4 Day Paris Itinerary for First-Timers (From Our Own Experience)

I’ve been to Paris twice now, once way back in 2016 and again more recently in 2025, and honestly, I’d go back again if I get the chance! Both trips were short, around three to four days each, but between the two, I managed to see a lot of what makes Paris so special (with plenty of walking!).

This Paris 4 day itinerary isn’t from one single trip. It’s a mix of everything I did during both visits, pulled together into a plan that I think works really well for first-timers. If you want to see the major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and take a day trip to Versailles, this itinerary covers it all without feeling too rushed.

I’ve also included tips throughout from my own experience, like how we got around, where we stayed, and what we enjoyed the most.

4-Day Paris Itinerary Overview

This itinerary is designed to help you see Paris’s most famous landmarks while still leaving time each day to enjoy the charm of the city at a slower pace.

In the evenings, take time to simply enjoy Paris, whether it’s a walk along the river, sitting at a sidewalk café, or strolling in a neighborhood. These little moments are what made the city so memorable for us.

Before we dive into the day-by-day plan, let’s go over the best ways to get around Paris, so you can follow this itinerary smoothly and make the most of your time in the city.

Getting around Paris

We used different ways to get around Paris on our two trips. On our first visit, we got this 2-day Hop On Hop Off bus pass, which made it easy to get to all the major sights without having to figure out the Metro. On our second trip, we used the metro every day, and it was fast, affordable, and surprisingly easy to navigate. We took Uber once on this recent trip, and it worked well too.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, the Hop On Hop Off bus is a great way to see the city. It stops at all the major tourist sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. You can use it to follow most of this itinerary for the first couple of days. In a new city, I love taking the hop-on, hop-off bus on the first day to get my bearings.

➡️ This is the Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus we used and recommend

Paris Metro

We relied on the metro during our second trip and found it efficient and easy with the Bonjour RATP app. Most places on this itinerary are near a metro stop, making it a practical and easy option to use. All rides were 2.50 euros each, whether it was just one stop or all the way to Versailles. You just enter your destination in the app, and it will tell you the nearest station and the line to take.

Uber

We only used Uber once on the first day of our recent trip, as we were too jet-lagged to figure out the metro or walk. But it worked great.

Walking

We walked a lot on both trips, especially along the Seine and through neighborhoods like Saint Germain and the Latin Quarter. Paris is very walkable, and some of our favorite moments on the recent trip were just wandering the streets and exploring the shops. Bring very comfortable shoes, we easily hit 15,000 steps in a day.

Day 1: Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise

Kick off the first day of your trip with some of the most iconic sights in Paris. This day covers major Paris landmarks without much travel time, since everything is close together.

I recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower in the evening, so you can stay until it gets dark to see it illuminated at night. So I suggest going to the Arc De Triomphe in the morning.

Arc de Triomphe

Start your day at the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks. We skipped going up on our first visit, so we made sure to include it on our second trip. The views are definitely worth climbing the stairs to the top—284 steps, to be exact!

We took the metro to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station, which brings you directly to the traffic circle where the Arc stands.

From there, you’ll need to use the underground pedestrian walkway on Avenue Champs-Élysées to reach the base safely. Please don’t try to cross the busy roundabout above ground. We saw a few people doing that, maybe they didn’t know there was an underground walkway.

We bought our tickets at the entrance, since we weren’t sure what time we’d get there, but we ended up waiting around 45 minutes in line. The line for reserved time slots moved much faster.

➡️ I recommend these Arc de Triomphe Priority Tickets if you want to save time in line

Once it was our turn, we went through the security check and climbed the steps to the top. It’s a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views of Paris are absolutely worth it.

You’ll get a great look at the Champs-Élysées stretching out in one direction, and if the weather’s clear, you can even spot the Eiffel Tower. We could see it clearly that day, along with the modern skyscrapers of Paris’s business district in the distance.

Coming down is the easy part; you go up one tower and down through the other. The 12-street roundabout below is impressive and kind of terrifying. I’m certain I don’t ever want to drive through it!

If you have time, you could walk along the Champs-Élysées street after your visit or return another evening to see it lit up at night. It’s mostly lined with big-name brand stores, so we skipped it this time, but it’s a nice stroll if you’re curious or looking to do some high-end shopping.

Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise

No matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos, seeing the Eiffel Tower in person is something else. It’s free to see the tower from the base, but you’ll need tickets to go up.

On our first trip, we went all the way to the summit and enjoyed panoramic views of Paris from the top.

There are three levels in the tower: the First Floor, the Second Floor, and the Summit. You can take the stairs or elevator to the first and second floors, depending on the ticket type, and then transfer to a separate elevator to reach the summit.

We had elevator tickets, and while there was a line at each level for the elevator, it moved steadily. The views from the top were definitely worth it.

I highly recommend booking your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance if you want to avoid long lines or sold-out time slots, especially during the busy summer season.

➡️ If you want to experience the Eiffel Tower with a guide, I recommend this Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Optional Summit Upgrade

On our second trip, we didn’t go up again, just enjoyed the view from the base. I recommend going up to the summit once, but after that, it’s something you can skip on future visits.

After spending time around the tower, we walked over to the dock for our Seine River cruise, which we had booked online. The timing worked out perfectly. Please note that during the summer months, sunset can occur as late as 10 PM. Even if you can’t do the cruise that late, it’s still worth doing at any time of day. Be sure to sit on the top deck to see the landmarks along the way.

➡️ I recommend this Seine River Cruise & French Crepe Tasting by the Eiffel Tower

Cruising along the Seine as the sky changed colors and the city lights came on was one of the highlights of our trip. The cruise passes under Paris’s historic bridges and offers beautiful views of Notre Dame, the Louvre, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower from the water.

We ended the night by sitting near the tower and watching the illumination and light show. The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour after sunset, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Lots of people bring snacks or a bottle of wine and just relax in the nearby lawn areas.

Photo tip: For great photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background, check out Trocadéro, Pont d’Iéna bridge, or the Champ de Mars lawn area. They’re all easy to walk to from the tower and offer different angles. You can also get some nice shots of the tower from the cruise.

Day 2: Notre Dame, Louvre, Walk along the Seine

For Day 2, I’ve grouped together some of the most popular historic and cultural highlights of Paris. You’ll start the day at the beautifully restored Notre Dame Cathedral, spend the afternoon exploring the world-famous Louvre, and end with a peaceful walk along the Seine. It’s a full day, but everything is located fairly close together, making it easy to explore without too much travel time.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s oldest and most iconic landmarks, renowned for its Gothic architecture, stained-glass rose windows, and dramatic towers. A devastating fire in April 2019 closed the cathedral for extensive repairs, but it officially reopened to the public in December 2024 after five years of restoration.

I’ve visited twice, once in 2016 before the fire and again in 2025 after the restoration. The cathedral is free to visit, but a reservation system is now in place for timed entries. A limited number of slots are released each day, and if you don’t have one, there is a walk-in line.

On our recent trip, we visited on a Wednesday around 9 AM without a reservation. I had checked online two days prior, but the timed reservations were sold out for the date we wanted. The walk-in line was long, but it moved quickly, and we were inside within 20 minutes.

It felt very different inside compared to our first visit. From my 2016 trip, I remember the interior being a bit dark. The church has been beautifully rebuilt in white tones and is filled with natural light. It was crowded yet peaceful.

It felt really amazing to be there. We spent about an hour walking around and looking at the various displays. The stained-glass windows are truly spectacular. I’m so glad we were able to revisit Notre-Dame.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum and one of Paris’s top attractions. It’s massive, both in size and in the number of artworks it holds, over 35,000 on display. The building itself is a former royal palace, and exploring it can easily take up a full day or at a minimum half a day.

I visited back in 2016, and while I don’t remember every detail, I do remember how big and overwhelming it felt. We spent several hours walking through the crowded galleries and were definitely tired by the end. Having a plan or list of what you want to see can make the experience much more enjoyable.

We were able to see the Mona Lisa, which is probably the museum’s most famous artwork. It wasn’t too crowded when we went, but I’ve heard that it’s much busier now, and you may only get a quick glimpse before moving along. The painting is much smaller than I had imagined.

