Paris in Four Days: From Iconic Sights to Hidden Gems

Want to conquer Paris in four days? Here’s your ultimate itinerary—landmarks, croissants and all.

Published: March 24, 2026
View of Latin Quarter

Dreaming of seeing every side of Paris but only have four days to do it? With a plan as charming as a Parisian café, you can make the most of every minute—sampling amazing food, soaking up world-class art, and snapping photos along the River Seine. We’ll guide you through must-see monuments, delightful neighborhoods, family-friendly museums, and delicious meals, all mapped out for smooth city-hopping. Ready for a Paris adventure filled with memories (and maybe a few baguettes)? Let’s go! 

Our favorite Paris picks for a perfect four-day trip include: 

  • The Louvre  
  • Musée d’Orsay 
  • Notre Dame Cathedral 
  • Sacré Coeur & Montmartre 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Arc de Triomphe 
  • Palace of Versailles 
  • Centre Pompidou 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Galeries Lafayette 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Paris Science Museum 
  • Gourmet Chocolate Museum 

Day 1: Paris Icons, Art, and Riverside Magic 

Morning: Art, History, and Gothic Marvels

The Louvre

Begin your adventure in Paris with art, history, and maybe a Mona Lisa selfie! The Louvre opens early, so beat the crowds by hopping on Metro 1 or 7 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre. Wander through vast galleries of masterpieces: ancient sculptures, glittering crowns, and Renaissance wonders everywhere you look. Even if you don’t see it all, the glass pyramid and grand courtyard get everyone buzzing with excitement. 

From the Louvre, stroll along the Seine toward the Île de la Cité. In just 15 minutes, you’ll spot Notre Dame’s soaring towers—perfect for dramatic photos. Although restoration work may limit full access, the exterior charms with intricate stonework, and the surrounding gardens give you a real sense of medieval Paris. 

Just five minutes farther, Sainte-Chapelle awaits with mind-blowing stained-glass windows that envelope you in color that changes with sun. For families with younger kids, the vibrant scenes keep everyone captivated. 

Lunch: Hungry? Wander over to the Latin Quarter for lunch at Le Comptoir du Panthéon. Try the coq au vin, or the tarte tatin for dessert. The student crowd from nearby Sorbonne keeps things lively, and the small terrace is inviting. 

Afternoon: Art at Musée d’Orsay  

After lunch, ride Metro 4 from Saint-Michel to Odéon, then switch to Metro 12 at Notre-Dame-des-Champs, arriving at Solférino. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself at Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts train station. The building alone is worth a visit, but inside you’ll discover Monet’s water lilies, Van Gogh’s vivid self-portraits, and countless Impressionist treasures. Don’t miss the grand clock windows, which frame charming views all the way toward Montmartre. 

As sunset nears, board a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise at Port de la Bourdonnais (Metro 9 to Trocadéro, then walk across the Seine). Floating past twinkling bridges and illuminated landmarks, you’ll feel the romance of Paris in motion. 

Dinner: Finish with dinner nearby at Les Ombres—rooftop views, sleek modern design, and duck confit that always wows. Book ahead for a table with an Eiffel Tower view! 

Day 2: Montmartre Charm, Shopping and Classic Views 

Morning: Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica

View of Montmartre

Kick off your day by heading to Montmartre (Metro 2 to Anvers). The neighborhood’s hilly cobblestone lanes burst with character—street art, tiny cafés, and locals shopping at food markets. Climb the steps (or ride the funicular!) to the Sacré Cœur basilica for sweeping city views. 

Join an Experience First Walking Tour to learn stories about artists, revolutionaries, and secret speakeasies—you’ll see why this neighborhood inspired Picasso and Dali. 

Coffee Break: Pause at Le Consulat Café (find a perch outside if you can). Their café crème and fresh-baked croissants are the kind of Paris breakfast dreams are made of—a perfect spot to watch daily life unfold. 

