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|Updated on November,18,2024|

 

Paris is a treasure of cultural and unique experiences, but 3 days in Paris is a short time to experience all. Nevertheless, when you visit the city of Paris, prepare to be enchanted by its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage. To make the most of your visit, I’ve put together a perfect 3-day Paris itinerary plan for you, so you can see and do as much as possible.

 

Why Visit Paris?

Europe is an absolute blast, and I’m sure you can’t wait to explore it. But, let’s face it, our vacations are usually just a few days long. So, we want to maximize every moment, minimize stress, and still have the best time. And Paris? Well, it’s no exception! That’s why I’ve got the perfect Paris itinerary just for you. Let’s make your days in Paris unforgettable!

 

This city fills my heart with joy and sweet memories. 😊

You don’t need to search any longer—go ahead and get your tickets to this beautiful, romantic, lively, and culturally rich place. Paris is calling YOU.

 

I fell in love with Paris at first glance. It was my first time going to Europe, and I am happy that I started my European adventure in this city.

 

Before going to Paris, I had heard a lot of negative feedback from people who visited and didn’t enjoy it. I found this surprising because I had always thought of Paris as a dream destination. But as they say—so many people, so many opinions. Trust your instincts! I absolutely loved it and would definitely go back.

 

This Paris itinerary should give you an idea of the top activities if you have only three days in this city of Lights.

 

Read further to know what you must see and where to stay in Paris, the cost of Paris attractions, and more.

 

How to Navigate in Paris

The best way to explore Paris is by combining walking, the Metro, or renting a bicycle and a taking Seine River cruise. Walking is great for experiencing the city’s charm up close, while the Metro helps you travel quickly across the city. A Seine River cruise lets you enjoy Paris from a unique angle.

Transportation Options & Costs

• Walking: Free! It’s a great way to explore local neighborhoods and get a feel for Paris. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be covering a lot of ground.
• Metro: A single ride costs €1.90, but if you plan to use it frequently, consider a Paris Visite Pass for unlimited rides, which costs about €13.20 for 1 day in central zones.
• River Cruise: A Seine River cruise usually costs around €15-20 per person. Prices vary depending on the company and whether you want a basic cruise or a more luxurious experience with dinner.
• Bicycle: Renting a bike with Vélib’ starts at €1.70 for a 30-minute ride and about €8 for a day pass. Paris has an extensive network of bike lanes, making cycling a convenient and fun way to get around.

These options offer flexibility to suit your budget and time, allowing you to enjoy both the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of Paris.

The Perfect 3 Days Paris Itinerary

Day 1

1. Visit Eiffel Tower

Start your 3-day Paris itinerary by diving into the heart of the city. Paris is full of famous landmarks, and Day 1 is all about the must-see spots. Begin your day early at the Eiffel Tower, one of the best places to visit in Paris. Whether you’re going up the tower for panoramic views or just admiring it from below, the Eiffel Tower is a highlight that’s impossible to miss.

Some Hacks When Visiting the Eiffel Tower

• Go there early to avoid a crowd to take better pictures.
• If you want to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower, buy Paris attractions tickets online. Ticket prices vary. Check the direct access entrance ticket to the Eiffel Tower here.
• If you purchase Eiffel Tower tickets online for a specific date, make sure to arrive on time, as you may be denied entry if you are more than 30 minutes late.If you plan to visit the restaurant at the top of the Eiffel Tower, be sure to make a reservation in advance. Be prepared for likely wait times due to lines for the elevator, and the process of going up and down. Alternatively, you can choose to climb the stairs, which provides a fantastic view of the city.

Don’t forget to visit the Eiffel Tower at night as well, to experience the light show. The nightly show begins right when it gets dark (around 9 PM)  and continues until 1 am, with a brief 5-minute show every hour. The last one lasts 5 minutes more.

 

Consider the riverside as the best spot to view the Eiffel Tower’s light show, as you can see it from pretty much anywhere along the Seine River. The show is truly spectacular. Keep in mind, however, that it can get crowded at night, so plan accordingly.

I visited early and had the chance to capture some stunning photos without the usual throngs of tourists. I also enjoyed the breathtaking panoramic views especially when the weather was clear.

2. Take a Break at Park Du Champ

The Eiffel Tower is within walking distance of Park du Champ, a nice, quiet public park where you can take a break (about a 5-10 minute walk). Afterward, enjoy a scenic Seine River cruise, which departs near the Eiffel Tower (about a 15-minute walk).

3. Try the Best Chocolate Croissant and Other Desserts

The selection of deserts in Paris is huge. From my experience, it was so hard to find a chocolate croissant (weird, right?!) in any cafe or restaurant I visited.

 

I finally found it in one of the restaurants, but it did not impress me with its freshness and taste at all. The place was really good itself, but the croissant was just ok. As I discovered later, the best croissants and other pastries can be found in the local pastry shops. In your search for the best pastries, make sure to visit smaller, less touristy bakeries for authentic flavors.

4. Take a Seine River Cruise

One of the best things to do in Paris is to take a Seine River cruise. The Seine River cruise is one of the best things to do in Paris. You’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame. The nearest cruise point to the Eiffel Tower is a short walk (around 10-15 minutes).

 

Several companies sell such tours with different pickup points. I chose the closest to my location, and it was nearest to the Louvre. Tickets can be bought in person or online. The line is usually fast, so it is up to you what way you prefer.

Tip: For a peaceful cruise, opt for a late afternoon ride (around 4 PM), which gives you beautiful golden-hour views without the crowds.

