4 Days in Paris: A Perfect Paris Itinerary for First Timers
Planning your first trip to Paris? With so many incredible things to do and see, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed putting together an itinerary. Paris is one of my favorite cities to come back to, and this is how I’d spend four days there as a first-timer — enough time to hit the icons without running yourself completely ragged.
Feel free to customize it to match your travel style. No matter what, you’re sure to have an amazing first trip to Paris.
Ready for some epic Paris sightseeing? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
A Perfect Weekend Getaway from Amsterdam
If you’re coming from Amsterdam, Paris makes for a genuinely great long weekend — no flight needed. The direct Eurostar train (formerly Thalys) runs city center to city center, Amsterdam Centraal straight to Paris Gare du Nord, in about 3 hours 20 minutes, with multiple departures a day. Tickets start around €35-40 one-way if you book ahead, and there’s no airport security line or getting-to-the-airport time to factor in — you just show up at Centraal and get on the train.
That makes this 4-day itinerary an easy add-on to a longer European trip, or a great standalone weekend getaway on its own. If you want to make the most of your time in Amsterdam too before or after your Paris trip, check out our 3 day Amsterdam itinerary for how to spend your time there.
4 days in Paris
- Day 1: Iconic Monuments: Seine River Cruise, Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler, Hotel des Invalides, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe
- Day 2: Museums and Montmartre: Louvre, Musee d Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur
- Day 3: Île de la Cité & Luxembourg Garden: Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Luxembourg Gardens
- Day 4: Take a Day Trip to Versailles, Lyon or Reims
Day 1: Iconic Monuments
On your first day in Paris, you’re going to be excited. You’ll want to see everything!
Day 1 hits many of the top attractions in the City of Light, and involves the most walking of the whole trip, nearly 7 km in total. Be sure to take a lot of breaks (cafés are handy) or use public transportation for longer distances to make sure you pace yourself.
Seine River Cruise
The best way to get oriented in Paris is to start your trip with a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River.
There are a surprising number of iconic Paris attractions lining the banks of the Seine.
You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, pass under the elaborate Pont Alexandre III, and admire the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame as you circle the islands in the Seine.
Several tour companies offer sightseeing Seine cruises; choose the one that works best for you. We’d recommend the Bateaux Parisiens, just because their dock is at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where you’re heading next!
Eiffel Tower
No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is not only one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, but one of the most famous landmarks in France.
For the best views, head over to the Jardin du Trocadéro – it’s just across the Seine from the Tower. The waters of the fountain add a splash to your Eiffel Tower pictures!
Next, cross the river to admire the Tower up close. It may surprise you that this incredible structure was intended to be temporary!
If you want to ascend the tower, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance – particularly if you’re visiting in the busy summer months.
Rue Cler
Halfway between the Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel des Invalides is Rue Cler. Rue Cler is one of the best market streets in Paris, and this neighborhood is a great place to stay when you visit.
Rue Cler is a great place to stop for a break. It’s lined with colorful cafés and shops where you can buy cheese, fresh produce, gelato, and more. For a quick bite, enjoy a crêpe or some decadent French pastries.
Hôtel des Invalides
The Hôtel des Invalides is one of the most striking buildings in Paris, particularly on a bright day when the sun shines off the gilded dome.
The Hôtel des Invalides houses various military museums and is also the site of Napoleon’s tomb. If you’re a fan of military history, you’ll want to take some time to visit the museums. The miniature models of fortresses are a particular highlight.
Tip: for the best views, walk to the back (south) side of the Hôtel des Invalides.
Champs-Élysées
Next, head north towards the Champs-Élysées. While there are several bridges crossing the Seine, you’ll want to cross via the Pont Alexandre III.
Pont Alexandre III is the most beautiful bridge in Paris. Take a moment to admire the Beaux-Arts décor with its elaborate lamps and golden statues.
The Champs-Élysées is the most famous street in Paris, stretching from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s lined with myriad high-end stores, where you can shop to your heart’s content. Stop by Ladurée or Pierre Hermé for some mouthwatering macarons!
Arc de Triomphe
End your first day in Paris at the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most recognizable Parisian monuments. It was commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate French military victories and is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Cross under the road, and climb to the top of the monument. From here, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. And if you visit at night, you can see the Tower put on its sparkling lights show!
Day 2: Museums & Montmartre
Your second day in Paris will focus on visiting one of the most famous museums in the city, then ending the day in Montmartre.
The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are both amazing museums, so pick which one is best for you. (You certainly can’t visit both properly on the same day!) It’s a good idea to purchase your museum tickets in advance to save time.
Day 2 involves less city walking (only 3-4 km), but you’ll be doing a lot of walking inside the museum, which adds up.
Louvre
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. Its collections hold nearly 500,000 pieces of art!
If you choose to visit the Louvre, do a little homework in advance to identify your ‘must-see’ artworks. Plan your route to see those pieces first, and then you can browse the vast collection until you run out of steam.
Some of the most famous art at the Louvre include paintings such as the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People, and gorgeous sculptures including the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Musée d’Orsay
If you’re a fan of Impressionist art, then you may want to visit the Musée d’Orsay instead. This museum boasts the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world!
This museum is housed inside a former train station, the Gare d’Orsay, with its signature clock. The bright and spacious halls of the Beaux-Arts train station provide a gorgeous display space for its sculpture gallery.
The Musée d’Orsay features pieces by artists such as van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Degas, and Renoir.
