Did you know that the Eiffel Tower wasn’t meant to be permanent? Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was originally scheduled for demolition after 20 years! Why? Well, parisians keep asking themselfs that ! But as you already know, Paris has so much more to offer than just the world known tower! Having to choose what to see in Paris in only 3 days is not an easy thing to do.
As someone who visited the City of Lights more than 10 times since I moved in France (10 years ago), I can help you easily plan AND map out your perfect itinerary !
As a Paris first time visitor I once got hilariously lost in the Paris neighborhood maze of Le Marais (getting lost here is actually the best way to explore!). After multiple Paris visits sincer I moved to France 10 years ago, I’ve learned that the best Paris hidden gems often come with fascinating stories like this.
I’ll never forget my first real Paris experience as an Erasmus student, worlds apart from my childhood family visits. Armed with concert tickets and a shoestring budget, my friend and I made the rookie mistake of booking the world’s most questionable accommodation! That budget-saving decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise – we escaped our room at dawn and returned well past midnight, spending every possible moment exploring the city. With nothing but a worn Paris tourist attractions map and endless enthusiasm, we walked until our feet screamed for mercy, discovering hidden cafés and secret corners that no guidebook could reveal. Those sleep-deprived days sparked a love affair with Paris that’s lasted through seven more visits, each one peeling back another layer of this magnificent city. Now, I’m sharing all those hard-earned secrets with you!
Trust me, planning your first 3-day Paris adventure can feel overwhelming. Between decoding the paris metro guide and debating whether the Paris museum pass is worth it (spoiler alert: absolutely yes!), there’s a lot to consider. But here’s the thing – I’ve made all some mistakes but you don’t have to.
To make it easier, I even made a map showing the way I organised these 3 days itinerary in Paris. The main idea is to keep it simple and easy to access one place from another, to avoid spending time in transportation. This way you might even be able to visit Paris without the Paris pass if you are open to walking ! But keep in mind that even though the places are close to each other, it’s easy to get to 20k steps in Paris on a daily basis!
This itinerary combines iconic must-sees with those magical little moments that’ll make your trip uniquely yours. Ready to discover Paris like a local who hasn’t quite lost their tourist wonder? Let’s dive in!
Who is this 3 days in Paris itinerary for?
After ten visits to Paris, from that first weekend as an Erasmus student to recent trips with family and friends, I’ve learned what works best for first-time visitors. If your knowledge of Paris comes from movies and TV shows, this guide will help you discover both the iconic sites and the places that make Paris feel real.
This itinerary balances those must-see tourist spots (yes, the Eiffel Tower is worth it!) with quieter moments that let you experience Paris like a local. You’ll learn how to navigate the metro, find the best photo spots without the crowds, and discover which tourist attractions actually deserve their hype.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this guide helps you make the most of your three days. I’ve included tips for different budgets too – from student-friendly options I used during my first visit to more comfortable choices I’ve discovered over the years.
Is 3 days in Paris enough time?
After multiple visits to Paris, I can honestly say that 3 days is enough time – to begin your relationship with the city. During my first weekend visit as an Erasmus student, I managed to see the main attractions and get a feel for Paris’s charm. It was just enough to spark a love affair that’s brought me back several times since.
Three days lets you experience the essentials: stand under the Eiffel Tower, wander through the Louvre, and soak in those iconic Parisian moments you’ve seen in photos. You’ll have time to take those classic shots and really experience what makes Paris special, rather than just rushing from one landmark to another.
But let’s be real – you won’t see the entire city. Paris is a city that reveals itself slowly, with each visit uncovering new layers. That’s part of its magic.
Tips for visiting Paris for the first time
First and foremost: plan your budget and book everything in advance! Book your hotels months in advance, your entrance tickets week in advance and your restaurants days in advance! This isn’t just about saving money – it’s about actually getting to do what you want. During my first visit, we couldn’t get into several restaurants we wanted to try simply because we didn’t think to reserve.
