Four Days in Paris: an Itinerary for a First Time Visitor
I recently spent some time in Paris on a very quick trip, and I thought I’d share my itinerary for those who may be planning a trip of their own. This isn’t meant to be comprehensive, or for folks who have been to Paris before. Instead, it’s meant to give new visitors who don’t have a lot of time a solid foundation to build their own itinerary.
For such a short trip, I recommend staying in the city center. I really like the fifth and sixth arrondissements (if you’re not familiar with Paris’ layout, see the map and guide here), because they’re within walking distance to several attractions that most first-time visitors to the city want to see. They’re also beautiful and lively areas, with lots of restaurants, bars, shopping, and cafes. Staying in a more central arrondissement also allows you to spend more of your short visit in the central part of the city, instead of spending time in a cab or on the metro anytime you want to get somewhere.
Speaking of getting around, the G7 taxi app worked great for me. Very similar to Uber, you simply enter your pick up point and where you’re going and call a cab. Payment for the ride is also charged in the app. I don’t speak French, so it was helpful to have an app where I didn’t need to rely on my very limited French vocab. Uber is also active in the city, though I’ve heard mixed things about how well it works and also that it can be quite slow and expensive.
As far as restaurants go, visitors to Paris are spoiled for choice. My one recommendation here is to make reservations, especially for dinner. The city is always bustling, and the more popular places are quick to fill.
For super in depth guides to Paris, I recommend watching a few of Jay Swanson’s videos on YouTube before you go. He truly knows the city, and I found what he shares over there to be extremely helpful as I planned my itinerary!
DAY 1: WELCOME TO PARIS
You've made it! You’re here! If you’re coming directly from the US, you’ll probably arrive in the morning or early afternoon. Head to the taxi stand and ride into town. Drop off your things at your hotel, then head to a nearby cafe for a coffee to revitalize your energy, and taste your first French pastry.
Afterwards, head over to Bir Hakim bridge for great views of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. This is a fantastic place to take photos, and also take in the beauty of the bridge, which was featured in the film Inception.
From there, it’s an easy walk over to Trocodero for more photos of the tower. Take some time to relax on the benches in this area and settle into the fact that you’re in Paris! This area is bustling and busy with lots of tourists, musicians, and sellers hawking all sorts of wares. Be sure to keep an eye on your wallet, as areas like this are a pickpockets dream.
By this time you’re probably ready for lunch, so head back towards the area of your hotel and wander a bit until you find a place you like to eat. Be aware that in France you’re encouraged to relax and enjoy your meal, so the waiter won’t automatically bring the check when you’re done. You’ll have to get their attention and request that it be brought to you.
Your hotel room should be ready now, so head back and check in if you haven’t already. This might be a good time for a nap or, if you’re feeling energetic, a slow wander around your hotel’s neighborhood to see what’s there.
In the evening I recommend having dinner close to the hotel, unless you have a particular restaurant you want to try in another part of the city. You’ll probably be tired, so this makes it easy to get back to the hotel quickly for some solid sleep.
DAY 2: SHOPPING
This is a great day to wander and do a bit of shopping! Start by exploring one of the covered shopping galleries in Paris! There are numerous galleries to choose from and you can read more about them here. They’re charming and a lovely way to get a sense of the city’s history while also shopping. Many of them have a cafe where you can grab brunch, or have a coffee. Find one that appeals and wander its halls, then head out and wander the surrounding neighborhood.
Head back to the hotel in the early evening to drop off any bags you have and to get ready for dinner - a cruise down the River Seine. This was probably my favorite activity I did while I was in Paris, and I can wholeheartedly recommend Le Calife for their great food and service. Splash out for the top tier of the boat - it’s 100% worth it. The captain also makes sure to line up the boat with the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower when it begins to sparkle. It’s a truly magical experience.
DAY 3: TAKE IN SOME CULTURE
What would a trip to Paris be without a visit to a museum? Today is a great day to get a little culture in and see some art. Start your day with a hearty and filling breakfast. You’re going to need it!
Paris’ art scene is overwhelming - there is SO much to see, and art lovers are absolutely spoiled for choice. Besides the large well-known museums, there are a ton of smaller, more specialized museums in the city. Speaking of the larger, well-known museums, many of them are impossible to see in a day (ahem…looking at you Louvre), so if you decide on one of those, pick the things you’re most interested in seeing and plan your visit out. This will make your visit more enjoyable, and keep you from burning out early in the day.
Many of the Paris’ museum require a timed entry ticket, so be sure to purchase them online in advance and take the timing into account when you’re planning out your day.
DAY 4: BOOKS & MORE CULTURE
If you’re a book lover, making a pilgrimage to Shakespeare & Company is essential. It sits on the bank of the Seine at Kilometer Zero, the point at which all French roads begin. There may be a line, but it’s totally worth the wait. Pick up a beautiful, special edition book, and have them decorate it with the store’s famous stamp.
Shakespeare & Company is not only a great bookstore, it’s also right across the river from our next stop, Notre Dame. While the cathedral is - at the time of writing - still under construction due to the 2019 fire that began on the church’s roof, I recommend you take the time to walk past to get a sense of its size and beauty. There’s also a pretty interesting outdoor display chronicling the restoration process. Then, head down the street to Sainte-Chappelle, my personal favorite, to see the incredible stained glass windows.
Our next church is Sacre Couer, which sits on Paris’ highest point, offering lovely panoramic views of the entire city. Interestingly, despite its older appearance, the basilica was only started in 1875 and completed in 1919. This is a great place to sit awhile and take in your surroundings. Afterwards, take the funicular (or walk) down into Montmartre, and wander its streets, which evoke a French village. This area of Paris has an incredibly rich artistic past, so you’re walking in the steps of artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir and more. Have dinner in this area to close out your final night in Paris.
DAY 5: TIME TO HEAD HOME
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. It’s been a quick trip, but a fulfilling one that leaves you excited for the next time you return to Paris!
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
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