Paris, the City of Light, is the kind of destination that dreams—and Instagram feeds—are made of. It is the most popular tourism destination IN THE WORLD, welcoming around 50 million travelers every single year. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to charming cobblestone streets perfect for aimless strolling, Paris offers a little something for everyone. 

But with so much to see, planning your first trip to Paris can feel like a tour de force. That’s where this itinerary comes in! 

I have visited Paris multiple times since moving to Europe 5 years ago. This 4-day Paris itinerary is designed to help first-timers make the most of their visit, balancing the must-see sights with enough time to soak up the city’s romance, history, and delicious pastries (because let’s face it, no Paris trip is complete without a croissant or three). Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, or just a reason to eat an unreasonable amount of baguettes, this itinerary includes it all. So, grab your beret and prepare to fall head over heels for Paris.

The Perfect 4-Day Paris Long Weekend Itinerary

Overview

I have already published a post all about the best things to see, eat & do in Paris. This itinerary is specifically about how I would efficiently organize a long weekend trip to Paris. I’ve laid out the itinerary intentionally to maximize time spent doing activities & visiting sights. Attractions are paired together and organized in a way that will save you lots of time on the metro moving around the city. The itinerary is designed to flow easily. You’ll see a lot and you’ll probably be tired at the end, but at least you’ll have seen Paris efficiently!

Whenever I travel in Paris, I use the Métro. It is the fastest and most convenient transit option, with 16 lines and over 300 stations covering nearly every corner of the city. Single tickets cost €2.10, but if you plan to use public transit frequently, consider purchasing a Navigo Easy Card or a Paris Visite Pass, which offers unlimited travel for 1–5 days on the Métro, buses, trams, and RER trains.

For shorter distances, walking is often the best way to explore Paris’s charming neighborhoods. Paris is highly walkable, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare to explore the city’s historic avenues on foot. You'll be hitting 20,000 steps daily pretty easily.

Logistical Details for Paris

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or neighbourhoods, so choosing the right area for accommodation during your Paris trip is a critical decision. I have visited Paris many different times, and I try to stay in different areas on each visit. 

You could argue that there is not a bad area to stay in Paris; but if it is your first visit, you will want to stay closer to the heart of the city. This helps maximize your time exploring rather than moving around on the metro. Here are a few arrondissements I would recommend for first time visitors:

• 1st Arrondissement: most central area for touristic exploration, but comes with the highest price tags and swankiest digs.
• Le Marais: historic and central neighborhood offers excellent walkability, great transit connections, and some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and attractions.
• 2nd Arrondissement: trendy area with amazing food, drinks, and a slightly lower price tag than Le Marais, making it a favorite for cool vibes and convenience.
• Latin Quarter: very close to Notre Dame, The Seine, and the Pantheon. Hotel prices here to be more expensive than in Montmartre, but it is a beautiful and central neighbourhood 
• 9th Arrondissement: budget-friendly, central option with vibrant nightlife, affordable hotels, and plenty of wine bars, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby.
• Montmartre (18th Arr.): Ideal for a romantic getaway, this charming hilltop village with cobblestone streets and artistic history feels like a fairy tale but is slightly farther from the city center.

If you’re on a short visit, I recommend staying in one spot. However, if you are going to be visiting Paris for longer, you might consider changing locations to get a different experience.

Where to Eat in Paris

Foodie travelers, like myself, will delight in all of the incredible restaurants, bakeries and bistros that Paris has to offer. From buttery croissants that practically melt in your mouth to elegant Michelin-starred dinners, the food in Paris is nothing short of legendary. To avoid this post getting too long (although it is already quite long, lol), I have an entirely separate Paris restaurant guide. With my food travel guide, you’ll savor the very best that Paris has to offer, broken down by meal so you’re never far from your next delicious bite. 

