Would you like to spend 3 days in Paris ?
If you’ve never been to Paris before, or if you’d like to explore its must-sees, this article is for you! I’ve put together a program of the must-sees in our beautiful capital. It takes well over 2 days to unlock the mysteries of the City of Light, but rest assured that even a weekend can give you a glimpse of its wonders and the diversity of its neighborhoods.
A city of museums, Paris reveals itself when you stroll through it on foot and look up to see its beautiful buildings. From Antiquity to the Middle Ages, from the Renaissance to the 21st century, Paris is marked by the slices of history that have transformed it. And that’s what I like so much about Paris: it’s like a treasure chest, where you discover new things every day!
So here’s an “express” program to enjoy your 3 days in Paris. It’s up to you to adapt it to your desires and constraints, so that you can make the most of Paris in 2 days, or more if you have the time!
You’ll find all my practical advice and useful addresses here. And don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions!
3 DAYS IN PARIS : PRACTICAL TIPS
How to get around in Paris
Paris is still a big city, but if you choose to explore one district at a time, it’s best done on foot!
And it really is the best way to discover Paris, with your nose in the air, to observe everything that hurried passers-by don’t take the time to look at. But don’t forget to bring good shoes, as distances can be long and there’s bound to be a lot of cobblestones in your way!
The metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around, while the bus lets you enjoy the scenery on the way. Here’s a map of the metro and monuments to help you find your way around!
Where to stay for your 3 days in Paris ?
Paris is, of course, brimming with accommodation options, from private apartments to hotel rooms, in all styles, conditions, and price ranges! However, I recommend staying in central Paris if you are visiting for two, three, or four days to save time during your stay!
Below is a selection of my favorite places to stay in Paris, based on the neighborhood you prefer and your budget!
Find your accommodation in Paris !
3 recommended accommodation for you 3 days in Paris
HÔTEL OFF PARIS SEINE
- Sleep on the Seine !
- With a pool
- From €150
HÔTEL DES ARTS MONTMARTRE
- Rated 9,6/10
- Quiet and with a view !
- From €180
HÔTEL JOSÉPHINE BONAPARTE
- In the heart of Paris
- In an old convent
- From €300
Organizing your time for your 3 days in Paris
Days 1 and 2 are very busy, and you won’t have time to visit everything: for example, you could spend a whole day at the Louvre and only see a small part of it.
To avoid endless queues, don’t hesitate to buy your tickets online (you’ll find links under each activity)!
What to bring back from your 3 days in Paris ?
In the tourist areas, you’ll be surrounded by low-priced souvenirs, from miniature Eiffel Towers to “Paris” mugs. The Passages couverts and the Galeries Lafayette next to the Opera offer a wide choice of souvenirs. Decorative objects, old Paris posters, postcards…
And if you’d rather take home some delicacies, head to Pierre Hermé for his boldly flavored macaroons, or A la Mère de Famille, Paris’s oldest chocolatier, for all kinds of gourmet treats.
To continue exploring Paris, check out my travel guides:
The Best Latin Quarter Self-guided Walking Tour
Stroll through the Butte aux Cailles, with street art and flower gardens
The 9 Best Photo Spots in Paris
11 Most Unique Museums in Paris
10 Cute Hidden Gardens in Paris
ITINERARY FOR YOUR 3 DAYS IN PARIS
3 DAYS IN PARIS – DAY 1 : THE ISLANDS, THE LOUVRE, THE CHAMPS ELYSÉES AND THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE
Morning : the islands
Don’t miss :
- a stroll through the narrow streets of Ile Saint Louis
- the mythical Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral
- the flower market
- the Sainte-Chapelle, a colorful jewel that I’ve listed among the 9 Best Photo Spots in Paris
- a stroll on Ile de la Cité, with Place Dauphine and Square du Vert-galant
Practical info :
Sainte Chapelle : Open everyday 9am-7pm. Admission: 11.50€ (free under 26).
Fast-track ticket available here
Book your ticket for Sainte Chapelle
Let’s begin your 3 days in Paris by the heart of the French capital city !
Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis form the historic heart of the capital, where it all began. These two small islands are full of charm: you need to take the time to stroll around them, from one bank to the other, crossing their bridges and walking along their quays.
The Île de la Cité is a tourist attraction, with its famous Notre Dame Cathedral, while the Île Saint-Louis is more confidential, home to magnificent 17th-century hotels. The quays of the Seine bordering the two islands are also very pleasant.
Afternoon : from the Louvre to the Champs Elysées
Practical info :
Musée du Louvre : Wednesday-Monday 9am-6pm (9.45pm on Wednesdays, Fridays). Admission : 17€ (free under 26).
Fast-track ticket available here
Book your ticket for the Louvre
After the islands, cross the Pont Neuf to the Louvre. Its square courtyard is impressive, surrounded on all sides by the Palais du Louvre, once the king’s residence and now the world’s largest museum! It would take weeks to see all its works (over 500,000, including 30,000 on display)!
Then head across the street to the Tuileries Gardens for a gentle stroll to the Place de la Concorde. Its tall obelisk is, along with the Arènes de Lutèce, the oldest monument in Paris! It’s also the starting point for the Champs Elysées, which climbs to the Arc de Triomphe.
Evening : Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe
Don’t miss :
- the Grand and Petit Palais, facing each other
- Alexandre III bridge, just next door, with the Invalides on the horizon
- climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for sunset
Arc de Triomphe : Everyday 10am-10.30pm (11pm during summer). Admission : 22€ (low season : 16€, free under 26).
Fast-track ticket available here
Book your ticket for Arc de Triomphe
Nicknamed “the most beautiful avenue in the world”, the Champs Elysées is one of the must-sees for your 3 days in Paris. But don’t expect too much, or you’ll be disappointed! Beyond the pretty outlook and the stores, they don’t offer much in the way of interest. Except for the Arc de Triomphe which offers one of the best views you’ll se during your 3 days in Paris !
They do, however, contain some nice surprises in the surrounding area, including the Grand and Petit Palais, built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition.
3 DAYS IN PARIS – DAY 2 : MONTMARTRE, THE OPÉRA AND THE EIFFEL TOWER
Morning : Montmartre
Don’t miss :
- the Sacré Coeur
- the area around the Place du Tertre
- the Montmartre vineyards, the Maison Rose, and the Lapin Agile cabaret
- the quiet lanes around the Allée des Brouillards
- the pretty Place des Abbesses and the “I love you” wall
For this second day in Paris, I take you to the famous and absolutely unique Montmartre district! At the foot of the Sacré Coeur lie the sloping streets and staircases of the Butte Montmartre. Home to Amélie Poulain, artists and poets, Montmartre has a small-town feel that you won’t find anywhere else.
I love this lively neighborhood bursting with cafés and cabarets, which is certainly very touristy, but deliciously cliché. I recommend taking a stroll through its hidden streets behind the Sacré Coeur, to discover the soul and calm of Montmartre…
Here’s the link to my Montmartre stroll if you’d like to explore the neighborhood in more depth!
Read also : The Best Montmartre Itinerary by a Local Girl
Afternoon : Haussmann-style Paris
Don’t miss :
- a visit to the Opéra Garnier
- the Place Vendôme, the temple of luxury
- a stroll through the covered passages: these pretty 19th-century galleries are lively, elegant and refined. A concentrated dose of Paris that is not to be missed! You will find the complete tour in the 8 ideas for things to do in Paris in winter
- Palais-Royal
Practical information: Opera House: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note that the Opera House is sometimes closed for rehearsals. Admission: 15€ (reduced rate: 12€).
Fast-track ticket available here
Book your ticket to visit Opéra Garnier
Head south of Montmartre, to discover one of my favorite areas of Paris: the Grands Boulevards! The Haussmannian avenues, open, immense and surrounded by magnificent buildings, are home to many tourist attractions. The Galeries Lafayette, the temple of Parisian shopping (stop by to admire its dome), but above all the incredible Opéra Garnier. Magnificent from the outside, it’ll surprise you even more with its interior splendor, if you have the time to visit it! Definitely one of the capital’s jewels.
