Paris; the city of love, romance, lights, and much more. The capital of France has something for everyone, from history buffs to art lovers to technology enthusiasts and those who appreciate architectural wonders.
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Paris 4 Day Itinerary
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Paris is probably the Eiffel Tower, but the city offers more than just this wonder. In this 4 day itinerary for your perfect trip to Paris, we’ll cover the amazing things there are to do and help you plan a budget-friendly, 4-days in Paris.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Best time to visit Paris
Paris is definitely an all-year-round destination, but as we’re talking about a budget friendly trip, it’s best to look at visiting in the ‘shoulder’ seasons. These are March – Mid May and Late September – November. These months should offer reduced costs on accommodations and travel and the weather will still be pleasant enough for sight seeing.
DAY 1
Eiffel Tower
Standing tall and looking over the city, the Iron Lady of France is the epitome of romance and easily the most recognisable attraction in Paris. The iron structure, once the largest in the world, was built to commemorate the centennial of the French revolution.
The tower is visited by millions of people each year and is easily the number one attraction in the city.
The ground level is called the Esplanade and is free to enter, along with the gardens. Here you can buy your entry tickets, get information and buy souvenirs. This is where the Eiffel Tower is great for a flexible budget because the cost of entry varies depending on how high up you want to go (and wether you take the stairs or the lift!).
The first floor offers you views of the tower ground and nearby areas. This area is covered with transparent glass floors.
The second floor is usually the busiest with tourists. That’s because from there, you can enjoy the majestic views of Paris city. In the vista you will spot the Invalides, Notre Dame, Louvre, Grand Palais, and the Seine river.
This is part of the daytime plan and seeing the tower in the beautiful sunshine, against the backdrop of the city skyline is amazing. But it must be said, if you get the chance, do visit in the evening as well, the light show is stunning.
The price to go up to the Eiffel Tower was a lot more reasonable than we expected, check out the up-to-date prices here.
You may also wish to check out the Eiffel Tower Tours that are available.
Louvre Museum
Another historic landmark in France, the Louvre Museum, goes beyond the imagination.
One of the many interesting facts about Paris is that this incredible building is home to more than 350,000 historical and art items, which only adds to the magic of the place. This central landmark of the city is located on the Right Bank of the Seine, in the city’s 1st arrondissement (district or ward).
One of the treasures it holds is the highly acclaimed Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Other items include artefacts from the royal family of the Louvre palace, painters, and art history. Wandering in the galleries, you will easily get lost in the history and beauty of this former palace.
Like the Eiffel Tower, this is another place you should visit at night if you get the chance. It too has a magic about it when illuminated.
At the time of writing, it’s possible to buy reduced priced entrance tickets at the museum itself, during off peak hours.
The Left Bank
Dominating the city of Paris, the River Seine is the centre piece to the ‘Right’ and ‘Left’ banks. Located on the southern bank of the river, the Left Bank is also known as “Rive Gauche”. This part is generally referred to as the early era of Paris.
Great artists, writers, and philosophers of Paris like Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Baldwin, to name a few, have all spent time here.
The Left Bank contains only 6 arrondissements and until the French Revolution, it was called “Outre Petit Pont”, or ‘other side of the Petit Pont’. This was because at that time, the Petit Pont (the little arch bridge that crosses the river) was the only connector between the Ile de la Cité and the Left Bank.
Of the arrondissements (districts) located on the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter, has gained much popularity with tourists over the years. It is an area in the 5th and 6th arrondissements in the vicinity of the University of Paris.
There is a tale still believed by locals about Latin Quarter. According to the story, in the 12th century, a famous philosopher named Pierre Abélard established this neighborhood when there was some issue with his teaching methods. He was pressured to relocate from the prestigious Île de la Cité and he and his followers overtook the Left Bank. They gradually made the area famous for the prevalence of scholarly Latin spoken there. This is where the saying “Paris ‘learned to think’ on the Left Bank” came about.
DAY 2
Saint-Germain
Saint- Germain is similar to the Latin Quarter, but special in its own right and definitely worth a visit. Located adjacent to the quarters, this area falls in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris and gained fame during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many celebrities and artists spent their time here during those periods.
The narrow, winding streets have a rich history waiting to be discovered by visitors. In Saint-Germain, everything is on your doorstep — cafes, brasseries, bars, and restaurants. It’s not just eateries either, there are art galleries, antique stores, theatres, cinemas, and street markets.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to know Saint Germain flourishes with bakeries and confectioners that offer melt-in-mouth chocolates. Debauve & Gallais, the oldest and probably the first chocolate shop in Paris, found its way to Saint Germain when it was established on Rue des Saints-Peres.
Its long list of customers include names like Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, and the last kings of France. They still have Marie’s favorite – Pistoles de Marie-Antoinette. Pierre Cardolini, Patrick Roger, Pierre Hermé (of course), Ladurée, and Gerard Mulot are the other famous chocolate shops with their own long list of famous customers.
