The best 4 nights 5 days trip plan to Paris, France recommended by locals

Paris, with its iconic landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and stunning architecture, offers a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience for visitors. I will give you the details of an optimal 4 nights 5 days itinerary.

Day 1

Upon arrival in Paris, check into your hotel and take some time to settle in.

Take a stroll along the Seine River to get a feel for the city. You'll see some of Paris's most famous landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum. You can also stop by the Saint-Michel Fountain, a famous Parisian landmark that dates back to the 16th century.

For dinner, try a traditional French bistro. Some popular dishes include coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and escargots. Consider dining at one of the many outdoor cafes along the Seine to take in the sights and sounds of the city while you eat.

Day 2

Start the day with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Explore the interior, admire the stained glass windows, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city (Note: As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the interior of Notre-Dame is currently closed due to renovation, but the exterior and the towers are still accessible).

After Notre-Dame, take a walk through the Latin Quarter, famous for its narrow streets, bohemian atmosphere, and literary history. Visit the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore and have lunch at a quaint cafe in the area.

In the afternoon, visit the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. To make the most of your time, consider pre-booking tickets or taking a guided tour. You'll see thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.

Day 3

Take a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles, one of the most famous palaces in the world and a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the French kings. Marvel at the grand halls, the famous Hall of Mirrors, and the stunning gardens, which are a masterpiece of French formal garden design. You'll also see the King's and Queen's private apartments, the opera house, and the royal chapel.

In the afternoon, visit the Champs-Elysées, a famous avenue lined with theaters, cafes, and luxury shops. Take a stroll down the avenue, window-shop, and stop for a coffee or a light snack.

End the day with a climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of Paris at night. You can also enjoy a glass of Champagne at one of the tower's restaurants for a romantic and memorable experience.

Day 4

Spend the day exploring the artistic side of Paris. Visit the Musée d'Orsay, home to a stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh. To get the most out of your visit, consider taking an audio tour or a guided tour of the museum.

Later in the afternoon, take a walk through the Marais neighborhood, known for its stylish boutiques, trendy cafes, and historic architecture. This neighborhood is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, as well as to sample some of Paris's finest cuisine.

In the evening, attend a cabaret show at the legendary Moulin Rouge. You'll be entertained by a dazzling array of performances, including dancing, singing, and acrobatics.

Day 5

Spend your final day in Paris shopping for souvenirs and trying some of the famous French past ries, such as croissants, macarons, and chocolates.

You can also visit some of the city's other famous landmarks, such as the Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning Gothic chapel with breathtaking stained glass windows, or the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, a famous Parisian landmark located on the hill of Montmartre.

In the evening, consider having a farewell dinner at a traditional Parisian brasserie or bistro. Enjoy a last taste of the delicious French cuisine before departing the city.

Remember that this is just a suggested itinerary and you can always customize it to your personal preferences and interests. Paris is a rich and diverse city with a lot to offer, so feel free to make the most of your time there!

Some of the most popular and iconic places to visit in Paris

Paris is a city filled with numerous landmarks, museums, and historical sites that are must-visits for any traveler

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It was built for the 1889 World's Fair and stands 324 meters tall. Visitors can take an elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top, where they will be treated to breathtaking views of the city. There are also two restaurants on the tower, the Jules Verne and the 58 Tour Eiffel, where you can enjoy a romantic dinner while admiring the views.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the largest art museums in the world, and it is home to over 35,000 works of art, including the famous painting, the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci. The museum is housed in a stunning palace, the Palais du Louvre, which was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century. The museum covers over 60,000 square meters and has several wings, including the Sully Wing, the Richelieu Wing, and the Denon Wing. Visitors can spend hours exploring the many galleries and exhibitions, and the museum also offers guided tours and audio guides to help visitors navigate the vast collection.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is one of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in the world. It was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for panoramic views of the city, and they can also explore the interior, including the stunning stained glass windows and the beautiful sculptures. Notre-Dame is also famous for its bells, including the famous Emmanuel bell, which weighs over 13 tons.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is located just outside of Paris and was the seat of the French monarchy from the 17th to the 18th centuries. The palace is famous for its stunning halls, including the Hall of Mirrors, and its beautiful gardens, which were designed by André Le Nôtre. Visitors can explore the palace, including the King's and Queen's apartments, and they can also visit the Musée des Carrosses et Echevaux, which is dedicated to the history of the French court's carriages and horses.

Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay is dedicated to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, and it is home to a stunning collection of masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh. The museum is housed in a former train station, the Gare d'Orsay, which was built in 1900. Visitors can explore the many galleries, including the Impressionist Gallery, which features works by Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro, and the Post-Impressionist Gallery, which features works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin.

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world and is lined with theaters, cafes, and luxury shops. It is a popular spot for shopping and people-watching, and it is also home to the famous Arc de Triomphe, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Visitors can take a stroll down the avenue, stop for a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the many cafes, or simply sit on a bench and watch the world go by.

Sainte-Chapelle

A stunning Gothic chapel with breathtaking stained glass windows, the Sainte-Chapelle is a must-visit for anyone interested in medieval architecture and history.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic hilltop neighborhood in Paris that is famous for its artistic heritage and stunning views of the city. The neighborhood was once home to famous artists such as Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec, and it is still a popular spot for artists and musicians today. Visitors can take a stroll through the narrow, winding streets, admire the stunning views from the top of the hill, and visit the famous Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur.

Seine River Cruise

A Seine River Cruise is a must-do for visitors to Paris. The river runs through the heart of the city and provides stunning views of the city's landmarks, including Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the river, enjoy a meal or a drink on board, and learn about the city's history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris and is the final resting place of many famous artists, writers, and musicians, including Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. Visitors can explore the cemetery, admire the stunning sculptures and monuments, and pay their respects to the famous individuals who are buried here.

These are just a few of the many must-visit places in Paris. Whether you're interested in art, history, culture, or just want to take in the stunning views, Paris has something to offer for everyone.

Things to keep in mind when traveling to Paris

Language

French is the official language of France, so it's helpful to learn some basic phrases before your trip. However, many Parisians speak English, especially in tourist areas, so you should still be able to communicate effectively.

Transportation

Paris has an extensive public transportation system that includes the metro, buses, and trains. A metro ticket is valid for a single journey, including transfers, and can be purchased at metro stations or from ticket vending machines.

Currency

The currency in France is the Euro (EUR). It's a good idea to exchange some currency before you arrive or to use an ATM in the city to get cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Paris, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash as well.

Tipping

Tipping in Paris is not mandatory, but it is common to round up the bill in restaurants or to leave a small amount for good service. In cafes and bars, it's common to leave a few coins on the table.

Dress Code

Paris is a fashionable city, and many people dress nicely, especially when dining out in the evening. However, Parisians are generally relaxed about dress, and you can wear what you like, as long as it is clean and presentable.

Safety

Paris is generally a safe city, but it's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping your valuables close and being aware of your surroundings.

Museums and Attractions

Many of Paris's top museums and attractions, including the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower, can get very crowded, so it's a good idea to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

By keeping these things in mind, you can ensure that your trip to Paris is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

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