Symbolized by the Opéra and the Comédie Française, it’s also a lively district in the evening, with its many cinemas and theaters. Take a stroll through these Haussmannian streets, and lose yourself in its covered passageways – you’re in for a treat!
Evening : the Eiffel Tower
Practical information: Eiffel Tower: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. until late at night. Admission: between 14€ and 36€ (stairs or elevator, 2nd floor or top), half-price reduced rate.
To enjoy the evening as it should be enjoyed, head to the Iron Lady, an absolute must-see in Paris! Meet at the Trocadéro esplanade to admire the Eiffel Tower from afar, then climb to the top! Even today, when I have the opportunity to see it regularly, I still find this iron latticework beautiful. And you’ll see, it’s even more beautiful from the top! Don’t hesitate to take the stairs if you have the opportunity, as you’ll be able to admire the skeleton of this legendary tower.
Early evening is the ideal time to enjoy the Eiffel Tower by day and by night when it is lit up!
Book a guided tour for the Eiffel tower
3 DAYS IN PARIS – DAY 3
Do you have 3 days in Paris ?
For your third day in Paris, you can split one of the first two days in two to better enjoy these neighborhoods, such as visiting the Louvre or another place you didn’t have time to see. But you can also add a stroll through two of the capital’s most beautiful neighborhoods: Saint Germain des Prés and the Marais.
Morning : Saint Germain des Prés and the Latin quarter
Do not miss :
- a stroll through the medieval streets of the Latin Quarter
- the Panthéon
- the Saint Etienne du Mont church
- the Cour du Commerce Saint André
- the Place Saint Germain des Prés
The Latin Quarter stretches south of the two islands. A medieval but also student neighborhood, home to the Sorbonne University, it will surprise you with its winding old streets and ramshackle houses. And at the top of the Sainte Geneviève hill, don’t miss the Panthéon, which dominates the neighborhood with its high dome.
A few streets away, you will discover another neighborhood, more chic and more recent: Saint Germain des Prés. It is a museum district that symbolizes Parisian elegance, with magnificent buildings lining its wide streets.
It is also a lively village, populated by art galleries, antique shops, and chic cafés, including the famous Deux Magots and Café de Flore. Step inside the recently restored Saint Germain des Prés church, it’s well worth a visit!
See also: The Best Latin Quarter Self-guided Walking Tour by a Local Girl
Afternoon : Le Marais
Do not miss :
- Place des Vosges
- the garden of the Hôtel de Sully, right next door
- Rue des Francs Bourgeois, intimate and trendy
- Rue des Rosiers for its food shops
Le Marais is definitely my favorite neighborhood in Paris, where it’s so nice to stroll around and look up to admire the beauty of the surroundings. In the Marais, history is everywhere. The rich and prosperous history of the 17th and 18th centuries is reflected in the many mansions that line the streets. Take the time to stroll around, following the streets and making discoveries.
You’ll also notice that, unlike other Parisian neighborhoods, modernity has found its way into the historic streets and buildings, with many museums in the mansions, as well as boutiques featuring young designers, restaurants, markets, and more. The Marais is a historic neighborhood, but also intimate and trendy!
You’re sure to stumble upon the jewel of the Marais: the famous Place des Vosges. This square, surrounded by arcaded buildings, will amaze you with the brick color of its buildings and the perfection of its architecture. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Paris!
To continue exploring Paris, check out my travel guides:
The Best Latin Quarter Self-guided Walking Tour
Stroll through the Butte aux Cailles, with street art and flower gardens
The 9 Best Photo Spots in Paris
11 Most Unique Museums in Paris
10 Cute Hidden Gardens in Paris
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 3 DAYS IN PARIS
Are you visiting Paris for 4 days? After spending 3 days in Paris, the fourth day will depend on your tastes, as there is still so much to discover! Here are some other ideas for things to do in Paris based on the themes that interest you most.