Something that often surprises first-time visitors is the French approach to business hours. Coming from a more “always open” culture, I had to adjust to Paris’s rhythm. Many shops and some restaurants close for a long lunch break, typically between 12-2 PM. Plan your shopping and dining around these hours – either before noon or after 2 PM. This is especially important in less touristy neighborhoods where this practice is more common.
Don’t underestimate Paris distances. During one visit, I planned to go from Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, thinking “it’s just a few metro stops.” Well, with walking to and from stations, waiting for trains, and navigating connections, what looked quick on a map took much longer than expected. Always check actual travel times between places before planning your day.
As for French vocabulary – even basic phrases go a long way. A simple “Bonjour” when entering a shop and “Merci, au revoir” when leaving shows respect for local customs. You don’t need to be fluent, but these small efforts make a real difference in how you’re received.
Getting Around + Map of the Sites
This is the official map for Paris, made by RATP (Régie autonome des transports parisiens)
How to Get to and From Paris
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main international hub, and it’s massive. The first time I arrived there, I was surprised to find myself taking a train between terminals – it really is like a small city! While its size can be overwhelming, CDG offers the most transport options into Paris and is particularly convenient if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland.
Orly is my personal favorite for its simplicity. It’s smaller than CDG but still handles plenty of international flights. The best part? It’s closer to central Paris, making your arrival less stressful. I’ve found the transport connections straightforward and usually faster than from CDG.
Then there’s Beauvais-Tille, the budget traveler’s gateway to Paris. During my student days, this airport saved me a lot of money on flights, but remember – it’s actually quite far from Paris. The journey to the city center takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. They’ve recently added a direct bus service to Disneyland Paris, which is a game-changer if you’re planning a theme park visit on a budget.
The choice really depends on your priorities – if you’re flying internationally, you’ll likely land at CDG. Coming from within Europe with a budget airline? Beauvais might save you money if you don’t mind the longer transfer. And if you have the choice, Orly offers the best balance of convenience and accessibility to central Paris.
Getting Around Paris
Transportation Options
- The Paris Metro is a great way to get around the city, with a single ticket costing around € 2.20.
- You can also purchase a Navigo Easy Card, which is a rechargeable card system that can be used to pay for public transport.
- Consider purchasing a Paris Visite pass for unlimited public transportation and discounts on attractions.
Navigating the City
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, and while this might sound intimidating at first, there’s a simple way to understand it. Think of them as a snail shell, spiraling out from the center of Paris. The 1st arrondissement is in the heart of the city (where you’ll find the Louvre), and the numbers spiral outward clockwise.
During my visits, I’ve found that Google Maps is a lifesaver, but here’s a tip that changed how I explore Paris: custom Google Maps. To help you navigate Paris easier, I made custom maps ! You can save them for your own use. When you open my shared map, look for the three dots under the map title and click “Copy map.” This creates your own version that you can edit and access offline. I usually create separate layers for attractions, restaurants, and photo spots, using different colored pins for easy reference. You can have my all in one restaurants map here !
Before each day of exploring, download the relevant map for offline use in case the data connection isn’t working in some areas of the city. The metro might be efficient, but having these custom maps helps you discover those charming streets between stations that you might otherwise miss.
Day 1 – Classic Paris Highlights
It’s time to discover the first day of this 3-Day Paris itinerary and my favourite !
One of my favorite Paris discoveries came from a simple metro ride.Take line 6 towards Charles de Gaulle Étoile and sit on the right side – between Bir-Hakeim and Trocadéro stations, you’ll get your first stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a perfect introduction to the city, and even after seven visits to Paris, this view still makes me smile.
The Trocadéro
station puts you right where you want to be for those classic Paris photos. Walking down through Trocadéro Gardens gives you different angles of the tower, and the morning light makes everything look magical. During my first weekend visit, we spent way too much time here taking photos, but honestly? They’re still some of my favorite Paris memories.
