Exploring Paris in four days is not only possible — it is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the French capital. This Paris 4 Days Itinerary is designed to balance iconic attractions, local neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, scenic river experiences, and a full-day trip to Versailles. Every section of this guide provides accurate walking times, metro access, estimated visit durations, and practical advice based on real traveler behavior in Paris.
This article has been updated for 2026.
Written in a professional and structured format, this itinerary offers a reliable plan for travelers who want to maximize their time in Paris without feeling rushed. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to rediscover the city, this 4–day plan ensures an immersive and memorable experience.
Quick Overview: Your 4-Day Paris Itinerary
The following is a top-level summary of your 4–day Paris plan. A detailed breakdown for each day will follow.
- Day 1: Eiffel Tower → Seine River Walk → Trocadéro → Arc de Triomphe → Champs-Élysées
- Day 2: Louvre Museum → Tuileries Garden → Musée de l’Orangerie → Seine River Cruise
- Day 3: Montmartre → Sacré-Cœur → Artists’ Square → Pigalle → Opéra
- Day 4: Full-Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
4-Day Itinerary Summary Table
| Day | Main Attractions | Average Duration | Nearest Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, Seine Walk, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées | 6–7 hours | Bir-Hakeim / Trocadéro / Charles de Gaulle–Étoile |
| Day 2 | Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Orangerie, Seine Cruise | 6–8 hours | Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre |
| Day 3 | Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, Pigalle, Opéra | 6 hours | Anvers / Abbesses / Pigalle |
| Day 4 | Palace of Versailles (Full Day Trip) | 6–7 hours | RER C – Versailles Château Rive Gauche |
Day 1 – Paris 4 Days Itinerary: Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Trocadéro & Arc de Triomphe
Start your trip with the iconic Eiffel Tower and morning views
Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro
Suggested time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Start early near Trocadéro for one of the best open views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s perfect for photos before the crowds arrive. Walk down from the Trocadéro gardens toward the Seine River, crossing the Pont d’Iéna to reach the base of the tower. If you’ve booked a ticket or guided tour, allow at least 2–3 hours for security, elevator lines, and time at the top.
To avoid long queues, it’s recommended to book your Eiffel Tower entrance in advance. Same-day tickets often sell out during high season.
Eiffel Tower tickets and guided tours (placeholder): Book Eiffel Tower skip-the-line tickets here
Pro Tip: For the clearest photos, arrive early and use the Trocadéro terrace for panoramic sunrise views.
📍 Stop 2: Seine River Walk
From the Eiffel Tower, walk toward the riverbank and follow the Seine. The riverside offers peaceful paths, elegant bridges, and classic Parisian views. The walk from Pont d’Iéna is flat, scenic, and perfect for photography, especially during golden hour.
📍 Stop 3: Trocadéro Gardens
The Trocadéro Gardens provide an elevated viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower with wide terraces ideal for photos. Crowds increase during midday, but mornings remain calm and pleasant.
📍 Stop 4: Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon, the Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. Climbing the rooftop platform offers one of the most impressive panoramic views in any Paris 4 Days Itinerary. The 280-step climb is rewarded with stunning views of the Champs-Élysées and the city’s geometric urban layout.
- Metro: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Entry ticket: Arc de Triomphe Ticket (GYG)
📍 Stop 5: Champs-Élysées
End your first day with a relaxing walk along the world-famous Champs-Élysées. The avenue is lined with gardens, luxury stores, iconic cafés, and classic Parisian architecture — a perfect way to close Day 1 of your itinerary.
Day 2 – Paris 4 Days Itinerary: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden & Seine River Cruise
The Louvre Pyramid at sunrise — one of the best times for photography
📍 Stop 1: Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and a historic palace featuring more than 35,000 works. To avoid long queues, purchase timed entry tickets in advance. Popular sections include the Italian Renaissance collection, Egyptian antiquities, and decorative arts. Navigating the Louvre efficiently requires following a clear plan — this itinerary highlights the essential galleries for a 2–3 hour visit.
- Opening time: 9:00 AM
- Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Timed ticket: Louvre Entry Ticket
Official website for updated exhibitions: Louvre official website.
📍 Stop 2: Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden sits between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. Designed by André Le Nôtre, the garden is an excellent place to rest, enjoy fountains, and explore pathways lined with sculptures.
📍 Stop 3: Musée de l’Orangerie
This museum is most famous for Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, displayed in two oval rooms with natural lighting. The museum also includes works by Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse.
Sunset Seine River Cruise — a perfect way to end Day 2
📍 Stop 4: Seine River Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and admire Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, and the Eiffel Tower from the water.
- Best time: Sunset
- Tickets: Seine River Cruise
Day 3 – Paris 4 Days Itinerary: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur & Artistic Paris
Montmartre’s artistic streets and panoramic basilica views
📍 Stop 1: Montmartre Village
Montmartre is one of the most charming areas of Paris. Its uphill cobblestone streets, local bakeries, street art, and cafés create a romantic and artistic atmosphere. This neighborhood has historically been home to famous painters such as Picasso and Van Gogh.
📍 Stop 2: Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The basilica sits at the highest natural point in Paris. The interior features a massive mosaic, and the panoramic viewpoint outside is one of the city’s most recognizable landscapes.
📍 Stop 3: Place du Tertre
The square is filled with painters and portrait artists, capturing the creative soul of old Paris. Visitors can walk among displays of artwork or get a hand-drawn portrait.
📍 Stop 4: Montmartre Walking Tour
A guided walking tour provides deeper insight into Montmartre’s artistic history, hidden streets, and filming locations.
- Tour ticket: Montmartre Walking Tour
Day 4 – Paris 4 Days Itinerary: Full-Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
The Hall of Mirrors — Versailles’ most iconic royal gallery
The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO treasure and one of Europe’s most significant royal residences. A full-day visit allows you to explore the main palace, the Hall of Mirrors, the gardens, and the Grand Trianon.
- From Paris: RER C (30–45 minutes)
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Highlights: Royal Chapel, Hall of Mirrors, Apartments, Trianon Palaces
- Skip-the-line: Versailles Entry Ticket
Check updated schedules on the Louvre official website.
Where to Stay in Paris
The best neighborhoods for first-time visitors include:
- 1st Arrondissement: Steps from the Louvre and Tuileries
- 7th Arrondissement: Close to the Eiffel Tower
- 4th Arrondissement (Le Marais): Trendy, historic, central
- Latin Quarter (5th): Budget-friendly & lively
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How to Get Around Paris
The Paris metro is efficient, affordable, and easy to use. Most attractions in this itinerary are connected by direct metro lines.
- T+ Ticket: €2.15
- Day Pass: €8.45+
- Navigo Weekly Pass: Ideal for Monday–Sunday stays
For updated exhibitions and visitor information, check the official Louvre website.
Essential Paris Travel Tips
- Book skip-the-line tickets for Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles
- Wear comfortable shoes — expect a lot of walking
- Check attraction opening times in advance
- Use Google Maps for metro navigation
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist zones
Related Paris Guides
FAQ: Paris 4 Days Itinerary
Is 4 days enough for Paris?
Yes. Four days allow you to see major attractions, explore neighborhoods, enjoy a museum, experience a river cruise, and take a full-day trip to Versailles.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather, clear skies, and fewer crowds compared to summer.
Should I purchase skip-the-line tickets?
Absolutely — it saves hours at the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles during high season.
What is the average daily budget?
Most travelers spend €80–€150 per day depending on meals, attractions, and transportation.