Three days in Paris is enough to fall in love with the City of Light — if you plan wisely. This itinerary balances iconic landmarks with local gems, ensuring you experience both the Paris everyone talks about and the one only locals know. You'll cover the 1st through 18th arrondissements without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & the Seine
Start your morning at the Eiffel Tower. Arrive by 9 AM to avoid the worst queues (or pre-book tickets online). Take the stairs to the second level for a workout with a view, then ride the elevator to the summit. Afterward, walk through Champ de Mars and cross Pont d'Iéna.
- 9:00 AM — Eiffel Tower (pre-book skip-the-line tickets)
- 11:30 AM — Walk along the Seine to Musée d'Orsay
- 12:30 PM — Lunch at a café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- 2:00 PM — The Louvre (focus on Denon Wing: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory)
- 5:30 PM — Tuileries Garden stroll
- 7:00 PM — Dinner near Palais Royal
- 9:00 PM — Seine river cruise (Bateaux Mouches) to see the city illuminated
💡 Tip: The Louvre is enormous — don't try to see everything. Pick 2–3 sections and save the rest for a return trip. Wednesday and Friday evenings have extended hours with fewer crowds.
Day 2: Montmartre, Marais & Culture
Begin at Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Climb the steps (or take the funicular) for panoramic city views. Wander the artistic streets where Picasso and Van Gogh once lived. Browse Place du Tertre for live artist portraits, then head south to the trendy Le Marais district for lunch.
- 9:00 AM — Sacré-Cœur Basilica + Montmartre walk
- 11:00 AM — Place du Tertre (artist square)
- 12:00 PM — Falafel on Rue des Rosiers in Le Marais
- 1:30 PM — Musée Picasso or Centre Pompidou
- 4:00 PM — Place des Vosges (Paris's oldest planned square)
- 5:30 PM — Vintage shopping on Rue de Bretagne
- 7:30 PM — Dinner at a bistro in Le Marais
- 9:30 PM — Cocktails at a hidden speakeasy bar
Day 3: Versailles or Local Exploration
You have two strong options for your final day. Option A: take the RER C train to the Palace of Versailles (40 minutes each way) for the opulent Hall of Mirrors and the sprawling gardens. Option B: stay in Paris for a deeper local experience — explore the Latin Quarter, visit the Panthéon, browse Shakespeare & Company bookshop, and linger at a corner café.
- Option A — Versailles: depart by 9 AM, Hall of Mirrors, Grand Trianon, gardens (return by 3 PM)
- Option B — Latin Quarter: Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens, Shakespeare & Company, Rue Mouffetard market
- 4:00 PM — Champs-Élysées walk toward Arc de Triomphe
- 5:30 PM — Climb Arc de Triomphe for sunset views
- 7:30 PM — Farewell dinner at a classic brasserie
💡 Tip: Buy a Paris Museum Pass (2 or 4 days) for skip-the-line access to 50+ museums and monuments. It pays for itself after 3 visits.
Budget Breakdown
- Flights: $300–800 round trip (varies by origin)
- Hotel: $120–250/night for a 3-star in central Paris
- Metro: €16.90 for a carnet of 10 tickets (or Navigo Easy card)
- Food: €40–80/day (mix of cafés and restaurants)
- Activities: €50–100/day (museums, tours, Seine cruise)
- Total estimate: $1,200–2,500 for 3 days (excluding flights)
Ready to Plan Your Paris Trip?
This itinerary is a starting point — customize it based on your interests, pace, and budget. Whether you're a museum lover, a foodie, or a street explorer, Paris has something for you around every corner.