4 Days in Paris: Must-See Sights + Hidden Gems
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Ah, Paris. The city of lights, love, and fresh croissants.
The truth is, you could probably spend four months in Paris and never run out of things to do or see. Since most of us don’t have that luxury, we can try to pack it into 4 days instead. That’s all you need to fall in love with the city. And once you’re in love, you’ll be back.
I have been to Paris a handful of times and can say with confidence that every time I visit, I always find something new to explore. Over the years, I’ve gathered up my favorite spots and decided to create this guide for you to follow!
I will be sharing my tips on where to stay in Paris, how to get around, and a suggested itinerary full of the best things to do in Paris. This includes classic sights, hidden gems, and delicious eats. At the end of the guide, I’ll also share some tips on unique souvenirs from Paris.
Now let’s start planning your trip!
Where to Stay in Paris
With thousands of places to stay in the city, choosing the best hotel in Paris can be a little overwhelming. To help, I’ve rounded up 6 of my personal favorite hotels, at three different price points.
Budget:
Generator Hostel- Upscale hostel set in a former office building in the 10th arrondissement, only 10 minutes from Gare du Nord. Perfect for solo travelers. Dorm beds start at 30€ per night.
Hotel Le Mireille - Contemporary 3-star hotel set in an art nouveau building in the 17th arrondissement. Perfect for couples on a budget. Private rooms start at 70€ per night.
Mid-Range:
Hotel du Printemps - Rustic-chic hotel on a tree-lined avenue in the 12th arrondissement, steps away from the metro. I stayed here during my first trip to Paris and (honestly) loved the small rooms and local neighborhood. Perfect for those coming to Paris for the first time. Rates start at 100€ per night.
Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche - Polished hotel next to the Jardin du Luxembourg in the 6th arrondissement. Perfect for those wanting to be close to the action. I stayed here during my most recent trip to Paris and found the value, especially considering the location, to be excellent. Rates start at 115€ per night. * Hand-picked Hidden Gem *
Luxury:
Hotel Le Relais Montmartre - A charming, chic hotel tucked into the artist’s district of Paris. Perfect for a romantic getaway. Rates start at 160€ per night.
Hotel Moderniste - An ultra-modern hotel that features a blend of classic architecture and avant-garde features. Perfect for those who prefer modern amenities but still want to soak in the Parisian experience. Rates start at 160€ per night.
How to Get Around Paris & Use the Metro
Sure, wandering aimlessly around Paris is nice but it’s a big city. Luckily for us, Paris has an amazing public transport system.
Take advantage of the well-connected public transport system in Paris and get a Paris Visite Pass. This is a public transport pass designed for tourists, which includes unlimited travel on all metro lines, buses, trams, RER trains, and the Montmartre funicular - which is a really cool experience on its own!
This pass really made our trip so much more convenient. We were easily able to explore all of the sights we wanted to see and didn’t have to worry about buying multiple tickets.
You can purchase the Paris Visite Pass online and have it delivered to your home or just pick it up at one of the tourist offices in the city.
Day 1: Best of Paris
Don’t save the best for last. Get out there and see the best that Paris has to offer on your first day!
1. The Louvre
Start your first day in Paris with one of the most iconic sites in the city, the Louvre! Beyond the Mona Lisa, this museum is full of beautiful art and history. My biggest tip is to book a skip-the-line Louvre ticket, as the lines are notoriously long, even in the early mornings. You can also enter the museum through the “secret entrance” at Porte des Lions to save even more time.
2. Jardin des Tulleries
Beside the Louvre, you’ll find one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. This is a great place to walk around, reflect on all of the art you’ve just witnessed, and watch the locals. If you’re craving something sweet, head to the nearby Angelina Cafe, which is known for having the best hot chocolate in Paris.
3. Arc de la Triomphe
Take the metro to the Arc de la Triomphe and admire this beautiful piece of architecture.
Don’t cross the busy roundabout - go through the underground tunnels instead. Similar to the Louvre, I highly recommend booking a skip-the-line Arc de la Triomphe rooftop ticket, which will reward you with amazing views of the city!