Day 1: Art, Culture & Hidden Gems

Morning: Louvre

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest and most visited art museum, home to over 35,000 works of art spanning more than 4,000 years of history. I would say this is a natural place to start your trip in Paris! First entry to the museum is at 9am. For a first time visit, I think you should plan to spend 3 hours in the Louvre. 

I would strongly recommend hiring a docent or museum guide. I have booked them through My Private Paris before, and it makes the experience so much richer. You’ll learn about the works on a deeper level, and can customize your visit around your areas of interest.

One thing you need to accept about the Louvre before going – you CANNOT see everything. If you were to spend 30 seconds looking at each work inside the Louvre, it would take more than 1 month to see everything. Make a list of the pieces, or at least the category of art, that you want to see. Then you can create a walking route through the massive museum, which has more than 400 rooms. 

Afternoon: Tuileries Garden & Musée de l’Orangerie

There is a food court in the Louvre Mall, but honestly – the food all kind of sucks there. Instead, make a reservation for Le Fumoir around the corner from the Louvre. This beautiful French & Scandinavian restaurant accepts reservations for lunch and is well worth the price tag. Plus, you can sit down for a little while, recovering from a long morning in the Louvre.

After lunch, wander through Tuileries Garden. Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this is one of the most famous public gardens in Paris. Tuileries is an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll, with symmetrical paths, fountains, statues, and manicured lawns. The Place de la Concorde is a massive public square, which hosted Olympic events in 2024 and the beheading of Marie Antoinette in 1793. You’ll recognize it by the large obelisk in the center. 

Also at the end of Tuileries Garden is your next art stop: Musée de l'Orangerie. Home to an intimate collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, the museum’s star attraction is Monet’s Water Lilies—eight magnificent murals displayed in a circular room designed specifically for them, creating an immersive experience. Let me tell you, this room changed my brain chemistry. The museum is relatively small and can be explored in an hour or two, in case you are reaching the end of your museum tolerance for one day. 

Evening: 2nd Arrondissement  

Known for its vibrant food scene, the 2nd Arrondissement is one of Paris’s trendiest and most dynamic neighborhoods. Despite its proximity to major sights, the area maintains a relaxed, slightly under-the-radar vibe, making it a favorite among those seeking an authentic Parisian experience. I especially like the area around the Jardin du Palais Royal, a tucked away garden surrounding by chic boutiques and cafes.

If you’ve got some energy left, I recommend doing a bit of retail therapy in this area. The Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping area full of independent shops. Pop into L'APARTÉ, a paper flower store, to marvel at the incredible creations. Or dig for a vintage print or map at Athanase, my favorite store in Paris.

After a long day of art & museums, wind down at one of the trendy bistros, chic wine bars, and speakeasy bars in this area. The pedestrian-friendly Rue Montorgueil is a highlight, lined with gourmet markets, fresh produce stalls, and cozy cafés, perfect for experiencing everyday Parisian life. I can also recommend the down-to-earth Ellsworth for small plates or La Bourse et La Vie for superb French bistro cuisine. Wash down dinner with a glass of wine at Juveniles, a cozy unpretentious wine bar with comfortable seating.

Day 2: Landmarks and Views

Morning: Eiffel Tower

Yes, it may be touristy to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower but hey–it is a Paris must-do for first timers! The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris and stands as one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Just keep in mind that the Eiffel Tower isn’t very close to anything else in Paris, so it is a bit of a trek to get out there. 

The Eiffel Tower offers spectacular views of the city from its various observation decks. If you want to climb the tower, you’ll need to reserve a ticket weeks (if not months) in advance. Don’t feel like you have to go to the top though. Surrounded by the Champ de Mars and Trocadéro gardens, you can easily admire the Eiffel Tower without going up to the top. My favorite spot for photos of the Eiffel Tower is Rue de l'Université just to the east.

If you are interested in a Seine River Cruise, you should do it after seeing the Eiffel Tower because most of the boats depart from Bateaux Parisiens directly in front of the Eiffel Tower. I have done these Seine River Cruises before, and they are all kind of the same. Honestly, it is not the most memorable experience I’ve ever had. But, it is a compact way to see major sights like Notre Dame, Musée d'Orsay, and the Louvre from the water. Plus the pictures can be quite nice. 

