Are 4 Days in Paris Enough?

Planning your Paris adventure with limited time might seem like a challenge, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with an exciting itinerary that ensures you see all the must-visit spots stress-free.

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Pro Tips:

• Bookmark this post for easy access during your visit
• Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources
• Look at our top Paris tours for a memorable trip 
• Make sure you’re staying in the right area of Paris.

4-Day Itinerary in Paris

Is it Worth Going to Paris for 4 Days?

Short Answer: Yes!

A four-day itinerary means you can get the most out of the more time-consuming attractions, and our advice is to schedule one of those each day, leaving the afternoon free for a number of smaller activities (and a long lunch!).

How much money do you need for 4 days in Paris? 

Considering a 4-day trip to Paris? The cost can vary depending on your preferences and how much you’re willing to spend. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs for three different budget levels:

Budget: €600 – €1000

Mid-Range: €800 – €1, 300

Luxury: €1,500 – €2,400+

When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Paris?

When not to go? The City of Light is beautiful year round but certain times may be more fitting for you. And, it’s important to know how the travel seasons typically fluctuate.

Paris is enjoyable at any time of year, however, to have the best possible experience it’s important to think about what time you want to go and how the different seasons may suit your needs. 

As expected, the summer season, particularly the months of July and August are the busiest time of year as millions of tourists flock to the city to experience its unique culture in nearly perfect weather. If you choose to go during this time, be prepared to be amongst large crowds of both locals and tourists. Many consider the Spring and Fall to be the best seasons for travel to the city, as the weather is still mild and there are typically much less tourists exploring the city at those times. 

Although I must confess, Paris can sprinkle a bit of extra magic in December, twinkling with all its festive Christmas lights, adding an extra dash of romance to the air!

See the Best of Paris in 4 Days

No doubt you’ve seen images of Paris in the movies, from Ratatouille to Emily in Paris, and you have a rough idea of what the streets and the people are like.

Is the real thing just as romantic, just as historic or just as breathtaking as you’ve always imagined? Only time will tell – and by that we mean the time you take to get to know the city. So let’s break down the top four attractions, assuming you’ll tackle one of these per day and spend each afternoon doing something else.

Day 1: The Eiffel Tower | River Cruise | Museum

8 am: The Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Crafted from iron, it was erected as the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair to commemorate the French Revolution’s centennial anniversary.

The tower offers three visitor levels, with restaurants located on the first and second floors. At the top level, the upper platform stands at 276 meters (906 feet) above the ground, making it the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union.

You can save time by buying online tickets in advance, but you will still need to queue for the lift, although there is also the option of using the stairs. Either way, this will be a time-consuming activity.

In fact, you will probably spend more time admiring this feat of engineering from the surroundings than actually taking in the Eiffel Tower views from its high platforms. This is because of the inviting green areas at the base of the tower—the Trocadéro and Champ-de-Mars parks, and the nearby terrace—all provide any number of angles for your essential selfie with the Eiffel Tower.

10 am: Enjoy a Seine River Cruise

You can make the most of your time by organizing your first day around the Eiffel Tower and a river cruise.

You’ll take in stunning views of the city and benefit from informative commentary about the historic sites along the Seine.

Seine River cruises start near the Eiffel Tower and take you on a round trip, passing landmarks like the Place de la Concorde (with its iconic obelisk), the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Since Notre Dame is on Île de la Cité, you’ll see it from both sides as the boats follow a circuit up one bank and down the other.

Check out all our best Seine River Cruises.

1 pm: Lunch at Bal de la Marine

After your river cruise, it’s time to grab lunch before continuing your city exploration. We recommend Bal de la Marine, a fantastic spot along the Seine. On a sunny day in Paris, you’ll likely catch me here. The menu primarily features seafood, but they also offer pizza and a selection of other French dishes. There’s a wonderful variety, and the management emphasizes sustainability by supporting suppliers committed to eco-friendly practices, such as winemakers who prioritize land stewardship, French brewers, and local beverage producers competing against big soda companies. I really appreciate that!

Address: Port de Suffren

For a full list of nearby restaurants, check out our list of the 10 Best Restaurants Near the Eiffel Tower. 