If you travel with children
- The Musée des Arts Forains (museum of fairground arts) :
Practical information: Musée des Arts Forains: visits by reservation only, 18€80 (12€80 for children) This gem nestled among Paris’s old wine warehouses is home to many unusual rides and carousels that are as beautiful as they are fun. And you can try them out! To see all the photos, visit my post on the 11 Most Unique Museums in Paris
- The Musée Grévin:
Practical information: Musée Grévin: €27.50 (€19.50 for children under 16) – cheaper if you buy a dated ticket
Fast-track ticket available here
Book your ticket for the Musée Grévin
Located right next to the covered passages I mentioned earlier, the Musée Grévin is home to wax replicas of celebrities from around the world! From showbiz stars to athletes to politicians, they’re all there, or almost all.
- A cruise on the Canal Saint Martin and the Seine:
Practical information: Cruise on the Canal Saint Martin and the Seine: €24
Book your cruise on the Canal Saint Martin and the Seine!
For a change from the traditional Seine cruise, I recommend a cruise from La Villette to the Musée d’Orsay, where you can discover the canals, locks, underground canal, and most beautiful buildings of Paris as seen from the Seine! An unforgettable cruise for young and old alike.
If you like museums
- The Musée d’Orsay:
Practical information: Musée d’Orsay: Open every day except Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (9:45 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission: €16 (reduced rate €13, free for visitors under 26)
Fast-track ticket available here
Book your ticket for the Musée d’Orsay
This former railway station provides a magnificent setting for world-famous works from the mid-19th century to 1914. It is famous for its beautiful Impressionist masterpieces, but the building itself is also worth a visit!
- The Centre Pompidou :
Practical information: Centre Pompidou: Open every day except Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: €18 (reduced rate: €15) – closed from September 2025 to 2030
Fast-track ticket available here
Book your ticket for Centre Pompidou
Its striking architecture hides a beautiful collection of modern art. A must-see for art lovers. You can also discover 10 unusual Parisian museums if you prefer to stray from the beaten track!
If you need to see some greenery
The Luxembourg Gardens: located on the edge of Saint Germain des Prés and the Latin Quarter (see Day 3), this large, chic garden is home to the Senate, as well as a large pond, a French garden, and a small forest.
Les Buttes Chaumont: this hilly park is particularly exotic, with its large waterfall, cave, pretty views, and belvedere perched above the lake. A haven of peace in the heart of Paris!
Père Lachaise Cemetery: more unusual than a park, Père Lachaise is an institution where you can visit its illustrious occupants, amid cobbled streets and tall trees watching over the dead.
If you like street-art
La Butte-aux-Cailles: this charming neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement has the feel of a country village, surprisingly embellished with numerous murals and small details painted on the walls. It’s the best neighborhood in Paris for street art! To discover it, follow my Walk in La Butte aux Cailles!
The Canal de l’Ourcq: in addition to a pleasant stroll along the canal, the Ourcq neighborhood has some lovely surprises in store for you on its walls and bridges.
MY TOP PICKS FOR YOUR 3 DAYS IN PARIS
Restaurants
Here are my top picks to eat out during your 3 days in Paris !
Le Bouillon Chartier: typical French cuisine—one of the best value for money in Paris! But be warned, you may have to wait a while to get in. – right next to the Grands Boulevards
Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond: typical French cuisine in a sublime setting – undoubtedly the best value for money in Paris! – right next to Les Halles and Châtelet
Les Petits Pois: next to the Jardin des Plantes and the Panthéon – for modern, fresh and delicious dishes!
Brasserie Thoumieux: this is the brasserie of the gourmet restaurant Thoumieux, with delicious dishes at more reasonable prices than a two-star restaurant. – between Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower
Monbleu: cheese specialities, carefully selected by a Meilleur Ouvrier de France. – next to the Grands Boulevards
Pastries and tea rooms
Impossible to spend 3 days in Paris without tasting French pastries !
Pierre Hermé: the king of macarons also offers all kinds of confectionery worthy of his legendary reputation. – in the Marais and next to the Opera
Le Loir dans la Théière: a cozy tea room in the heart of the Marais district
Lily of the Valley: a tea room surrounded by flowers, also in the Marais
To continue exploring Paris, check out my travel guides:
3 Days in Paris Itinerary by a French Girl
The Best Latin Quarter Self-guided Walking Tour
Stroll through the Butte aux Cailles, with street art and flower gardens
The 9 Best Photo Spots in Paris
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