In addition to the incredible chocolate shops, there are also various museums to visit that hold seasonal exhibitions and collections of famous artists like Da Vinci.
Gothic Churches
Paris, apart from being the hub of famous monuments, is also home to some of the most majestic, gothic churches & cathedrals, such as:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Saint-Séverin
- Sainte Clotilde Basilica
- Saint-Merry
- Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais
- Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
- Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois
- Saint-Eustache
- Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs
Probably the most famous of them all is Notre Dame Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and unique silhouette. It was constructed in the 12th century and established in the Île de la Cité. Another jewel of gothic architecture, Sainte Chapelle was built in just 7 years. It became one of the prominent marvels of Paris when it was commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his relics.
Every cathedral in Paris has played an important part in the chapters of French history so wether you see one, some, or all of these amazing buildings, you will be seeing the very best of medieval architecture and French history.
DAY 3
Food Tours and Neighbourhood
Enrich your taste buds with the local french cuisine and experience the culinary side of France, by enjoying food tours in Paris. There are various food tours available according to your budget and comfort.
Cheese and wine tasting in Montmartre, pastry and chocolate in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and gourmet food in the Latin Quarter are just some of the food tours you can indulge in.
As for exploring the neighbourhoods in Paris, visit the following places and really immerse. yourself in some local, Parisian culture.
- Montmartre
- Le Marais
- Canal St. Martin
- Montorgueil
They will give a glimpse of the real beauty of Paris as you spend your 3rd day, meandering and rubbing shoulders with the locals.
DAY 4
Exploring the outskirts of Paris
Although central Paris is a dream location for many, the outskirts have their treasures too.
We listed some of these locations for you to check out. They vary in type and budget so, depending on what you fancy, and what spends you have left, it’s up to you how you finish your 4 day trip to Paris.
The outskirts of Paris are as beautiful, as you could imagine, and have just as much to see as the centre;
- Versailles: The City of Kings
- Disneyland: The Fairy Kingdom
- The Parc Astérix: Gallic Adventure Hub
- Thoiry Zoological Garden: Nature’s Gateway
- Domaine de Chantilly: Knock At History’s Door
- Château Vaux-le-Vicomte: Real-Life Royality
- Normandy Landing: Beach-y Side Of History Unfolds Here
- Fontainebleau: Royally Loved Palace
These locations are just some of the gems. The list could go on, but there are plenty of places to choose from. Each of these locations is special and has a story to tell.
For instance, Versailles is a dreamland. Just 23kms from the City, the town of Versailles awaits you. Known for its beauty and intriguing layout, this town was once owned by French kings of their respective times, like Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. This town has castles waiting to be explored, you definitely won’t be bored here.
Similarly, Disneyland is a dream for many across the globe. The one here in Paris has its own version of fun with its amazingly adventurous rides, cute souvenirs like hats and t-shirts, and tasty food like ice-creams and chocolates. The adventure park is divided into theme-based regions called Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Discoveryland! While you are exploring the area, you can visit areas like Space Mountain, the Mining Train, the Ghost Manor, Alice in Wonderland, and the Pirates of the Caribbeans to name a few. This dreamland also has a castle- Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Along this adventure, you can easily meet your favorite Disney characters!
If you are looking to continue your trip through Europe after Paris, you may wish to take the Paris to Switzerland train and start Interrailing your way around Europe. We did this in 2018 and it was a brilliant way of country hopping around Europe.
Before You Leave for Paris
Before you set off on your way to Paris, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to France. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Paris
Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With its stunning architecture, rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that millions of visitors flock to the city each year. If you’re planning a trip to Paris and wondering how to get there, there are several options to consider.
By Air: Paris has two major airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, which receive flights from all over the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to the city center.
By Train: Paris is well-connected to other cities in Europe by train. The Eurostar, which runs from London to Paris, is a popular option for travelers from the UK. The TGV, France’s high-speed train network, also connects Paris to other major cities in France and Europe.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can take the Eurotunnel from the UK to France or drive through the Channel ports and take the motorway to Paris.
By Bus: If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus to Paris is a cost-effective option. There are several bus companies that offer services from other European cities to Paris.
No matter how you choose to get to Paris, it’s important to plan ahead and book your transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. With a little planning, you can easily reach this magnificent city and start exploring all that it has to offer.
Where to Stay in Paris
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Paris, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Paris for any budget.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Paris
Paris is a country with a temperate climate, so it’s best to pack clothes suitable for both warm and cool weather. Depending on the season, you may need to pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. For the summer months, pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan on visiting religious sites or formal events, bring modest clothing. Additionally, be sure to pack any necessary medication and your travel documents, including your passport and visa if required.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Paris, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Paris
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, all of the best things to do in 4 days in Paris including castles, street exploration, and food and wine tastings. If you have visited Paris recently, let us know what you thought of the sights listed above, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own little Paris adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our Scotland content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
Now Read:
- How to Spend the Best Weekend in Paris – Don’t Miss The Best Sights in Paris
- The Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris
- Four Reasons to Fall in Love with Paris
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