4 days in Paris
Boulevards, bakeries and the best people-watching on earth. A 4-day plan.
Paris rewards slow travellers. Beyond the icons, it is a city of neighbourhood markets, zinc-counter cafés and riverside evenings that stretch long into summer.
Day by day
Day 1: Islands and the Left Bank
Start at Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité. Lunch in Saint-Germain, spend the afternoon at the Musée d'Orsay, then take an evening river cruise.
Day 2: The Louvre and the Marais
Arrive at the Louvre for opening and focus on two wings. Walk the Tuileries, then wander the Marais and Place des Vosges, with falafel on Rue des Rosiers.
Day 3: Montmartre and the canal
Climb to Sacré-Cœur early, explore Montmartre's lanes, then head down to Canal Saint-Martin for pastries and a canal-side apéro.
Day 4: Versailles and the Eiffel Tower
Take the RER C to Versailles for the palace and gardens. Return for sunset at Trocadéro and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
Make it work
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. See the season calendar.
- Book ahead: the most popular sights and restaurants, especially in peak season.
- Where to eat along the way: Bouillon Chartier, Septime, L'As du Fallafel.
- Getting around: The Métro is fast and cheap; buy a Navigo Easy card or use contactless.
Short on time, or staying longer?
With less time, keep the first days and skip the day trip. With more, add a slower day for a neighbourhood from our best areas to stay, or choose more from the full list of things to do.
Opening days and times change, and some sights close one day a week. Check before you go. Last reviewed October 2026.