Planning to visit Paris in 3 days? Check out our guide to the most beautiful places to see in Paris.
Paris is one of those places that lives up to its reputation down to the last detail. We were thrilled with Paris and we hope you will be too. You’ll be planning your next visit as soon as you leave, because you won’t be able to do everything in one trip to Paris.
Paris is a city of museums, spectacular views and delicious food. Elegant historical buildings alternate with ultramodern architecture. Narrow, winding and cobbled streets widen into wide avenues lined with luxury boutiques.
It is a place full of contrasts. A place where everyone will find something that will make Paris an unforgettable experience.
- Is it possible to visit Paris in 3 days?
- Practical information for visiting Paris
- What to see in Paris in 3 days – map
- WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS
- 3 DAYS IN PARIS – ITINERARY FOR 1ST DAY
- WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS
- 3 DAYS IN PARIS – ITINERARY FOR 2ND DAY
- WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS
- 3 DAYS IN PARIS – ITINERARY FOR 3RD DAY
- Where to stay in Paris
- The best booking resources for visiting Paris
- More information about France
Is it possible to visit Paris in 3 days?
3 days in Paris is the bare minimum to visit some of the most famous sites, enjoy the view from the Eiffel Tower, sample French cuisine and enjoy the unmistakable atmosphere of the local neighbourhoods.
The itinerary is designed in such a way that the places are close to each other and you don’t have to change trains and waste time in the metro.
☞ More information: 5-day Paris itinerary (including a map and practical information).
Practical information for visiting Paris
How to get to the city centre from the airport?
Paris has two main international airports – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). There are several ways to reach the city centre from both airports:
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG): the fastest and most convenient way is to take the RER B suburban train, which takes you to central Paris in around 30 minutes. Alternatively, the Roissybus bus service will take you to the Palais Garnier Opera House.
- Orly (ORY): the easiest way to get to Orly Airport is to take the T7 tram line, which connects you to metro line 7 and then takes you into the city centre. Another option is the Orlybus bus, which goes directly to Denfert-Rochereau metro station.
- Beauvais: 1.5 hours away, the airport is operated by Ryanair. The centre can be reached by bus.
How to get around the city?
Paris has an extensive public transport system including metro, buses, trams and suburban trains (RER). The most efficient way to get around the city is by metro, which is fast and covers most tourist attractions.
The area in and around Paris is divided into zones. The city centre is in zones 1-3, Versailles is in zone 4 and CDG Airport or Disneyland is in zone 5. The price for shipping varies accordingly.
There are several ways to pay for transport in the city:
- A plastic Navigo Easy card or a paper Navigo Decouverte Pass card, on which you can load your desired tickets – single transfer tickets or daily or weekly tickets.
- Paper t+ ticket or Paris Visite Pass for unlimited travel.
☞ Read more: here you will find our detailed guide on transport in Paris (airports, how to get to the centre, how much transport costs and other tips, link opens in a new window).
Where to stay in Paris?
Find accommodation with good accessibility and preferably near the metro/RER so you don’t spend too much time on the road.
Here are some of our tips for clean and pleasant accommodation with great access to the centre:
- Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel – popular hotel near the centre and the metro at a good price
- Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – 4* central hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower
- citizenM hotel (our choice) – modern accommodation with a view, great value for money
- HotelF1 Paris Porte de Châtillon – cheap but pleasant accommodation outside the centre
Hotels in Paris 😴
What to see in Paris in 3 days – map
On the map below you will find a marked route of what to see in Paris in 3 days. The route is largely walkable, but you can also use public transport (metro, suburban trains, buses).
Starting at the Eiffel Tower, we’ll gradually discover the most beautiful sights, lush parks and charming neighbourhoods you can’t miss in Paris.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed itinerary map for Paris in 3 days. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the Paris guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS
3 DAYS IN PARIS – ITINERARY FOR 1ST DAY
- Trocadéro and Eiffel Tower
- Louvre
- Notre-Dame and Le Marais
Morning: Trocadéro and Eiffel Tower
Trocadéro
When most people think of Paris, it is the Eiffel Tower that comes to mind. Therefore, our 3-day itinerary in Paris will start here.
Take the metro and get off at Trocadéro station, located next to the historic Trocadéro square. It is named in honour of the Battle of Trocadéro in 1823, when the French army captured the Spanish fortress.
