What to Do in Paris for 3 Days
A Paris local’s curated itinerary for 3 days in Paris. Step-by-step guide to visit what really matters, with time to actually enjoy it. If you’re in a hurry, jump to the itinerary overview here.
Three days in Paris is the ideal time to get a good overview of the city. With two days, you’re rushing between landmarks, choosing what to skip. But three days gives you something better: time to see what actually matters, and enough breathing room to linger where you want to.
This isn’t about seeing everything Paris offers – that would take months. It’s about curated quality choices to experience the city at a pace that lets you absorb it, not just photograph it.
This Paris 3-day itinerary isn’t a compromise – it’s the right timeframe to experience Paris properly.
Do you want to dedicate one day to Versailles? That’s a different trip – see my 2 days in Paris itinerary and my day trip to Versailles guides instead.
Last update: April 2026
Paris 3-day Itinerary – Know Before You Go
This 3-day Paris itinerary explores the most iconic arrondissements, leaving the lesser-known districts for longer stays.
For easier navigation, the itinerary is organized around the banks of the Seine, with two days spent on the Right Bank and one on the Left. It includes three detailed maps – one for each day – with all recommended stops clearly marked.
Day 1 in Paris – Île de la Cité and the Right Bank (Le Marais and Montmartre)
Day 2 in Paris – Right Bank (Louvre to the Grands Boulevards)
Day 3 in Paris – Left Bank
The focus is on quality rather than quantity, giving you time to linger in the places you enjoy most. It deliberately skips certain sights, such as the interior of the Panthéon and the Champs-Élysées, because they don’t quite live up to their reputation.
Alongside this itinerary, my Paris arrondissements guide will help you understand the city’s different areas – their history and character – and make your strolls much more enjoyable.
The itinerary also assumes you’ll be using the Paris Metro, with suggested lines and stations indicated throughout. Be sure to check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists.
Museum Closing Days
- Louvre: Tuesdays
- Musée d’Orsay (alternative): Mondays
- Best days for this itinerary: Wednesday to Sunday
Book Ahead
- Sainte-Chapelle: 2 months (timed entry). Different prices for EEA – non-EEA visitors
- Louvre: 1-2 months, depending on the season (timed entry). Different prices for EEA – non-EEA visitors
- Musée d’Orsay: 1 month (timed entry)
- Moulin Rouge: as soon as possible
- Eiffel Tower: 2 months (timed entry)
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass
Where to Stay in Paris for 3 Days
With three days in Paris, choose either a central location or an iconic neighborhood full of life, cafés, and charming shops, such as Saint-Germain or Le Marais.
- Relais Christine (4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion in Saint-Germain)
- Handsome Hotel by Elegancia (3-star hotel near the Louvre, central location)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower views from all the rooms)
More hotel recommendations by travel style in my best Arrondissements to stay guide.
Don’t leave without travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on
3 Days in Paris Itinerary, Day 1 – Ile de la Cité and Right Bank (Le Marais, and Montmartre)
On day 1 of this 3-day Paris itinerary, you will be visiting:
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Île de la Cité
- Le Marais
- Canal Saint-Martin
Click here to view this 3 days in Paris map, day 1 on Google
Paris is bisected by the Seine River (La Seine, in French), which flows west toward the English Channel and divides the city in two.
In Paris, people often refer to the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) and the Rive Droite (Right Bank): when facing downstream, the northern bank lies to the right and the southern bank to the left, with the Île de la Cité sitting in the middle of the river.
This itinerary begins on Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris. During the Middle Ages, Île de la Cité was the center of medieval Paris, home to the Royal Palace, surrounded by both civil and religious institutions.
1. Notre Dame Cathedral
Grab a coffee and head to Île de la Cité, the heart of the city. The nearest metro station is Cité (line 4). From there, look for Notre-Dame’s twin towers – this will be the starting point of your explorations today.
Built between 1163 and 1270, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and a jewel of Gothic architecture. Notre-Dame de Paris is dedicated to Our Lady of Paris, who is represented in the rose window.
After admiring the façade, step inside to explore the interior, which has been recently restored following the devastating fire of 2019. All the ways to access the cathedral, with or without prior reservation, are explained in this guide.
Just in front of the cathedral’s main façade, you’ll find a plaque marking France’s km 0 –the point from which all French roads are measured.