Jardin des Tuileries
After your museum visit, take a break in the Jardin des Tuileries. This beautiful park is located just west of the Louvre and across the Seine from the Musée d’Orsay.
Stroll through the tree-lined walkways of the formal gardens, or pull up a chair and rest as you watch the sparkling waters in the fountains. There are a few restaurants in the gardens and plenty of dining options in the blocks north of the Jardin des Tuileries.
Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Paris, and you’ll notice its distinctive vibe. Montmartre has always attracted artists, including notables such as Monet, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec.
You’ll also notice that Montmartre is a hill – you’ll get a bit of a workout as you make your way through its cobblestoned lanes to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. (For an easier visit to Montmartre, take the funicular to the top!)
Take a moment to visit the “I Love You Wall” in the Square Jehan Rictus. The phrase is written in hundreds of languages across this famed wall, and it can be tricky to find “I Love You” in your language!
Sacré-Cœur
The stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits atop the hill of Montmartre. From this vantage point, you can enjoy some of the best views of Paris!
This iconic basilica is immediately recognizable for its unique architecture, three domes, and gleaming white exterior. Be sure to tour the inside to see the artworks and the fabulous mosaics of this amazing religious monument.
It’s free to visit the basilica, but you will need to be appropriately dressed. Note: there is a cost to visit the crypt or climb the dome.
Day 3: Île de la Cité & Luxembourg Garden
It’s worth not scheduling every moment of your trip! You never know what will grab your attention and draw you in for a closer look.
So, for your third day of 4 days in Paris, we’ll hit a few more of the city’s must-see attractions in the morning, and leave ‘free time’ for you to fill as you wish.
Maybe you want to spend the afternoon at a smaller museum like the Orangerie or the Musée Rodin. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see the Paris catacombs or find famous grave sites at the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
If you’re a foodie, this is a great opportunity to take a Paris food tour or even a cooking class! Or head over to the Galeries Lafayette or the Champs-Élysées for some shopping to find the perfect Paris souvenir.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024 after the 2019 fire, and it’s every bit as spectacular as before — the restoration has actually left the stonework and stained glass looking brighter than many visitors remember.
You’ll have been able to spot the cathedral during your Seine River cruise, but it is certainly worth visiting in person. The cathedral is a magnificent example of French Gothic architecture, with its signature flying buttresses, two towers, stained-glass windows, and gargoyles.
Entry to the cathedral itself is free, but you’ll need to reserve a timed slot in advance through the official site (notredamedeparis.fr) or app — this is the only legitimate way to book, and a real warning worth repeating: no third-party site or guide can sell you Notre Dame entry tickets, so treat anyone offering to as a scam. If you want to climb the towers for the view, that’s a separate ticket (around €16) through the Towers’ own official site, and worth booking ahead in peak season.
Sainte-Chapelle
The second main attraction on the Île de la Cité is Sainte-Chapelle, although it is often overlooked. This chapel is renowned for its magnificent stained-glass windows and is just a 7-minute walk from Notre Dame.
There are 15 stained-glass windows in Sainte-Chapelle and, remarkably, over half of the glass is original to the chapel.
The windows stand 15 meters tall, and they portray over 1000 scenes from the bible. When the sun is shining, Sainte-Chapelle is truly an amazing sight! (Check the weather forecast for your trip to Paris to pick which day you should visit!)
Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens are one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. As the largest garden space in the city, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature as you wander the pathways, view the flowers, and admire the statues.
Some hidden gems to seek out include the gorgeous Medici Fountain – and see if you can find the small version of Bartholdi’s Statue of Liberty.
There are plenty of chairs and benches to relax in as you take in the beauty of the Luxembourg Gardens. Picking up goodies from a local market – a baguette, some cheese, some macarons – for a picnic in the park is one of the simple pleasures of Paris.
Day 4: Take a Day Trip
While Paris is incredible, many fantastic French destinations are just a short train ride away. On your fourth day in Paris, why not take a day trip and see a bit more of France? Explore Versailles, Lyon or Reims for a great day trip!
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is certainly one of the easiest day trips from Paris. Depending on your starting point, it’s less than an hour from Paris. Just take the RER C, one of the regional express trains in the Paris area.
The Palace of Versailles is simply breathtaking. It’s like stepping back in time as you walk through the fabulous Hall of Mirrors and visit the Trianon.
The Gardens of Versailles are also spectacular, with manicured shrubbery, gorgeous statues, and dancing fountains.
Tip: It’s free to see the gardens unless you visit during the special days of the Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens. You always need tickets to tour the Palace and other buildings of Versailles – be sure to get them in advance!
Day trip to Lyon
Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France. Since it is only a 2-hour ride from Paris via the high-speed train, it is certainly worth the trip.
Lyon has something for everyone to enjoy, and you can see many of the city’s top attractions in just a day.
Start with the stunning hilltop Notre Dame Basilica and admire the panoramic city views. Stroll through historic Vieux Lyon with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and secret passageways.
Foodies will want to visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, Lyon’s gourmet market. Enjoy a hearty meal at a traditional Lyonnais bouchon or splurge on a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Final Thoughts
The hardest part about planning your first trip to Paris is wrapping your brain around the fact that you won’t be able to see everything during one trip.
There are just too many things to do in Paris! Even after multiple trips, there’s always something new to discover and hidden gems worth hunting for.
As the saying goes, “Paris is always a good idea.” And now you know the best way to spend four days there for your first visit!
Bon Voyage!
