4-Day Paris Itinerary: First-Timers’ Plan for a Trip That Doesn’t Break the Bank

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Glass pyramid entrance of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, with visitors gathered outside and an ornate section of the building behind under a blue sky.

You’re planning your first trip to Paris with four days to explore the City of Light, but how do you see iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles without exhausting yourself or breaking the bank?

When I first visited Paris with my aunt, we actually spent eight days and realized it was far too much time, which taught me that with a bit of planning, you can experience the city’s most iconic attractions in four focused days without rushing.

This distilled, comprehensive 4-day Paris itinerary will allow you to visit top attractions from Sainte-Chapelle’s breathtaking stained glass to the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower, provide top tips such as arriving at the Louvre at opening meaning no crowds versus massive lines later, and an understanding of how the Paris Museum Pass can save both money and time when used strategically.

Whether you’re wondering if attractions like Versailles live up to the hype or seeking affordable dining gems and tasty Parisian delights, I’m sharing every practical lesson and honest assessment to help you create an unforgettable first-time Paris experience, including advice on transportation and accommodation.

This detailed guide is perfect for first-time Paris visitors who want to see essential attractions without feeling rushed and budget-conscious travelers who need a realistic four-day framework.

Quick Guide to Paris

⏳ Short on time? My top tips for 4 days in Paris are:

notre dame view woman 1

💸 Save Money: The Paris Museum Pass grants entry into 50+ attractions and skip-the-line for some sites (detailed review).

🎟️ Book ASAP: 

The Louvre
The Eiffel Tower

📍Day Trips:
Palace of Versailles
Chateau de Pierrefonds

📲 Must-Have Apps:
27 Free Apps for Paris

🗣️ Language: French is spoken, though English is prevalent in tourist areas

🧳 Packing:
Practical Paris packing guide

Planning Your Trip to Paris

How to Get to Paris

Arc de Triomphe, itinerary 3 days in Paris

Paris is exceptionally well connected, offering numerous transportation options that make it easy to visit, no matter where you’re coming from.

Two major international airports serve the city: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which is the main hub for most intercontinental flights, and Orly (ORY), responsible for numerous European connections.

You can easily access the city center from either airport using the RER train system, airport buses, ridesharing, or taxis. The most cost-effective choice is the bus (I suggest booking through Omio for easy cancellations if your flight is delayed), unless you’re traveling with a group; in that case, ridesharing might be just as affordable.

If you’re in England before your trip to Paris, consider taking the Eurostar, which connects London and Paris in only 2.5 hours. Alternatively, major European cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, or Frankfurt offer the TGV network that links directly to Paris.

How to Get Around Paris

I often like to walk while exploring a city so that I can see it at a leisurely pace rather than whipping by on a bus or train, but Paris also has many easy-to-use public transportation options.

  • Metro: In Paris, the most effective means of transportation is the Metro system, which comprises 16 lines covering the whole city. Stations are marked by ‘M’ signs or the term ‘Metropolitain’ and are typically within a 5-minute walk from most locations in the city center.
  • RER: Regional express trains connect central Paris to the suburbs, providing an efficient option for reaching both airports and the Palace of Versailles, as they are faster and make fewer stops.
  • Bus: Paris has more than 300 bus routes that offer a scenic way to travel, allowing you to see the city at a more relaxed pace. However, they tend to be slower and can get caught in traffic.
  • Taxis: You can find them throughout the city, whether by hailing them directly or at designated taxi stands. However, I recommend utilizing them only when necessary, as they are generally pricier compared to public transport.
  • Uber/Bolt: Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Paris. However, like taxis, they can be more expensive, especially during high-demand periods.
  • Batobus: A hop-on, hop-off boat service that operates on the Seine with stops at major attractions. Buying a 1-day pass for €23 for adults can be a budget-friendly option compared to a Seine River cruise, offering a cost-effective way to experience Paris from the water.

No matter what you decide, I highly recommend downloading CityMapper. It shows all available transportation options along with their schedules.

It can track your journey and alert you when it’s time to disembark, ensuring you never miss your stop! This feature is especially helpful if you find it challenging to hear or understand the French names of places.

Is Paris a Walkable City?

Paris is pretty walkable and fairly safe, even at night, as many of the streets are well lit, and as long as you stay in the touristy sections, you should be perfectly fine, even as a solo female traveler.

Do You Need the Paris Museum Pass?