2. Visit Other Sights on Île de la Cité
History lovers may want to linger in this neighborhood, which is full of surprises around every corner. For this, follow this self-guided Île de la Cité walking tour, which covers its history and main sights.
Here, you may also consider visiting one or two additional historical landmarks. The most famous sites near Notre-Dame are the Archaeological Crypt, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie.
» The Sainte-Chapelle (13th century) was King Louis IX’s private chapel, built to house the relics of the Crown of Thorns. It is renowned for its extraordinary stained-glass windows, 15 meters high, depicting 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
» The Conciergerie was the medieval Royal Palace until the 14th century, when it was converted into a courthouse and prison. It is known for its impressive medieval Salle des Gens d’Armes (Hall of the Soldiers) and for having held Queen Marie-Antoinette before her execution.
» The Archaeological Crypt, located just in front of Notre-Dame, is an underground museum dedicated to the earliest days of Paris. It preserves fascinating remains of Roman Lutetia, including ancient streets, sections of the city walls, public baths, and part of the first river port on the Seine.
» The Sainte-Chapelle is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer. To fully appreciate the effect of its windows, try visiting on a sunny day.
» The Conciergerie opens every day, from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
» The Crypte Archéologique opens from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Save time! This combo ticket Sainte Chapelle + Conciergerie gives you skip-the-line access to these unique sites.
3. Get Lost in Le Marais
From Île de la Cité, take the Pont de Notre-Dame to reach Paris’s Right Bank. On your way to Le Marais, you will cross the Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville, where the city’s town hall is located.
Le Marais is neither an arrondissement nor just a neighborhood – Le Marais is Le Marais. Spanning parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, it is known for its elegant private mansions, art galleries, and charming cafés.
To explore the area, follow this self-guided walking tour of Le Marais, or simply get lost and wander without a fixed route – it’s part of the charm, and you’re sure to stumble upon beautiful surprises along the way. That said, don’t miss the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, surrounded by elegant mansions.
If you want to spend more time in Le Marais, consider visiting the Musée Carnavalet. This free museum offers an excellent introduction to the history of Paris.
Elisa’s local tip: Many private mansions in Le Marais feature beautiful gardens open to the public. These secluded spaces, tucked away from the neighborhood buzz, are perfect for a quiet break in the shade, perhaps with your favorite book.
4. Evening at Canal-Saint Martin
For the final hours of your first day in Paris, head to the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin. Try to arrive there at least one hour before sunset to enjoy the area in daylight as well.
Canal Saint-Martin became famous thanks to the French film Amélie. Compared to other popular Paris neighborhoods like Montmartre, it has a much more local, laid-back feel. You can stroll along the canal or simply sit on its banks, dangling your feet over the water while watching the boats pass by.
The area becomes especially lively at “l’heure de l’apéritif.” Do as the locals do and choose one of the trendy bars along the canal for a drink or two. Some bars also serve planches – assortments of cheese and cold cuts – which make for a casual and satisfying dinner.
3-Day Paris Itinerary, Day 2 – Right Bank (Louvre to Montmartre)
On day 2 of this Paris itinerary 3-days, you will be visiting:
- Louvre Museum
- Tuileries Garden
- Montmartre
- Moulin Rouge
The second day of this 3-day Paris itinerary continues exploring the Right Bank. The morning is dedicated to the Louvre, while the final hours of the day are more relaxed.
Click here to view this 3 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google
1. Visit the Louvre Museum
During your 3-day trip to Paris, you may only have time for one of the city’s two most important museums. Choose either the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, depending on your interests. I recommend the Louvre.
First-time visitors to Paris often find it difficult to resist the temptation of visiting the Louvre, even on a short 3-day stay.
Originally built as a royal palace, the Louvre Palace is now one of the most visited museums in the world. Admire the Louvre Pyramid, the museum’s main entrance, and its most iconic works, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and its vast collection of Egyptian antiquities.
» Louvre Museum Opening Hours: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:45 p.m.
» Read my tried-and-tested strategy to get the most out of the Louvre in two hours or less
2. Wander Through the Tuileries Garden
After your visit to the Louvre Museum, head to the Tuileries Garden, where you can rest by one of the ponds, stroll through its paths, or discover its secrets with this self-guided garden quest.
Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis, the Tuileries Palace and Garden were built on the site of former tile factories in the 16th century. While the Tuileries Palace was burned down in 1871 during the Paris Commune, the garden still preserves the layout designed by André Le Nôtre, the famous landscape architect also behind the gardens of Versailles and the Château de Chantilly.
