Paris is one of the most important tourist destinations in all of Europe, so touring this city, the capital of France, is a phenomenal idea. But the question is, what is the best itinerary of places to see in Paris in 4 days, don’t worry, here we will show you everything.
Taking into account that this city is known as the world center of art and fashion, we can not miss any detail; but we must plan a good trip, only then we will know the most important museums, and emblematic sites such as the Eiffel Tower.
Day 1
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has been considered one of the most visited buildings in the world and, of course, is one of the essential monuments to see in Paris in 4 days.
Its construction was done in record time, because 5 months after starting the project the foundations were ready, and two years later the metal structure was already in place.
This 300-meter-high tower was built with 7,300 tons of iron and 18,038 metal parts. More than 200 workers were involved in the work.
It was created for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889, and its exhibition only sought to reveal the triumph of the French Revolution.
With it, the country wanted to show the world its industrial power, of a France that was beginning to emerge and empower itself in economic matters.
There is no doubt that the experience of climbing the Eiffel Tower is fascinating, and is a must for all visitors. You can do it through the elevator or the stairs, taking into account that in the second option you will get a little more tired, as there are 1,665 steps to climb.
If you want to avoid long lines, try to visit the tower early in the morning.
Quai Branly Museum
Another must-see attraction to see in Paris in 4 days are the museums. In this sense, you can schedule a visit to the Quai Branly Museum.
It is one of the newest in the city, since it was inaugurated in 2006, and among its attractions, we have a collection of more than 300 thousand pieces of ethnic art from Asia, America, Africa and Oceania.
The collections found here were gathered by travelers in the 19th century, and they include elements of ancestor worship. We are talking about elements such as: stone sculptures from Sumatra, furniture, costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, and many others, from New Guinea.
Field of Mars
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most beautiful gardens to see in Paris in 4 days, the Champ de Mars. With an extension of 780 meters, this place has been the epicenter of many historical events, such as the massacre of 1971 during the French Revolution.
If you want to spend a pleasant moment, enjoy the good weather, and recreate yourself in the green areas, fountains or ponds, then you should walk around the Campo Marte. In the area you will also find sports areas, basketball courts, playgrounds, and much more.
Museum of Modern Art in Paris
And to continue with the route of museums to see in Paris in 4 days, the next stop should be the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. This contains different exhibitions that make mention of the artistic currents of the twentieth century.
When you enter the museum of contemporary art, you will be able to contemplate different artistic currents where realism, abstract art, and contemporary art stand out. Besides that, there is a space dedicated to decorative arts and furniture from the 1920s and 1930s.
In the collection of this museum you can also appreciate an exhibition with more than 8 thousand works, which are part of great masters such as Picasso, Matisse, and Amedeo Modigliani.
Paris Sewage Museum
This is another interesting museum to see in Paris in 4 days. The most attractive thing about it is that it is located in a special place, as it is inside the Parisian sewer tunnels.
It is one of the most interesting visits to make, but not everyone will appreciate it. We are talking about the tour through the sewer network, where you will be informed about the history of the sewers and you will be able to understand how they work, but this tour will take place in a dark and very humid way.
In this walk, you can refer to the novel Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, which perfectly describes these dark passages of the underworld.
Of course, before visiting you should know that because it is a damp place, it tends to be smelly, so for many it is “not so attractive” to know.
Les Invalides
One of the most important monuments to see in Paris in 4 days is the Les Invalides monument. It served as a royal residence and still preserves the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
This palace was built in order to serve as a residence for the soldiers who fought in the war. The order for its construction was given by King Louis XIV in 1670.
Undoubtedly, the design and the king’s motive was ambitious, that is why the complex included leisure spaces, rooms, kitchen, and a church for prayer.
Day 2
Palace of Versailles
One of the most famous palaces to see in Paris in 4 days is the Palace of Versailles, built as a mandate of King Louis XIV. This complex has more than 800 hectares of gardens, and is seen as an architectural work that encompasses culture, art and history.
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most interesting visits to make in the city; it was declared a National Monument, and has been classified as one of the most important buildings of the monarchy of the European continent.
