4 Perfect Days in Paris

After arriving in Paris from the United States in the morning, we dropped our bags at the hotel and immediately set out to explore. Our first stop was the Arc de Triomphe, with a quick and delicious jambon-beurre sandwich along the way for lunch. After taking in the iconic monument and snapping a few photos, we strolled down the Champs-Élysées for an afternoon of shopping, people-watching, and sampling macarons from one of the city’s famous pâtisseries.

Resist the temptation to pack too much into your first day—an early evening and good night’s sleep will help you overcome jet lag and be ready for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Start your morning the Parisian way with a cappuccino and a fresh croissant before heading to the historic fifth arrondissement. Begin at the Panthéon, then wander down Rue Soufflot toward the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. This is one of the city’s best places to slow down—grab a snack from a nearby bakery, find a chair by the fountain, and enjoy watching daily life unfold around you.

Exit the gardens near Luxembourg Palace and continue into Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods. Spend time browsing boutiques, stopping into cafés, and admiring the historic streets before making your way toward the Musée d’Orsay and crossing the Seine to admire the Louvre. Even if you don’t plan to enter the museums, the architecture and atmosphere are worth experiencing.

From there, enjoy a leisurely stroll through either the Palais Royal Gardens or the Tuileries Garden. If the weather turns rainy, explore one of the charming covered passages nearby. We stumbled upon a hidden gem for lunch at Bistro Richelieu, where homemade French classics are served in a quaint and welcoming atmosphere. We enjoyed a bottle of wine and profiteroles for dessert while waiting out a passing rain shower.

After lunch, continue exploring the first arrondissement at your own pace. Whether you browse shops, wander through the gardens, or simply soak in the Parisian ambiance, this area is perfect for an unstructured afternoon. When you're ready, return to the hotel to relax and prepare for dinner—one of the many highlights of a city renowned for its incredible dining scene.

Dedicate today to one of France’s most magnificent landmarks: the Palace of Versailles. We chose a rideshare over the train and arrived just before opening, which worked perfectly. Be sure to purchase timed-entry tickets in advance. Upon entering, head straight to the Hall of Mirrors before the crowds arrive—it was one of our smartest decisions of the trip.

After exploring the palace interiors, spend plenty of time in the gardens, which were the true highlight for me. The grounds are enormous, so prepare for a lot of walking or consider renting a golf cart or bicycle to see more of the estate. After lunch on the property, return to Paris and get ready for an unforgettable evening on the Seine.

A pre-booked dinner cruise was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Watching Paris light up at night while cruising past its most famous landmarks is magical, and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the river is an experience you won’t soon forget. While the food may not rival Paris’s best restaurants, the atmosphere more than makes up for it.

For our final full day, we headed to the Eiffel Tower after breakfast with tickets already reserved for the summit. Arriving early allowed us to photograph the tower from several viewpoints before the crowds arrived. While visiting the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly a Paris rite of passage and something everyone should do once, it was surprisingly not our favorite part of the trip and the only area where we felt slightly less comfortable than elsewhere in the city.

After descending, we walked over to the Trocadéro for some of the best views of the tower before treating ourselves to Carette’s famous hot chocolate and a buttery croissant. In the afternoon, we took a taxi to Montmartre and spent several hours wandering its charming streets, admiring the city views, and soaking in the neighborhood’s artistic character. A croque monsieur and a glass of wine at Le Vrai Paris made for the perfect late lunch. It was a wonderful way to end four unforgettable days in Paris before heading home the following morning.