If you love marine life, the Paris Aquarium is right there, but I’ve always preferred heading down to the Seine river quais for photos. There’s a perfect spot where you can catch the tower’s reflection in the water – I’ve marked it on Google Maps for you because it took me several visits to find this particular angle.
For the tower itself, definitely book your tickets in advance and include the top level.
My first visit taught me that showing up without tickets means wasting precious Paris time in queues. To be able to do this itinerary as described here, aim to arrive by 11:00 – it’s late enough to avoid the early morning crowds but early enough to beat the afternoon rush.
You can purchase tickets either from their official website or through third-party providers such as Get Your Guide, Viator or Tiqets. They often have better ticket availability for near-term visits and offer flexible cancellation – you can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled time.
Lunch can be as simple or fancy as you like. There is a fancy restaurant inside the tower itself, called Madame Brasserie! While the restaurant offers stunning views, its 3-course lunch menu is reasonably priced. Your reservation includes priority access to the first floor, where you can enjoy refined French cuisine while gazing out over Paris. A great experience, but I prefer eating outside the tower so I can see the tower while eating!
The gardens around the tower (le Champs-de-Mars) are perfect for a picnic, especially on sunny days when you’ll see locals doing the same. If you prefer a proper meal, L’Abreuvoir nearby serves excellent French cuisine without the tourist markup.
Another great option are the Seine River lunch cruises that offer another perspective of the city. This does not necesarilly break the bank but make sure to book them well in advance.
Next on your itinerary : The Arc de Triomphe!
The climb gives you my favorite view of the Eiffel Tower – this time across the elegant Parisian rooftops. As every other tourist attraction and restaurant in Paris, make sure to buy the tickets in advance.
Follow this climb with a stroll down the Champs-Élysées
Here, a stop at Ladurée for macarons is practically mandatory. Yes, it’s touristy, but some tourist experiences are worth it! My favourite ones are the raspberry ones! You can even have a full meal at Ladurée, make sure to reserve it.
After some windowshopping on the most known avenue in Europe, end your evening at a local bistro away from the main avenue. The best French dining experiences happen in the quieter streets, where you can take your time enjoying traditional French cuisine without the tourist-crowd rush.
Day 2 – Art and Architecture
The second day of this 3-Day Paris itinerary will be all about the french incredible architecture and art !
Notre-Dame‘s reopening in 2024 marks such an exciting moment for Paris visitors! After seeing it covered in scaffolding during my recent visits, it’s incredible to finally witness its restoration. The cathedral’s Gothic architecture is even more impressive when you realize what it took to save it and rebuild it.
What many visitors miss – and I almost did too until my history-loving father insisted – is the archaeological crypt under Notre-Dame (in french this is called Crypte Archéologique de l’İle de la Cité).. It’s fascinating how Paris has built itself in layers over centuries. Walking through the ancient ruins beneath the cathedral gives you a completely different perspective on the city’s history. You can trace Paris’s evolution from Roman times through medieval streets, all while modern Paris buzzes above you.
The Sainte-Chapelle is just a short walk away, and it’s a perfect complement to Notre-Dame. I remember walking in and being absolutely stunned by the stained glass windows – photos really don’t do them justice. Go on a sunny day if you can – the way light streams through those 13th-century windows creates an atmosphere that feels almost magical.
Shakespeare and Company bookstore quickly became one of my favorite spots in Paris. More than just a bookshop, it’s a piece of literary history that still feels alive and breathing. Take your time browsing the cramped shelves, and don’t miss the upstairs reading room with its worn armchairs and resident cat. They stamp your books with their iconic logo – my copy of “A Moveable Feast” from there has become one of my most treasured souvenirs.
For lunch, do as the Parisians do and head to Luxembourg Gardens. Pick up supplies from one of the many bakeries or cheese shops in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (my go-to is Maison Thevenin for their incredible pastries). The gardens offer the perfect mix of manicured French formal gardens and relaxed picnic spaces. Find a spot near the central fountain, and you can people-watch for hours.
