Are you planning to spend a few days in the capital and don’t yet know how to organize your 3 days in Paris? Don’t panic, I’ve put together a short itinerary that will enable you to see the essentials of the City of Light during your stay.
Whether you’re with family, lovers or friends, you’ll be able to make the most of the capital’s atmosphere while visiting its must-see monuments. You’ll even have the chance to take a tour of some of the most emblematic districts. We’re off!
If you have more time, don’t miss our guide to visiting Paris in 1 week
What to see and do in Paris in 3 days?
Welcome to Paris! You’re about to discover one of the world’s most emblematic and romantic cities. With only three days to explore the city, it’s important to plan your sightseeing program carefully to maximize your time and make the most of your experience.
Here’s an itinerary featuring the city’s must-sees, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Louvre Museum, the Montmartre district and the city’s nightlife. Don’t hesitate to get inspired!
Note: You’re probably wondering where the Château de Versailles fits into this itinerary! Although it’s truly one of the must-sees on any trip to Paris, exploring the château and its magnificent parks and gardens will take at least half a day. Add to that the travel time, and you’ve got a whole day’s work ahead of you! That’s why I’d recommend a visit to the Château de Versailles if you’re staying longer in Paris.
HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR PARIS ACTIVITIES? 📸
If you’re not sure what to do in Paris during your stay, you’re spoilt for choice! Even though I’ve prepared a short program for you, you’re free to adapt and modify it according to your preferences and desires 😉 One thing’s for sure: if you want to visit the city’s must-sees, museums or do other activities, it’s highly advisable to book your activities in advance. Paris is a particularly touristy city, and it would be a shame to miss out on outings through lack of organization!
Day 1: The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe
The Louvre
Let’s start our 3-day visit with one of Paris’s must-see attractions: the Louvre, the former palace of the Kings, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful museums, visited by over 8 million people every year.
Covering an area of over 360,000 m², it houses over 35,000 works of art dating from Antiquity to the present day. During your visit to this temple of culture, you’ll discover world-renowned works of art that won’t leave you indifferent.
Oriental, Greek and Egyptian antiquities, sculptures, paintings, drawings, ceramics, objets d’art… this museum is truly home to wonders. The length of your visit really depends on what you want to see: you can spend as little as 2 hours or as long as the whole day!
I’d advise you to spend around 3 hours to see the essentials, such as the Mona Lisa of course, as well as the collection of ancient and Egyptian objects. The museum is free for under-18s and every first Sunday of the month, otherwise you’ll have to pay €17 for a regular admission ticket.
Click here to book your ticket to the Louvre
For lunch, head for the Montorgueil district, just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, where you’ll be able to sample tasty dishes at affordable prices.
Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to France’s most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower! Take the metro to Place du Trocadéro, where you’ll have a magnificent view of the 325-metre-high Iron Lady.
From there, all you have to do is cross the Seine via the Pont Iéna to get to the foot of the Tower. If you have the chance, I really recommend taking a tour of the Eiffel Tower and climbing to the top for a superb panoramic view of the city.
To get your ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower, click here.
From the top of the tower, 276 meters above sea level, you’ll be able to enjoy an incredibly unobstructed 360-degree view of the entire capital. On a clear day, you can see for dozens of kilometers, including the Champs-Elysées, the Grand Palais and its immense glass roof, the Place de la Concorde, the Montparnasse Tower, the Pantheon, the Georges Pompidou Center, the Sacré Coeur and all Paris’ finest monuments.
Allow 2 to 2.30 hours to visit the Eiffel Tower and climb to the top. You can also stroll along the Champ de Mars and, weather permitting, even have a picnic at the foot of the tower!
🔗 Read Also: 11 Free things to do and see in Paris
The Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
At the end of the afternoon, I suggest another must-do activity for your stay in Paris: a stroll along the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Elysées. Allow two hours to stroll it, and even longer if you’re in the capital to shop at Louis Vuitton, the Disney Store or Sephor.
In the late afternoon, I suggest another must-do activity for your stay in Paris: a stroll along the world’s most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Elysées. Allow two hours to stroll it, and even longer if you’re in the capital to shop at Louis Vuitton, the Disney Store or Sephora.
If you still have time, I can’t recommend going to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, which overlooks the avenue. You’ll be treated to one of the finest views of Paris, along with the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysées avenue.
View the Eiffel Tower & Champs Elysées from the Arc de Triomphe by clicking here
Day 2: Notre-Dame de Paris and the Latin Quarter
Notre-Dame de Paris
Following a fire on April 15, 2019, it is unfortunately no longer possible to enter this magnificent Gothic monument. Work is currently underway and is expected to last until 2024, but there’s nothing to stop you admiring the architecture from the forecourt of Notre-Dame de Paris, and even taking an outdoor guided tour!
In fact, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of its construction in 1163, and discover what was lost and what was spared from the fire. You can also enter the crypt! This activity costs around €36!