View from Notre Dame in Paris, itinerary 3 days in Paris

Before answering that, what is the Paris Museum Pass?

With the pass, you gain free entry to visit over 50 museums and monuments in and around Paris.

They have passes available for 2, 4, or 6 days. And depending on which you pick, it will dictate how much the pass costs. You save money the more you visit, as there’s no limit to the number of attractions – just a limit on time. So, it’s time to pack it all in during your 4 days in Paris!

Another great reason to get the Paris Museum Pass is its skip-the-line advantage. For security reasons, it is not guaranteed that you can skip the line at every attraction, but you can at a good number of them. Giving you more time to explore, rather than standing in line!

Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?

This is a tricky question because it depends on what you want to do.

If you’re following my 4-day Paris guide, the Paris Museum Pass saves you money.

Aside from cost savings, the one BIG plus of the Paris Museum Pass is the skip-the-line advantage. So if you are going in the summer or another busy time, even if you don’t save money, it may still be useful to you.

But to start answering this question for yourself, I suggest checking out their interactive map, which shows all the places you can access with the Pass. I’d then recommend adding up what you would spend on buying each ticket.

Without the Paris Museum Pass

  • Arc de Triomphe: €16
  • Conciergerie: €13
  • The Louvre: €22
  • Sainte Chapelle: €13
  • Notre Dame: €10 (tower) + €8 (crypt)
  • Versailles: €24-32 (seasonal pricing)
€114

With the Paris Museum Pass

  • Arc de Triomphe: Free (+ skip-the-line)
  • Conciergerie: Free (+ skip-the-line)
  • The Louvre: Free (+ skip-the-line)
  • Sainte Chapelle: Free (+ skip-the-line)
  • Notre Dame: Free (but currently unavailable)
  • Versailles: Free (+ skip-the-line)
€90 (4-day option)

🎟️ Tickets: The Paris Museum Pass can be bought at several locations, such as GetYourGuide, but I recommend buying it directly online—it’s the cheapest option!

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What Attractions to Book in Advance

Paris boasts many world-class museums and attractions, which can make seeing them feel overwhelming, but here are my top Paris tips to help you make the most of your trip:

  • Buy tickets online in advance: Paris ranks among the world’s premier destinations! I strongly suggest purchasing tickets ahead of time to avoid lengthy lines and ensure you can visit the attractions that excite you the most; otherwise, you may arrive only to be disappointed.
  • Take advantage of free admission days: Many museums provide free entry on the first Sunday of each month from October to March. This offers a wonderful opportunity to discover Paris at no cost. However, to ensure you can take advantage of this, I strongly suggest arriving early, since free admission days often result in large crowds.
  • Visit popular attractions early or late: If there is an attraction for which you can’t get a reserved time, I strongly recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
  • Best Time to Visit: From April to June and September to October, you’ll typically experience pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is quite busy, but it offers longer daylight hours for sightseeing. However, I highly recommend making reservations well in advance for summer to secure the best deals and your preferred time slots.

💡 Travel Tip: If you or someone you are traveling with is under 18 years or under 26 years old and an EU citizen, many Parisian attractions will be free, so be sure to check before paying for a ticket.

Day 1: Classic Paris Highlights

Notre Dame Cathedral

Since the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019, the building has not been as accessible to the public as it was during my visit before the incident (I got to climb the tower and see the crypt).

Nevertheless, visitors can still enter the Cathedral free of charge every day of the year during its opening hours.

You may also visit the Treasury, which holds valuable items such as sacred vessels, ornaments, and liturgical books, for a fee.

Alternatively, you can join a one-hour outdoor tour of the Cathedral, where you will learn of its historical, artistic, and spiritual importance. This free tour is offered daily in French, English, and several other languages, depending on volunteer availability. For the tour schedule, visit their official website.

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours

Sainte Chapelle

After visiting numerous churches in Europe, I thought nothing could surprise me. However, Sainte Chapelle did! It’s one of the most memorable experiences from my trip to Paris.

It’s honestly one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen, only second fiddle to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

The stained glass surrounding the Sainte Chapelle church depicts one of the Bible stories. It’s hard to see in the picture, but each section features an image representing part of the narrative.

They have been restoring it by cleaning the stained glass with Q-tips! I cannot imagine how long that takes, and don’t envy the one who has to do it.