End your day with an evening walk through Le Marais. The neighborhood comes alive at dusk, with its mix of medieval architecture and trendy boutiques. Unlike the grand boulevards of Paris, these narrow streets still feel like they’re hiding secrets. It’s the perfect place to end your day of exploring Paris’s layers of history and have a glass of wine (why not, with cheese!).
You can pin this hourly schedule for day 1 to save it!
Day 3 – Royal Heritage and Local Life
The third day of this 3-Day Paris itinerary will be about discovering french palaces and royal appartments !
First on the list is the Louvre, which requires a bit of strategy.
I advice going early. After visiting 4 times already, I’ve learned that arriving earlier than your ticket time is essential – those mandatory reservations don’t account for security lines. The Carrousel entrance, which is less known, has saved me countless times from Paris weather and lengthy queues that form at the main pyramid. Save it on your google maps from here.
Inside, the Louvre museum can be overwhelming. Last year’s visit with my sister proved this perfectly – we tried outsmarting the gallery layout by taking a shortcut to the Egyptian section, avoiding a prehistoric exhibit she wasn’t interested in. That “shortcut” turned into a 90-minute adventure of walking in circles! The galleries are best explored in order, and deciding what you want to see before arriving makes a huge difference. And yes, there are always crowds at Monalisa ! but in my humble opinion this is not the best place in the museum. My favorite place is this one :
Also, do not miss the royal appartments!
The Royal Apartments at the Louvre are perhaps the museum’s best-kept secret
and I discovered them completely by accident during my third visit to Paris. Picture this: after waiting an hour in line just to enter the museum, fighting through crowds to see the Mona Lisa, we stumbled upon these magnificent rooms… and they were completely empty!
It felt surreal walking through these opulent spaces alone while the rest of the museum was packed. The Napoleon III Apartments, in particular, are a stunning example of Second Empire luxury – all gold leaf, crystal chandeliers, and rich red silk walls. I remember standing in the grand reception room, my footsteps echoing on the polished floors, thinking how bizarre it was that everyone was cramming into other galleries while this spectacular space was deserted.
The apartments showcase a perfectly preserved slice of royal life, much like Versailles, but without the overwhelming crowds. The dining room still has its original furniture, and you can almost imagine the elaborate dinners that took place there. The State Rooms are particularly impressive, with their ceiling frescoes and ornate furniture.
If you’re visiting the Louvre, don’t make the same mistake I did on my first two visits. Head to the Richelieu Wing, first floor, and give yourself at least an hour to explore these rooms. The contrast between the tourist-packed galleries and these serene, palatial spaces is striking. It’s like having your own private palace tour in the middle of the world’s busiest museum!
Taking a break along the Quais de Tuileries and the Tuileries Garden
after the museum gives you time to reset. The beautiful gardens provide perfect picnic spots, or you can find several cafés nearby if you prefer a proper lunch. You can download my food map of Paris and save it for when you are there. Once on the spot, you’ll just have to check which one is closer! (make sure to check the colors, as the restaurants are sorted by type and budget).
Discover Rue de Rivoli, next to the Tuileries Gardens. It honestly feels like walking through a living postcard – the elegant arcaded walkways provide shelter from rain or sun while you window shop, the Tuileries Gardens peek through the columns on one side, and the steady stream of Parisians and tourists creates that unmistakable buzz that makes Paris, well, Paris.
Take a stroll along the river to the Musée d’Orsay. I love this walk! Once there, you should absolutely take that iconic clock tower photo – it’s popular for a reason.
Choices for your last evening in Paris, to make it memorable
For your final evening in Paris, you’ve got two solid options. For the first one, you won’t need to add any more steps to your daily count, as it is located just next to the Tuileries Gardens.
