admin
Friendly disclaimer!
We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
Paris effortlessly combines tradition with the modern – from historic boulevards, rustics alleyways, classical bistros and an illustrious artistic pedigree, to cutting edge museums, triple-Michelin-starred restaurants and chic boutiques. No wonder Paris is considered the world capital for art, fashion, food, literature, and ideas.
Spending four days in Paris is guaranteed to make you fall in love with the city of lights, with its endless list of enchanting experiences and sights
Unravelog tip: Make use of the Paris Pass or the Paris Museum Pass to enjoy free entry to over 60 attractions across Paris.
4-day Paris itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Embark on your tour de Paris starting with the iconic Eiffel Tower. Visit Napoleon’s tomb at Les Invalides and cross over the beautiful Alexandre III bridge towards the left bank of the Seine. Once here, marvel at the 3,000-year-old Egyptian obelisk at Place de la Concorde, the city’s largest square. Promenade up the glamorous streets of Champs de Elysées and end your day at the historic Arc de Triomphe.
- Eiffel Tower
- Les Invalides
- Pont Alexandre III
- Place de la Concorde
- Champs de Elysées
- Arc de Triomphe
Day 2
Admire the artistic treasures of the sprawling Louvre Museum for the first half of the day. Follow it up with some fresh air and leg-stretching at the elaborate Tuileries Gardens. Take a metro to the vibrant Montmartre district for the second half and roam around its artistic streets. Catch a stunning sunset atop the dome of Basilique du Sacré Cœur and call it a night with a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge.
- Louvre Museum
- Tuileries Gardens
- Montmartre
- Basilique du Sacré Cœur
Day 3
Begin your day appreciating the splendid interiors of the Paris Opera House. Window shop at the many posh boutiques around Paris’ most beautiful square, Place Vendôme. Cross over the Pont Neuf (the oldest standing bridge across the Seine) towards the religious centre of the capital at the river island, Île de la Cité. Admire the mesmerizing stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle and walk along the infamous prison halls of the Conciergerie. Get a quick glimpse of Notre Dame from the outside before hopping on a metro towards the historic Le Marais district, famous for its magnificent mansions and palazzos.
- Paris Opera House
- Place Vendôme
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Conciergerie
- Notre Dame
- Le Marais
Day 4
For your final day in Paris, saunter through the charming alleyways of Quartier Latin. Visit the resting place of the many literary greats at the Pantheon and head to the sweeping Luxembourg Gardens for a lazy afternoon picnic. Post sunset, catch picture-perfect views of the Iron lady from Trocadero and hop on a magical dinner cruise on the Seine for the perfect ending to your Paris trip.
- Latin Quarter
- Panthéon
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Trocadero
- Seine night cruise
Detailed 4-day Paris itinerary
Day 1
Climb up the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution during the 1889 World Exposition. It towers over the city at 324 metres and weighs over 10,000 tons, making it both an imposing monument and an engineering marvel.
Things to do:
- After the rush and thrills of the Iron Lady, savour a moment of true Parisian life at the Champs de Mars park. A sprawling green space surrounding the Eiffel Tower, it’s perfect for a casual stroll, a lazy picnic or to simply soak in the grandiose views of the tower from below.
Useful Info:
- Location: Parc du Champ de Mars
- Timings:
-
- 1st June – 1st September: 9:30 am – 11:45 pm
- Rest of the year: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm
- Cost:
-
- Adults: Starts from €10,50
- Tuesdays from 5 pm: € 9 (US$ 10.90)
- Children (under 18): €2,60, free for children under 4 years
- Youth (12-24 years): €5,20
- Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr
- How to reach: Bus 82, 42: “Tour Eiffel”. Metro line 6: “Bir-Hakeim”. Metro line 9: “Trocadéro”.
Visit Napoleon’s tomb at Les Invalides
The burial ground of one of the most iconic historical figures of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, the Les Invalides is one of the most important monuments in Paris. Originally a retirement home for war veterans, it also houses museums and monuments showcasing French military history.