Midday: Shopping at Galeries Lafayette  

Jump on Metro 12 from Abbesses to Trinité, then stroll to the dazzling Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann. Fashion fiends and window shoppers alike love exploring this glass-domed temple to style. Even if you’re not buying, the panoramic rooftop terrace is free and shows off the Paris skyline. 

Lunch: Five minutes’ walk brings you to Bouillon Chartier, a Paris institution since 1896. Expect bustling atmosphere, Art Nouveau interiors, and French classics like beef bourguignon and silky crème caramel—all at wallet-friendly prices. Don’t miss their legendary baguettes! 

Afternoon: Modern Art at the Centre Pompidou  

For your afternoon fix of awe-inspiring creativity, hop on Metro 7 from Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette to Châtelet, then walk to Centre Pompidou’s high-tech, funky exterior. Watch street performers outside, then dive into modern art and imaginative exhibits inside. 

Dinner: Wander ten minutes east to the Marais for dinner. There’s endless choice here, but Les Philosophes stands out for its cozy bistro vibe and hearty steak-frites. After dinner, dip into Little Red Door for inventive cocktails in a stylish, hidden speakeasy, or simply stroll around Place des Vosges with a gelato from Amorino. 

Day 3: Royal Escapes and French Finesse 

Morning: Trip to the Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles Gardens

Devote the morning and early afternoon to the lavish Palace of Versailles—a quick RER C train ride from central Paris (depart from Musée d’Orsay or Saint-Michel). Set aside at least half a day to wander through gilded halls, explore the sweeping gardens, and snap photos by the grand fountains. Kids love the maze-like groves and bike rentals. 

Lunch: Tucked in the palace grounds, La Petite Venise serves up Italian-inspired dishes and elegant French desserts in a serene garden setting. 

Afternoon: Return to the City and Explore the Champs-Élysées  

Take the RER/Metro back to Paris and disembark at Invalides; from here, stroll or hop on Metro 1 to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. The grand Arc de Triomphe dominates the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Venture up its 284 steps for panoramic city sights—especially magical just before sunset. 

Dinner: Try L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Etoile, a chic yet inviting spot inside the Publicis Drugstore. Their signature mashed potatoes and decadent chocolate tart are worth lingering over. 

Nightcap: End your night at Rosa Bonheur sur Seine, an easygoing floating bar on the river with fairy lights, nibbles, and happy crowds—great for people-watching and a final toast to your day. 

Day 4: Quirky Museums, Science & Sweet Treats 

Morning: Exploring the Paris Science Museum (and More?)

View from Tour Montparnasse

Head northeast on Metro 7 to Corentin Cariou for the Paris Science Museum (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie), a wonderland of hands-on discovery for all ages—especially fun for families. Kids can roam the City of Children, while grownups check out the Planetarium and mind-bending exhibits. 

Afterwards, hop back on Metro 7 to Opéra for something totally different: choose the Paradox Museum for optical illusions and Insta-worthy puzzles, or walk 10 minutes to the Gourmet Chocolate Museum—where cacao history and chocolate-making demos tempt your sweet tooth. 

Lunch: For a light lunch, Le Pain Quotidien near the Opéra Garnier delivers with its rustic wooden tables and farm-to-table feel. Opt for the tartine topped with fresh goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Don’t forget their homemade lemonade—perfect for an energy boost. 

Afternoon: Paris Hidden Gems Walking Tour 

After lunch, stretch your legs and dive into Paris’ lesser-known corners with the Paris’ Hidden Gems in Le Marais Walking Tour by Experience First. You’ll meander through cobblestone lanes, soak up centuries of history, discover secret courtyards, and pop into quirky boutiques. The Marais charms with its blend of Jewish bakeries, trendy art galleries, and historic mansions—the stories here always surprise us. 

Then, hop on Metro 4 from Châtelet to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This area hums with creative energy and literary history. Pause at Café de Flore, once a haunt for Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. Order an espresso, soak in the classic Parisian atmosphere, and do a bit of people-watching beneath the Art Deco mirrors and glossy tiled floors. 

