Exploring Paris in 4 Days: Insights from Locals on Experiencing the City of Light

From haute couture and Michelin-star dining to stunning Haussmann architecture and rich history, Paris is a city that continues to astonish. Having called it home for nearly a decade, I frequently received questions like, 'Where should I stay?' or 'What should we eat?' from friends and acquaintances.

My go-to advice? Let the city unfold at your own pace. Embrace the adventure on your terms. Skip the long lines at the Louvre if Renaissance art isn't your passion, and don’t feel pressured to dine at the trendiest spot if gastronomy isn't your thing. (But if you're ready to expand your culinary horizons, this is definitely the place to start.)

With 20 arrondissements, over 400 parks and gardens, more than 2,000 museums and monuments, and an extensive metro system tying it all together, Paris offers something for everyone—be it Monet’s water lilies at the Musée d’Orsay or Shepard Fairey’s mural near the Pompidou.

For those who enjoy guided experiences, schedule your tours based on availability but leave room for spontaneity, disco naps, and a few extra éclairs. This four-day plan is designed to span both weekdays and the weekend, catering to the city's notoriously tricky opening and closing hours. Enjoy your time—Profitez-bien!

Thursday: Explore the neighborhood, enjoy artisanal coffee, and indulge in treats

Start your day by shaking off any jet lag with a delightful coffee and croissant adventure. Begin at a nearby Noir café, a vibrant new chain known for its charming pink interiors that are popping up all over the city—definitely a welcome trend, thanks to their excellent coffee and refreshing vibe. After your caffeine fix, make your way to Canal Saint-Martin, home to some of the finest bakeries in the 10th arrondissement. Don’t miss the rich €1 choux pastry from Mamiche, a seasonal pinwheel from Du Pain et Des Idées, or an exotic treat from Liberté.

As you continue your journey, pass through Place de la République, a bustling square known for its iconic monument of Marianne, symbolizing France’s revolutionary spirit, and a central hub for protests and public celebrations, leading you to the Upper Marais. Weekdays are perfect for shopping without the weekend crowds at French-designed brands like Veja (vegan sneakers), Maison Labiche (embroidered hoodies), and Oh My Cream! (a delightful range of beauty products).

Next, visit the Picasso Museum, housed in a charming former mansion featuring around 5,000 artworks by the legendary Spanish painter who spent six decades in France. It may seem overwhelming before you’ve even unpacked, but the museum is laid out in a way that makes it an approachable introduction to art and culture.

By this time, you’re likely craving a “petite pause” or a snack, which the French refer to as “goûter.” This typically happens around 4 p.m., coinciding with the end of the school day for kids. If the weather is pleasant, head to Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, and enjoy the sun on the grass or take a bench to read or people-watch. For your snack, you have several choices based on your preference for savory or sweet, grab-and-go or sit-down: I recommend the chou farci (stuffed cabbage) pita from Miznon, which is hearty enough to be a meal. If you’re still in the mood for something sweet and want that classic French café experience, visit Carette. While you may need to wait for an outdoor table, the ambiance inside is just as charming—and that’s where the locals tend to gather, according to Jane Bertch, owner of La Cuisine Paris cooking school and author of the upcoming memoir The French Ingredient. “Be sure to try the Chausson aux Pommes with its distinctive baguette shape,” she recommends.

Friday: A journey through grand mansions, charming passages, and exquisite dining

Resist the temptation to sleep in; kick off your first full day with a self-guided exploration of Hôtel de la Marine. (It’s yet another 'hotel' that isn't actually a hotel.) With the help of GPS-enabled headphones, you can wander through room after room filled with 18th-century French luxury. This place was originally the home of the Garde-Meuble, the office responsible for managing royal properties, including Versailles, and even Marie Antoinette had her own apartment here during her visits to Paris.)

After your visit, you're perfectly situated for a stroll through the Tuileries Garden leading up to the Louvre. You might consider entering the impressive building, originally constructed in the late 12th century as a fortress, to greet Mesdames Mona and de Milo. However, be prepared for long lines unless you’ve booked tickets in advance. (A private tour with a company like Context Travel could be a better option.) If seeing I.M. Pei’s iconic pyramid is enough for you, then head over to the quieter Palais-Royale. Its covered arcades are filled with delightful shops, cafés, and restaurants, while the manicured gardens bloom with roses in the spring and summer months.