Things to do: Visit the Musée de l’Armée, France’s military museum and the church of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb.
Unravelog Tip:
- If you’re short on time, you can admire the stunning architecture of Les Invalides from the central courtyard for which you don’t need a ticket.
Useful Info:
- Location: Rue de Grenelle, 129
- Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (Last entry 30 minutes before closing time)
- Cost:
- Full price: €14
- Discounted price: €11 (for ages 18 to 25)
- Free entry with the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass
-
- Website: https://www.musee-armee.fr/en/english-version.html
- How to reach:
- Metro: Invalides, lines 8 and 13.
- RER: Invalides, line C.
- Bus: lines 28, 49, 63, 69, 82, 83, 87 and 92.
Cross the Seine over Pont Alexandre III
Built across the Seine river, Pont Alexandre III is an ornate bridge, considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. Connecting the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides, it offers sweeping views of prominent landmarks on either banks including the Eiffel Tower.
Useful Info:
- Location: Pont Alexandre III
- How to reach:
-
- By Bus: One can take buses from Rivoli to the bridge
- By Metro: Line 1 subway takes you to Pont Alexandre III
Explore the sights of Place de la Concorde
Traditionally a site for many notable public executions, the Place de la Concorde is today one of the largest and most important public squares in Paris.
Things to do:
- The square is famous for the Luxor Obelisk- a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk, and the two monumental fountains (Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves).
- Catch spell-binding views of prominent landmarks from the obelisk.
- To the north side of the square, you will find the alluring French Naval Ministry building and Crillon Hotel, one of the oldest and most elegant hotels in Paris.
Useful Info:
- Location: Between Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden
- Timings: Always open
- Cost: Free entry
- How to reach:
-
- By Metro: Metro no. 1, 8 and 12 passes through Place de la Concorde.
- By Bus: Bus no. 20, 73, 72 and 94
Mosey down Champs-Élysées
This iconic promenade is nearly two kilometres long and goes all the way from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle, bookended by the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre museum.
Things to do:
- Considered to be one of the world’s most famous commercial streets, go shopping at its many designer boutiques, luxury stores, and souvenir shops.
- Catch a cabaret show at the prestigious Lido Paris Merveilles
- Go partying at L’Heritage, an upscale nightclub located on the Champs-Élysées
Useful Info:
- Location: Avenue des Champs-Élysées
- How to reach: Station “Concorde” (metro line 1, 8, 12). Station “Charles de Gaulle – Étoile” (metro line 1, 2, 6, A). Station “Franklin D. Roosevelt” (metro line 1, 9)
Climb atop the Arc de Triomphe
Erected by Emperor Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Standing tall at 50 metres (164 feet), it is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris.
Useful Info:
- Location: Place Charles de Gaulle
- Timings: April to September: Open daily from 10 am -11 pm , October to March: Open daily from 10 am – 10:30 pm
- Cost: Adults: € 13, free for youth (under 25 years) and children
- Website: http://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr/en/
- How to reach: Metro line 1, 2, 6: “Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile”.
Day 2
Discover the treasures of the Louvre Museum
One of the largest and most visited museums in the world, the Louvre Museum is famous for its many masterpieces accumulated over the past five centuries by French monarchs and conquests of the Napoleon empire.
Things to do:
- Some of the most impressive paintings to look out for include the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix and The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese.
- A few of the must-see sculptures here include the Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue, Seated Scribe, an ancient Egyptian sculpture and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a Hellenistic sculpture.
- The Louvre Museum offers several dining options from gourmet fine dining at Cafe Richelieu to the ultra-chic Cafe Marly, famous for its macarons.
Unravelog tips:
- Owing to the sheer scale of the museum, it is advisable to stick to the most important sights first and then move on to the rest depending on the time available.
- Skip the long lines at the pyramid by using the underground Louvre Carousel entrance.