Try to go on a sunny day to fully appreciate the magical experience created when the light shines through.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour

🎧 Audioguide: For an additional fee

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access. You can also book a combined ticket, which’ll include the Conciergerie.

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Conciergerie

Exterior of the Conciergerie, 3 day itinerary Paris France

In the 14th century, this former palace ceased to serve as a residence and was repurposed by the king as a concierge, turning part of the premises into a prison.

The Conciergerie served as one of Paris’s most significant prisons from the 15th century until the Revolution. Her most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette.

I don’t remember much from my visit to the Conciergerie in Paris. I know I went, and strangely enough, I find prisons fascinating; I really enjoyed Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. However, nothing about this place left an impression on me, so if you’re considering what to skip on this 4 days in Paris itinerary, I suggest you pass on this.

However, it is located right near Sainte-Chapelle, so if you’re just looking to fill time, then go for it!

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours

🧑‍💼 Guided tour: Every day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., subject to availability

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access. You can also book a combined ticket, which’ll include the Sainte Chapelle.

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An Evening Seine River Cruise

Going on a Seine River cruise was a request from my Aunt. I mention this because I’m not usually a cruise person. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had a lovely time just sitting and relaxing while we passed some of Paris’ most notable sites.

After wandering through the many cobblestone streets of Paris, it was lovely to sit back and relax while admiring the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay, along with several quaint bridges and buildings lining the riverbanks.

Most cruises feature commentary to accompany the tour and last approximately one hour. Some also offer meals, making it a great evening plan to kill two birds with one stone!

I’m not sure which tour we took since it’s been a while, but I love booking with GetYourGuide and highly recommend them as they are budget-friendly and easy to cancel should any travel troubles arise!

Alternatively, the Paris Museum Pass also offers an add-on option for a cruise, so if you do get the Pass, that’s another option there. However, I don’t believe their’s comes with a meal.

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Day 2: Art and History Day

The Louvre

Head to the Louvre first thing in the morning to avoid the long line or book a reserved time in advance, but even then, I’d still book the earliest spot available.

Before I visited, everyone advised me to arrive early, and they were right. I arrived just after opening hours, and hardly anyone was there.

We headed straight to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, then to Venus de Milo. I suggest tackling those first, as everyone is there to see them and it can become quite crowded.

I wasn’t overwhelmed by my experience at the Louvre, but I’m also someone who, without context, tends to glaze over. We didn’t get the Louvre audio guide (I don’t recall why), which may have improved the experience, so if you’re passionate about art, consider getting the audio guide to enhance your visit.

However, I was truly impressed with the Napoleon Apartments.

If you didn’t know, the Louvre was originally a fortress and then a royal palace, before being transformed into a museum during the French Revolution.

These rooms were formerly occupied by the Minister of State during the French Second Empire, and what makes them remarkable is that they still contain their original furnishings! I’m so accustomed to seeing reproductions that this truly amazed me!

Another tip, don’t forget to get a map at the front; otherwise, you’ll get lost, as we did (whomp whomp).

You could spend at least a full day here at the Louver if you’re genuinely interested in art. I only visited for the famous pieces, hence my 2-3 duration listing.

If you prefer art over history, consider swapping the Louvre for the Musée d’Orsay.

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours

🧑‍💼 Guided tour: Guided tours, storytime, and workshops are available.

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers.

The Arc de Triomphe

Iconic Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris, France showcasing historic architecture.

The Arc de Triomphe memorial commemorates those who fought and perished in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

It’s stunning, but somewhat challenging to get to. You need to locate the underground tunnel to get close to it. Please avoid attempting to dash across the road; it’s far too risky, especially with all the cars in this area. You can reach the monument through the Passage du Souvenir.

The Arc de Triomphe’s architectural design alone is worth the stop and a must-see addition to your 4 days in Paris itinerary. There is so much detail that I had no idea about until I saw it in real life!

For a fantastic view, you can head to the top of the Arc, but it involves another set of spiral stairs. Tired of climbing, my Aunt and I chose to appreciate it from the ground instead. However, the decision is yours.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour (if climbing to the top)

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers.

The Eiffel Tower

Iconic Eiffel Tower framed by ornate Parisian buildings on a sunny day.

I fear falling from a great height, so visiting the Eiffel Tower wasn’t my favorite activity on my list of things to do in Paris.

But, when you’re in Paris, you have to go to the Eiffel Tower, and I knew I would; I just wasn’t going to be thrilled about it.