For lunch, consider the popular Le Nemours or the lesser-known Café Mar’Co. Both places are known for their vibrant atmospheres, perfect for a social dining experience rather than fine dining, and they are favorites among fashion enthusiasts. Personally, I enjoy a long, relaxed lunch that showcases seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients through ever-evolving tasting menus, which are typically more affordable at midday than at dinner. Be prepared to spend at least three hours and make reservations in advance, but excellent centrally-located options for contemporary French cuisine include Granite, Substance, and the recently refurbished La Tour d’Argent.

After your meal, take a stroll through some of the city’s charming 19th-century covered passages, originally built to protect the wealthy during rainy strolls. “They are filled with fascinating finds,” says Maelle Tardif, concierge at Maison Proust, a boutique hotel designed in the style of Belle Époque salons. “These historical treasures are home to tea rooms and antique shops, offering a delightful journey back in time,” she adds. “Check out Gallerie de Vivienne and Passage de Panoroma for boutiques specializing in vintage books and postcards.”

Saturday: A cinematic exploration and shopping at the pharmacy

Today, you’ll explore two iconic neighborhoods in Paris, both featured in beloved films. First, head to Montmartre, the setting for Amelie’s Paris. This hilly district, affectionately known as “the butte” by locals, will guide you to the highest point in the city. Lose yourself in the charming, winding cobblestone streets where you might stumble upon a small vineyard, one of the last remaining windmills, and the most delightful, underrated museum in Paris: the Musée de Montmartre. Local gallery owner and tour guide Alexandra Weinress notes, “It’s a hidden gem away from the tourist throngs flocking to Sacré Coeur, highlighting the area’s rich history as the heart of bohemian life and the artists like Renoir who once lived here. The gardens are lovely too, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.”

Take your time descending, perhaps stopping at Hôtel Rouchechoart on the boulevard for a rooftop cocktail with stunning 360-degree views of Paris. Then, hop on line 12 to traverse the river underground into the vibrant heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This area represents Woody Allen’s Paris, featured prominently in his 2011 film Midnight in Paris. Don’t miss the Panthéon, the final resting place of figures like Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. If you’re visiting from April to October, be sure to climb the 206 steps to the rooftop for breathtaking city vistas.

A trip to Paris isn’t complete without visiting one of its numerous pharmacies, and just around the corner on Rue du Four lies the ultimate destination for French remedies and toiletries: Citypharma. “You simply must stock up on skincare essentials while in Paris!” exclaims Melanie Masarin, founder of the nonalcoholic aperitif Ghia, recently launched in the Marais concept store Merci. “They have every brand, often at fantastic discounts. Skinceuticals Vitamin C and all Avene products are so much more affordable here. It’s like the Ikea of French pharmacies!”

For dinner, make a reservation at Les Arlots in the 10th arrondissement, praised by restaurateur Julien Pham as offering “the most delicious and genuine food in Paris.” He also recommends La Chope des Artistes and Chop Chop bar in the ninth. “These spots are where young creatives and talented Parisians gather every evening,” he adds.

Sunday: Exploring a local market, indulging in royal relaxation, and sipping in style

On your final full day, begin with a stroll through the market at the base of the Bastille monument in the 11th arrondissement. Each neighborhood has its own market open on specific days, but Sundays at Marché Bastille truly create “a unique ecosystem,” according to Bertch. Arriving early is ideal for better interactions with the vendors. “These markets are not just for buying produce; they are the very heart of the community,” she explains. Embrace the sights and sounds, and make sure to taste, taste, taste.

Since many shops and restaurants close on Sundays, it’s the perfect time to pamper yourself at the Ritz Club and Spa in Place Vendôme. Bring along a book and some headphones, and settle in for a while: whether you choose a treatment or not, the facility boasts a gym, saunas, steam rooms, and an indoor pool with plush loungers from which you can order drinks and snacks.

But don’t overindulge in paradise just yet. Instead, treat yourself to a final nuit à Paris cocktail at Rosewood Hôtel de Crillion’s Les Ambassadeurs. This chic, dimly-lit salon welcomes both guests and non-guests, featuring exquisite frescoes, gilded moldings, and stunning chandeliers, making it the poshest place for a drink in the city. Finally, head over to the Israeli restaurant Kapara for a late dinner. Formerly known as Balagan, which reopened in November 2023 under a new name, it maintains its lively atmosphere and serves a delightful feast, enhanced by the new female chef’s Iraqi and Moroccan influences, which bring an exciting level of spice and complimentary shots circulating through the room.

Accommodations

Paris offers a wealth of fantastic hotels. Among my top picks are Le Grand Mazarin, known for its playful, art-inspired decor complete with an underground pool and a charming courtyard adorned with frescoes, and HOY, ideal for those seeking a wellness touch alongside their sightseeing adventures, featuring an on-site yoga studio and an excellent vegan restaurant.