Useful Info:
- Location: Place du Palais Royal
- Timings:
-
- Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Wednesday & Friday: 9 am – 9:45 pm
- Tuesday: closed
- Cost:
-
- Online tickets: € 17
- Tickets purchased at the museum: € 15
- Free for visitors under 25 years and children
- Free entry with the Paris Museum Pass and the Paris Pass
- Website: www.louvre.fr
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre, lines 1 and 7.
- Bus: lines 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81 and 95.
Laze around the Tuileries Gardens
Owing its name to the drab tile factories that once existed here, the Tuileries gardens were one of the first public gardens in the city. Its prime location between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde also makes it one of the most popular parks in Paris.
Useful Info:
- Location: Between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde
- Timings: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free entry
- How to reach: Metro: Tuileries, line 1, Concorde, lines 1, 8 and 12.
Fall in love with Montmartre
Once an independent commune infamous for its cabarets and brothels, it subsequently transformed into one of the most charming, colourful and unique districts in Paris. Montmartre is famous for its vibrant cafés and studios of artistic greats, including that of Dalí, Monet and Picasso.
Things to do:
- Visit Place Pigalle, famous for its sexshops and cabarets, including the renowned Moulin Rouge.
- Take the funicular or climb up 197 steps to Place du Tertre, the more bohemian part of Montmartre. Stroll through the streets, observe the many artists at work or have dinner at the many cafe terraces here.
- Musée de Montmartre, Espace Dalí and the Museum of Romance are great options if you’re in the mood for museums or art galleries.
- Take a macaron making class in Montmartre. Here’s a list of patisseries to enjoy while in Paris.
- Explore the unique street art of Montmartre including Le Mur des Je t’aime (‘I Love You Wall’) and Le Passe-Muraille sculpture (The Man Who Walked Through Walls)
Useful Info:
- Location: Montmartre district
- How to reach: Metro line 2: “Blanche”, “Pigalle”, “Anvers”. Metro line 12: “Abbesses”.
Catch the Sunset at Basilique du Sacré Cœur
The Sacred Heart (Sacé-Coeur) Roman Catholic basilica sits atop Montmartre hill, the highest point of the city. It offers panoramic views of Paris as it extends southward.
Things to do: Climb to the top of the dome at sunset for a panoramic view of the capital down below.
Useful Info:
- Location: b35, Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre
- Timings:
- Basilica: Daily 6 am to 10:30 pm
- Dome: Daily 8.30 am. to 8 pm (May to September) and 9 am to 5 pm (October to April)
-
- Cost: Free entry
- Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english
- How to reach: Metro line 12: “Jules Joffrin”, “Pigalle”, “Abbesses”. Metro line 2: “Pigalle”, “Anvers” or Montmartre Funicular
Day 3
Tour the Paris Opera House
Commissioned by Napoleon III, the Palais Garnier or Garnier Opera is an opulent neo-baroque-style building from the nineteenth century. It has inspired several plays and books, including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.
Things to do:
- Visitors can either visit the Opera with a tour guide or by themselves. The guided tours last 90 minutes.
- A ticket to visit the opera also provides access to the various exhibitions that are on display at the Palais Garnier.
Useful Info:
- Location: Place de l’Opéra 75009
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 03:30 PM (except on days with afternoon performances, exceptional closure and summer period)
- Cost:
-
- Full rate: €14
- Reduced rate (for young people aged 12-25): €10
- Free entry for children under the age of 12, the unemployed and the disabled.
- Free entry with the Paris Pass.
-
- Website: https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Stations Opéra (lines 3, 7 and 8), Chaussée d’Antin (lines 7 and 9) or Madeleine (lines 8 and 14).
- RER: Auber, line A.
- Bus: lines 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 52, 66, 68, 81 and 95.
Window shop at Place Vendôme
The Place Vendôme is an upscale neoclassical square, considered to be one of the most beautiful ones in Paris. The square along with the adjoining Rue de la Paix is today a showcase for luxury goods and high-end stores.