So, for those of you who hate heights, like myself, I say suck it up and climb the Eiffel Tower anyway. And this way, you won’t ever have to do it again!

View From the 2nd Floor

The Paris Museum Pass doesn’t cover the Eiffel Tower, which meant I had to purchase a separate ticket. The least expensive option was a ticket granting stair access to the second floor. To use the elevator or reach the top, additional fees are required.

I only went to the second-floor landing, which was enough for me. I asked a lady who had just gone up if it was worth it. She said no, that it was the same view. However, when I asked my aunt about it, she said it was worth it. So, make this decision for yourself.

I don’t regret not going to the top. I would have needed to be airlifted out of there due to the massive panic attack it would have caused, and that wouldn’t have been good for the rest of my Paris trip.

🇫🇷 If you’re wondering if, in general, is Paris worth visiting? Check out my honest thoughts.

See the Eiffel Tower at Night

Eiffel Tower at Night

I suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon to enjoy climbing it in daylight. Once you’re done with that, you’ll only need to wait a little until the sun sets for it to illuminate.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night is enchanting, making it essential for first-time visitors.

It lights up every half hour, and you can sit on the grass at Champ de Mars—a picturesque green space right in front of the Eiffel Tower—with a nice snack while you wait.

There are plenty of guys walking around selling alcohol and snacks, so you don’t need to worry if you didn’t bring any.

⏳ Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours

🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance as this is a VERY popular attraction! Note, it is more expensive to take the lift and even more so to take a tour.

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Day 3: A Day Trip to The Palace of Versailles

Start the day by taking a day trip out to the Palace of Versailles.

It’s under half an hour from central Paris, so you can easily arrive bright and early to see the Palace before spending the afternoon back in the city.

When I visited, there were epic crowds, nowadays, they make you reserve a time if you book in advance (which I highly recommend) so it’s not as bad, but I still suggest getting there early.

I didn’t end up loving Versailles because I felt it was somewhat empty and lacked emotional depth. Surprising, I know. However, they missed the mark by not including much of what makes it historically interesting. Still, it is an easy day trip and one of France’s top attractions.

To make it more interesting, I recommend downloading the free Rick Steves’ Versailles Palace Tour. Just remember to bring a pair of headphones with you so you’re not listening to it on speaker!

If you’re hesitant about visiting Versailles, I recommend checking out the Palace of Fontainebleau.

It was recommended to me before my trip, but as a history enthusiast, I chose to visit Versailles. I somewhat regret that choice, so if you’re uncertain about visiting Versailles, this is a fantastic alternative.

It’s far less crowded. However, it is an hour away from the city center, so it will likely take up most of your day.

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours (+ transportation time of at least 1 hour round trip)

🎟️ Tickets: Versailles is a popular attraction, so DON’T forget to book your tickets in advance to get the time slot you want! It is also included on the Paris Museum Pass.

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If you don’t wind up taking up all of Day 3 at either Versailles or Fontainebleau, you can return to Paris and explore other places throughout the city.

I’ve listed a few options below in the section titled ‘What to Do with More Time in France.’

Day 4: Strolling Around Paris

The Champs Elysees

Champs-Élysées Dessert

Naturally, we visited what is perhaps the most renowned street in Paris, the Champs Elysees!

It’s similar to Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, so if luxury shopping isn’t your thing, you might prefer to just stroll by instead of actually shopping.

To save on our travel budget, we opted for a quick dessert instead of going designer shopping, which gave us a chance to sit and people-watch for a while.

If you prefer, you can bypass this on your must-see list for 4 days in Paris, as it wasn’t one of my favorites. However, if you’re really into shopping, this ranks among the top activities in Paris for those looking to go home with some new clothes!

Duration: 1.5 hours (to walk it)

Pont des Arts

The Pont Des Arts is Paris’ famous love lock bridge.

You may have seen many affectionate couples secure a padlock here as a symbol of their love.

However, unfortunately, in 2015, the weight of these thousands of metal locks strained the Pont des Arts, and sadly, a portion of the bridge collapsed.

Nowadays, glass panels have replaced the fence, so if you go, you can see the locks but not add to them.

However, even with the paneling, the Pont des Arts remains one of the most popular sites in Paris.

Duration: 15 minutes

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company, 3 day itinerary Paris France

Shakespeare and Company, located in Paris’ Latin Quarter, is an English-language bookstore that opened in 1951.