4. Champs-Élysées & Avenue Montaigne
Afterward, you can walk down the Champs-Élysées for some shopping (or in my case, window shopping) and grab a bite to eat. You can also visit the flagship Ladurée shop - they invented the macaroon, so it seems like a good place to try one.
If you fancy some luxury shopping or celebrity-spotting, walk over to Avenue Montaigne. You'll find stores like Givenchy, Saint Laurent, and Chanel.
5. Place du Trocadero
You’ve likely seen a photo or two of Place du Trocadero on Instagram. This is THE place to take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower. Be mindful of pickpockets, street gamblers, and anyone asking you to sign a piece of paper for charity - there are many shady characters in this area. However, it’s a free photo op with some of the best views in Paris.
6. Eiffel Tower
The moment you've been waiting for! It’s free to walk around the grounds of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy all of the amazing views of this architectural marvel. You can also gather supplies at a nearby bakery and have a Parisian picnic in the grass. Don’t forget the wine!
If you want to head up the tower, I highly suggest booking this direct access to the Eiffel Tower ticket. You’ll be met by a local guide who will give you a brief history of the Eiffel Tower and then escort you to the entrance. Your ticket includes the first two floors and the summit - all of which you can explore at your own pace. Go in the evening for an amazing view of the sunset.
After your visit, head to Rue de l'Université for an amazing photo opportunity of the tower.
7. Sightseeing Cruise
The perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring. This sightseeing cruise in Paris begins at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, costs less than 20€ per person, and comes with an audio commentary. As you’re cruising along the Seine, you’ll get to see the city from a whole different perspective.
If you’re taking a trip in the evening, when you get back to Eiffel Tower, you may be able to catch the light show that happens every hour during the night.
Day 2: Historic Paris
Visit some of the oldest and most historic sights in the city Learn about the
8. Luxembourg Gardens
Get your day off to a bright start at the Luxembourg Gardens, which houses a museum, a beautiful old palace, and some picturesque statues. It's a great place to sit down, relax, and just people-watch.
9. Pantheon
The neighborhood around the gardens is also quite nice, so take to the streets and head over to the Pantheon. Since the late 1800s, this mausoleum has become the final resting place of some of the most important French figures including Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Marie Currie. If you’d like to go inside, you should pre-book your Pantheon ticket to bypass the line and take advantage of the afternoon guided tours. Directly opposite of the Pantheon is one of the main buildings of the Sorbonne - the oldest University in France.
10. Latin Quarter
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Latin Quarter! This neighborhood is jam-packed with restaurants and souvenir shops. My personal favorite place to eat here is called Creperie Genia, which is home to some of the cheapest (and most delicious) crepes in all of Paris! If you are looking for a sit-down restaurant, head to Pizza Sarno, a family-owned Italian restaurant with seriously delicious pizza.
11. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Much like the neighboring Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a legendary neighborhood in the heart of Paris. Although it was once known for its swinging jazz clubs and literacy legends, it is now known for its upscale fashion boutiques and pretty scenery. It's a great place to wander around in the evening.
12. Ile De La Cité
Finish off your second day in Paris at the Ile De La Cité - home of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Since the tragic fire in 2019, the interior of the church isn’t open to the public. However, I highly recommend taking this outdoor tour of Notre Dame, which includes a detailed history of the church, a walk around the surrounding area, and entrance to the underground crypts. Afterward, cross the nearby bridge to Ile Saint-Louis - the oldest part of Paris! Take your time wandering around the narrow streets and consider stopping at Berthillon Glacier for a scoop of the best ice cream in Paris!
Day 3: Local Sights & Hidden Gems in Paris
13. Montmartre
Start your third day off in the iconic Montmartre district of Paris. It’s full of cobblestoned streets, artists painting beautiful landscapes, and lively squares with amazing restaurants. If you want to beat the crowds, head to the Sacre Coeur Cathedral as early as possible. You can take the funicular up the hill, which is included with the transport pass that I mentioned earlier.
Take your time walking through this district because there are a lot of hidden gems. You might want to consider taking a guided walking tour - like the Cheese, Wine, and Pastry walk. A local guide will bring you to 8 local shops to sample local delicacies and the best attractions in the area, all while explaining the deep history of this area.
