Perfect 3-Day Paris Itinerary
Experience the best of Paris in three days - from iconic landmarks to hidden gems
This itinerary balances iconic must-sees with authentic local experiences. You'll visit major landmarks while discovering charming neighborhoods, enjoying excellent food, and experiencing the true magic of Paris.
Day 1
Iconic Paris & The Islands
Start with Paris's most famous landmarks and explore the historic heart of the city.
8:00 AM
45 min
Breakfast at Café de Flore
€15-20Start your Parisian journey like a local at this historic café in Saint-Germain. Order a croissant and café au lait.
💡 Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.
9:30 AM
30 min
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Exterior)
FreeAdmire the Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame. While interior access is limited due to restoration, the exterior remains breathtaking.
💡 Walk around to appreciate the flying buttresses and gargoyles from different angles.
10:15 AM
1 hour
Sainte-Chapelle
€11.50Stunning 13th-century chapel with some of the world's most beautiful stained glass windows.
💡 Visit on a sunny day to see the stained glass in full glory. Buy tickets online.
11:30 AM
2 hours
Latin Quarter Walking Tour
FreeExplore narrow medieval streets, the Sorbonne University, and charming bookshops including Shakespeare and Company.
💡 Don't miss Rue Mouffetard market street for local atmosphere.
1:30 PM
1.5 hours
Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais
€30-40Famous bistro serving excellent French cuisine. No reservations - expect a queue but it's worth it.
💡 Try the plat du jour (daily special) for best value and freshest ingredients.
3:00 PM
3 hours
Louvre Museum
€17Focus on the highlights: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Egyptian antiquities. Don't try to see everything.
💡 Use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance for shorter lines. Book timed entry online.
6:30 PM
45 min
Tuileries Garden & Place de la Concorde
FreeStroll through the formal gardens and see the iconic square with its Egyptian obelisk.
💡 Perfect spot for photos with the Louvre in the background.
7:30 PM
2 hours
Dinner in Le Marais
€15-25Explore the trendy Marais district and dinner at L'As du Fallafel (famous for best falafel in Paris).
💡 The falafel line moves fast. Consider getting it to-go and eating in nearby Place des Vosges.
9:30 PM
1 hour
Evening Seine River Walk
FreeRomantic walk along the Seine with illuminated bridges and Notre-Dame views.
💡 Best views from Pont des Arts or Pont Neuf. Bring camera for night photography.
Day 2
Artists, Views & Charming Streets
Discover bohemian Montmartre, grand boulevards, and Paris's most spectacular views.
8:30 AM
45 min
Breakfast at Maison Kitsuné
€12-18Trendy café near the Louvre with excellent coffee and pastries in a fashion-forward setting.
💡 Try their signature pain au chocolat - it's exceptional.
9:30 AM
1 hour
Palais Royal & Gardens
FreeBeautiful palace gardens with modern art installations and historic arcades.
💡 Look for Daniel Buren's black and white striped columns in the courtyard.
10:45 AM
1 hour
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
FreeStunning white basilica atop Montmartre hill with Byzantine architecture and mosaic interior.
💡 The climb up the dome (€6) offers the best panoramic view of Paris.
12:00 PM
2 hours
Montmartre Exploration
FreeDiscover Place du Tertre (artist square), windmills, and charming cobblestone streets.
💡 Have a portrait painted by local artists, but agree on price first!
2:00 PM
1.5 hours
Lunch at Le Consulat
€25-35Historic restaurant where Picasso and other artists once dined. Classic French cuisine.
💡 Try the French onion soup - it's a house specialty.
3:45 PM
2.5 hours
Musée d'Orsay
€16Impressionist masterpieces in a beautiful former train station. Works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh.
💡 Head straight to the top floor for the Impressionist collection. The clock view is iconic.
6:30 PM
1.5 hours
Grands Boulevards Walk
FreeStroll down grand Haussmann boulevards, see Opéra Garnier and luxury department stores.
💡 Galeries Lafayette rooftop offers free panoramic city views.
8:00 PM
2 hours
Dinner near Opéra
€15-25Traditional French bistro Bouillon Chartier - historic, affordable, and always lively.
💡 No reservations, but service is fast. The décor alone is worth the visit.
10:00 PM
45 min
Evening at Opéra Garnier
Free (exterior)Admire the stunning opera house exterior and, if time permits, a quick peek inside the grand foyer.
💡 Evening illumination makes it particularly photogenic.
Day 3
Gardens, Shopping & The Iron Lady
Relax in beautiful gardens, shop like a Parisian, and experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower.
8:00 AM
45 min
Breakfast at Carette
€15-20Elegant tea room in Place des Vosges with exquisite pastries and strong coffee.
💡 Try their brioche and hot chocolate - it's a Parisian classic.
9:00 AM
30 min
Place des Vosges
FreeBeautiful square surrounded by 17th-century mansions. Perfect for morning photos.
💡 Victor Hugo lived at #6 - look for the plaque.
10:00 AM
2 hours
Le Marais Shopping
VariesExplore boutiques, concept stores, and vintage shops in this trendy neighborhood.
💡 Rue des Rosiers is famous for Jewish bakeries and falafel.
12:00 PM
2 hours
Picnic in Luxembourg Gardens
€10-15Grab supplies from a local boulangerie and enjoy a Parisian picnic in these beautiful gardens.
💡 Find a chair near the central fountain for people-watching.
2:15 PM
1.5 hours
Musée Rodin
€14Intimate museum showcasing Rodin's sculptures including The Thinker, set in beautiful gardens.
💡 The gardens are as impressive as the museum. Don't miss The Gates of Hell.
4:00 PM
1.5 hours
Invalides & Napoleon's Tomb
€14Golden-domed military complex housing Napoleon's impressive tomb and military museums.
💡 The scale of Napoleon's tomb is breathtaking - allow time to appreciate it.
5:45 PM
2 hours
Eiffel Tower Summit
€35.80 (summit)Ascend to the summit for spectacular sunset views. The most iconic Paris experience.
💡 Book summit tickets 2 weeks in advance. Take stairs to second level for shorter queues.
8:00 PM
2.5 hours
Farewell Dinner on Avenue des Champs-Élysées
€40-80Celebratory dinner at Fouquet's or choose from many options along the famous avenue.
💡 For budget option, try Ladurée for macarons and champagne instead of full dinner.
10:30 PM
30 min
Eiffel Tower Light Show
FreeWatch the hourly sparkling light show from Trocadéro or Pont d'Iéna.
💡 The show runs for 5 minutes every hour on the hour after sunset.
Essential Tips
Transportation
- Buy a Carnet (10 tickets) for metro rides - cheaper than individual tickets
- Consider Navigo pass if staying 5+ days
- Walking is often faster than metro for short distances
- Uber works well but can be expensive during rush hours
Money
- Credit cards accepted everywhere, but keep €50-100 cash for small purchases
- Always ask for receipt in restaurants to avoid scams
- Tipping 10% is standard for good service
- Tax-free shopping available for non-EU residents
Timing
- Museums are less crowded in morning and late afternoon
- Many museums are free on first Sunday of month (but very crowded)
- Restaurants serve dinner 7:30-11:00 PM, later than many countries
- Shop hours: 10:00-19:00, many closed Sunday
Customize Your Trip
Art Lover?
Swap some activities for Musée d'Orsay, Picasso Museum, or Rodin Museum
Foodie Focus?
Add a food tour, cooking class, or wine tasting experience
Shopping Enthusiast?
Dedicate more time to Le Marais, Saint-Germain, or department stores
Ready for Your Paris Adventure?
Get personalized recommendations for restaurants, activities, and hidden gems based on your interests.