What to see in Paris in 4 days

Paris was born around the Seine. Today we tour its historical heart, home to some of the most important cultural icons in the country.

A walk around the island helps understand the birth of the city and its origins, traveling back through centuries of history and events that you can still see today because they left an indelible mark.

A masterpiece of French Gothic, Notre Dame Cathedral has seen coronations, revolutions and restorations. The façade is an authentic medieval stone book. We tell you more in our post: A guide to visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, opening hours, tickets and activities.

Once you have left and admired the Grand Dame of Paris, walk 5 minutes to the next point.

Built to house royal relics, it features 13th-century stained-glass windows that transform light into colour. An architectural treasure that is no better than the magnificent Paris Cathedral, but it does have a certain charm that you must not miss.

From here, we should cross the Pont Neuf to the Louvre with a pleasant walk. You can also take advantage of a bite to eat nearby. Everything is delicious.

The perfect transition between history and art. If you have decided to spend an afternoon enjoying one of the most important museums in the world, we recommend you plan in advance and at least visit and see part of the museum.

Former royal palace now the most influential museum in the world. Here we understand why Paris is the global capital of culture.

As we leave the Louvre, we are directly to the adjoining garden.

Designed in the seventeenth century, it connects the Louvre with the Champs Élysées and is the historical axis of the city. It’s colorful and well cared for and has a pond surrounded by chairs where you can sit and rest before continuing with your route.

From here, we recommend you visit the landing areas for the Seine to enjoy the following experience.

An unforgettable first contact in the evening. You can start as the sunset begins, depending on what time of year you plan to visit Paris.

Banks of the Seine

World Heritage, a walk alongside the river at sunset is one of the great pleasures of visiting Paris in 4 days. You can also book a cruise on the Seine with dinner included, or dine in the surroundings if your hotel is far away.

Today we visit the most famous Paris in the world and its iconic places and monuments throughout the passage of time.

Built for the Universal Exhibition in 1889, it went from being controversial to a national symbol. We recommend you get your tickets here before you go. You can take the first two floors on foot and stay there or buy a third floor which is mandatory in the lift. The views are incredible from every angle.

On the beautiful day, take a walk around the Champ de Mars and enjoy a picnic.

Late afternoon, we will take the chance to enjoy the impressionist art and all the details that you can find in the museum. 

Old station converted into a museum of French impressionism. Impressive spaces that house works such as The Ballerina by Degas, the dance at the Moulin de la Galette by Renoir or the Poppies by Monet.

Once we have left, we can take a panoramic view of the surroundings and the sunset view of the Seine. Cross the river to Saint-Germain.

At this point in the itinerary, relax and use your sense of smell to choose the restaurants that most appeal to you. You’ll be right. If you wish, you can read our post Explore the Latin Quarter to learn more.

Latin Quarter

A historic, lively and authentic university area to end the day. If you want to make the most of the last few hours of the sun, take a walk through the district until you reach the Luxembourg Gardens and see the Pantheon from outside.

A perfect day for travelers looking for more than just business in Paris. A day to calmly enjoy a very creative period in Paris.

If you would like to know more about this, we recommend our full guide on What to see in Montmartre and What to see in the Marais.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the highest point in Paris and offers one of the best urban views in Europe. On a clear day, you can see Paris as it was seen by the bohemian artists who used to visit Paris.

From here you can use the funicular to continue enjoying the views or take a pleasant walk towards Pigalle.

The Place des Vosges is the oldest planned place in Paris and an icon of aristocratic urban design in the seventeenth century. A frequent location for filming, with a central fountain and arcades full of cafes and shops frequented by Parisians.

We walk towards the Place de la Bastilla.

As night falls, you can stop for an early dinner on the way or take a few last photos of the day and enjoy the square before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Place de la Bastilla

A revolutionary symbol and modern cultural and nocturnal hotspot. This square has a lively atmosphere and you will definitely see both Parisians and visitors bringing a lot of life to the square.

Surrounded by bars, theaters and terraces, it is an ideal meeting point for strolling around and enjoying the Parisian nightlife, where history and modernity coexist.

We end our 4-day trip to Paris with modern contrasts. You can always get more information in What to see in Montparnasse and What to see in La Defense.

Montparnasse Tower, the viewpoint offers the best possible views. Enjoy a bright and clear view of Paris. The viewpoint provides stunning views of the city, ideal for admiring the Eiffel Tower and starting the day with a unique panoramic view.

In the morning, Montparnasse invites you to take a leisurely stroll between the cafés, bakeries and markets. The streets have an artistic and relaxed vibe, perfect for discovering Parisian life and enjoying all the rhythms of the city.

You'll see the most dynamic and contemporary trends. Between skyscrapers, open squares and works of urban art, it is the perfect place for a walk, shopping or enjoying a break in the open air.

A modern arch that reinterprets the history of Paris. This is a lesser-known attraction with a monumental architecture and modern design that contrasts with the history of Paris. 

After this excursion, we return to the city centre.

To say goodbye to Paris, nothing like a walk alongside the Seine at the end of the afternoon. With the illuminated monuments and reflections in the water and bridges that set the pace for the process, the atmosphere invites you to spend your last moments in the city with calm and charm.

Final stroll on the Seine

The perfect end to a four-day Paris itinerary. You can book a small cruise with or without dinner or sit in one of the bars and enjoy the atmosphere. 

It’s now up to you whether you want to dine out or go back to the hotel. Either option is perfect.