Afternoon: Arc de Triomphe

Nearly all the restaurants around the Eiffel Tower are lousy, so I would recommend heading back into the city for lunch. If you eat near the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, you can expect to pay handsomely for it – but it will also be excellent. This whole area is ritzy with a number of upscale restaurants. 

The Champs-Élysées stretches nearly 2 kilometers from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris. Lined with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and iconic landmarks, it encapsulates Parisian glamour and flair. You can shop for high-end fashion (or maybe just window shop). Alternatively, catch a film at the historic theaters, or simply stroll the tree-lined boulevard.

The Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées and honors those who fought and died for France. If you opted not to climb the Eiffel Tower, I might recommend climbing the Arc de Triomphe instead. It is WAY less stairs, WAY less popular, and you get a view of the Eiffel Tower. Win, win, win! Visitors can climb to the top for one of the best views of Paris, especially the iconic Champs-Élysées leading up to it. 

Evening: Montmartre

End your second day in Paris in Montmartre. Perched on a hill in the 18th Arrondissement, Montmartre is one of Paris’s most enchanting neighborhoods, blending bohemian charm with breathtaking views of the city. Known for its artistic history, this former village was once home to legendary figures like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir. Today, Montmartre still pulses with creativity, full of street performers, artists selling portraits in Place du Tertre, and a host of quaint cafés waiting to be discovered. I probably wouldn’t eat dinner in this area, but for a coffee or a drink, there are lots of options.

One thing to be aware of – this area is especially prone to scammers, so please keep an eye on your personal items and be skeptical of anyone that approaches you.

At the summit of Montmartre, the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a must-visit. This striking white-domed church, built in the late 19th century, offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris from its terrace. It is the best place to see the sunset in Paris! Do like a real local and pack yourself a small picnic to nibble on as you watch the sun sink below the horizon over the City of Light. 

Day 3: Historic Paris & Neighborhood Charm

Morning: Île de la Cité

Begin your day with a visit to the two islands in the middle of the Seine River. Start with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although damaged by fire in 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris reopened in December 2024 after extensive renovations. The line to go inside gets super long in the afternoon, so I would recommend visiting Notre Dame as early as you can. It opens at 8:30am. I was lucky enough to be one of the first 850,000 people to enter in the first month since reopening.

Keep up the Gothic theme with a visit to the truly magnificent Saint-Chappelle. Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX to house the Crown of Thorn relic, the chapel is most known for its stunning stained-glass windows that tell biblical stories in vivid color. The 15 windows stretch from floor to ceiling, creating a breathtaking display of light and color, particularly when the sun shines through them. 

Afternoon: Jardin du Luxembourg & Panthéon 

After a morning filled with church visits, grab lunch around the Latin Quarter. A few recommendations:

• Huitrerie Regis: freshest oysters in Paris! No-reservations needed. Every customer is required to order at least a dozen oysters, which come with really good bread and excellent salted butter. 
• Le Bon Marché: elegant and historic department store with great shopping and an even better gourmet food hall. Features an incredible selection of fine wines, cheeses, pastries, and international delicacies. 
• Crêperie Chez Germain: authentic Breton crêpes. Sweet or savoury filling options available. The classic savory is a ham, egg, and cheese combo.

Walk off the impending food como in the Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the prettiest parks in Paris. Maybe you bought a few things at Le Bon Marche for a picnic. This is the perfect place for it! The park is filled with statues, fountains, and flowerbeds. There are plenty of benches to relax, and the garden is a great place for people-watching or enjoying a picnic. 

The Pantheon is both a stunning architectural achievement and a significant historical site. Originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, it became a mausoleum for notable French figures, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Émile Zola. Visitors can explore the crypt, which houses the remains of these celebrated individuals.