This is one of the best spots to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, which you can see perfectly from here. Sit on the steps with a fresh croissant and coffee and watch the sun rise behind the tower.
After enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower, head straight to the Eiffel Tower via the Trocadéro Gardens and the River Seine. It’s time to enjoy the view from the world’s tallest tower.
Eiffel Tower – what to see in Paris
The Eiffel Tower is not just a monument – it is a landmark of Paris that you must see with your own eyes to fully understand its majesty and significance.
The tower has stood here since 1889, when it was built for the World’s Fair on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
At first, it drew a wave of criticism from the locals. Among the elegant Parisian houses was a 324-metre-high tower, which at the time was one of the symbols of innovation and technological progress.
And despite petitions for its removal, the Eiffel Tower in Paris has earned its position and is now one of the most iconic monuments in the world.
Behind the Eiffel Tower is the Champ de Mars Park, a popular photo spot and a place for picnics and relaxation not only for tourists.
Practical information for visiting the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower offers several levels where you can buy a ticket:
- Second floor: The most popular type of ticket, with which you can visit the first and second floors of the tower (by stairs or elevator). The views from the 2nd floor are breathtaking.
- Top (Third Floor): The highest level provides panoramic views of the city and is accessible by elevator. You will also find Gustave Eiffel’s office at the top.
Book your place in advance to avoid sold-out tickets. At the venue, just look for the entrance for those with a reservation, show your ticket on your mobile phone and go through a short security check.
The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is first thing in the morning, before the crowds arrive, so your visit isn’t prolonged by waiting in queues.
If the tickets at the link above are sold out, check here to see if tickets are available for your date.
Rue Cler and surroundings
Is it lunchtime? Head to Gros-Caillou, a charming neighbourhood in the 7th arrondissement. Paris district, located between the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. Here, you’ll find perfect tranquillity if you want to take a break from the crowds at the Eiffel Tower.
Stroll along Rue Cler, a street lined with cafés, small shops and fresh produce stands. It’s a great place for lunch where you can enjoy typical French cuisine.
Here are some tips on where to eat in the area:
- Popu Bistro à Pizza
- Le Petit Cler
- Le Jardin de Mademoiselle for a good after lunch drink
You can stroll through a quiet, residential area that leads you to the Invalides, a former hospital and now a home for war veterans. It is a magnificent building with a golden tower that houses an interesting museum on the history of war and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Alexandre III Bridge and Place de la Concorde
We continue along the Seine to cross the Alexandre III Bridge, a richly decorated bridge with golden details. On the other side of the river you can see the obelisk standing in the middle of the Place de la Concorde.
Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris and the site of the guillotine during the French Revolution.
In the centre of the square stands a 3,200-year-old Egyptian obelisk from the Temple of Luxor, the oldest building in Paris.
Hotels in Paris 😴
Tuileries Gardens Paris
Tuileries Gardens
Take a stroll through the magnificent Tuileries Gardens before exploring one of the world’s finest art collections. Relax on one of the benches right by the fountain, surrounded by flower beds and mature trees.
Through the gardens, it takes a few minutes to reach the Louvre, the art museum with the iconic glass pyramid in its courtyard.
Louvre
The Louvre is a stunning place! Outside and inside, where it houses a collection of 30,000 art objects. Everything is set in beautiful spaces, so even those who don’t otherwise seek out art will enjoy it.
The museum is not the most visited museum in the world for nothing. The collection is huge and divided into 3 wings. Choose what you are interested in and what you want to see – you can’t see everything in one day. And there are definitely more places to see here than just the Mona Lisa and the Grand Gallery with its Italian masters.
☞ Book your entrance to the Louvre in advance to avoid selling out on the spot.
I recommend not to miss – Gallery d’Apollon, Napoleon’s apartments, the Great Sphinx of Tanis, the Greek statue of Nike Samothrace, the gallery with French statues on the -1 floor. We have written more information in the detailed guide to the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Practical information for visiting the Louvre
The main entrance is through the pyramid. If you want to avoid sold-out tickets on the spot, be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
There’s a quick security check and then you’re ready to go inside – there are lockers, refreshments and paper maps, which are certainly handy given the size of the museum.
