Paris-the City of Lights, the City of Love-that will most definitely take your heart away. Every minute spent here-from sipping coffee down the Seine to strolling along historic avenues-can be just like something out of a movie. Here is how to make the most of four magical days in this iconic city.
Best Time to Visit
Spring-when the weather is mild and tourists are at a minimum-is an excellent time to visit Paris, as is fall: September to November. Summers are full of energy but also tourists and higher prices. Winters have a magical aura-a great deal of festive lights are up everywhere-but get pretty chilly.
Paris Airport Information
Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, major portal into the middle of Paris, leave plenty of time getting through this very busy terminal. The regional RER B train is a reasonable approach into town, around US$12 one way. Of course, always available are taxis upwards to US$50-60 to Central Paris.
Where to stay in Paris
To feel the real Parisian spirit, try to stay in the Marais district: boutique hotels and apartments cost from $150 to $300 USD per night. For those who do not deny themselves the pleasure of luxury, try Saint-Germain-des-Prés with high-class hotels averaging about $250-500 USD per night.
Getting Around Paris
Public transport in Paris is made easy with the inclusion of: Metro, buses, and trams. Use its bike-sharing system, Vélib’, anytime by hiring a bicycle on the spot for ~$6 USD a day. If one wants to hop in and out of various forms of Paris transport repeatedly, then the Paris Visite Pass, at ~$40 for a 4-day pass, would be just what any economy-conscious traveler would want: unlimited travels.
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks
Morning: The Louvre-home to some of the world’s most famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa-is one of the world’s most famous museums. Admission is roughly $24 US; one must get the booklet online in advance, which will save one from long queues.
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel Almost everyone’s confusion for its far more famous counterpart, next door to a masterpiece sculpture of Peace in her triumphal chariot, houses exquisite military reliefs.
Brunch: Marcel 3 is next to the Louvre, and it’s another great brunch option. It will cost you roughly $20-30 USD. Locals love the avocado toast and the quinoa salad.
Afternoon: Take a walk down to the Jardin du Palais-Royal, continuing to the Jardin des Tuileries. Both of these green spaces provide serene oases within the active city. Happily, both of them offer free entrance.
Late Afternoon: Stroll down famous Champs-Elysées for shopping and famous sights, ending at Pont Alexandre III, one of the bridges of Paris most ornately decorated.
Evening: Schedule the evening at the Eiffel Tower, culminating in a lift to the top, which will provide an exquisite view of Paris. The approximate cost will be ~$38. Reach the iconic landmark for a guided tour in order to enjoy it more.
Dining in Paris
Dinner at Girafe, a sea-view restaurant with luxury settings and not too far from the Eiffel Tower, providing an excellent view when diners are sitting outside. Dinner here will cost about $80 to $100 USD per head.
That’s just an appetizer of the springtime in Paris-art, history, and, of course, the charm of one of the most loved cities in the world. Note that every nook in the city can whisper tales and every café has some reason to sit and watch the world move. It is your trip to Paris; let its beauty unfurl before you.
Day 2: Understanding French Culture and More
Morning: Trocadéro to Watch the Sunrise Kick-start your morning at the best viewpoint for Eiffel Tower sunrise-the Trocadero. Note that getting here early can give you some time alone and some great snaps. You can easily get there using either metro line 6 or 9, or, for more convenience, by taking a taxi or Uber.
Mid-Morning: Champs de Mars Devote the rest of your morning to crossing the Seine on the Pont d’Iena to the Champs de Mars-the big green park around the Eiffel Tower. Besides, it is a very unique place for photo shoots, especially in the early morning, where it will not be crowded yet.
Brunch: Kozy Bosquet After all that morning action, fill up at Kozy Bosquet just around the corner: big, fluffy pancakes; savory avocado toast; strong coffee. Budget with about $20-30 USD for a filling, satisfying brunch. Afternoon: Les Invalides and Musée Rodin Brunch: Beginning with brunch, it’s about a 10-minute walk from there to Les Invalides-the complex of museums and monuments related to France’s military history, which includes the tomb of Napoleon. There is a fee of admission into the Musée de l’Armée of around $16 USD. Within a short walking distance is the Musée Rodin, a museum showcasing the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin.
Admission is also about US$16 here, and it’s worth spending at least an hour looking at the sculptures and the pretty garden.
Late-Afternoon: Les Catacombes de Paris For something truly unique, visit the Catacombs of Paris. This underground ossuary holds the remains of millions of Parisians and offers a stark contrast to the city’s opulent monuments. The entrance is around $31 USD, and it’s advisable to book your ticket online in advance. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, as it can be chilly underground.
Evening: La Tour Montparnasse and Seine River Cruise Cap off your night with a stop at the top of the Montparnasse Tower. While the building itself is ugly as can be, the views from the 56th floor are stunning. Tickets are about $22 USD cheaper online. Continue on with the especially lovely night time Seine cruise. Options range from super-budget to super-luxury but a basic one hour night time Seine River Cruise and a crepe tasting will run around $20.
