City BuddyCityBuddy
English
Paris, France - Eiffel Tower and Seine River cover photo

4-Day Summer in Paris for General Travelers

⚖️Balanced Mix
4 dayssummer

Experience Paris in summer with a perfect blend of iconic sights, local culture, and delightful discoveries. Pack your bags for art, history, and charming summer strolls!

|
Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Paris, France, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Orientation and Iconic Highlights
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~3 hours

Join a free walking tour starting near Notre-Dame Cathedral in the Latin Quarter. It's a wonderful way to get oriented with the heart of Paris and learn interesting facts about the city's history and culture.

Book FREE walking tour
Afternoon

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

Visit the famous Louvre Museum via the main entrance at Rue de Rivoli. Allocate several hours to explore iconic works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

4.7(361k reviews)~3 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Late Afternoon

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

Stroll through the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries right outside the Louvre. This classic French garden is perfect for a relaxing walk surrounded by sculptures and fountains.

4.6(117k reviews)~1.5 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Evening

Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars

Spend your evening at Champ de Mars to enjoy stunning views of the Eiffel Tower as it lights up. A great spot for photos and leisurely relaxation close to the monument.

4.6(219k reviews)~2 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local bakery near the Latin Quarter and try a fresh croissant with café au lait. The flaky buttery pastry is a classic Parisian start to your day.
around €5
Lunch
Look for a café around the Louvre serving quiche Lorraine and a side salad. This savory pie filled with eggs, cream, and bacon is a comforting French meal.
around €15
Escargots
Dinneraround €25

Choose a bistro near Champ de Mars and order Escargots, classic garlic butter snails, accompanied by a glass of local red wine to complete the experience.

Escargots
The Metro is the best way to get around central Paris today. Use apps like Uber or Bolt for occasional taxi rides with a base fare around €2.5/km.
Hotel in Latin Quarter (historic and central neighborhood near Notre-Dame)
$90-110/night

Staying here offers easy access to the morning walking tour start, the Louvre, and beautiful scenic spots all within walking distance.

Metro20 minutes

Travel from the Latin Quarter to the historic monuments and neighborhoods area. Frequent trains run; no advance booking needed.

Day 2Historic Monuments and Neighborhoods
Morning

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Arrive early at Île de la Cité to avoid crowds. Explore the iconic gothic cathedral from its main entrance on Parvis Notre-Dame.

4.7(86k reviews)~1.5 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Late Morning

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle

Walk a few minutes east along Boulevard du Palais. Look up to admire the stunning stained glass windows inside this medieval chapel.

4.6(48k reviews)~1 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Afternoon

La Conciergerie (guided visit)

La Conciergerie (guided visit)

Located nearby on Quai de l'Horloge, join a guided tour to learn about its history as a former royal palace and prison.

4.4(11k reviews)~2 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Evening
Find a rooftop bar with city views

~2 hours

Head toward the Marais or near the Seine for rooftop bars. Arrive before sunset to enjoy panoramic views of Paris landmarks.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local bakery near Notre-Dame and try a Macaron with your coffee to start your morning sweetly.
$7
Coq au vin
Lunch$20

Look for a cozy bistro near Sainte-Chapelle and order Coq au vin, a classic French chicken stew braised with wine.

Coq au vin
Escargots
Dinner$25

Seek out a wine bar with light French appetizers in the Marais area and enjoy a glass of wine with Escargots as a unique treat.

Escargots
The best way to get around this historic area is by walking. For longer distances, use the metro and buses. Taxi apps Uber, Bolt, and Heetch are convenient and cost about $2.5 per km.
Hotel in Le Marais (historic district with central location)
$100-130/night

Perfect spot to stay after visiting iconic monuments and close to the rooftop bars for the evening.

metro30 minutes

Take line 12 from Hôtel de Ville to Abbesses in Montmartre. Buy a day metro pass for convenience.

Day 3Art, Gardens, and Montmartre
Morning

Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay

Explore this stunning museum located on Rue de la Légion d'Honneur. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and admire the impressive collection of impressionist art housed in a former railway station.

4.8(111k reviews)~3 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Afternoon

Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens

Relax in this spacious garden located in the Latin Quarter on Rue de Médicis and Rue de Vaugirard. Look for the beautiful Medici Fountain and the orchard of old fruit varieties.