Elisa’s local tip: Climb the steps up to the Jeu de Paume on the western side of the garden and look for the green chairs in front of the building. From here, you’ll enjoy an excellent view of the Egyptian Obelisk and the Eiffel Tower without the crowds.
3. Up to Montmartre
Take the metro from Tuileries or Concorde to Anvers (line 12), the closest station to the Sacré-Cœur. From there, follow this Stories of Old Montmartre Walking Tour, which explores the key sights of Montmartre, including the Sacré-Cœur, the Moulin de la Galette, Place du Tertre, and the Wall of Love.
Take your time to read the stories behind the main landmarks, and pause along the way to soak up the unique atmosphere of this bohemian neighborhood.
Elisa’s local tip: Climb up to the Sacré-Cœur dome for stunning panoramic views over Paris. Access to the dome is located outside the basilica, on the left side.
» Sacré-Coeur Opening Hours: daily from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. The entrance is free.
» Dome Opening Hours: daily from 9.30 a.m. /10.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., depending on the season. To climb up the Dome, there are 300 stairs without a lift.
4. Evening at the Moulin Rouge (or Soirée in Montmartre)
From the Wall I Love you and Places des Abbesses – the final stops of the Montmartre self-guided tour – you are not far from the iconic Moulin Rouge, one of the best cabarets in Paris and the last stop of today’s itinerary.
Spend a fun soirée of music, can-can, and bubbles at the Moulin Rouge (I recommend the show + dinner option). Despite its long history, it still sells out almost every night, so it’s best to book your tickets well in advance.
Alternatively, Montmartre also offers plenty of good dining options. This list of the best restaurants in Montmartre includes places with a range of cuisines and budgets.
If you are visiting Paris in summer, end your day at the Terrass Rooftop Bar (12 Rue Joseph de Maistre). One of my favorite rooftop bars in Paris, it is the perfect place to admire the Paris skyline with a cocktail in hand.
3-Day Itinerary Paris, Day 3 – Left Bank
On day 3 of this Paris itinerary, you will be visiting:
- Jardin des Plantes
- Latin Quarter
- Panthéon (from outside)
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Eiffel Tower
The last day of this 3 days in Paris itinerary is dedicated to exploring the Seine’s Left Bank. Historically, la Rive Gauche was the Bohemian side of Paris and the focus of the intellectual and religious life in the city, with all the universities and big monasteries.
Click here to view this 3 days in Paris map, day 3 on Google
1. Explore the Latin Quarter
Start with a coffee in the Latin Quarter (Paris 5), the heart of university life in Paris. This area is also the origin of Lutetia, the former Roman City (1st century AD). It is believed that the Roman cardo maximus corresponds to present-day Rue Saint-Jacques, making it the oldest street in Paris.
For this, I recommend following the last part of this self-guided Latin Quarter walking tour, in reverse – from the Jardin des Plantes to the Luxembourg Gardens. The route includes iconic sites such as the Arènes de Lutèce, Place de la Contrescarpe, the Panthéon (from outside), and the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont.
2. Linger in the Luxembourg Gardens
The Panthéon is connected to the Luxembourg Gardens by Rue Soufflot – can you imagine a street with better views?
The beautiful Luxembourg Gardens were commissioned by Queen Marie de Médicis to surround her Palace (now home to the French Senate). This is one of the most popular gardens in Paris, featuring highlights such as the octagonal pond, the romantic Médicis Fountain, and the bandstand. If the weather is good, the gardens are an excellent spot for a picnic on the grass.
Elisa’s Local Tip: explore the hidden secrets of Luxembourg Gardens and have fun with this self-guided Treasure Hunt!
3. Drinks in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The next stop on this 3-day Paris itinerary is the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. From the Luxembourg Gardens, you can walk there via Avenue Bonaparte, which borders the park on the west side. It’s about a 13-minute walk from the octagonal pond.
In the 12th century, Saint-Germain-des-Prés was a small village that developed around the Abbey of Saint-Germain, then located outside the walls of Philippe Auguste. After the Second World War, it became a hub of intellectual and cultural life in Paris, with numerous printers, bookshops, and a vibrant community of writers and artists.
Its cafés were popular meeting places for intellectuals. Today, Saint-Germain has been deeply shaped by tourism, but it remains a wonderful place to wander or to stop at a charming café for a drink and some people-watching.