Originally named “Le Mistral,” it was rebranded as “Shakespeare and Company” to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.

Currently, it operates as a seller of new and used books, an antiquarian bookshop, and a free public reading library.

The shop also accommodates aspiring writers and artists in exchange for assistance around the bookstore. Since its opening, more than 30,000 people have slept in beds nestled among the bookshelves. The shop’s motto, “Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise,” is displayed above the entrance to the reading library.

As a bookish person, I loved wandering around this little famous shop! So if you are too, add this to your 4 days in Paris travel itinerary!

Duration: 30 minutes (depending on how much you shop)

What to Do with More Time in France

Chateau de Pierrefonds Courtyard in France

Day 4 may seem a little light, but I have some suggestions if you’re quick and want to add more, or if you have more time to tour France in general.

  • Art lovers: Visit the Musée d’Orsay or the Centre Pompidou; these museums house incredible world-renowned collections.
  • History buffs: Check out the Catacombs of Paris. I wasn’t aware of this eerie place during my visit to Paris, but I’ve heard from relatives who have been there that it’s truly amazing.
  • Castle views: Visiting the Chateau de Pierrefonds makes for a wonderful day trip to a less-touristy castle, as it’s a bit far from Paris. However, it’s stunning and worth the journey if you’re a fan of fairytale castles.
  • Luxembourg Gardens: Located in the heart of the Left Bank, this Garden features perfectly manicured lawns, tree-lined promenades, and the iconic Medici Fountain, making it great for a leisurely afternoon stroll. The gardens also house the Luxembourg Palace, home to the French Senate, and feature beautiful seasonal flower displays that change throughout the year. I wound up taking a quick nap here after eating a boat load of pasta!
  • Photo opportunities: I’m not much of a photo shoot person, but if you are, focus on neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter or Montmartre. These areas are packed with charming streets, cafes, and attractions that’ll give you that perfect backdrop.

What To Do with Less Time in Paris

Overall, you can accomplish all of the above in 3 days, but you’d just be moving at a much quicker pace. So, if that’s your style, I recommend checking out my three-day Paris itinerary.

If you’re traveling with family or a group, it may be more challenging, so I’d recommend spending 4 days in Paris, but I’ll leave that decision up to you.

As a solo female traveler, I find that I can move much more quickly, which is why I say this.

If you aren’t quite interested in everything I have on this list and also think you can crank through Paris quicker, or are just shorter on time than you suspected, I highly recommend checking out my itinerary for two days in Paris.

But my guide on how many days to spend in Paris will certainly help you choose the best option for you.

Practical Paris Travel Tips

Safety Tips

Chic woman smiling by a colorful tiled fountain in a vibrant outdoor park while holding a Thafael vegan leather bag.

Overall, I believe Paris is safe; however, it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings, regardless of where you’re traveling, especially if you’re a solo female traveler.

  • Have confidence! Even if you have to fake it
  • Do research and get advice from other solo travelers
  • Leave your valuables at home so you don’t have to worry about losing them
  • Don’t look like a tourist by being present and aware of your surroundings
  • Have common sense, e.g., don’t drink more than you can handle, don’t walk down a dark street, if you feel uncomfortable anywhere—leave

I have a more comprehensive guide to staying safe in Paris, you should also explore as well.

Alternately, if this is your first trip abroad, please review my advice for first-time solo travelers, as it’ll help you understand the general guidelines I follow myself.

Language Essentials

I won’t kid you, it’s going to significantly help.

Parisians in general aren’t the warmest people and even trying a bit of French will likely go a long way to a Parisian being more kind to you.

For some places you can pick up some basic French phrases, I highly recommend getting the Mango Languages app, it’s typically free with a library card.

If you’re a visual learner, you may want to check out Lingopie, which utilizes programs on streaming platforms like Netflix to teach other languages.

Where to Stay in Paris (Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors)

paris terrace montmartre

I strongly recommend staying near Notre Dame.

It’s in a central location and provides easy access to other sites like Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

I was in the 5th arrondissement, and aside from the terrible hostel, I really liked the Latin Quarter. It was also quite safe because it’s close to these top attractions.

If nothing is available there, the 6th and 7th districts are excellent options as they are close to many major attractions in Paris.

If those areas don’t appeal to you, staying near the Eiffel Tower is also great, although it’s likely to be more expensive.