Evening: Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter, located on the Left Bank of the Seine, is one of Paris’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods, brimming with intellectual charm and a bohemian spirit. Its name dates back to the Middle Ages when Latin was the language of learning at the Sorbonne University, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. 

Today, the area is a lively mix of students, locals, and tourists, with winding cobblestone streets, charming bookshops, and an array of cozy cafés. A must-visit is Shakespeare and Company, the legendary English-language bookstore that has been a haven for writers and dreamers since the 1920s. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Collège des Bernardins, a beautifully restored 13th-century monastery that often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.

Foodies will love the Latin Quarter’s diverse dining scene, from traditional Parisian bistros to casual creperies. Stroll along the Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris’s oldest streets, and browse its market stalls, gourmet shops, and quaint eateries. Another option is Kitchen Galerie Bis, an upscale French restaurant with a great pre-fixe menu.

Day 4: Art and Local Flavor

Morning: Musée d’Orsay

Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d'Orsay is a must-see for lovers of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. The museum’s collection only spans about 60 years, specifically from 1848 to 1914. The vast space of the former train station space is equally impressive, featuring grand windows and a stunning clock tower. 

In addition to beautiful paintings, the Musée d'Orsay also has a large sculpture collection which lines the main atrium. Highlights include works by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. You’ll be able to admire Francois Pompon's Polar Bear, van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône, and many other masterpieces. 

Afternoon: Opera & Surroundings

If you’re feeling peckish after the museum, pop into Café de la Paix, a glamorous cafe near the Opera House that has been around since 1875. It’s full of Art Deco detailing. Think scarlet banquettes, figured carpets and a wonderful stained glass ceiling. Plus, the food is delicious.

The Paris Opera House, or Palais Garnier, is one of the city’s most iconic architectural masterpieces. Built in the late 19th century under the direction of architect Charles Garnier, this opulent building is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the opera house to admire its lavish interiors and learn about its fascinating history, including its inspiration for Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera. 

Just a short walk from the opera house, you’ll find two other worthwhile destinations: the Fragonard Perfume Museum and Galeries Lafayette. 

• Fragonard Perfume Museum: offers a sensory journey through the history of fragrance-making in Paris, showcasing antique perfume bottles, tools, and a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that goes into creating luxury scents. 
• Galeries Lafayette: a legendary department store known for its designer fashion and beauty brands. Its breathtaking stained-glass dome and rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Paris make it a destination in its own right. 

Evening: Le Marais 

Saving the best for last! Le Marais is one of Paris’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods, known for its medieval charm, trendy boutiques, and cultural diversity. Once the aristocratic center of the city, its narrow cobblestone streets now buzz with an eclectic mix of old-world elegance and modern flair. Perfect for wandering, this neighborhood is filled with art galleries, vintage stores, and hidden courtyards, offering a perfect slice of Parisian life with a unique, bohemian twist.

You’ll find historic landmarks like the Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, and the Musée Carnavalet, which tells the city’s fascinating story. Le Marais is also home to the city’s Jewish Quarter, with delicious falafel shops along Rue des Rosiers, as well as a thriving LGBTQ+ scene with lively bars and cafés. 

A few final places to recommend in Le Marais are:

• Pain de Sucre: beautiful pâtisserie shop. Don’t miss Le Rosemary, which has a rosemary sablé tart base filled with rhubarb, raspberries, and rosemary essence.
• Breizh Café: creative crêpes and galettes. I would recommend going for something a bit more unusual. Like a smoked herring- and potato-filled galette, or a ratatouille vegetarian galette. 
• Miznon: best sandwich shop in Paris. Miznon brings Middle Eastern street food to Paris with a creative twist. You’ll find a range of sandwiches
• L'As du Fallafel: Serving up the best falafel sandwich in Paris, maybe even all of Europe. The pitas are overflowing with crisp chickpea balls, tangy tahini, and fresh veggies.

Thoughts or questions about this Paris itinerary? Tell me in the comments!