Some other well-known pieces in the Louvre that you should plan on seeing:

• Venus de Milo – A famous Ancient Greek statue believed to represent the goddess Aphrodite.
• Winged Victory of Samothrace – A dramatic sculpture of the Greek goddess Nike, posed as if landing on a ship’s prow.
• Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix – A powerful painting symbolizing the French Revolution, with Liberty holding a flag.
• The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David – A massive painting showing Napoleon’s coronation in front of the Pope.
• The Raft of the Medusa by Géricault – A painting based on a real-life shipwreck and survival story.

You’ll need to book a timed entry ticket in advance, especially in the summer. Tickets can sell out a few days ahead. The official Louvre website is the best place to buy them, or you can book a guided tour if you want help navigating the museum.

➡️ I recommend this small group Louvre Museum Guided Tour with reserved access if you want a more structured visit and be able to see the best of the Louvre in around 3 hours.

If you’re short on time, consider visiting the Musée d’Orsay instead. It’s located just across the Seine from the Louvre and is much smaller and easier to navigate. The museum is housed in a former train station and is known for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and others. It was on our list this time, but we didn’t make it because it was closed on Monday, the only day we could visit.

Note: Many museums in Paris are closed on either Mondays or Tuesdays, so make sure to check opening days and hours in advance when planning your itinerary.

Walk Along the Seine

After your visit to the Louvre, take some time to walk along the Seine. It’s a beautiful and relaxing way to unwind at the end of the day.

You can stroll along the main road sidewalk or take the lower pedestrian walkway that runs right along the riverbank. If you are too tired to walk after the Louvre, you can find a nice restaurant along the river and take in the views.

We walked from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower along the river on our recent trip and caught the sunset, and it turned out to be one of our favorite moments in Paris.

The views of the bridges, boats, and historic buildings along the water are stunning, especially in the golden hour light. One bridge that really stood out was the Pont Alexandre III, with its ornate lamp posts and golden statues. It’s often called the most beautiful bridge in Paris, and I’d have to agree. We also had some great views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance from there.

As you walk, you’ll pass the bouquinistes, the green book stalls lining the riverbank, selling old books, prints, and vintage postcards. They’re such a unique part of the Parisian landscape and fun to browse along the way.

It was a beautiful sunset walk, and I could see why Paris is called a romantic city. If you have time in your itinerary, this simple riverside walk is well worth it.

Day 3: Opéra Garnier, Perfume workshop, Explore a neighborhood

For Day 3, I’ve put together a mix of elegant sights and local experiences. You’ll start the day touring the elegant Opéra Garnier, followed by a hands-on perfume-making class at Fragonard. After that, head to Galeries Lafayette to admire the famous dome and rooftop views, then spend the rest of the day exploring a Paris neighborhood at your own pace .

The Opéra Garnier is easily accessible by Metro. Once in the area, it’s a short walk to Galeries Lafayette and the Fragonard Perfume Museum.

Opéra Garnier

The Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris. Even if you’re not planning to see a performance, touring the inside is well worth it.

The architecture is stunning, and the interiors are incredibly ornate, with marble staircases, chandeliers, gold detailing, and painted ceilings.

We visited back in 2016 and booked a 90-minute guided tour through the official website. I still remember how grand everything felt. We got to see the main theater, which was truly spectacular, and the Grand Foyer, which resembles the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

The tour provided a great overview of the building’s history and design, and having a guide helped us appreciate the small details we might have otherwise missed.

You can also visit on your own without a guide, but I recommend the guided tour if it’s your first time, as it provides access to more areas and background stories.

Fragonard Perfume Workshop

If you’re looking for something unique and a little different from the usual sightseeing, I highly recommend the Fragonard Perfume Workshop. Fragonard Perfume Museum is right across the Opera House, making it easy to do both on the same morning.

We booked this 45-minute perfume-making class at Fragonard and had such a fun time learning how perfume is made and creating our own custom scent.

The class began with a brief introduction to the basics of perfume blending. Each of us got to create our own 12ml Eau de Toilette in a spray bottle to take home, using base, heart, and top notes. It was a hands-on experience that was both creative and fun.

After the workshop, our instructor led us through the Fragonard Perfume Museum, where we learned about the history of perfume-making in France. The museum was small but interesting, with antique perfume bottles and a short overview of how perfume production has evolved over time.

