The charm and magic of Paris, as well as everything there is to be seen, done, and enjoyed in the City of Light, is something that would last for a lifetime. But, should your stay be –inevitably– shorter, stay tuned in order not to miss out on its most emblematic spots and its best experiences. In this tourist guide, you will discover what to see in Paris in 3 days, and how to devise your perfect itinerary!
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Paris
Visit the Eiffel Tower and its Surroundings
During your first day, we propose that you explore the very heart and soul of Paris, and to that end, nothing beats starting out with the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower is open every day –barring exceptions–, from 09:00 to 23:00 (from 09:30 to 23:00 in autumn and winter), and up until 01:00 on the 31st of December to mark New Year’s Eve. The admission fee ranges from 9 euros for kids to 35 euros for an adult riding the elevator. You can find all of its practical information here!
Up there, you will be able to enjoy its three restaurants, its themed bars, its exclusive stores and, best of all, the viewpoints on its first two floors, and at the top of the Tower. An all-time must in Paris!
Should you wish to take in the best views of the Eiffel Tower from below as well, do not miss out on a stroll around neighboring Champ de Mars and the Jardins du Trocadéro, just across the river Seine.
Promenade Across the River Seine and Notre Dame
Next on, we suggest a different way of admiring the beauty of Paris: a cruise across the Seine. The boats depart from a dock right beside the Eiffel Tower, so it is the perfect activity to embark on after its visit. You can book an hour and a half promenade, or else join a longer cruise including lunch!
To call it a day, there is nothing better than discovering the history and renewed beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral, which just reopened its doors in December 2024 after several years of rebuilding works. Being able to visit the indoors of this Gothic jewel in the city again poses such a unique opportunity!
Notre Dame Cathedral can be visited every day from 08:00 to 19:00, with extended visiting hours up until 22:00 on Thursdays. Admission is free of charge, although some areas, such as the Treasury, where its famous Relics can be found, require a 10-euro payment.
Its schedule and special events can be consulted here, as well as booking your tickets!
Latin Quarter and Traditional Dinner
Taking a walk through Paris’ Latin Quarter and relishing a traditional supper in one of its picturesque restaurants is undoubtedly the best way to wrap up your first day. After strolling its charm-packed streets and its most emblematic nooks, you may choose to sample some dishes in a traditional French eatery.
Here you can find some choices such as Hebe (15 Rue Frederic Sauton), La Pie Noir (5 Rue de la Montagne Ste. Genevieve), Lilane (8 Rue Gracieuse), and, if budget is not a problem, Le Vent d’Armor (25 Quai de la Tournelle).
Further Choices: Jardin du Luxembourg
Another option to finish off your first trip day, should you prefer to enjoy the green areas in town, is to visit the Jardin du Luxembourg. Barely a fifteen-minute walk away from Notre Dame Cathedral, it is an ideal place to bask in its peace and the pretty views, and, should the weather allow for it, settle for a picnic.
Day 2: Arts and Culture in Paris
The Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden
We suggest you set aside the morning of your second trip day to enjoy the spellbinding Louvre Museum.
Tickets for the Louvre can be bought online on its official website (they may also be purchased there on-site, but it is not advisable, as they are usually sold out). The general admission fee costs 22 euros, and it will grant you access to its permanent collections, its temporary exhibitions, and the Eugène Delacroix Museum. Do not miss out on pieces in the Louvre as famous as the Mona Lisa, Liberty Leading the People, or the sculpture of the Victory of Samothrace!
Finally, nothing beats a leisurely walk along the nearby Tuileries Garden to unwind and have a bite before you continue your route.
Montmartre Quarter and the Basilica of Sacré Coeur
You can devote your second afternoon in Paris to exploring the popular “red quarter” of Montmartre, where climbing your way up until the renowned Basilica of the Sacré Coeur is a must. The Basilica is open every day from 06:30 to 22:30, and its visit is free of charge. You will love the views from there!
As for what else there is to see in Montmartre, we suggest that you mingle in its lively ambience, its colors and sounds, and that you spend some time in the cafés and stores dotting the cobblestoned alleyways which were trod by the finest bohemian artists in the city. Do not miss out on a visit to the Place du Terte or the Moulin de la Galette!
Night at Pigalle and the Moulin Rouge (optional)
And, while you are in Montmartre, there is no better plan for your second evening in Paris than to enjoy the worldwide known night shows at the Moulin Rouge and, by and large, the colorful nightlife in Paris. If you feel up to it, you can also drop by the Pigalle district, where you will find even more adult fun!
