Perfect 3-Day Itinerary in Paris – See the Best of Paris
Paris, the City of Light, enchants travelers worldwide with its romantic ambiance, historic landmarks, artistic masterpieces, and irresistible culinary delights. Whether strolling along charming streets, viewing iconic monuments, or savoring delectable French cuisine, Paris guarantees lasting memories. With this carefully curated 3-day itinerary, you’ll effortlessly explore Paris’s top attractions, hidden gems, and authentic experiences.
Itinerary Overview
Experience Paris in three magical days filled with world-famous landmarks, artistic masterpieces, stunning neighborhoods, delicious French cuisine, and engaging local experiences. Discover iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, while exploring charming areas like Montmartre and Le Marais.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Iconic Paris
Morning: Eiffel Tower & Champs de Mars
Begin your Parisian adventure at the iconic Eiffel Tower. Open daily from 9:30 am (book tickets online to skip lengthy lines). Spend 1-2 hours marveling at panoramic city views from the observation decks. Early morning visits (around 9 am or earlier) offer great lighting conditions for photography without large crowds.
Follow up your Eiffel visit with a leisurely walk through Champs de Mars park—perfect for snapping postcard-worthy images of the Eiffel Tower. Grab a fresh croissant and café au lait from nearby boulangeries for a perfect Parisian breakfast picnic.
Afternoon: Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysées
Head to Arc de Triomphe (open daily 10 am – 11 pm). Climb the stairs for incredible city vistas. Spend at least 1 hour exploring and photographing this historic landmark.
Then stroll down Champs-Elysées, Paris’s most famous shopping boulevard, browsing popular stores. Grab lunch at Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Elysées) for indulgent macarons and chic cafe meals.
Evening: Seine River Cruise & Dinner
Set sail on a sunset cruise along the Seine River (Bateaux Mouches offer cruises from 7 pm onward, booking ahead highly recommended) to see beautifully illuminated landmarks like Notre-Dame, Pont Alexandre III, and Musée d’Orsay.
End your evening enjoying delicious French cuisine near Saint-Germain-des-Près. Try Au Père Louis, beloved for classic French dishes and excellent wines.
Day 2: Art, Culture & Charm
Morning: Louvre Museum
Dedicate your morning to exploring the famed Louvre Museum (open 9 am – 6 pm daily, closed Tuesdays). Book entrance tickets online beforehand to skip lengthy queues. Highlights include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and impressive Egyptian collections. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy.
Afternoon: Jardin des Tuileries & Montmartre
After your museum visit, stroll leisurely through the lovely Jardin des Tuileries, ideal for a quick break surrounded by fountains and sculptures.
Next, head towards Montmartre—the charming hilltop neighborhood known for artistic spirit and bohemian cafés. Spend your afternoon exploring Sacre-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre, and narrow cobblestone streets filled with unique shops and cafés offering the famous Parisian crêpes.
Evening: Moulin Rouge & Montmartre Dining
Catch a classic cabaret show at famed Moulin Rouge (reserve tickets weeks ahead, performances held from 7 pm nightly). Enjoy dinner nearby beforehand—Le Progrès offers delicious local specialties in Montmartre’s atmospheric setting.
Day 3: Historic Paris & Local Atmosphere
Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral & Sainte-Chapelle
Though Notre-Dame is under renovation following the 2019 fire, you can still admire its exterior beauty. Afterwards, head to nearby stunning Sainte-Chapelle (open daily, 9 am – 5 pm). Famous for its breathtaking stained glass windows, allow at least 45 minutes to admire its interior.
Stop by the charming Île Saint-Louis neighborhood afterward for authentic Parisian breakfast at Café Saint-Régis.
Afternoon: Le Marais & Picnic at Place des Vosges
Spend your afternoon exploring Le Marais, Paris’s trendy, historic quarter known for chic boutiques, art galleries, and atmospheric medieval streets. Visit Musée Picasso (open daily, except Mondays, 9:30 am – 6 pm), a must for art lovers.
Relax with a quintessentially French picnic lunch at beautiful Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, surrounded by charming architecture and lush gardens—pick up gourmet sandwiches and pastries from local favorite Carette before strolling to enjoy lunch in the sunshine.
Evening: Latin Quarter Dining & Night stroll by Pantheon
Your final evening in Paris calls for exploring the Latin Quarter. Dine at cozy French bistro Le Pré Verre, beloved by locals for hearty cuisine and affordable wines.
After dinner, enjoy a nighttime stroll, stopping at Pantheon and Sorbonne for beautifully illuminated scenes, ending your unforgettable Paris adventure.
Practical Tips
- Transport: Purchasing a Paris Visite pass provides unlimited public transportation travel on metro, buses, and local trains—convenient and budget-friendly.
- Accommodation: Stay centrally (1st, 4th, 5th, or 6th arrondissements) for easy walking distance to popular spots and charming neighborhoods.
- Local customs: A polite greeting “Bonjour” and basic French phrases are highly appreciated by locals. Avoid loud conversations on public transport, a quiet decorum is standard.
Conclusion
With this ideal 3-day Paris itinerary, exploring this romantic city’s landmark attractions, hidden gems, vibrant neighborhoods, and mouthwatering cuisine feels effortless and rewarding. Make unforgettable memories with each elegant boulevard, charming corner café, and spectacular monument. Bon voyage!