The tour concluded at the Fragonard shop, where the instructor introduced us to some of their best-selling products and explained the differences between Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne, something I had never fully understood before.

We ended up buying a set of five assorted mini bottles, which made great souvenirs. I got Bella De Nuit for myself, which is one of the best sellers at Fragonard. It’s both floral and fruity, and I really love the scent!

If you enjoy scents, creativity, or want to enjoy a fun activity with your group, this is a great addition to your Paris itinerary. It is not just for kids, although my teens loved it!. My husband and I enjoyed it as well. Be sure to book your spot in advance, as the classes are small and do fill up quickly.

➡️ We took this 45-minute perfume-making class at Fragonard, and I highly recommend it!

Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is just a short walk from the Opéra Garnier, and even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth a visit. The building interior is beautiful, with a stunning stained-glass dome ceiling that’s the highlight of the main hall.

We checked out the Glasswalk, a short glass platform that extends out under the dome. It’s a fun photo spot, but you do need a free timed reservation to go on it. We made ours online while we were there and waited about 15 minutes for our turn.

After that, we went up to the rooftop terrace, which has great panoramic views of the neighborhood, the Opéra House, and even the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It’s free to access and a great spot for photos.

We had lunch in the food court there, but to be honest, we didn’t like the food and wouldn’t recommend it. The mall itself is very high-end, with luxury brands throughout. We didn’t do any shopping, it was definitely out of our budget, but it was still worth visiting the mall for the glass walk and the terrace.

Explore a Parisian Neighborhood

In the evening, take some time to explore one of Paris’s charming neighborhoods. You can wander around the area near your hotel or take the metro to explore somewhere new. Here are a few great options that are pedestrian-friendly and full of local character:

• Le Marais – Trendy and historic, with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and art galleries.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Elegant and classic, with literary cafés, bookstores, and charming side streets.
• Latin Quarter – Lively and student-friendly, with casual bistros, old churches, and a youthful vibe.
• Île Saint-Louis – Quaint and scenic, great for riverside walks, Berthillon ice cream, and peaceful cafés.
• Montmartre – Artsy and hilltop, known for Sacré-Cœur, street artists, and panoramic views of Paris.

On our recent trip, we stayed at Hotel Résidence des Arts, which was perfectly located between Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter. We had a great time walking around the neighborhood, checking out boutiques, souvenir shops, and trying new restaurants. This was truly our favorite activity on our recent trip.

And of course, we couldn’t resist grabbing a crepe from a corner shop or a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) from a local bakery while we wandered. Both were delicious and made our strolls even more enjoyable.

One of the things I loved seeing everywhere were the tiny outdoor café tables, always packed with people. Almost every café had sidewalk seating, and it felt like a very Parisian thing to do, just sitting outside with a coffee or a drink. We stopped at a few ourselves during our trip, and it was a great way to take a break and soak in the atmosphere. But in my honest opinion, the tables are too close together!

Ladies, if brand-name purses are out of your budget (like they are for me), check out a shop called Blue Lemon. They sell high-quality leather purses under 100 euros, and I was impressed with the color selection and prices. I bought two purses as souvenirs.

Another great shop we discovered was City Pharma, renowned for its extensive selection of French skincare and cosmetics. My teen girls and I ended up with a great haul, definitely worth a stop if you enjoy browsing beauty products.

Whether you’re shopping, café-hopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere, spending some unstructured time in a Paris neighborhood is one of the best ways to experience the city.

Day 4: Day trip to Versailles

We dedicated our final day in Paris to exploring the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our trip. If you have more than three days in Paris, I highly recommend adding this day trip. It’s an easy train ride and a chance to see one of France’s most iconic royal estates. Here’s how we did it.

Getting There

We took the RER C train from Saint‑Michel Notre‑Dame and arrived at Versailles Château–Rive Gauche station. It took about 45 minutes, followed by a ten-minute walk to the palace gates.

➡️ If you want to visit Versailles from Paris by train with a guided tour, I recommend this small group Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris – It’s similar to what we did, but with a guide who will take care of tickets and entry.