Click here to book your guided tour of Notre-Dame de Paris!
You can also take the opportunity to visit the Sainte-Chapelle, located in the heart of the Palais de Justice on the Île de la Cité. The 15-meter-high stained glass windows depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The stained glass windows on the second floor, glistening in the sunlight, are a marvel to behold.
Right next door, you can also discover the Conciergerie, a superb Gothic-style palace that was a royal residence until the 14th century, before later becoming one of the most important prisons during the French Revolution. Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned here.
CITY PASSES TO VISIT PARIS 🎫
City Passes to visit Paris are a practical and economical option for discovering the city’s main attractions in just a few days. In order to discover and compare them, I recommend that you first read my article on Paris Passes. The one I recommend is the Paris passlib’, which gives you access to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, entry to the Louvre and a cruise on the Seine in Paris and many other activities. This pass costs €99.
The Latin Quarter, a must-see for 3 days in Paris!
In this charming and typical Parisian neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine, there’s so much to see that you’ll have to make a choice.
- Start your stroll at Place Saint-Michel, on the corner of Rue Saint-André des Arts and Boulevard Saint-Michel. Here you can admire the Saint-Michel fountain, one of the district’s most beautiful monuments.
- Also on your itinerary are Place de la Contrescarpe and Rue Mouffetard, a lively cobbled pedestrian alleyway where you can sit on a terrace and take a break in the pleasant surroundings.
- I recommend continuing your stroll with the Panthéon, burial place for France’s great men and women, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. You’ll have a magnificent view of Paris from its dome, and you can also access the crypt where many French historical figures are buried, as well as admire the impressive frescoes and sculptures that adorn the building’s interior.
Click here to book your admission to the Panthéon
- You can also visit the Jardin des Plantes, one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, home to a wide variety of plants, trees, flowers and greenhouses. It is also home to the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle and the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, one of the world’s oldest zoos, home to some 150 species, most of which are threatened with extinction.
- Another must-see in this district is the Institut du Monde Arabe, whose mission is to promote Arab culture and language, as well as fostering exchanges between the Arab world and the West. The building is a masterpiece of modern architecture from which you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Seine and the Parisian quays. Here you can discover a wide variety of exhibitions, shows and cultural activities, as well as visit the library and various exhibition spaces.
A dinner cruise on the Seine
To round off the day, a dinner cruise on the Seine is a unique experience that lets you discover the charms of Paris from a different angle. During this cruise, you can admire the city’s most beautiful monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris and the Musée d’Orsay, while enjoying a delicious meal! The cruise costs €59.
To book your Paris dinner cruise, click here!
Day 3: Butte Montmartre, Musée d’Orsay and Marais
The Marais district
The Marais district boasts a number of private mansions well worth a visit. Some of the finest museums in Paris can be found in this district, including the Museum of the History of Paris (and former mansion of Madame de Sévigné), the Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Musée Carnavalet. The Picasso Museum is also very popular, as is the Maison de Victor Hugo.
You can also discover some of Paris’s most emblematic monuments in this historic district, including the Tour Saint-Jacques, where Blaise Pascale conducted his experiments on atmospheric pressure and gravity. Climb the tower’s staircases and take in the beautiful views over Paris. This is also the site of the Hôtel de Ville de Paris, with its superb Renaissance façade. On the Place de la Bastille side, you can admire the Opéra Bastille and discover the Port de l’Arsenal.
With its trendy boutiques located mainly on rue des Francs-Bourgeois and rue Vielle du Temple, the district is also the ideal place for shopping. In rue des Rosiers, in the heart of Saint-Gervais, you’ll also find a number of pastry shops and bakeries offering Oriental specialties, much appreciated by gourmets. In the Haut-Marais district, you can also visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges, one of the oldest markets in Paris, where you’ll find specialties from all over the world.
The Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is one of the finest museums in Paris. It houses an incredible collection of paintings that every art enthusiast must see at least once in their life. You’ll need at least two hours to admire paintings by Renoir, Van Gogh and Gauguin. You’ll see world-famous masterpieces such as Edouard Manet‘s Le déjeuner sur l’herbe.
To book your admission to the Musée d’Orsay, click here
The Butte Montmartre
You absolutely must take a stroll through the (very steep!) alleyways of this district, where attractions abound. Start with a look at the Bateau-Lavoir, Picasso’s studio, followed by the Montmartre vineyards.
And don’t miss the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur at the top of the Butte Montmartre. This immaculate white religious edifice is one of the most visited sites in Paris.
If you don’t feel like climbing the steps, at the entrance to Square Louise Michel, you can take the Montmartre funicular with a simple metro ticket. Alternatively, you can cross the square or take rue Foyatier, which is entirely made up of stairs, and climb the 222 steps to the top of the hill. In the late afternoon, you’ll be able to admire a lovely view over the rooftops of Paris, as well as a beautiful sunset that will stay with you for a long time.