Cost & Time: Cruises range from 10-15€ depending on the company, and most depart near the Louvre, which is a 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Day 2

1. Visit the Home of the Mona Lisa, Michelangelo, and Others

Start Day 2 by visiting the Louvre Museum, one of the best places to visit in Paris for art lovers. It’s the home of masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s sculptures, and thousands of other works of art. Expect crowds, especially in peak seasons, but visiting early or after 3 PM can help you avoid the busiest times.

More Hacks for Visiting the Louvre Museum

• Visiting early and after 3 pm is the best option at any time of the year.
• You can buy your skip-the-line guided tour to the Louvre museum here. As a result, you save time and money. There should be a separate line for the ticket holders at the front of the Pyramid.

KEEP IN MIND: The museum is free for children under 18 and for young adults from the European Union under 26 AND  every first sunday, from october to march, the access to the museum is free for all visitors!

• If you have specific masterpieces in mind that you’d like to see, it’s best to check the museum map first. Otherwise, you might end up spending hours searching, just like I did when I was determined to find the Mona Lisa.
•  In case there is a huge line at the front of the Pyramid, use another entrance. The entrance of Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre metro station (on line 1), or the one at the 99, Rivoli Street by the Carrousel du Louvre.

The Louvre is located right next to the Palais des Tuileries, a public garden ideal for relaxing after your visit (about a 5-minute walk).

When I visited, I was determined to see the Mona Lisa but found it packed with visitors. My advice? Head straight to the Italian Renaissance section, where the painting is displayed, and spend the first 30 minutes there before moving on to other sections.

2. Visit the Free Public Garden Palais de Tuileries

After your visit to the Louvre, take a break at the Palais des Tuileries, a peaceful park located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde (just a 5-minute walk). This lovely spot is ideal for strolling or soaking in the sun.

Tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a few locals enjoying a game of pétanque (French lawn bowling), adding to the local charm.

3. Visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris

While the Notre Dame Cathedral was significantly damaged in the 2019 fire, it’s still worth checking out from the outside. I was so lucky that I had a chance to see that world’s most beautiful piece earlier. That is so sad that there is no chance to experience the same anymore, but we keep our hope that one day it will be fully renovated.

4. Visit Arc de Triomphe

Spend the late afternoon walking along the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets, and head to the Arc de Triomphe at its western end (approximately 15 minutes by foot).

Walking around the Arch is free, but to get to the top and enjoy the fabulous Paris view, you will need to pay a fee and climb about 280 stairs. Adult admission is 16 euros (2024), and it’s free for kids under 18. Additionally, admission is free for citizens of the EU or non-European permanent residents of France between the ages of 18-25.

Find Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets here.

5. Enjoy a Classical Concert at One of the Churches in Paris

I attended the piano concert at one of the small churches and must admit, it was the best concert of my life. It wasn’t crowded, and I was sitting very close to the piano player, so I enjoyed the play. It will cost you some money, but it is worth it.

 

Planning your vacation in Paris and want to discover surrounding areas in France? Then check out the best day-trips-Paris and plan it ahead.

 

Day 3

1. Spend Quality Time in Montmartre

Exploring Paris with a well-planned day itinerary is the key to making the most of your visit to the City of Love. Famous for its Sacré-Cœur Basilica, this area offers stunning panoramic views of the city. It’s a bit of a climb (about 15-20 minutes) but totally worth it for the views. Rue des Martyrs and Rue Caulaincourt are great streets to explore for local shops and cafes.

It’s like tackling a massive hill (you’ll understand once you start the climb). I can’t deny I was pretty exhausted from the ascent. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must, as there’s quite a bit of walking involved.

Don’t miss these key streets: Rue des Martyrs, Rue Lamarck, Rue Caulaincourt, and Rue des Abbesses—they’re the heart of the action.

Get your tickets to the Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre Tour with Expert Guide here.

 

*Be aware of the street artists who are going to approach you and tell you how beautiful you are and if you want to get your portrait. Just say NO and move on.

Also, plan your time accordingly, as in Montmartre, you can spend hours.

 

The most impressive historical monument in Montmartre is Sacre-Coeur Basilica. The admission is free, and the views are the best. 

I loved wandering the small streets around Rue des Martyrs and discovering quaint cafes and bakeries. The area is vibrant, with a mix of history and local culture.

2. Have Lunch on the Scenic Patio

After your Montmartre exploration, enjoy lunch at one of the district’s many charming cafes. As you may experience grumpy service (it’s part of the Parisian charm), a few polite French words and a smile can go a long way.

3. Visit the Canal Saint-Martin

After lunch, head to Canal Saint-Martin, a trendy area full of cafes, boutiques, and local charm. Spend some time by the water or take a Seine River & Canal Saint-Martin Cruise from Musée d’Orsay, which is a short walk (about 15 minutes).

Enjoy the best breathtaking views from the Seine River by taking the Seine River & Canal Saint-Martin Cruise from Musee d’Orsay.

4. Walk Cross Pont Alexandre III

End your day with a visit to Pont Alexandre III, one of Paris’s most beautiful bridges. It’s also a great spot for photos of the Eiffel Tower (a 15-minute walk from the bridge).

 

While most attractions charge admission, many are free to enjoy. For example, you can stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens or explore the charming Montmartre neighborhood without spending a dime. For budget-conscious travelers, it’s easy to explore Paris on foot or by using the Paris Metro (a 1-3 zone Paris Visite Pass is affordable and convenient).

• Don’t forget to plan time for local experiences, such as visiting local bakeries and enjoying Parisian street art.

 

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