3 pm: Visit a Museum

 Since you’ve planned your day around sites near the river, a great way to fill any spare time in the afternoon is by exploring museums on the Left Bank. These include:

• The Army Museum and Napoleon’s tomb at Invalides.
• Musée d’Orsay – A collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works by masters such as Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir and Degas.
• The Rodin Museum – Home of Auguste Rodin’s most famous sculptures, such as The Thinker and The Kiss, and also popular for the museum gardens.

7 pm: Dinner at Le Relais de L’Entrecôte

 After a day of adventuring, you’re going to want some dinner. We recommend Le Relais de L’Entrecôte. This place is a Parisian classic, located just under 15 minutes from the museum in the heart of the Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood.

Le Relais de L’Entrecôte has several locations in the city, and while each claims to be the original, you can always count on enjoying a hearty, delicious meal no matter which one you choose.

Once seated, the servers will ask for your drink choice (the house red is a great option) and how you’d like your entrecôte cooked. Your dish will come with a flavorful pepper butter sauce, with one variation available, along with unlimited French fries. If you have any room left, definitely save some space for one of their amazing desserts—they’re quite generous, so consider sharing!

Address: 20 Rue Saint-Benoît

Day 2: The Louvre | Notre-Dame Cathedral

8am:

8:30 am: Breakfast at Télescope

Start your day at Télescope, a beloved espresso spot hidden behind the Louvre in Little Tokyo. Coffee enthusiasts rave about their black joy, which is regarded as one of the finest in the world, not just in Paris. In addition to great coffee, they serve a variety of tasty cookies, gateaux, and other treats.

Address: 5 Rue Villédo

For more restaurant options, check out our list of the Best Restaurants Near The Louvre.

10 am: Visit The Louvre

The four floors of the Louvre contain 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art, making it the world’s largest museum, so this too is worthy of an extended visit.

Start by checking out the major highlights, like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, to manage the queues effectively.

Afterward, you can explore other sections that pique your interest. You might get ideas for what else to see while you’re making your way to these must-see items.

Other well-known paintings in the Louvre museum are Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and the agonizing Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault. Looking to delve deeper into the artistic wonders of the Louvre?

Check out our curated list featuring the 17 most important works of art at the Louvre.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Louvre Museums tour is worth it.

1 pm: Lunch at Maison Maison.

Now it’s time for lunch. We recommend Maison Maison. If you’re in search of a spot to unwind with a cold beer or a glass of wine while enjoying a fantastic view, this is the place to be. The outdoor seating is the highlight here.

The venue is essentially a stylishly decorated shipping container, but it remains inviting inside. Maison Maison is ideal for grabbing quick bites or spending a leisurely afternoon with a drink.

While the restaurant is only open on weekends, the bar is always a great stop, with its doors opening directly onto the banks of the Seine. They offer a variety of interesting small dishes and plenty of outdoor seating. For more nearby options, check out our list of the Best Restaurants Near the Louvre in Paris.

Address: 16 Quai du Louvre

3 pm: Walk to Notre-Dame

With a full stomach, it’s time to explore Notre-Dame. Take a stroll around the entire exterior to appreciate the flying buttresses up close. While the Eiffel Tower symbolizes the charm of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral has served as its spiritual heart for nearly 1,000 years.

This magnificent cathedral dominates the city skyline, and its name, “Notre Dame,” which means “Our Lady,” signifies its dedication to the Virgin Mary by the Parisians. For a complete list of activities, check out With a full stomach, it’s time to explore Notre-Dame.

Take a stroll around the entire exterior to appreciate the flying buttresses up close. While the Eiffel Tower symbolizes the charm of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral has served as its spiritual heart for nearly 1,000 years.

This magnificent cathedral dominates the city skyline, and its name, “Notre Dame,” which means “Our Lady,” signifies its dedication to the Virgin Mary by the Parisians.

For a complete list of activities, check out the Top 10 Things to See at Notre-Dame Cathedral.

7 pm: Dinner at Comme Chai Toi

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for dinner. We recommend, Comme Chai Toi. Located directly across the river from the cathedral, Comme Chai Toi boasts stunning views of Notre Dame. The food here is a bit more upscale, but you don’t need to dress formally. Plus, this restaurant offers air conditioning—a rare find in Paris—so if you’re visiting on a hot summer day, that’s a definite plus. It’s one of the coziest spots near Notre Dame, serving exceptionally high-quality dishes.