In the tour to the palace of Versailles, you can admire the rooms of the building, which can be admired through a great artistic wealth, where you can contemplate the beautiful chapel, the King’s and Queen’s Chambers, and all the decorative elements that embellish the place.
You can not leave the Palace of Versailles without first strolling through the Gallery of Mirrors. This is a gallery of 73 meters long, where you can see about 375 mirrors.
Finally, you can not miss a walk through the palace gardens, with a green extension of 800 hectares, where you can see a large expanse of all kinds of trees, ponds, fountains, and marble statues.
Triumphal Arch
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most representative monuments of the French capital along with the Eiffel Tower so it must be on your list of must-see sites in Paris in 4 days.
The triumphal arch, has dimensions of 50 meters high, and a base of 45 by 22 meters. This is a unique element that represents the victories of the French army, guided by the orders of Napoleon.
This construction was made in about thirty years; with a design presented by Jean Chalgrin and Jean-Arnaud Araymond, where it was taken as a reference the arto of Titus, located in Rome.
The objective of its construction, emphasized by Napoleon Bonaparte, was that the whole world knew the strength of France, and the Napoleonic victories. It was a way of self-honoring his military prowess and skill at the head of the French army.
Although the Arc de Triomphe is not so high, it is also interesting to reach its height, because from the top you can see the view of the Quarter of Defense and the Champs Elysees. To reach the terrace of the arch, you must climb about 268 steps.
Champs Elysées
They are at least two kilometers of avenue that make up one of the most beautiful and important areas to see in Paris in 4 days, where you will find interesting places to see such as the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe.
This has been an area of meeting point for the inhabitants of the city, and began with the planting of 1640 trees lined up, which gave shape to the avenue. Its name comes from Greek mythology and refers to a Christian paradise.
Concordia Square
A few meters away, you can find one of the most famous squares to see in Paris in 4 days as is the Place de la Concorde, this was built between 1757 and 1779. Its name was the square of Louis XV, and in the middle of it was a statue of the king, who decided to place it there to celebrate his improvement after an illness.
By 1972 the statue was destroyed, and it was renamed the square of the revolution. This was also one of the bloodiest scenes during the French Revolution, as a guillotine was installed here, where about 1,200 people were executed.
As you can see, the Place de la Concorde is an essential place to see in Paris, and this is partly due to its history.
Day 3
Louvre Museum
Another must-see museum in Paris in 4 days is the Louvre Museum. It is one of the most visited museums in France and the world. The Louvre Museum is one of the essential visits to make, especially if you are an art lover. Here you can enjoy a wide collection of art, and ancient pieces that will leave you fascinated.
From its facade to the interior, the Louvre Museum is a very attractive architectural work. We are talking about a fortress of the twelfth century, which was expanded on many occasions.
Before becoming a museum, it was a palace type residence for some monarchs, who took advantage and accumulated their art collections.
In its facilities we can see about 35,000 works of art, and 350,000 objects of ancient date. The collection is organized through departments, including oriental antiquities, Roman and Egyptian antiquities, painting, sculpture, and art objects. Also, during your visit to the museum, be sure to visit the huge Crystal Pyramid located in the central courtyard.
Royal Palace
North of the Louvre Museum, you can appreciate the Royal Palace of Paris, one of the recommended architectural works to see in Paris in 4 days.
One of the attractions of this building is undoubtedly its gardens. Luckily, they are public, and here you can spend a unique day, relaxing on a beautiful lawn, surrounded by small stores of crafts, food, and drinks of the city.
Tuileries Gardens
Another of the most beautiful gardens to see in Paris in 4 days is the Tuileries Gardens, located between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum. It is a public garden, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and relax.
It is perfect for real enjoyment, where you will walk along a central avenue lined with trees, sculptures, and beautiful Parisian-style buildings.
Orsay Museum
Although the city of Paris stands out for its wide variety of museums, we can not fail to mention the Musée d’Orsay. This should be noted in your places to see in the city, and I’ll tell you why.