14. Moulin Rouge
Although the area surrounding the Moulin Rouge is slightly shady (full of shawarma shops and strip clubs), it’s an integral part of Paris. Come here to visit the beautiful windmill and if you’re lucky, catch one of their famous cabaret shows. This cabaret show ticket includes entrance to Moulin rouge, a ticket to Feerie, and half a bottle of champagne.
15. 9th Arrondissement
This is the theatre and shopping district in Paris. Check out the Palais Garnier, which is home to the Paris Opera and Boulevard Haussman.
Here, you’ll find two famous Parisian department stores: Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. The latter happens to have an amazing (and totally free) view of Paris from their rooftop!
16. Le Marais
There are so many amazing things to do in Le Marais, that you could probably spend an entire day in this neighborhood alone. What's not to love? It's full of cute streets, amazing architecture, boutique shops, and delicious eats. It also happens to be home to one of the most beautiful palaces in the city, Place des Vosges, and the historic Jewish district. Pose for some photos, grab a falafel and be sure to head to Free'P'Star - the best thrift store in Paris.
17. Rue Crémieux
This is hands-down the most picturesque street in Paris. It's full of bright pastel houses and unique little windows. It's charming, quirky, and worth going out of your way to get that perfect Instagram shot!
Day Four: Visit the Dead or Take a Day Trip to Versailles
18. Catacombs
This is one of the most unique attractions in Paris. You can head underground to view the city’s old burial system and learn about the dark side of Paris. I didn’t realize how busy this place can get because they limit the number of people that are allowed inside at any given time. On our first visit, the line was over 3 hours long so we had to come back the next day, two hours before they opened - and there were still people ahead of us! You should seriously consider booking this skip-the-line ticket for the Catacombs, which completely bypasses the line and comes with an audio guide.
19. Versailles
It’s only an hour away from Paris. You can easily spend an entire day admiring this royal palace. I highly recommend booking this full-access ticket to Versailles, which includes entry to the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate. Try to leave some time to explore the town of Versailles too - Rue de Satory is home to several local restaurants and shops.
20. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Consider dedicating an afternoon to visiting the largest cemetery in Paris, which also happens to be the most-visited cemetery in the entire world. It is home to several famous graves, including the likes of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Molière. When you're there, it feels less like a graveyard and more like a museum with all the impressive tombstones and statues.
The Best Souvenirs from Paris
Here is a list of some of my favorite things to buy in Paris. Perfect for your loved ones back home or, yourself. Most of them can be found at a local supermarket or department store.
Chestnut Paste— Traditionally, I think this chestnut paste is used as a crepe filling or on top of baked goods. But it's also delicious to eat straight from the tube!
Haribo Tagadas— These strawberry-flavored candies are a local French favorite. You can pick up a big bag for about 1 euro in any local grocery store.
Chocolate— Pick up one or two bars of Côte d'Or chocolate at any grocery store in Paris. It's delicious Belgian chocolate at a low price - what more could you ask for?
Yogurt in Glass Jars — Okay, so probably not the best idea to bring home yogurt. But I find French yogurt so delicious that it would be a shame to not recommend it to you. So, buy a yogurt, eat it in Paris and then bring home the jar as a souvenir!
Skincare — During your trip to Paris, duck into one of the many pharmacies and pick up some luxury (yet affordable) skincare items to bring home. Look for brands like Caudalie, Avene, La Roche-Posay, Biotherm, and L'Occitane.
Bensimon Shoes — Every Parisian woman has a pair in her closet. These are basically the Toms of France - they're simple, sophisticated, and seriously comfortable. Plus, they're only around 30 euros per pair!
Longchamp Le Pliage — The quintessential French bag. It's light, durable, and folds into a small square. I bought a Le Pliage during my first trip to Paris nearly 5 years ago, and it is still one of my go-to bags.
What are your favorite things to do in Paris?
I hope you enjoyed reading my (sort of in-depth) guide on how to spend four days in Paris!
If you've been to Paris before and know of any awesome sights, bakeries or hidden gems - please leave them in the comments below and share them with everyone else! After all, Paris is just one of those places that's impossible to discover on your own.
So, let's talk all things Paris in the comments!