Of course, there’s more to Saint-Germain than its cafés. For further ideas, check out this list of the best things to do in Saint-Germain – though you may need to trim other parts of today’s itinerary.
4. Sunset from the Top of the Eiffel Tower
I’ve saved the visit to the Eiffel Tower for your final evening in Paris. Designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel, the Iron Lady is especially beautiful at night, when the golden floodlights come on. Once illuminated, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour, so keep an eye on the time to catch the next display.
Is it worth going up the Eiffel Tower? I say yes! The views are great and the exhibition about its history on the second floor is interesting. If you decide to visit Paris’s most iconic landmark, be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
» Eiffel Tower Opening Hours: daily, with opening hours varying slightly depending on the season (9 a.m. to 0.45 a.m. in summer).
Elisa’s local tip: A gourmet dinner with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower at Restaurant Les Ombres (27 Quai Jacques Chirac) can be the perfect start to an unforgettable night.
5. Wrap Up Your Holiday in Paris with a Seine Cruise
End your day with a final glass of champagne on a nighttime Seine cruise, admiring the historic landmarks that made Paris famous: the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, and more. I can’t imagine a better way to end your 3-day trip to Paris!
Elisa’s local tip: In summer, sunset can be as late as 10 p.m. Boat tours usually run until around 10:30 p.m., so book one of the last departures to enjoy the monuments beautifully illuminated. Be sure to check sunset times in Paris for your travel dates.
What to Visit in Paris in 3 Days – Alternative Approaches
Below, you’ll find more ideas of places to visit in Paris over 3 days:
Rainy Day Swaps
If the weather forecast shows one day of rain, use Day 2 as your rainy-day plan. After visiting the Louvre, replace the Tuileries Garden with a visit to some of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris or take this wine tour set in a historic wine cellar. Both options are located not far from the Louvre.
If rain is expected throughout your stay, check out this article on things to do in Paris when it rains for more ideas.
Orsay Museum instead of Louvre Museum
Start Day 2 with a visit to the Opéra Garnier. Then walk to Place Vendôme, continue to the Louvre for a quick exterior visit, and stroll through the Tuileries Garden before traveling to Montmartre.
On Day 3, swap the Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a visit to the Musée d’Orsay after lunch.
Paris + a Day Trip
Follow my 2-day Paris itinerary for your time in the city, then choose one of the best day trips from Paris. Just keep in mind that you won’t have much time to linger in your favorite places.
How to Extend or Shorten Your Paris Itinerary
Do you need to shorten your trip? Or could you add 1 or 2 extra days? Read my other Paris itineraries for inspiration:
- 1 day in Paris Itinerary
- 2 days in Paris Itinerary
- 4 days in Paris Itinerary
- 5 days in Paris Itinerary
- 6 days in Paris Itinerary
- 7 days in Paris Itinerary
With more than 3 days in Paris, you can also consider one of these getaways from Paris by train to see other parts of France.
Frequent Asked Questions
Is 3 days in Paris enough?
Yes, three days in Paris is enough for a first visit, but not enough to see everything.
In three days, you can cover the major highlights – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre (or Musée d’Orsay), Notre-Dame, Montmartre – and still have time to wander a few neighborhoods, sit at cafés, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s enough to understand what makes Paris special.
That said, Paris isn’t a city you “complete.” You won’t have time to explore every arrondissement, visit multiple museums in depth, or fully experience its slower rhythm. Some choices and trade-offs are inevitable.
How Much Money Do I Need for 3 Days in Paris?
The cost of a 3-day trip to Paris will depend on your travel style and preferences. I break down daily expenses for different budgets in detail in my article How Much Does a Trip to Paris Cost?, so you can plan your itinerary with confidence.
What’s the Best Way to Get from the Airport to Paris?
There are several ways to travel from the airport to Paris, depending on your comfort level and budget. I cover the best options in my guides for Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris and Orly Airport to Paris.
Is Paris Safe?
Yes, Paris is generally safe, but keep an eye out for pickpockets, scams, and Taxi scams
Read my full article on safety in Paris for details about these scams and insider tips that will help you feel more confident while exploring.
And there you have it – a comprehensive 3-day Paris itinerary for discerning travelers, focused on what’s truly worth seeing and prioritizing quality over quantity, with time to linger. You won’t be able to see everything, but you will experience what you do see more fully.
Click here to read more Paris Itineraries
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