Finale: Sunset from Tour Montparnasse 

For your last evening in Paris, jump on Metro 4 to Montparnasse–Bienvenüe and ascent the Tour Montparnasse. The views from the 56th-floor observation deck are legendary—rolling rooftops, sparkling Eiffel Tower, and the city unfurling in every direction. Let your Paris adventure end with a toast from the rooftop bar, soaking up those final golden-hour vistas. 

Dinner: Just one floor down in Tour Montparnasse, treat yourself to a farewell dinner at Le Ciel de Paris. The decor is sleek and modern, the vibe is romantic, and the menu showcases French signatures (the lobster ravioli and chocolate soufflé are favorites). All of it comes with a sparkling cityscape right outside your window—a meal to remember. 

 

There you have it: four days in Paris, packed with unforgettable sights, exceptional eats, riverside strolls, and local surprises—from the masterpieces of the Louvre to Montmartre’s winding stairways and the glittering city skyline. Grab your metro tickets and bring your appetite—adventure (and dessert) awaits! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Arc de Triomphe or the Best Picnic Spots in Paris 

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View of the Eiffel Tower with magnolia blossom
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Why visit Paris in March?

Paris in March throws off its winter cloak with the expectation of the coming spring. Café tables begin to reappear beneath sidewalk awnings in ever greater numbers, strolls along the banks of the River Seine are once again an attractive proposition and the sun makes a concerted effort to brighten skies for at least half the month. The result is a renewed bounce in the step of many Parisians, brought on by a combination of improving weather, plants bursting into bloom and a panoply of one-off events. If you like the sound of all this plus low season prices and Paris without the crowds, March could be the month for you. Here’s just some of what you can expect. Food to die for   There are few better times of year than Paris in March for anyone with an interest in food and drink. 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Holding screenings at the Public Information Library at the Pompidou Center alongside several partner movie theaters, each edition of the festival brings around 200 notable movies of the genre to the attention of Parisian audiences. Nearby streets are taken over by the Carnaval des femmes – the ‘Women’s or Washerwomen’s Festival’. Expect a baffling array of costumes, from ordinary women dressed as the queens of old to men in full drag. Save on attraction admission in Paris in March If there’s a finer feeling in the world than thinking you’ve bagged a bargain, we haven’t yet experienced it. Discover our Paris attraction pass with Go City and you can visit landmark attractions you were going to visit anyway whilst making substantial savings on admission prices. At the same time, you’ll have an easier time budgeting for your trip, and you’ll have no currency conversion or international credit card fees to worry about. A smart choice all around however many times you’ve been to Paris in the past, it’s one of the best ways to keep costs down. Instagram and Facebook are great ways to keep up to the minute with all things Go City!
Ian Packham
A girl taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower
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Things to do in Paris With Teens