The Hôtel de la Marine might not be on most tourist radars, but it’s a remarkable place I discovered during one of my recent visits. I am definetly a museum person so I was trilled to discover a great one within an incredible architecture ! This meticulously restored 18th-century building served as the headquarters for the French Navy’s administration and housed extravagant royal collections.
The royal apartments are stunning – each room tells a story of French opulence, with period furniture and intricate decorations that rival Versailles, yet here you can actually take your time to admire them without fighting through crowds.
My favorite discovery was the balcony facing Place de la Concorde – arrive there at 8pm and you’ll have one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower‘s light show. There’s something special about watching Paris light up from a historic balcony where French royalty once stood.
Your other option takes you to the artistic soul of Paris – Montmartre. The climb might seem daunting at first, but take your time and use it to explore the winding streets. Each turn reveals another postcard-perfect scene: ivy-covered buildings, charming cafés, and those iconic stairs you’ve seen in countless photos.
Once you reach Sacré-Cœur, enjoy maybe the best sunset in Paris. The white domes of the basilica catch the golden light beautifully, and Paris spreads out before you in a panorama that helps you understand why artists have been drawn here for centuries.
The Place du Tertre nearby still maintains that artistic atmosphere – yes, it’s touristic, but watching artists at work while the sky turns pink over Paris is pretty magical.
Walking down through the old streets to the Moulin Rouge lets you experience how the neighborhood transforms from day to night. The famous red windmill glows against the darkening sky, and the entire area buzzes with energy.
If you can get tickets to a show, go for it – it’s one of those quintessentially Paris experiences that somehow manages to be both glamorous and fun at the same time.
The cabaret tradition here dates back to 1889, and while today’s shows are definitely modernized, they still capture that special Belle Époque spirit that made Paris the city of light and love. I still haven’t got the chance to go at a show here but it’s on my bucket list ! (hopefully my husband reads this).
Should You Get the Museum Pass?
Listen, this is a question I’ve debated during each of my Paris trips, and after trying both with and without it, here’s my honest take. During my first visit as an Erasmus student, I skipped it to save money. Big mistake. My second time in Paris, I got the 2-day pass, and the difference was night and day.
The pass absolutely makes sense if you’re planning to visit at least 3 major museums or monuments in 2 days. Let’s break down a typical itinerary: The Louvre (€17), Musée d’Orsay (€16), and the Arc de Triomphe (€13) already put you at €46. A 2-day museum pass costs around €55, but here’s where it gets good – you also get skip-the-line privileges at most places.
But the pass isn’t for everyone. During one visit with my sister, we realized we wanted to spend more time exploring neighborhoods and less time in museums. In that case, buying individual tickets made more sense. If you’re visiting during low season or only plan to see one museum per day, you might want to skip it too.
Another key point – this classic pass doesn’t cover everything. The Eiffel Tower, for instance, requires separate tickets. Same goes for temporary exhibitions at most museums. During my last trip, I got caught out when I couldn’t use my pass for a special exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay.
Despite these limitations, I still recommend getting the pass if museums are a priority for your trip. Just remember to reserve your time slots – even with the pass, many museums now require advance booking. I learned this the hard way when I couldn’t get into the Louvre despite having a valid pass!
I DID found another pass that can include the Eiffel Tower too, even though there will be some choices to be made. You can check it out here on Tiquets, a website I completly recommend for buying tickets in Europe.
Just keep in mind, pass or not, book your tickets in advance !
Easy shortcuts for visiting Paris if walking is not your thing
I LOVE these because the experience gives you another perspective over the city as the guide explaines the main points of interests. There are many options available, from just a guided tour around the city, to lunch trips and evening dinner cruises with champagne.
Here are some good options:
I love this one because it allows you to use the boat exactly as the hop-on hop-off bus!
Another great way to cruise the Seine is during a lunch or dinner ! I selected these options for you
Hop on Hop off Bus
same as the river cruise, another perspective and interesting guiding all from the confort of your seat. I definetly prefer the river cruise but we can not argue that the bus can go where the boat can’t, offering views of inside Paris that you can miss easily from the boat.