The Musée d’Orsay houses a powerful exhibition dedicated to the plastic arts of the 19th century.
Among the works, you can enjoy a large collection of impressionist art, which has been known as the most outstanding in the world, and among the existing works, you can find paintings by artists such as Manet, Renoir, and Monet.
Another interesting fact is that the museum is located in the old train station, which was inaugurated in 1900.
Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the unique religious temples to see in Paris in 4 days is the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in the world. It is a fascinating, imposing, and ancient cathedral, which stands out for its Gothic structure, and its amazing gargoyles suspended on its roof.
With at least eight centuries of history, the cathedral was built during the years 1163 and 1245; although it has been reformed on several occasions, it remains in force.
In terms of design, the cathedral of Notre Dame has in its interior several architectural styles, where the Gothic style stands out as the main one, which blends very well with the Romanesque art, and the Norman.
It has among its attractions a Latin cross facing west, where it is embedded in the middle of the building.
Of course, due to the fire of 2019, the tower is closed to the public, as it is still under reconstruction.
Latin Quarter of Paris
The Latin Quarter of Paris is another area you should visit in the city. Its name is due to the fact that in medieval times the inhabitants, who were students, used Latin to communicate.
Since then, the neighborhood has had great influence not only in the city, but throughout the country.
A stroll through the Latin Quarter will take you past the Place Saint Michel, and a huge figure of St. Michael fighting with a dragon. You will also find a perfect area to share a coffee, or enjoy a delicious traditional French dish.
Day 4
Pantheon
Among the many monuments you will find in the city, another of the historical monuments to see in Paris in 4 days is the Pantheon. This is a building in the shape of a Latin cross, which ends with a dome of neoclassical style.
This temple has been considered one of the first neoclassical buildings that were erected in France, and still maintains the imposing Gothic architecture. Likewise, it maintains some Greek style details in its façade.
The pantheon preserves the remains of famous people such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Rouseeau, Marie Curie, and many others.
Sacré Coeur Basilica
For the last day in Paris, you can also make some essential visits, which may require less time.
Among those places to see in Paris in 4 days we find the beautiful Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, it is located at the top of Montmartre, on a hill 130 meters high.
Construction began in 1875, and in 1914 the work was completed. Among its design, the dome is one of the most beautiful elements that attract the attention of tourists, it is supported by several columns, and is adorned with a capital. And of course, the beautiful and immense bell, which makes it a reference point for photographs.
Montmartre
The Montmartre neighborhood is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city of Paris. This has also been considered with the name of “the neighborhoods of the painters”.
This locality is characterized by a set of very picturesque streets, which are linked to the top of a hill, where at the top is the aforementioned basilica.
In the middle of its streets, you can find the beautiful wall of love, a wall with the words “I love you” written on it, in all languages. It is undoubtedly one of the most bohemian areas of the country, where love and peace are praised.
To take the best memories of the city, get to know the culture of its inhabitants, enjoy a delicious coffee, and disconnect from the routine, a walk through this neighborhood is one of the essential tours you must do.
I hope this travel guide will lead you to know the most emblematic places to visit in the city of Paris, no doubt you can make a good tour and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
The best time to travel to Paris
Luckily, you can come to Paris at any time of the year. The most touristic months are from April to July, and September to October.
As for the weather, to contemplate the monuments of the city, and enjoy the most, we recommend traveling in autumn or spring, no doubt the atmosphere and the colors of the sunset, will make your trip magical.
If you want to travel in summer, temperatures are around 35 degrees Celsius, so it is recommended to wear light clothing. And during the winter, you should bring thick clothes and coats, because the average temperature is around 5 degrees Celsius. Besides that, from November to January, it usually rains a lot.
How is the transportation in Paris?
Another good news, and another reason to get to know the city. There is no monument or tourist site that is not easily accessible.
The trains and the metro are active from 5:30 am to 1:15 pm. This network is composed of 16 lines, which will help you to cross the city, being one of the most economical options.
The city also has a bus system, with 59 bus routes, which complement each other very well with the metro stops. The single ticket for the buses is between 2 euros.