I would steer clear of the area where the Moulin Rouge is situated, as I’ve heard it can be somewhat sketchy. It’s in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

Where to Eat and Drink in Paris

Once you’ve tasted Parisian food, nothing will taste as good again—trust me!

I could have eaten my way through Paris and been perfectly happy about the 8,000 pounds I would have gained, though that would have made it challenging to complete the rest of my Paris itinerary.

Angelina

Cup of hot cocoa at Angelina Paris

At first glance, Angelina appears to be a typical Parisian patisserie, but stepping inside feels like entering Willy Wonka’s elegant pastry shop. I truly believe it’s the finest bakery in Paris, and it offers so much more than that!

The place is filled with fantastic, mouth-watering aromas of chocolate, sugar, and cream.

Typically, there’s a line out the door, but a separate entrance is available for pickup orders. If you’re only stopping by for desserts, feel free to use that entrance. Alternatively, you can visit the tearoom if you’ve got some time to kill during your 4 days in Paris.

Beyond the stunning pastries you can admire for hours, there’s the real reason I came—the hot chocolate. When my friend suggested it, I wondered how great it could really be. It’s just hot chocolate, after all!

Wow, was I mistaken! It is incredible! I have no idea what they make it with, but it’s like tasting heaven. No chocolate bar or hot cocoa will ever taste as good!

They have a few locations, so check their website for your closest location.

Laduree

macaron outside laduree
Photo by Diana Titenko

Ladurée is the best place for macarons, so the perfect 4 days in Paris itinerary would be remiss without including them.

Believe me, I’ve sampled American macarons in Los Angeles, and they just can’t compare!

A friend mentioned that the Tea Salon serves fantastic food. I’ll take his word for it since their macarons were terrific!

I enjoyed snacking on the pistachio and salted caramel while walking along the right bank.

L’Imperial

L'IMPÉRIAL , what to do in Paris France in 3 days

I discovered L’Imperial while searching for an affordable place to dine.

While many restaurants in Paris can be expensive, serve small portions, or fall short in flavor, L’Imperial stands out as an exceptional choice for budget travelers seeking good food in the city.

The prices were great, portions generous, and the pasta was amazing! I felt SO full, but since it was my second-to-last day in Paris and a return visit wasn’t on the horizon, I devoured the entire plate of pasta—and it was a large serving!

A nap followed it in the Luxembourg Gardens, the only way to digest pasta properly in Paris, in my opinion!

If I could have their pasta delivered to my door right now, I would. That’s how good it was! It was my favorite of all the food I tried in Paris!

Final Thoughts on this 4 Days in Paris Itinerary

Overall, while I didn’t love this city, mostly because of the people, this is the guide I’d give to a friend looking for a 4 days in Paris itinerary.

It’s worth noting that during my time in Paris, no one behaved in a way that was overtly inappropriate or physically harmed me. Still, I did receive some comments and glances that were a bit unsettling.

For example, I walked into a church and a guy who worked there looked me up and down and asked, “California?” super weirdly. Yes, I reside in California, but the way he was eyeing me felt a tad inappropriate. Mind you, this was before I even spoke, so it was 100% about how I was dressed.

It was sweltering outside, so I wore a T-shirt and shorts, but nothing inappropriate. The shorts weren’t too short, and the top didn’t expose my midriff; nothing deemed ‘untoward.’

Again, I’m not traumatized or anything, but it simply didn’t feel as inviting as other locations I’ve visited in Europe, or even in areas outside of Paris.

If you have any questions about this 4 days in Paris itinerary, please feel free to comment below or email me, and I’ll do my best to answer them as quickly as possible.

FAQs About Visiting Paris

Is 4 days in Paris enough?

When I visited Paris, my aunt and I spent eight days, which was far too much. We did make some day trips outside of Paris, such as Chateau Pierrefonds, so if you plan on doing that as well, I’d recommend allotting a day or two more for those.

However, considering the locations I have mentioned here, which are relatively close to each other, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a fun-filled four days in Paris during your first visit without rushing through the city.

Is Paris safe for tourists?

I visited Paris with my aunt, but I also had some solo time toward the end of the trip. I felt safe in most of Paris; however, the only time I didn’t feel safe was when I wandered outside of the tourist area.

No one said or did anything to me, but I received some stares from people, so I turned around and headed back to where many of the tourists were.

Overall, I would say that yes, Paris is safe, but make sure to pay attention to your surroundings.

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