Paris Guided Tour
a guided tour is always a great choise when you are short in time, as a guide can take you to the most important places in a short lapse of time and show you exactly what you souldn’t miss.
Here are some good options
Best Time to Visit Paris
Here’s something most travel guides won’t tell you about Paris in August: while it’s technically high season, the city has a completely different vibe. As French people, we were amazed to see how the city emptied during the recent Olympic Games. While that was exceptional, August in Paris generally follows a similar pattern – Parisians flee the city for their annual holidays, leaving behind a more relaxed atmosphere.
August can actually be a great time to visit. You’ll find shorter queues at many attractions, easier restaurant reservations, and a more laid-back pace. The metro is less packed, and you might even score last-minute bookings at typically busy spots. However, there’s one major catch – the heat. Recent summers in Paris have been increasingly hot, and many smaller hotels and apartments don’t have air conditioning.
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) remain the most pleasant times to visit weather-wise. The temperatures are mild, the city is alive with locals, and you get to experience Paris at its most vibrant. During my seven visits, I’ve found May and September particularly magical – warm enough for picnics in Luxembourg Gardens but cool enough for long walks through Le Marais.
Winter has its own charm, especially during December when the city sparkles with holiday decorations. I wrote an entire blog about Paris during Christmas, that you can check out here.
After the holidays, January and February are the quietest months – yes, it’s cold and often gray, but hotel prices drop significantly, and you’ll have many museums almost to yourself. Check out which winter day trips you can take from Paris during winter, here.
Just avoid the Fashion Week periods (usually early March and late September) unless you want to pay premium prices for everything. And while summer crowds thin out in August, be aware that some small, family-run restaurants and shops might be closed for their annual vacation.
A practical tip from experience: whatever month you choose, always book major attractions in advance. Even during “quiet” periods, places like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre can fill up quickly.
Where to Stay in Paris
Having explored different areas of Paris across multiple visits, let me break down the neighborhoods in a way you’ll actually find useful. I always look for options on Booking and make sure to book in advance, at least some months before.
The 15th and 17th arrondissements are perfect for families, and I’ve seen why. These areas offer wider streets, more parks, and a calmer atmosphere that feels more like real Paris than tourist Paris. The 6th, while more central and pricier, gives you that classic Parisian experience with the bonus of being walking distance to major sites.
For those seeking nightlife, the 2nd, 5th, and 10th hit different. The 5th especially – this Latin Quarter energy isn’t just tourist hype. During my student visit, we discovered endless little bars tucked away in medieval streets. The 10th around Canal Saint-Martin has evolved into this cool mix of hip bars and casual terraces.
If you’re mainly here for sightseeing, staying anywhere from the 1st to 9th arrondissement makes sense. My first-time visitors always thank me for this advice – you save so much time and energy being close to major attractions. The 1st puts you right by the Louvre, while the 4th lets you wake up in the heart of Le Marais.
Looking to dodge crowds? The 11th through 20th offer more authentic neighborhoods. During my last visit, I stayed in the 11th and loved experiencing morning coffee runs with actual Parisians instead of tourists.
Budget travelers should look at the 19th or 20th. Yes, you’ll spend more time on the metro, but you’ll save significantly on accommodation. Just make sure you’re near a metro station – I learned this lesson after a visit that involved too many long walks late at night! This is were I stayed with my friend during my first visit as a student (the one I talked about in the intro). Not a great experience for the hostel but great location to cover Paris from !
Remember, Paris is incredibly well connected by metro, so don’t stress too much about location. Focus more on being close to a metro station, and you’ll be able to explore the whole city easily.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paris
I made a Google Map of my favourite restaurant list so that you can save for your own use! This way, once you’re in Paris, you’ll only have to open the map and check out what it’s closer. I ordered it by type of restaurants (French bistro, Fine dining, Cheese and Wine, Café and Boulangeries, Brunch, International restaurants and Bars). Just keep in mind that if you wish to eat in a nicer place it’s normal to book a week (sometimes even a month) in advance! This has became something normal in Paris as well as in all the big cities in France. So, get your map here !
