistic atmosphere of the neighborhood. Then visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Stroll through Place du Tertre, where local artists display their work. Have lunch at one of the many cafés in the area.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Sacré-Cœur Basilica overlooking the city

Then explore the lesser-visited neighborhood of Canal Saint-Martin or do some souvenir shopping. For your last night in Paris, have dinner at a local brasserie or try a traditional Parisian bistro.

Getting Around Paris

Getting around Paris is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, the metro or subway, and the RER commuter train. 

During my trip, I only used the metro to get from one arrondissement to another as it was very convenient. The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient ways to navigate the city. It's an extensive and reliable system with multiple lines and stations. Maps and signages are clear, and they can take you to most major attractions.

Paris

When going to and from Versailles and on my way to the airport, I used the RER, which is a commuter train system that connects Paris with its suburbs. If you're planning to go to Disneyland Paris, then you can also use this train system. 


As someone who has a deep appreciation of art and architecture, I truly had fun visiting Paris and savoring everything that it has to offer. I'd also like to add that the food is incredible and out of the countries I visited during this trip, I enjoyed the food here the most. 

If you're planning a trip to Paris and you only have four days, then this is a great itinerary to follow so you can visit all the iconic spots in the city and learn more about its history.