Dinner Suggestion: Take a dinner cruise on the Seine River or look around where you leave to find an intimate bistro. Enjoy a French dinner while taking in this beautiful city aglow-the perfect way to end a culturally full day in Paris.
This well-planned day will have all the ingredients of combining the most iconic sightings with unique experiences, making your second day in Paris no less enlightening than memorable.
Day 3: From Culture to Nightlife
Morning: Brunch at 5 Pailles Take it super easy on your third day with a really long, laid-back brunch at 5 Pailles. This place should give you the best environment for a languid morning of oeufs-you know, eggs-and cold brew. Price to eat here: $20-30 USD You would like to go right in the middle of the morning, beating the brunch rush, so grab a nook by the window and get a view of Paris. Mid-Morning: Pompidou Centre This modernist wonder is just a 20-minute walk away from brunch. The building alone is a sight to see; however, its interior contains a vast repository of modern art, ranging from the works of Matisse, Warhol, and Duchamp. Admission is about $16 USD per head, open all weeks except Tuesday. Note: remember to check out the roof terrace for great panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: To Explore Montmartre Take the metro. Afternoon to be spent meandering through narrow charming streets and seeing famous views of the Sacré-Cœur and relaxing on the vibrating square of the Place du Tertre. Almost all the quaint cafes and studios of artists giving the district its Bohemian flair can still be seen in Montmartre.
Enjoy a cafe au lait at spots like La Maison Rose or Cafe des Deux Moulins for an average of about $5 USD per coffee. Late-Afternoon: Musée de la Vie Romantique The Musée de la Vie Romantique is located in the old house of Ary Scheffer, a painter. Its permanent collections are free to visit while offering a chance for rest in the beautiful garden café with teacup and pastry. A small entrance fee of about $10 USD is charged for some temporary exhibits and café access.
Evening: Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre Nightlife Head towards the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile metro stop, from where the Arc de Triomphe is right at your feet. Admire the breathtaking reliefs and architecture; for those with still more energy, there is the option to go up to the top for spectacular nighttime views of the city (~$18 USD). Return to Montmartre and experience this neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife.
Dine at local favorites like La Boîte aux Lettres or Chez Plumeau. These restaurants have meals in the area of $40-60 USD per meal per person.
Night: Moulin Rouge Show Let the night come to an end with a visit to the famous Moulin Rouge to see one of their incredible Féerie shows. Though tickets are a little expensive-starting from about $125 USD-it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Paris. If you prefer a quieter evening, simply admire the iconic red windmill illuminated at night.
Day 3 in Paris intertwines artistic culture with pulsating nightlife, allowing a deeper peering into the eclectic charm of the city, culminated in a dazzling night out. From artistic masterpieces to historic streets leading to live entertainment, Paris stands in a class apart, thus making sure time is well spent.
Day 4: Secrets of Paris Revealed
Île de la Cité is probably the most historic and cultural part of Paris in the morning. The last morning, head out very early to beat the crowds and take a nice, relaxed tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle. Perfectly combining scenic beauty with its historical significance, entry onto the island is free, so this activity should not be too expensive.
Mid-Morning: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Take a walk to the awe-inspiring Sainte-Chapelle, known for the magnificent stained glass that depicts detailed biblical scenes. Tickets cost approximately $14 USD. Within a few minutes of walking, get to the Conciergerie, a gothic palace-turned-prison that once housed the likes of Marie Antoinette on her final days before execution. It is advisable to buy a combined ticket for these two attractions for approximately $22 to save time and money.
Afternoon: Latin Quarter Cross the small bridge called the Petit Pont into the Latin Quarter. To this day, this neighborhood is one of the most lively and historic areas of Paris, including the Panthéon and Sorbonne University, among many others. Take some time strolling the very narrow, small streets and stop into a café for a coffee or pastry-many for $5-10 USD. It’s a great way to take in some real Parisian living.
Late Afternoon: Visit Shakespeare and Company Shakespeare and Company is arguably the most famous English-language bookstore in Paris and the favorite hangout of luminaries like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. It is located just a 5-minute walk from Notre Dame; thus, this is an attraction no bookworm should miss. Every minute inside its historic aisles is like being thrown back in time.
Jardin des Plantes : The latter part of your afternoon can be spent in this charming botanical garden. Once a place for the study of medicinal herbs, the Jardin des Plantes is not to be missed by a flower enthusiast and camera enthusiast alike. Entrance to the gardens is free and forms a quieter retreat from the noise of the city.
Latin Quarter Nightlife : Make your last night fun-filled with the vibrancy of the Latin Quarter. Have a night of wine at Le Bar de Fer-featuring French tapas from Les Baux de Paris for about 20-30$ if you want to have a truly great night out. Alternatively, go back into your favorite district so that it can be seen with the magic light of Paris on for an amazing end to your stay.
Last Thoughts: This is indeed a very holistic and enriching schedule of Paris, peeping into historical exploration, complete immersion into culture, and time for relaxation. Be it marveling at marvelous ancient architecture or enjoying the vibe of vibrant nightlife, these four days in Paris will be lifetime memories and give a far better understanding of one of the loved cities in the world. Safe travels, and au revoir!