Let me share some essential tips about dining in Paris that I wish I’d known during my first visit. French meal times are quite different from what you might be used to. Lunch typically runs from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, and dinner starts around 7:30 PM – show up at 6 PM and you’ll find most restaurants still closed! During my first weekend in Paris, we learned this the hard way, wandering around hungrily at 5 PM with everything but cafés closed.
“Service Compris” is a phrase you’ll spot on most bills. This means the service charge is already included, typically around 15%. While tipping isn’t expected like in some countries, leaving a small additional tip (a few euros) for good service is appreciated but not mandatory.
About those famous French lunch breaks – they’re sacred. Don’t be surprised to find shops and small businesses closed between 12 and 2 PM. Even in tourist areas, many family-run places maintain this tradition. It’s part of that French quality of life everyone talks about.
Here’s something that surprised me during my first restaurant visit: water and bread aren’t extras – they’re part of the meal. When you sit down, you’ll typically receive a basket of baguette slices and can request “une carafe d’eau” (tap water) at no charge. No need to buy bottled water unless you specifically want it.
Pro tip: if you find a restaurant you really want to try, make a reservation. I’ve watched too many disappointed tourists being turned away from busy restaurants, even on weekday evenings!
What to Pack
Essential Items
- Comfy walking shoes are a must-have for Paris, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. I can always vouch for my Allbirds, I had them for the past 5 years and they are the best shoes I ever owned ! They even sell on Amazon.
- A cross-body bag is a good idea to keep your belongings safe from pickpockets. There are many options, check these out on Amazon.
- A cute hat and sunglasses can add a touch of style to your photos.
- A Europe plug converter and power bank are essential for keeping your devices charged. I recommend this one from Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions about 3 days itineraries in Paris
Is it worth it to go to Paris for 3 days?
Paris is always worth it, even for just a day! Most of my trips were of 3 days. Of course you won’t be able to cover it all, but it gives you a good start !
How many days do you need in Paris first time?
3 days are great for a first time in Paris. 5 days would be better as they would allow you a day trip or two, or a Disneyland Paris day !
How much is the budget for Paris in 3 days?
this really depends on your style of travel ! I usually spend around 100 euros / day in Paris, counting food, entrances and transportation. I do not count the hotels here as that can vary a lot.
What you should not miss if visiting Paris for 3 days ?
Definitely the Eiffel Tower, but not only ! With the new opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, this should be on the list ! Montmartre and Louvre are a must and either a cruise on the Seine river or a Wine and Cheese tasting !
Three days in Paris might seem brief, but with this strategic itinerary, you’ll experience the city’s essence while avoiding common tourist pitfalls. Remember to pre-book major attractions and always leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Now go forth and create your own Paris story! You’ve got extra time to cover? Check out this guide about Disneyland Paris !
I hope this 3-day Paris itinerary helps you plan your perfect trip! As someone who’s explored Paris countless times since moving to France, I can tell you that even the City of Lights’ most famous spots still manage to surprise me with new details and hidden charms on each visit.
With strategic planning (and my tips on advance booking!), you can experience both the iconic landmarks and those magical little local moments that make Paris truly special. Having made plenty of rookie mistakes myself during my first visits, I’ve designed this itinerary to help you maximize your time while still leaving room for those spontaneous discoveries that often become favorite memories.
Remember, this itinerary is just a guide – make it your own! Whether that means spending extra time photographing the Eiffel Tower, lingering over coffee at a neighborhood café, or taking an afternoon break in the Luxembourg Gardens. Sometimes the best Paris moments happen when you step away from the checklist and just let yourself get a little lost in its charming streets.