Things to do:
- Window shop or find presents for your loved ones at the many jewellery stores and high-end shops here.
- Have an afternoon tea at the Ritz or the Vendôme hotels, enjoying Parisian opulence and glamour.
- Visit the Hemingway bar, named after the famous American writer, to grab a drink or a Parisian cocktail. Hemingway and his friend, F. Scott Fitzgerald, are known to have visited this bar quite frequently.
Useful Info:
- Location: North of the Tuileries Garden.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Cost: Free Entry
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Opéra, lines 3, 7 and 8; Tuileries, line 1.
- Bus: Lines 21, 27, 29, 42, 52, 68, 72, 84, 94.
Admire the intricacies of the Sainte-Chapelle
Celebrated for its exquisite stained glass windows, the Sainte-Chapelle is a gothic style royal chapel considered to be an architectural masterpiece of the thirteenth century.
Things to do:
- Explore all parts of the monument and discover the political and religious power and influence that the seat of the Sainte-Chapelle exerted throughout history.
- Pay €3 in addition to the entrance fee and access the audio tours, which makes learning about the chapel much more fascinating and hassle-free.
- Visit the library boutique.
Unravelog Tips:
- Visitors can install the “Sainte-Chapelle windows” app (iOS/Android) on which they can unlock the secrets of the stained glass windows of the chapel.
- A virtual tour is also offered for Saint-Chapelle in French.
Useful Info:
- Timings:
-
-
- 23rd June- 30th September- 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM
- 1st October onwards- 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
- Closed on the 1st May, 25th December and 1st January.
-
- Cost:
-
-
- Individual Tariff: €11.5
- Combined ticket: Sainte-Chapelle/Conciergerie: €17
- Free entry for children under the age of 18, young people (18-25 years) of EU or EEA nationality and disabled people and their aides.
-
- Website: http://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en/
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Cité, line 4.
- RER: B, C :station Saint-Michel
- Bus: 21, 27, 38, 85 and 96.
Go back in time at the Conciergerie
Used as a residence for the Royal Family and seat of the French Parliament until the fourteenth century, it was later turned into a prison during the French Revolution. It witnessed the execution of over 2,700 prisoners including notable French citizens such as Marie Antoinette.
Things to do:
- Delve into the different parts of the Conciergerie and learn about the monument’s history as a palace and an institution of justice.
- By paying €5 in addition to the entrance fee, avail the use of the HistoPad which uses augmented reality to provide users with an innovative and visually instructive experience of the Conciergerie’s history.
Useful Info:
- Timings:
-
-
- 15th June- 30th September: 10.30 AM – 06.30 PM
- 1st October onwards: 09.30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed on the 1st May and 25th December.
-
- Cost:
-
-
- Individual tariff: €9.5
- Combined ticket: Conciergerie / Sainte-Chapelle: €17
- Free entry for children under the age of 18, young people (18-25 years) of EU or EEA nationality and disabled people and their aides.
-
- Website: http://www.paris-conciergerie.fr/en/
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Cité, line 4.
- Bus: lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81 and 85
Catch a glimpse of the Notre Dame
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this tectonic masterpiece is one of the oldest and most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world.
Unravelog tip: Even though the cathedral remains closed for restoration after the fire of 2019, it is still worth visiting its grounds (with restricted access) for a decent view of the structure. The Pont des coeurs and the Left Bank of the Seine are also great vantage points for the same.
Useful Info:
- Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame. Place Jean-Paul II
- Cost: Free entry to the grounds
- Website: https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Cité, line 4 (purple)
- RER: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame (lines B and C).
- Bus: 21, 38, 47, 85, 96.
People watch at Le Marais
Le Marais is a historic district situated on the Right Bank of the Seine. This is a trendy district with beautiful architecture and the most magnificent mansions and palazzos. Now home to a vibrant LGBT community, it is famous for its many museums, art galleries and historic sites.