Booking Tickets

We booked our Passport tickets online through the official Versailles site about a month before our trip. That ticket covered entry to the palace, the gardens, Grand and Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet. We reserved the 9 AM entry slot, which meant no lines. When we arrived around 9:10, we walked right in.

Exploring the Estate

Main Palace: We wandered through the opulent rooms, admired the grand chandeliers and the painted ceilings, and spent time in the stunning Hall of Mirrors. While it was the most crowded room, the grandeur was still breathtaking.

Grand and Petit Trianon: We took the Little Train through the gardens to reach these further buildings. Both the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon were less extravagant than the main palace, but at the same time, elegant and filled with natural light.

Queen’s Hamlet: A short walk from the Petit Trainon, Queen’s Hamlet is a collection of rustic, thatched-roof cottages around a lake. It looks whimsical and straight out of a fairy tale.

Gardens: The gardens are massive, nearly 2,000 acres, with manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures, and long tree-lined pathways. So glad we used the Little Train (about €8) to get around instead of walking. At the Grand Canal stop, we checked out the Apollo Fountain.

I highly recommend booking an early timeslot to avoid the crowds and the heat (in summer months). Also wear your most comfortable shoes, we walked close to 20,000 steps that day! Bring water and snacks.

There are restaurants in the main palace and the gardens. We ate lunch at Angelina’s near the Petit Trianon, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. However, the hot chocolate presentation at this location didn’t quite match the famous Instagram photos, as we didn’t get the side of whipped cream.

➡️ Check my detailed write-up about our Versailles day trip from Paris.

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 numbered districts called arrondissements, which spiral outward from the city center. The lower the number, the more central the location.

I highly recommend staying somewhere close to the Seine River, between the Notre Dame area and the Eiffel Tower. It’s a central, scenic stretch of the city that puts you within easy reach of major sights, charming neighborhoods, and metro access.

Good areas to look for hotels include the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements. Our hotel was in the 5th arrondissement, right across from Notre Dame, and it was the perfect location to get anywhere.

Our stay at Hotel Résidence des Arts

We stayed at Hotel Résidence des Arts, a cozy boutique hotel between Saint‑Germain and the Latin Quarter. It was within walking distance of cafés, metro stations, and RER stations, just steps from the Seine River, and situated in a lively, walkable neighborhood.

We booked two rooms since the teenage kids now need their own room and bathroom. It becomes a war zone if we all have to share a room 🙂 The rooms were on the smaller side, as is typical in Paris, but they were beautifully furnished. What made our stay exceptional was the location and the excellent service provided by the friendly staff.

The included breakfast made our day! We loved the freshly-baked goods every morning and the delicious espresso coffee. Coffee in Europe tastes so much better than in the US! And the baguette bread still comes in my dreams 🙂

I highly recommend Hotel Résidence des Arts and its sister property across the street, Hôtel Villa d’Estrées, both of which are managed by the same staff.

Here are a few other hotel options to consider:

Hotel Du Levant (mid-range) – This boutique hotel was on my shortlist, but it was unavailable for our dates. It’s in a great location in the Latin Quarter, very close to where we stayed. Reviews consistently praise the friendly staff, and it includes breakfast. Offers connecting family rooms and triple rooms.

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (higher-range) – If you’re dreaming of a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view, this is a popular option, but it’s on the pricier side. Be sure to book a room on a higher floor that offers a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Final Takeaways

After two trips to Paris, I still feel like there’s more to see and do. But if it’s your first time visiting, this 4-day itinerary covers the major highlights at a relaxed pace, with just enough time to soak in the atmosphere that makes Paris so special.

Some of our favorite memories weren’t at the big landmarks; they were walking along the Seine at sunset, discovering a new pastry at a neighborhood bakery, or people-watching from a tiny outdoor café table.

Paris has a way of drawing you in slowly, so leave some room in your schedule to simply wander. Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or use it as a loose guide, I hope it helps you plan a memorable trip to the City of Lights. I can’t wait to go back again!

More Europe Travels

Check out my travels to other European destinations below:

Our easy day trip to Versailles from Paris (by train)

London Itinerary: How we spent 7 days on our first visit!

Our memorable 4 Days in Switzerland Itinerary