4.7(123k reviews)~2 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Late Afternoon

Montmartre

Montmartre

Wander the artistic neighborhood on Rue des Abbesses and Place du Tertre. Take time to visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for great city views and enjoy the local artists and cafés.

4.7(159k reviews)~3 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Evening
Attend a cultural performance at an offbeat venue

~2 hours

Check out an underground or alternative space for live music, theater, or poetry readings, often in converted industrial buildings or intimate old cafés in the 9th arrondissement.

Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local bakery near the Musée d'Orsay and try a buttery croissant paired with café au lait, a classic French coffee with steamed milk.
EUR 5
Ratatouille
LunchEUR 20

Look for a casual bistro near Luxembourg Gardens and order Ratatouille, a traditional French vegetable stew that is both healthy and flavorful alongside a fresh baguette.

Ratatouille
Coq au vin
DinnerEUR 25

Seek out a cozy Montmartre restaurant serving Coq au vin, a rich chicken stew cooked with wine, mushrooms, and onions, perfect after a day exploring the artsy hilltop neighborhood.

Coq au vin
Use the Metro to navigate between these locations easily. The Paris Metro is extensive and efficient, and for late returns from Montmartre, take a taxi using Uber or Bolt apps, with taxis costing about EUR 2.5 per km.
Hotel in Latin Quarter (historic and central neighborhood)
EUR 90-120/night

This area puts you close to Luxembourg Gardens and has easy Metro access to Montmartre and Musée d'Orsay, making it perfect for this day's exploration.

RER train40 minutes

Take the RER B from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station to reach the Palace area easily. Book tickets in advance to avoid lines.

Day 4Palace and Local Experiences
Morning

Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Start early to beat the crowds at the Palace of Versailles. Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station and walk to the palace, exploring the grand halls and gardens.

4.6(163k reviews)~4 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Afternoon
Explore a local food market

~2 hours

Head to Marché d'Aligre or Marché Bastille to enjoy fresh local produce, cheese, bread, and lively Parisian market atmosphere. Great spot for sampling and buying food treats.

Late Afternoon
Try a traditional bakery for summer treats

~1 hours

Visit a bakery near the market area and try summer seasonal pastries like Tarte Tatin or fruit tarts. Look for bakeries in the 12th arrondissement for authentic flavors.

Evening
Find a bookshop with historic charm

~2 hours

Explore historic bookshops around the Latin Quarter, such as along Rue de la Huchette and nearby streets. Ideal for a relaxed evening browsing rare and classic books.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local café near your accommodation and enjoy a classic French breakfast of fresh croissants and café au lait.
Wine
Lunch~20 EUR

At the local food market, grab a stall lunch with a fresh baguette sandwich and regional cheese, paired with a glass of French wine.

Wine
Coq au vin
Dinner~25 EUR

Look for a cozy bistro in the Latin Quarter and order coq au vin, a traditional French chicken dish braised with wine and vegetables.

Coq au vin
Use the efficient Metro and RER trains to get around. For taxi rides, use Uber or Bolt with fares around 2.5 EUR per km throughout Paris.
Hotel in Le Marais (historic and central neighborhood)
$100-130/night

Le Marais offers great connectivity and charming streets to explore, perfect for your last Paris night.

Export Your Trip

Loading
Create another trip plan

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$111
Food / day$22
Transport / day$9
Activities / day$25
Daily total$167
Trip total$668

Accommodation based on $100/night converted to USD. Food includes mix of restaurant meals and street food. Transport includes public transport and occasional taxi. Activities budgeted at $25/day for sightseeing and entertainment.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Public Transport: Metro, Bus, RER with excellent service
Taxi Apps: Uber, Bolt, Heetch are best apps
Languages: French is primary, English widely spoken
Tipping: Appreciated but not mandatory
Safety: Average for traffic and violent crime, stay alert
Walkability: Excellent walkability for city exploration
Healthcare: Excellent quality healthcare available
Nightlife: Excellent nightlife options
Food Scene: Excellent quality and variety

Send PDF of this itinerary to your email for offline use

Get your full trip plan as a beautiful PDF with clickable Google Maps directions for every stop.

Additional popular things to do in Paris, France

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Pre-Trip Checklist

Documents

Booking

Packing

Health

Connectivity

Get eSIM for Paris, France

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.