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.

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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Louvre Museum
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Guide to the Louvre Museum - Tips for Visiting

If you do one thing in Paris, it should be the Louvre. Pay a visit to the world’s largest art museum and spend an entire day marveling at their exhaustive collections of art and artifacts. It's consistently among the most-visited art museums and one of Paris’ most popular attractions. While their collections encompass some 380,000 objects, only a portion of these are on display at any given time. Items hail from all around the globe and throughout human history, including objects from prehistory all the way up to twenty-first-century works of art. The Louvre has particularly notable strengths in Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Sculpture, and Painting, among others. The museum itself is a work of art—housed in the Louvre Palace (originally built in the late twelfth century as the Louvre Castle), it’s a veritable maze of art and artworks. Creative types will find a haven here, with something from just about every period and field to marvel at. Don’t forget about the signature I. M. Pei pyramid out the front which acts not only as a piece of art but a stunning entranceway to the museum! The Louvre Tickets Looking for discount tickets to the Louvre? Grab a pass from Go City. Spend less on admission to the Louvre and dozens of other museums, tours, cruises, and other great Paris attractions. Enjoy 2, 3, 4 or 6 days of unlimited sightseeing and save big on combined admission versus paying at the gate. See more on pricing for our passes. Louvre Tips for Visiting Be sure to download an interactive floor plan prior to your visit — it’s available in seven languages and will be invaluable in helping you plot out your course through the museum. Consult the museum calendar to see what special events, gallery talks, or tours are going on during the day of your visit. You may also wish to grab an audio guide for the Louvre. Available in seven languages, this is one of the coolest and more comprehensive audio guides around. The Louvre is big—like, really big. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to rest periodically. The Louvre is also difficult to navigate, but they’ve really simplified things by making their collections color-coded. Each of the eight curatorial departments is assigned a color, and then each room within the department is given a number. Follow your map and the signs on the wall and you’ll be good to go. Take your kids to the Touch Gallery. It’s the only place in the entire museum where visitors are encouraged to touch the sculptures (which are replicas of those found in the museum’s collections). Other important places like elevators, restrooms, and restaurants are identified via pictograms—so no worries if you don’t read French. For those visitors traveling with little ones, check out the Tuileries Gardens, which are filled with kid-friendly activities like a carousel, trampolines, and little boats. What is the Best Time to Go to the Louvre? You should plan to spend most of the day at the Louvre if you want to see a representative sample of the exhibits; it is also possible, however, to organize a “highlights” tour and accomplish it all in a few hours. We recommend visiting the museum first thing in the morning as soon as they open to maximize your time spent inside the institution. Crowds will be heavier mid-morning and late afternoon. If you're trying to attend a special docent tour, it’s wise to consult the museum’s schedule of events to see what’s available during the day of your visit. What to Bring to the Louvre Comfy walking shoes – the floors are hard and you’ll be traipsing around quite a bit. Money for souvenirs – their bookstore is one of the best places to shop for tourists in the entire city and it’s worth spending some time there. Layers – the museum is climate controlled, but this can differ depending upon the type of art. As a result, you may feel cool in some rooms but warmer in others. A camera—there are places in the Louvre where photography is limited or prohibited, but you’ll want it on hand for the opportunities that do arise. What to Do at the Louvre The museum collections are all sorted into one of eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings. We’ve listed a few of the highlights of each department below. Egyptian Antiquities One of the most famous collections within the Louvre’s vast holdings, the department of Egyptian Antiquities is filled with hundreds of items from Nile Valley civilizations. Items date as far back as the prehistoric period (about 4000 BCE) all the way to the early Christian period (around the fourth century CE). The objects in this department include everything from small pieces of jewelry, games, funeral urns, and amulets to large sarcophagi, engraved portions of tomb walls, and statuary. Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities Spanning the rich, diverse cultures of Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean area, the objects and artifacts in this department range from the Neolithic era to the sixth century CE. Here is where fans of classical archaeology and mythology will find their inspiration. With art objects that cover everything from the iconic amphoras to intricate statues of the gods to the signature black and red Greek pottery, you’ll be amazed at the breadth and depth of these collections. Near East Antiquities One of the broadest categories of art and objects at the Louvre, the Near East Antiquities department spans an astonishing nine thousand-year period—from prehistory to the early Islamic period. Artifacts were discovered in a wide range of territory, from North Africa to Central Asia, and from the Black Sea to the Arabian Peninsula. Highlights of this department include tablets bearing some of the earliest forms of writing, ancient beaded jewelry, board games, and dozens of religious statues and figures. Islamic Art New galleries in this department opened in 2012, allowing for an expanded display of Islamic artwork for Louvre visitors. There are a few thousand objects on display here, ranging geographically from Southeast Asia to Spain, and temporally across nearly 1,300 years of human history. A few of the objects you might see in this department include dishware and pottery, sculptures, textiles and texts, and manuscript pages. Paintings With a couple hundred works currently on display, paintings are one of the larger curatorial focus points at the Louvre. This department is among the most famous as well, with particular strengths in Italian Renaissance art and Dutch Old Masters. The collection encompasses every major European school of painting as well, including works from the thirteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Some of the most famous works in this collection include Leonardi da Vinci’s world-renowned Mona Lisa, Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Johannes Vermeer’s The Astronomer. Sculptures The Department of Sculptures has had a long and varied history, currently encompassing Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern sculptures. Every work here dates prior to 1850, and only includes those that do not qualify for the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Department. Some of the most stunning art objects in the entire Louvre are found here, ranging from statues of gods and goddesses to biblical characters to modern individuals of note. Decorative Arts One of the best departments for those who appreciate and/or study the history of material culture in a global context, this area of the Louvre boasts a simply stunning collection of objects from around the world. Objects were created between the early Middle Ages and the mid-nineteenth century. You’ll find everything from jewelry and ivory work to stained glass and furniture. Many of these objects inspire us to wonder what will happen to our own precious goods after we’re gone. Prints and Drawings This is one for the history of the book people. Here you’ll find a wide selection of printed material, including drawings, pastels, printed books, manuscripts, woodcuts, and lithographic stones. The unique thing about this department is its approach to displaying the collections—because of their innate fragility, most works are kept in careful storage and are circulated in and out of temporary displays. As a result, all exhibits here are temporary, so what you see during your visit will be totally unique! Save on Louvre Tickets with a Go Paris pass A Go City attraction pass for Paris provides admission to the Louvre and dozens of other Paris and area museums for one low price. You’ll also get admission to tours, cruises, and other top Parisian attractions to round out your weekend getaway.
Katie Sagal
Mother and Daughter by Eiffel Tower
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Paris in Three Days: Culture, Croissants, and City Views