Eye-rolling teenagers everywhere will tell you, with utter conviction, that there are few things in life more embarrassing than going on vacation with mum and dad. Here’s your chance to prove them wrong in one of the world’s greatest cities, with our guide to the best things to do in Paris with teens. Demonstrate your cool credentials and wow your progeny with ideas that include selfies at the Sacré-Cœur, rollercoaster rides, spooky subterranean skeletons and more. Instagram Inspiration Of course, your little darlings will be keen to document every moment of their Paris adventure online. And why not? Many literary and artistic greats have been seduced by the city’s beauty down the centuries, and your kids will likely be no exception. A selfie in front of the Mona Lisa should be considered essential. But be warned: the Louvre’s vast network of galleries and buildings makes for a fair bit of hiking from one major exhibit to the next. Planning your visit carefully and making a list of must-sees before you arrive may help mitigate any family arguments once you’re inside. Photo opportunities abound on a climb up the 674 steps to the viewing platform on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor. During the ascent, intrepid teens with a head for heights can step out onto the first level’s – gulp – transparent floor, 58 meters above the forecourt. Better still, kids over 12 can make the climb without parental supervision, meaning that, while they wear themselves out trying to bag the best selfie, you can get started on your picnic of cheese and wine on the sprawling lawns of Champs de Mars far below. Tick off some of Paris’s other great views. The Ballon de Paris Generali is a lot of fun: this tethered helium balloon rises a whopping 150 meters over the Parc André-Citroën. Montparnasse Tower goes even higher at 200 meters (by elevator), while the climb to the top of iconic Paris landmark the Arc de Triomphe is a relatively exhausting 284 steps, but does benefit from being on the famous Champs-Élysées boulevard, for a bit of light window-shopping and some decadent Ladurée macarons afterwards. Museums and Art Paris has a plethora of fine museums and galleries to keep teens entertained. Many, including big hitters like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay offer free entry for under 18s. Centre Pompidou is a cultural mecca with cool ‘inside-out’ architecture; its colorful exposed pipework and air ducts making it something of a work of art in itself. There’s an entire floor dedicated to kids, including workshops, interactive exhibits and bags more hands-on fun. Workshops for teens don’t require parental supervision, leaving you free to explore the center’s vast collection of modern art, from Picasso to Pollock. Play hide and seek among the box hedges, statues and ornamental pools in the Rodin Museum’s seven-acre sculpture garden and visit Europe’s biggest science museum in Parc de la Villette, where the Cité des Sciences (CSI) counts a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and even a submarine among its myriad attractions. Or, if your offspring roll their eyes dramatically at the very idea of enduring all that boring old stuff from the past, rent some Vélib bicycles instead, and take them on a self-guided tour of eye-popping contemporary Paris street art around the Oberkampf neighborhood, La Villette canal and Montmartre. They’ll thank you for the additional Instagrammable photo opportunities, if not the mild physical exertion required to get there. Teen-Friendly Tours Bike isn’t the only fun way to see Paris though. Guided Segway tours are a great way to tick off some of the city’s big attractions with minimal effort. There are short tours, long tours, day tours, night tours, every kind of tour! All you need to bring with you is a reasonable sense of balance and in no time at all you’ll be whizzing to the likes of the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and beautiful Pont Alexandre III with its soaring arch and Art Deco lanterns. Teens are permitted to ride if joined on the tour by their parents. Creepy and very cool – the perfect combination for any self-respecting teenager – the Paris Catacombs are an underground network of tunnels and caverns used to store the mortal remains of some six million or so Parisians, displaced from the city’s cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Kids will love this bone-chilling subterranean adventure, where wall-to-wall skulls and bones are stacked neatly from floor to ceiling. There’s a 1.5-kilometer circular route through this macabre ossuary: just about the right length for fidgeting teens before boredom starts to set in. Shopping and Entertainment Even the most apathetic teenager will struggle to feign immunity to the charms of a themed rollercoaster ride for long. Good news! Both Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix are easily reached from central Paris, with trains taking less than an hour. Teens can also take to the skies on a jetpack adventure with Flyview Paris. This thrill-a-second VR experience mimics the real-life sensations of jetpack flying and takes you on a dizzying flight over major landmarks including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower and more. Back on terra firma, take them shopping for unique souvenirs in the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Marais and Montmartre districts. Here’s where you’ll find independent boutiques selling vintage fashions, old-fashioned sweets, handmade artisan crafts and jewelry, and much more. The cute funicular that carries foot-weary passengers up the hill to the top of Montmartre will melt all but the hardest of teenage hearts. After grabbing a chocolate crêpe – and, naturally, a selfie or ten in front of the Sacré-Cœur – head round the back of the basilica to the Place du Tertre, a traditional Parisian square that’s teeming with local artists who’ll be delighted to provide your kids with a souvenir they’ll treasure forever: a one-of-a-kind portrait or caricature of themselves. Who knows, they might – just might – even crack a smile for the occasion. Save on things to do with teens in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
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