Paris is everything you've dreamed – and more. In 4 days, you can experience the city's greatest hits while still leaving time to wander, eat, and fall in love with the City of Light.
Best Time
Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct. Avoid August (locals leave).
Budget
€100-150/day mid-range, €250+ luxury
Transport
Get a Navigo Easy card for metro. Walk when you can!
Day 1: Iconic Paris
Morning
- Eiffel Tower – Book tickets online in advance! Go to the summit if it's clear.
- Walk along the Champ de Mars for photos.
Afternoon
- Seine River cruise (1 hour, ~€15) or walk along the river.
- Musée d'Orsay – Impressionist masterpieces (Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir).
Evening
- Walk across Pont Alexandre III at sunset.
- Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés – try Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots for the ambiance.
- Return to Eiffel Tower for the sparkling lights (on the hour after dark).
🎫 Skip the Lines: Book Eiffel Tower tickets 60+ days ahead. For Louvre, book early morning or evening slots.
Day 2: Art & History
Morning
- Louvre Museum – Book the earliest entry (9 AM). See the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory.
- Don't try to see everything – pick 2-3 areas and enjoy them.
Afternoon
- Walk through the Tuileries Garden toward Place de la Concorde.
- Stroll up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Climb the Arc for panoramic views (€13).
Evening
- Explore the Le Marais neighborhood – trendy boutiques, galleries, great food.
- Try falafel at L'As du Fallafel or French cuisine at Breizh Café.
Day 3: Neighborhoods
Morning
- Montmartre – Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica for views over all of Paris.
- Wander the artistic streets, see the Moulin Rouge (exterior).
- Breakfast at a café in Place du Tertre.
Afternoon
- Notre-Dame Cathedral – Still under restoration but worth seeing from outside.
- Walk through the Latin Quarter – Shakespeare & Company bookstore, Luxembourg Gardens.
Evening
- Seine-side drinks at Rosa Bonheur sur Seine or similar floating bar.
- Dinner in the Latin Quarter or head to trendy Canal Saint-Martin.
Day 4: Choose Your Adventure
Option A: Versailles Day Trip
- Take RER C to Palace of Versailles (40 min).
- Book skip-the-line tickets. Allow 4-5 hours for palace + gardens.
- Return to Paris for farewell dinner.
Option B: Hidden Paris
- Père Lachaise Cemetery – Visit graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf.
- Rue Crémieux – Colorful Instagram-famous street.
- Palais Royal – Beautiful gardens, fewer tourists.
Option C: Shop & Relax
- Le Bon Marché or Galeries Lafayette for shopping.
- Afternoon tea at a fancy hotel or macaron tasting at Ladurée.
Where to Eat in Paris
Croissants
Du Pain et des Idées, Blé Sucré
Cheese
Fromagerie Laurent Dubois
Wine Bar
Le Baron Rouge, Septime La Cave
Classic French
Bouillon Chartier (budget), Le Comptoir (splurge)
💡 Tip: Skip restaurants right next to major attractions. Walk 2-3 blocks for better food and prices.
Where to Stay
Le Marais Boutique Hotel
✨ Best neighborhood, charming rooms
Hotel Plaza Athénée
✨ Iconic luxury, Eiffel Tower views
Generator Paris
✨ Stylish hostel, great bar, young vibe
Paris Museum Pass
€52 for 2 days. Worth it if you're doing Louvre + Versailles + one more.
Learn Some French
Just "Bonjour" and "Merci" go a long way. Parisians appreciate the effort.
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