4 Days in Paris: The Classics

Paris matches any pace, but 4 days is the perfect amount of time to see the "Big Three" attractions while still having time to sit in a café and do nothing - which is the most Parisian activity of all.

Trip Overview

• Duration: 4 Days
• Pace: Moderate
• Best For: First-time visitors, Couples

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Day 1: The Icons

Focus: Eiffel Tower, Seine, Arc de Triomphe

Morning

Start at Trocadéro for the best view of the Eiffel Tower. Walk down through the gardens, cross the Seine, and walk under the tower (you need a ticket to go up, book months in advance!).

Afternoon

Walk along the Seine banks (UNESCO heritage site). Take a Bateau Mouche river cruise.

Evening

Head to the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for the best panorama of Paris (including the Eiffel Tower). Walk down the Champs-Élysées for a bit (but eat dinner elsewhere, as it's touristy/overpriced).

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Day 2: History & Art

Focus: Louvre, Tuileries, Palais Royal

Morning

The Louvre. Arrive with a pre-booked ticket. Focus on one wing (Denon Wing for Mona Lisa and Italian masters).

Afternoon

Walk through the Tuileries Garden. Have hot chocolate at Angelina (touristy but delicious). Explore the striped columns of the Palais Royal.

Evening

Dinner in a classic bistro near Les Halles or Rue Montorgueil.

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Day 3: Bohemian Paris

Focus: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur

Morning

Take the metro to Anvers or Abbesses. Walk up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view is great.

Afternoon

Explore the artists' square Place du Tertre (go early or just pass through). Wander the quieter backstreets of Montmartre like Rue de l'Abreuvoir. Visit the Musée de Montmartre for a quiet garden.

Evening

Head down the hill to SOPI (South Pigalle) for trendy cocktail bars and dinner.

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Day 4: Trendy Paris

Focus: Le Marais, Notre Dame

Morning

Start at Notre Dame (check restoration viewing status). Walk across to the Île Saint-Louis for Berthillon ice cream.

Afternoon

Explore Le Marais. Visit the Place des Vosges (oldest planned square in Paris). Shop in the boutiques along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois. Visit the Picasso Museum or Carnavalet Museum (history of Paris, free entry!).

Evening

Falafel on Rue des Rosiers (L'As du Fallafel is the famous one) or a sit-down dinner in a cozy Marais bistro.