Visiting Paris for just three days? Here’s your foolproof, flavor-packed itinerary!
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An Alternative Guide to Paris Museums

Paris is one of those amazing European cities just brimming with art, culture, and history. In fact, some of the most famous museums in the entire world are found right here in the City of Lights. We’ve all heard of the Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Versailles, and so on. But what about those of you who’ve already hit up the biggies and are looking to explore some more distinctive or unusual Paris museums? If you’re looking for alternatives to the major label museums in Paris, have we got the handy little guide for you. Check out our guide to the quirky, unique, and unexpected museums in Paris. The alternative museums we highlight in this post include: Musée des Plans-Reliefs Musée de Cluny Museum of Arts & Crafts Museum of Decorative Arts Château de Rambouillet Sèvres, City of Ceramics Museum of Music Discovery Palace Picasso Museum Musée des Plans-Reliefs The Musée des Plans-Reliefs would be Toby Shandy’s delight. Housed in the Hôtel des Invalides, this collection features a massive assortment of “plans-reliefs,” or scaled-down models of cities and other geographic features for military purposes. They were originally used to strategize during battle—something of an early precursor to our digital renderings. The collection includes pieces from the late seventeenth through the early nineteenth centuries. Musée de Cluny Although it’s a museum that tends to escape people’s radar when visiting Paris, the Cluny Museum is actually among the most significant cultural institutions in the city. Found in the Latin Quarter, this museum features one of the best collections of medieval art and artifacts anywhere in the world. For example, you’ll find a number of famous tapestries, crowns, engravings, sculptures, and other evidence of medieval artistry and craftsmanship from France and beyond. Museum of Arts & Crafts The Musée des Arts et Métiers is something of a misleading name for this fine collection of scientific and industrial materials. Here you’ll find tens of thousands of drawings and objects—among which are some of the most famous technical objects in history, such as an original Foucault pendulum, the original model for what would become the Statue of Liberty, and the first mechanical calculator. Visitors can also explore historic cars, planes, and other artifacts from the history of transportation. Museum of Decorative Arts Housed in a portion of the Louvre Palace (but distinct from the Louvre itself), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs brings together compelling exhibits from the history of graphic arts, advertising, and fashion. The overall focus is on design and decorative arts, with objects like furniture, wallpaper, ceramics, glassware, children’s toys, carpets, and much more comprising its extensive collections. Visitors will also want to take time to explore themed period rooms that showcase different moments in the history of material goods. Château de Rambouillet Castle of Rambouillet is located a fair distance southwest of Paris, but it’s worth the extra effort to see this remarkable museum. Formerly the summer home of the Presidents of the French Republic, it’s now a historic monument preserving the long history of the castle. It was originally built in the fourteenth century but is most famous as the place that Louis XIV transformed into an idealized version of a country dairy to please his queen, Marie-Antoinette. There were further additions and modifications made by later rulers as well. Sèvres, City of Ceramics A small community in the southwest suburbs of Paris, Sèvres is known for its unparalleled production of exquisite porcelain. The largest porcelain manufactory in Europe is still located in this neighborhood, as the eponymous Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique museum. A visit here is an opportunity to learn about the historic porcelain production in France, as well as a chance to see their fine collection of Asian and European ceramics, including many pieces by modern and contemporary artists. Museum of Music Located within the renowned performance space Cité de la Musique, the Musée de la Musique boasts a unique collection of rare and unusual instruments. Visitors can peruse over 1,000 instruments and musical artifacts ranging from a tortoise guitar to a crystal flute. The collections span the period from the seventeenth century through the modern era including non-European instruments and music. The accompanying audio guide allows visitors to listen to recordings, and free daily concerts provide live musical inspiration. Discovery Palace The Palais de la Découverte is an exciting modern science museum located in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. Permanent exhibitions here include a focus on topics like mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, and astronomy. It’s particularly notable for its Zeiss planetarium. About a decade ago it merged with the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, sharing their collective dedication to spreading scientific knowledge and education with visitors of all ages. Picasso Museum An art gallery dedicated exclusively to the expansive productions of one of Europe’s most famous artists, the Musée Picasso is absolutely a must-visit for fans of the Spaniard’s life and works. You’ll find more than 5,000 works of art including paintings, notebooks, sculptures, ceramics, engravings, and drawings, as well as thousands of archival documents include Picasso’s personal correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs. This collection is located in the Marais district of Paris. Save on Admission to Paris Museums Visit these museums and plenty of other cultural institutions with the Go Paris pass. Pay only 95 Euro for the 48-hour Paris Museum Pass, which covers admission to more than 55 different museums and monuments in the broader Paris area. The Go Paris pass also includes admission to tours, cruises, and other fun attractions to help round out your weekend getaway. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal

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