Things to do:
- People watch at Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.
- Vist the many art museums here including the Musée Carnavalet, Musée Picasso, and Musée Cognacq-Jay
- Visit Victor Hugo’s mansion
Useful Info:
- Location: 75004 Paris, France
- How to reach: Metro: Bastille, lines 1, 5 and 8.
Day 4
Pep up at the Latin Quarter
Home to some of the top universities in Paris, the Quartier Latin is a maze of small and charming streets. It is also one of the liveliest areas in this city, home to a host of pocket-friendly restaurants and cafés bustling with students and tourists alike.
Things to do:
- Stroll through the district and discover the Sorbonne, the best-known university in Paris.
- Wander the shopping streets of Rue Mouffetard, Rue Monge and Place de la Contrescarpe.
- The Paradis Latin, the Théâtre de l’Odéon and the Caveau de la Huchette are also popular show venues in the Latin Quarter.
- Explore the St-Michel District and Seine-Side Quays alongside the Seine river, lined with the occasional antique sellers, sellers of rare books, and quaint cafes.
- Pay a visit to Musée Cluny which houses medieval culture, heritage and works of art.
Useful Info:
- Location: South of the Île de la Cité
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Saint-Michel, line 4.
- RER: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame, lines B and C.
Visit the tombs of the elite at the Panthéon
One of the first major monuments in Paris, the pantheon combines elements of gothic and Greek architectural styles to offer an impressive neoclassical façade and interiors. Originally built as a church, the Panthéon is now a mausoleum for celebrated figures in French and Parisian history, including Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Voltaire.
Useful Info:
- Location: Place du Panthéon
- Timings:
-
-
- June to September: Mon-Sun, 10:45 AM- 07:00 PM
- October to March: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM- 06:00 PM
- April to June: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM- 06:30 PM
- Closed on Jan 1, May 1, Nov 1 and 11 and Dec 25.
-
- Cost:
-
-
- Individual rate: €11.5
- Combined ticket Saint-Denis Basilica + Panthéon: €16
- Free entry for children under the age of 18, young people (18-25 years) of EU or EEA nationality and disabled people and their aides.
-
- Website: http://www.paris-pantheon.fr/en/
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Cardinal Lemoine, line 10.
- RER: Luxembourg, line B.
- Bus: lines 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, 85 and 89.
Have a picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens
Named after the Luxembourg palace, these gardens are spread over 25 hectares of sprawling lawns, tree-lined promenades, flowerbeds, ponds, and the ornate Medici Fountain.
Things to do: The Luxembourg Gardens are an ideal place to rest after a long day of exploring the city. It is also home to an orchard, an apiary, a greenhouse, a rose garden, an Orangery and the Pavillon Davioud.
Capture the evening hues from Trocadero
Located directly across Eiffel Tower, Trocadero is an expansive complex of museums, sculptures, gardens and fountains. It also offers stunning views of the Iron Lady.
Things to do:
- Visit the Palais de Chaillot, which houses museums dedicated to maritime history, architecture and anthropology as well as the magnificent Trocadéro Gardens.
- Trocadero is a great spot to capture postcard-worthy photos of the Eiffel Tower, especially at dusk.
Useful Info:
- Location: Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Cost: Free Entry
- How to reach:
-
- Metro: Trocadero (Lines 6 and 9).
- Bus: Lines 22, 244, 30, 63, 72 and 82.
Cruise on the Seine over dinner
Embark on a cruise along the Seine through the heart of Paris to witness the city from a completely different perspective. With most of the prominent landmarks shimmering under the night lights, a dinner cruise along the Seine offers a truly magical experience.
Useful Info:
- Location: Port de la Bourdonnais, Paris
- How to reach:
-
- RER: C
- Metro: Lines 6 and 9.
- Bus: 42 and 82.
Ready to fall in love with Paris? Here are 7 ways to romance the city of love.
Nikita Joseph