Address:13 quai de Montebello, 75005

Day 3: Montmartre | Sacré-Coeur Basilica | Pigalle

8 am: Explore Montmartre

While not as extensive or queue-prone as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre is a network of traditional corners, alleyways and steep stairways where you are sure to linger for photo opportunities or just to observe the street life.The cobbled Rue Saint Rustique is the oldest street in Paris and the first to be reserved for pedestrians. Place du Tertre retains the Bohemian atmosphere in modern day times, with street artists, buskers and charming cafés.

10 am: Walk to Sacré-Coeur Basilica

Nobody visits Montmartre without hiking up to the iconic white facade of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, which rewards the effort with an unmissable panoramic view of the city and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Have a look at this article for more info on where to stay and what to do in Montmartre.

Then down below Montmartre hill is the racy Pigalle district with world-famous entertainment hotspots like the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère music halls.

1 pm: Lunch at Le Moulin de la Galette

Montmartre district is the perfect place to sample the best of France’s café culture. We recommend Le Moulin de la Galette, a former windmill turned modern restaurant serving up traditional French food. Famous painter Renoir even featured this location in one of his masterpieces. For a full list of nearby restaurants, check out our list of the Best Restaurants near Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.

Address: 83 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris

7 pm: Dinner at Terrass”

After a day of exploring, you’ll want to unwind with a nice dinner. We recommend Terrass”—the best restaurant with a view near Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.

While a hotel restaurant might not be your first choice for dinner in Paris, this one is truly worth it. Terrass” features breathtaking views of the city from its dining and bar area, with rooftop tables on the eighth floor for lovely weather and a cozy indoor panoramic dining room for those off-season visits.

Address: 12-14 rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018

Day 4: Versailles

9am: Palace of Versailles

You can take various day trips from Paris, like Disneyland or the beautiful gardens at Giverny, famously associated with artist Claude Monet. However, regardless of how many days you have in Paris, the top side trip has to be the Palace of Versailles.

It’s only a 15-minute train ride from central Paris, but it gives you a taste of open country outside the French capital, and the splendor of the architecture, furnishings and the geometrically designed gardens will keep you wandering the site for hours.

If you’ve read about the extravagant king Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King”, or the equally colorful Marie-Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI, a visit to the palace will bring to life their stories of high-society functions and excess.

A prime example of such opulence is the Hall of Mirrors, where an array of chandeliers and mirrors augment the lavish decor.

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles

1 pm: Have a Versailles Picnic

We recommend stopping by Marche du Notre Dame, a great little market where you can buy some fresh produce and bubbly to have a Versailles picnic. If you’re planning to visit the gardens first, be sure to stop here for some fresh food and bubbly to enhance your experience.

Address: Place du Marché Notre Dame, 78000 Versailles

7 pm: Dinner at La Veranda

Evening: On your last evening in Paris, you want to treat yourself to an excellent dinner. Which is why we recommend La Veranda, a Michelin Star restaurant on the Versailles grounds, with a menu by Gordon Ramsey.

Versailles is one of the most opulent places on Earth, and this restaurant truly complements the area beautifully.

Address: 1 Bd de la Reine, 78000 Versailles

For a full list of nearby restaurants, check out our list of the Best Restaurants in Versailles.

Make it Up as You Go Along

Even if you spend time at the key attractions we’ve mentioned, you can only explore so much at each site. You’ll likely still have time for some of these additional activities. From almost every Paris landmark there is another iconic monument or attraction within easy walking distance, but the metro is so accessible and affordable that you always have the option of skipping from zone to zone for whichever activity takes your fancy.

Here is a brief list of extra things to consider if you have a spare hour or so:

Museums Galore

• The Centre Pompidou modern art museum – a distinctive building in itself that offers works by Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky, as well as fascinating temporary exhibitions.
• Musée Rodin, which showcases classic works by sculptor Auguste Rodin, and also boasts some beautiful gardens.
• Musée d’Orsay, which has a valuable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by the likes of Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh.
• Musée de l’Orangerie, where you can see Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies series.

Legendary Churches

Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur are of course essential, but there are many more Paris churches that have just as much history built into them:

• Saint-Sulpice Church in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is noteworthy for its fine interior, and gained fame through scenes in the “Da Vinci Code” movie.
• Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais church – well worth fitting in while you’re in the Le Marais district.
• Panthéon – a former church that now functions as a mausoleum, housing the tombs of famous French figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie.
•  Père Lachaise Cemetery – not so much a church visit, but in this cemetery you can find the graves of luminaries like Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and Frédéric Chopin.