☞ More information: A detailed guide to the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Afternoon: Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame Cathedral
After visiting the Louvre, we continue along the Seine. A few minutes’ walk will bring you to the Pont Neuf, a stone bridge that connects the waterfront with the Île de la Cité, the historic centre of Paris.
In addition, there are several important monuments, including Sainte Chapelle, a royal chapel dating from the 13th century. It is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, which cover more than 600 m² and depict biblical stories from the creation of the world to the resurrection of Christ.
☞ More information: For detailed information on entrance fees and opening times, see our article on things to do in Paris (link opens in a new window).
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most important monuments in Paris. A place made famous by Victor Hugo’s novel “The Temple of Our Lady of Paris”.
The cathedral partially burned down a few years ago and is now undergoing extensive reconstruction. It is expected to open at the end of 2024.
Evening: Le Marais
End your first day in Paris in Le Marais, just across the river from Notre Dame Cathedral.
Grab a delicious falafel at L’As du Fallafel and wander through the cobbled streets where a piece of Parisian history has seeped in. Le Marais is one of the most interesting and lively districts in Paris and has the perfect atmosphere for an evening out.
WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS
3 DAYS IN PARIS – ITINERARY FOR 2ND DAY
- Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur Basilica
- Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
- Opéra Garnier and a cruise on the Seine
Morning: Montmartre
Our second day in Paris starts in one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Paris – Montmartre. The narrow streets are lined with cute houses with colourful shutters, and artists gather on the Place du Tertre to capture the charm of Montmartre on canvas.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica
At the heart of the district is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, with its white-glowing facade and its position high on a hill that makes it unmissable from a distance.
Inside the church you will find a beautiful golden mosaic of Christ, one of the most beautiful works of art in Paris. The Basilica is open free of charge from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM (06:30-22:30).
The best time to visit Montmartre is first thing in the morning, as the crowds will be here in the morning. The local streets are narrow and especially in high season you can literally push your way through the crowds. Moreover, there are long queues to enter the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Le mur des je t’aime
Stop by the wall Le mur des je t’aime, where the word I love you is written in many languages. It’s a nice stop along the way, with benches in the shade of the trees.
Moulin Rouge
On your way out of Montmartre, stop at the Moulin Rouge, where windmills once stood. One of these mills became home to the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, where courtesans invented the seductive dance of the can-can.
Afternoon: Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
Our next stop is Arc de Triomphe, an iconic landmark in the middle of the bustling Place Charles de Gaulle, where the famous Tour de France ends every year.
The 51 m high monument is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The names of the battles and the names of the soldiers are engraved on the shields of the arch.
If you like views, don’t miss the climb to the observation deck of Arc de Triomphe. It may not be one of the highest in Paris, but it offers a surprisingly good view of the 12 spoked avenues. It’s a beautiful sight, with the Eiffel Tower towering over the rooftops.
Afternoon: Opéra Garnier and Lafayette Gallery
Opéra Garnier
Home to the world’s oldest national ballet company, the Palais Garnier is a symbol of Napoleon’s imperial regime and one of the most important buildings in Paris.
Inside, the building is absolutely breathtaking, with velvet seats, gilded balconies and huge crystal chandeliers.
You have 2 ways to see the opera house from the inside:
- An unguided tour where you can see the beautifully decorated interiors. Admission is €15. Book your tickets by clicking here.
- Attending an evening performance – current programme can be found here.
Lafayette Gallery
A short walk from the Opera House is the magnificent Lafayette Gallery, a famous department store with luxury brands and views from the rooftop terrace (free).
Hotels in Paris 😴
Evening: Cruise on the Seine
Cruise on the Seine is very popular in Paris. And it’s beautiful in the evening when the sights are beautifully lit.
Enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower, Pont Alexandre III, the Orsay Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral from the boat. The perfect end to a day in Paris!
WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS
3 DAYS IN PARIS – ITINERARY FOR 3RD DAY
- Versailles
- Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens
- Tour Montparnasse
Morning: Versailles
On the third day of our itinerary in Paris, we head to Versailles. The famous chateau may not be in the centre of Paris, but it is so easily accessible that it would be a shame not to include it in your itinerary.
Plus, Versailles is gorgeous. There are several tickets to choose from depending on what you want to visit. For us, the interiors of the palace and the surrounding gardens, which consist of small woods with fountains, are definitely worth seeing.
