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Planning a 4-day or 5-day trip to Paris? Let our guide help you make the most of your time in the City of Light. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, our local experts have handpicked the best activities, museums, landmarks, and hidden gems for you to explore. With 4 or 5 days in Paris, you’ll have just enough time to dive into the magic of this beautiful city.
What to Do in Paris in 4 or 5 Days
Top must-do activities for a 4-day stay:
- Enjoy amazing views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro
- Watch the sunset from the top of the Arc de Triomphe
- Take a scenic boat tour on the Seine River, with or without dinner
- Stroll romantically along the Seine’s banks
- Discover the artistic charm of Montmartre and its bohemian atmosphere
- Visit an art gallery or boutique in the trendy Marais neighborhood
- Shop in the famous Opera district and its department stores
- Marvel at masterpieces in the Louvre Museum
- Admire the stunning collection of European paintings at the Orsay Museum
- Visit a typical food market and experiment Parisian local life .
Bonus activities for an Extra 5th Day in Paris:
- Take a day trip to the Château de Versailles or Giverny to visit Monet’s Garden.
Itinerary for a 4-day trip in Paris
Your 1st Day in Paris: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum & Arc de Triomphe
Start your day at the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Take the Metro to the Trocadéro station for one of the best views of this world-famous landmark. Cross the Iéna bridge to get up close, and don’t forget to book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. The Eiffel Tower is a must see for your first time in Paris.
Next, head to the Louvre Museum.
Dive into history and art as you explore the treasures of the Renaissance, Romanticism, and world history, from Egyptian relics to ancient masterpieces. Our advice : Plan at least 2 hours for this visit. but don’t spend more than 4 hours because it can tiring.
Lunch Break:
Around the Palais Royal or Montorgueil districts, you’ll find great spots for a relaxing lunch. You can also have a original lunch break thanks to many lunch cruise on the Seine river.
Afternoon stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries.
Enjoy the peaceful gardens, then make your way past the Place de la Concorde to the grand Champs-Élysées. A little shopping spree here wouldn’t hurt!
Finish your day at the Arc de Triomphe.
Climb to the top for a magnificent sunset view over Paris. This historical monument is one of the symbols of the French capital.
Optional Evening Activity: A Seine River Cruise.
End your day with a peaceful boat tour. It offers an amazing view of the illuminated monuments of Paris . BateuxChoose from a short cruise or indulge in a dinner cruise for an unforgettable evening.
Day 2: Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité, & Montmartre
Morning on Île de la Cité.
Start your day at the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Don’t miss the stained-glass beauty of Sainte-Chapelle nearby.
Afternoon in Montmartre.
Explore the winding streets of this historic quarter, passing by the lively Place du Tertre and visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for an unbeatable view over the city. Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Les Abbesses, and stop by a museum or cabaret like the famous Moulin Rouge.
Evening Suggestion:
Skip the touristy spots and enjoy dinner at a local bistro around the Lamarck-Caulaincourt area for an authentic Parisian vibe. Restaurants propose their better food at a lower price.
Day 3: Orsay Museum, Luxembourg Gardens & Latin Quarter
Begin your day with the Musée d’Orsay.
Home to the greatest works of Impressionism, this museum is a must for art lovers. Set aside at least two hours to admire works by Monet, Van Gogh, and more. Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism.., Many major trends of European paintings are represented.
Explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
After your museum visit, take a walk through this historic district, known for its artistic past and high-end boutiques. If you have time, stop by the Musée Rodin or shop in the chic Bon Marché.
Relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Take a break in one of Paris’ most beautiful parks, a favorite of locals and literary legends alike.
Afternoon in the Latin Quarter.
Wander through the lively streets of this academic hub, home to the Sorbonne and historic landmarks like the Pantheon. End your day with a visit to the Jardin des Plantes or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of rue Mouffetard.
Day 4 in Paris: Opéra District, Shopping, & Le Marais
Morning shopping in the Opéra district.
Kick off your day at Galeries Lafayette or Le Printemps for an iconic Parisian shopping experience. Don’t miss the stunning architecture of the Opéra Garnier nearby.
Afternoon in the Marais.
Explore the charming streets of this trendy neighborhood, filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Be sure to visit Place des Vosges, one of the most picturesque squares in the city, and the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest market.
Optional Museums:
For art lovers, the Centre Pompidou (for contemporary Art), Picasso Museum, or Musée Carnavalet, Musée Marmottan-Monet (impressionism) are all great options. The two last ones are less crowded.
Additional Day Trip and activities for a 5-day trip in paris
If you’re lucky enough to have a fifth day in Paris, consider heading outside the city for a day trip to the Château de Versailles. Admire the grandeur of the palace, explore its extensive gardens, and enjoy lunch in the quaint town of Versailles.
Alternatively, may consider visiting Giverny to explore the residence and gardens of Claude Monet, a sanctuary that served as a source of inspiration for the Impressionism master.
Tips for your first stay in Paris
- Enjoy local life in a lively neighborhoods, like la Villette, la Butte aux Cailles, Batignolles, Saint-Ouen or the 10th and 11th arrondissement .
- Shop at a local market like a true Parisian, pick up fresh food and groceries, and then enjoy cooking a homemade meal. Our favorite markets: Marché des Batignolles, Marché d’Aligre, Marché Saxe-Breteuil and the most original , the Marché Barbes (Many African and north-African food)
- Use metro or buses to travel inside Paris, it is safe and good value. Buy a Navigo Day Pass and download Ile-de-France mobility app to save money. Read more about the metro in Paris.
- If you travel with kids, many restaurants propose special menu for kids and many museum entrances are free for them
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