A short walk from the basilica’s forecourt takes you to Montmartre’s most famous square: Place du Tertre. For well over a century now, this square has been a gathering place for many artists. Famous names such as Pablo Picasso, Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh have all lived here. Today, you can still see hundreds of painters offering their works and portraits to visitors.
During your visit to Montmartre, you can also stop off at the Place des Abbesses, where you’ll find plenty of café terraces. Finish the evening in one of the local restaurants, then enjoy the night at a cabaret or one of Montmartre’s many concert halls.
Other activities in or near Montmartre include, the wall of love (a very romantic place where I love you is written in every language), the Musée de Montmartre, the Musée Dali Paris, the Marché Saint-Pierre (the largest fabric market in France, if not the world) and, of course, the Moulin Rouge.
🔗 Read Also: Explore the Moulin Rouge: Get top tips for an unforgettable Paris cabaret night
A GASTRONOMIC TOUR OF MONTMARTRE 🧀 🍷
Why not discover Montmartre with a gastronomic guided tour of Montmartre? You’ll be guided through the picturesque streets of the Montmartre district and sample a variety of local specialties, from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to local French wines and chocolates. The guides will also share anecdotes and stories about the region’s culture and history! This tour costs €105 and should be booked in advance.
Getting around the city during your 3 days in Paris
To get around Paris during your 3-day visit, I would of course advise against taking the car, which, in my opinion, will waste more time and money than anything else!
- The Paris metro network is very extensive and allows you to get around the city quickly. You can buy single tickets, booklets of 10 tickets, or unlimited passes for a day, a week or more.
- Paris also has an extensive bus network, which can be useful for getting around in neighborhoods less well served by the metro. The same ticket types apply to buses as to the metro.
- Vélib’: the city’s self-service bicycle rental service is a practical, environmentally-friendly option for getting around over short distances. Simply subscribe online or on site, then rent a bike at one of the city’s many stations.
- Cabs: Taxis are available throughout the city, but can be expensive. It’s advisable to book in advance or use a cab booking app to avoid scams. VTC like Uber are also available.
- Finally, many of the city’s sights are within walking distance. It’s also a great way to discover lesser-known neighborhoods and explore the city at your own pace.
🔗 Read Also: Paris transport: how to get around Paris?
Where to stay for 3 days in Paris?
If you’re still not sure where to sleep in Paris during your trip, here’s a small selection of very good establishments for different budgets.
- Hôtel Montparnasse Saint Germain is, as its name suggests, a stone’s throw from the Montparnasse Tower. The rooms are well decorated, comfortable and quiet. The location is therefore particularly ideal, and the breakfast is very good! Rates start at €163 per night.
Click here to see more photos and availability of Hôtel Montparnasse
- The Hôtel de Sévigné is also ideally located, close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and renovated. The attentive staff will make sure you have a good time. Rates start at €240 per night.
Click here to see more photos and availability of Hôtel de Sévigné
- Drawing House is a 4-star hotel located 200 meters from Montparnasse. The hotel is superb and has a swimming pool with jacuzzi and sauna. There’s also a gym, and the breakfast is very good and varied. Rates start at €290 per night!
To book your stay at the Drawing House, click here!
🔗 Read Also: Luggage storage in Paris: where to leave your bags and suitcases?
How To get to Paris for your 3 day-trip?
Coming to Paris from abroad can be done in several ways, depending on your starting point and travel preferences. Here are the main options:
By Plane:
Airports in Paris: Paris is served by two main international airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) but also by the Paris-Beauvais airport. Charles de Gaulle is the larger and busier, handling most international flights. Orly is a bit closer to the city center and handles a mix of domestic and international flights.
Airport Transfers: From these airports, you can reach the city center of Paris by taxi, bus (such as Le Bus Direct or Roissybus for CDG, Orlybus for Orly), or train (RER B for CDG, RER C for Orly).
Need more info read our articles to know how to get to Paris from Roissy or Beauvais airports.
By Train:
If you are in Europe, the train is an excellent option. The European rail network is well developed and offers direct connections to Paris from many major cities.
The main station for international trains in Paris is Gare du Nord, which welcomes the Eurostar from London, Thalys from Brussels and Amsterdam, and TGV from several cities in France and Europe.
By Bus:
Long-distance bus services like FlixBus or Eurolines offer trips from many European cities to Paris. This is often the cheapest option, but also the longest.
By Car:
Driving to Paris is also possible, especially if you are coming from neighboring countries. However, keep in mind that traffic can be dense and parking in Paris is often difficult and expensive.
By Boat:
If you are traveling from the United Kingdom, another option is to take a ferry to Calais or another French port, then drive or take a train to Paris.
Additional Tips:
Plan Ahead: Especially during the tourist high season, it is advisable to book your plane, train, or bus tickets well in advance it doesn’t matter whether you come to Paris for 3 days or a week.
🔗 Read Also: What’s the budget for a stay in Paris?