The entire castle is ornate to opulent, with a beautiful orangery and a large park where you can take a boat ride.
About Versailles we’ve written a separate article including tips and photos.
How to visit Versailles
There are several commuter trains a day to Versailles, which stop at a number of locations in Paris. It’s an easy 15-30 minute drive to Versailles, depending on where you’re coming from. From the station, the palace is about a 10-15 minute pleasant walk or you can take the city bus.
I recommend going to Versailles as early as possible to avoid the biggest crowds. The gardens open at 8:00 am (the park an hour earlier) and the palace at 9:00 am. For a quieter atmosphere, the best time to visit is right at 9:00 am.
☞ Be sure to book your tickets in advance – they often sell out on the spot.
In high season, the queue starts to form half an hour in advance. Once inside, you’ll go through a quick security check. Don’t bring large backpacks or luggage – there are no lockers for storage.
It depends on what you want to see, but allow at least 3 hours for a normal tour of the gardens and palace. You can spend the whole day here.
☞ More information: Here you can find our detailed guide to visiting Versailles.
Afternoon: the Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens
The rest of the third day is spent in the Latin Quarter, located on the left bank of the Seine, home to the Sorbonne and other major educational institutions.
The medieval streets of the Latin Quarter are lined with bookshops, cafés and bistros, where students, intellectuals and tourists mingle.
In Versailles, take the RER C train that passes through the Latin Quarter – you can get off at Notre-Dame or at Gare d’Austerlitz, which is next to the vast botanical garden Jardin des Plantes (free entry). There are benches where you can sit among the flowers in the shade of the trees.
Grand Mosque in Paris
Directly adjacent to the gardens is the Grand Mosque of Paris, with its magnificent minaret and smaller gardens full of exotic plants. It’s a short stop for a €3 entry fee and definitely worth seeing if you like places like this.
From the mosque and the Jardin des Planes, continue into the centre of the Latin Quarter towards Rue Mouffetard. If you’re looking for a place to eat, this is the place to go.
Pantheon
Another attraction in the district is the impressive Pantheon, where important French figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie are buried. The building itself is unmissable thanks to its neoclassical design. You can climb to the top for beautiful views of the city.
Luxembourg Gardens
End the day in the Luxembourg Gardens. Sit on one of the green chairs and relax with the locals. The atmosphere here is amazing, especially if you are lucky enough to have sunny days like us.
Children are out on the pond, older gentlemen are playing chess, some are reading or just watching around.
Tour Montparnasse
If you want to enjoy the best view of Paris, headed by the Eiffel Tower, end your visit to Paris at the Tour Montparnasse. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when Paris and the Eiffel Tower are lit up.
☞ Book your view from Tour Montparnasse – Tickets are a few euros more expensive on site.
The elevator takes you to the observation deck. There are chairs to sit on and a map with places marked where you can see from the viewpoint. The whole viewpoint is secured with glass – there are holes in the glass for taking pictures.
More inspiration: Have more time in Paris or looking for more tips on what to see? We’ve written up A 5-day itinerary to find more attractions and sights in Paris, including the modern La Défense, the stylish Saint-Germain district and the unique Fondation Louis Vuitton museum.
Where to stay in Paris
- Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel – popular hotel near the centre and the metro at a good price
- Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – 4* central hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower
- citizenM hotel – modern accommodation with a view, great value for money
- HotelF1 Paris Porte de Châtillon – cheap but pleasant accommodation outside the centre
Hotels in Paris 😴
The best booking resources for visiting Paris
Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.
Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.
This was our 3-day itinerary of what to see in Paris. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about France
PARIS: See tips on things to do in Paris (including entrance fees, opening times and maps). Plan your 5-day itinerary of where to go in Paris.
Louvre Museum is one of the best things to visit in Paris, even for those who don’t otherwise seek out art. In the following article you will find out everything you need to know before visiting Versailles.
Are you planning to visit Disneyland? Read our detailed guide to Disneyland.
Find out all about transport in Paris (airport, public transport, metro, bicycle) and more tips on prices, food and accommodation in the Paris guide. Read our tips on how to visit Paris on budget. The Paris Pass is a popular way to save money in Paris – find out more about the Paris Pass.
PROVENCE: Here is a detailed guide to Provence, one of the most beautiful regions in France.
