Paris, the City of Light, is a destination that captivates travelers with its rich history, iconic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and vibrant culture. While you could spend weeks exploring its grand boulevards, intimate neighborhoods, and famous museums, three days in Paris is enough to experience some of the city’s most unforgettable highlights.
This guide is designed to help you make the most of your 3-day visit to Paris, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more of what this enchanting city has to offer.
Day 1: Iconic Paris – Landmarks and History
Your first day in Paris will immerse you in the city’s most famous sights, starting with its crown jewel—the Eiffel Tower.
Morning: Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro Gardens
- Eiffel Tower: Begin your day at one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take in the breathtaking views from its observation decks. You can choose to take the elevator or climb the 704 steps to the second level if you’re feeling adventurous. The views from the top are worth every effort, offering panoramic vistas of Paris stretching to the horizon.
- Trocadéro Gardens: After visiting the Eiffel Tower, take a stroll through the Trocadéro Gardens, which provide the best views of the tower from across the Seine River. The gardens are also perfect for a mid-morning coffee or croissant at one of the nearby cafés.
Late Morning: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées: Next, head to the famed Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in Paris. Lined with luxury shops, cafés, and theaters, it’s a great place to people-watch or do some shopping. Stop by Ladurée for their famous macarons or a light breakfast.
- Arc de Triomphe: At the top of the Champs-Élysées, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe, another iconic symbol of Paris. Climb to the top for stunning views down the twelve grand avenues that radiate from the monument, including the Champs-Élysées.
Lunch:
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a classic Parisian lunch near the Champs-Élysées. Known for its steak-frites, this popular restaurant serves only one main dish: perfectly cooked steak with their famous sauce, accompanied by crispy fries.
Afternoon: Seine River Cruise and Notre-Dame
- Seine River Cruise: In the afternoon, relax with a scenic boat cruise along the Seine River. A Bateaux Mouches cruise offers an excellent way to see the city’s major landmarks, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, all from the comfort of the water.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: After your cruise, head to the Île de la Cité to visit the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although the interior is closed for restoration after the 2019 fire, the cathedral’s Gothic facade and the surrounding area, including the picturesque Square Jean XXIII garden, are still worth exploring.
Evening: Le Marais District
- End your first day with dinner in the Le Marais district, known for its narrow medieval streets, trendy boutiques, and lively atmosphere. Le Marais is full of charming bistros and cafés, like Les Philosophes, which serves delicious French classics in a cozy setting. After dinner, enjoy an evening stroll through the vibrant neighborhood.
Day 2: Art, Culture, and Montmartre
Paris is home to some of the most famous museums and art collections in the world. Your second day will focus on exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Morning: The Louvre Museum
- The Louvre: Start your day early at the Louvre, the largest art museum in the world and home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. With so much to see, it’s best to focus on a few key sections or book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.
Lunch:
- After a morning immersed in art, grab lunch at Angelina, located near the Louvre. Known for its decadent hot chocolate and classic French dishes, it’s the perfect spot to relax and refuel.
Afternoon: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- Montmartre: In the afternoon, take the metro to Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris. This neighborhood was once home to famous artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Wander through the cobbled streets, past charming cafés, and artist stalls at Place du Tertre. You can also stop by Musée de Montmartre, a museum dedicated to the artistic history of the neighborhood.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: At the top of Montmartre, you’ll find the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Climb to the dome for one of the best panoramic views of Paris. Afterward, relax on the steps in front of the basilica, where street performers often entertain visitors.
Evening: Montmartre by Night
- Montmartre comes alive at night, so stay in the neighborhood for dinner and drinks. Le Moulin de la Galette, a historic restaurant with a windmill, serves traditional French cuisine in a beautiful setting. Afterward, you can catch a show at the Moulin Rouge, one of the city’s most famous cabarets, for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and entertainment.
Day 3: Gardens, Shopping, and Local Parisian Life
Your final day in Paris will be more relaxed, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the city’s gardens and experience life as a local Parisian.
Morning: Jardin des Tuileries and Musée de l’Orangerie
- Jardin des Tuileries: Begin your day with a leisurely walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, the beautifully manicured garden that stretches between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy a morning coffee or pastry while watching Parisians go about their day.
- Musée de l’Orangerie: At the end of the Tuileries, you’ll find the Musée de l’Orangerie, a small museum famous for its collection of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. The museum also features works by Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse.
Late Morning: Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens
- Latin Quarter: After visiting the Orangerie, head to the Latin Quarter, known for its lively atmosphere, historic cafés, and student life around the Sorbonne University. Visit the Panthéon, a grand mausoleum where famous French figures like Voltaire and Marie Curie are buried.
- Luxembourg Gardens: A short walk away, you’ll find the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. Spend some time relaxing by the central pond, where locals sail miniature boats, or explore the various sculptures and tree-lined paths.
Lunch:
- For lunch, stop by Le Procope, one of the oldest cafés in Paris, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This historic café has hosted famous intellectuals like Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin, and it serves classic French dishes in a charming setting.
Afternoon: Shopping and Exploring Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: In the afternoon, head to the elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés district for some shopping. This area is home to high-end boutiques, art galleries, and famous literary cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, once frequented by the likes of Hemingway and Sartre.
- Le Bon Marché: If you’re in the mood for shopping, visit Le Bon Marché, Paris’s oldest department store, offering everything from designer fashion to gourmet foods.
Evening: Sunset at the Seine and Farewell Dinner
- End your trip with a romantic evening along the Seine. Watch the sunset from the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, or take an evening stroll along the riverbanks, soaking in the city’s magical glow as the lights come on.
- Farewell Dinner: For your final meal in Paris, consider dining at Le Comptoir du Relais, a beloved bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés known for its inventive takes on French classics. If you want to splurge, Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower offers an unforgettable dining experience with stunning views of the city.
Three days in Paris may only scratch the surface of this extraordinary city, but it’s enough time to experience its essence—the beauty of its landmarks, the richness of its art, and the joy of its culinary delights. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a quiet café or standing in awe of the Eiffel Tower at sunset, Paris will capture your heart in ways no other city can.
And like countless travelers before you, you’ll find that three days in Paris is just the beginning of your love affair with the City of Light.