Other Optional Locations:
- Rodin Museum: Here you will get to know iconic sculptures such as “The Thinker” in a peaceful environment.
- Jardin des Plantes: One of the most beautiful parks in Paris, ideal for a rest surrounded by nature.
Day 3: Getaway to Versailles or Modernity at La Défense
Getaway to Versailles Palace
An unmissable activity, which will call for nearly an entire day of your trip, is a getaway to Versailles from Paris. You can get there from downtown Paris in half an hour by means of line C of RER trains.
The tickets for Versailles Palace must be purchased beforehand on the website, and their cost depends on which areas you wish to visit, and the events held on that day. The joint ticket for the Palace and the gardens costs 24 euros. The Palace is open every day from 09:00 except on Mondays, when it remains closed (the gardens and the park are open as of 08:00).
Alternative Plan: La Défense and its Modern Architecture
Should you prefer to stay a little bit closer, we suggest that you spend the morning at La Défense, the city’s financial district, a picture-perfect spot to admire modern architecture, take some pictures, and go shopping.
As for what to see in La Défense, besides its skyscraper skyline, radically different from Paris’ Old Town, you can’t miss out on the Arche de La Défense and the more than sixty pieces of contemporary art dotting its streets in the fashion of an open-air museum.
Shopping Evening or a Coffee in the Champs Élysées
Your last evening in Paris should be devoted to unwinding, having coffee in town, and shopping. An ideal place to do all of this is the Champs Élysées. There, you will be able to stop by in dozens of iconic Parisian cafés teeming with charm, as well as exquisite stores in every imaginable fashion. Do not forget to visit the Arc de Triomphe, and you will have visited all must-see spots on a trip to Paris!
Optional. Saint Michel Market
For those who want to keep living and breathing the most traditional side to Paris until the last day of their trip, we can only recommend a visit to Saint Michel Market in order to explore its local products and taste genuine local food in Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris
When it comes to knowing where to spend the night in Paris, it is important to choose the best places to stay wisely. We recommend centrally located and well-connected options such as the Montmartre and Le Marais quarters, as well as the surroundings of the Louvre. Here are some suggestions, ranked by price!
- The People Paris Bercy – A hostel with bunk beds and private rooms next to La Sorbonne.
- Hotel Le Pigalle – A four-star hotel in Pigalle, next to Montmartre.
- Hotel Le Walt – Another four-star hotel next to Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower.
- Hotel Le Bristol Paris – A luxurious five-star hotel next to the Champs Élysées.
Unmissable Cuisine in Paris
French cuisine is among the most refined, complex, and delicious in the world, so note down these typical Parisian dishes that you ought to try whenever you visit the City of Light.
For breakfast, you really should try freshly baked croissants and baguettes. For lunch or supper, you could search for an eatery serving coq au vin (rooster or chicken cooked with wine), escargots (snails boiled in sauce), bouillabaisse (fish soup), or croque-monsieur (grilled cheese and ham sandwich). Do not leave the city without having some macarons or crème brûlée for dessert!
How to Get Around Paris
Knowing how to get around Paris is much simpler than it might seem at first sight, even if you have never been to the city. Public transport in Paris is excellent and user-friendly, be it its subway, its buses, or its rental bikes.
Your best pick is to purchase the Paris Pass, which includes over 90 monuments and landmarks in the city such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, wine tastings, cruises, tourist buses, and so on. You can choose between 2, 3, 4, or 6 days of duration!
Tours and Recommended Activities
Here follows the best guided visits and free tours in Paris for you to choose whichever you like the most. They are perfect for getting to know the city!
- Essential Paris Free Tour
- Latin Quarter Free Tour
- Eiffel Tower and Surroundings Free Tour
- Montmartre Free Tour
- Dark Side of Paris Free Tour
If you seek private or exclusive experiences besides these regular guided tours, at Somos París we offer guided visits for you and your close ones to unravel the very best of Paris at the hands of our guides!
Useful Tips for your Trip
- The best time of the year to visit Paris is late spring or early autumn, since the days are warm and long, but the city is not as overrun.
- It is difficult to know how much it costs to spend three days in Paris, since it heavily depends on what kind of activities you are going to do and where you stay, but keep in mind a range of between 150 and 300 euros per person and day.
- One of the best tips to travel to Paris is to book all of your monument tickets online so that you can visit them either first thing in the morning, or else right before closing time, and hence avoid the long queues, making the most of your time.
- Should you have more days to spend in town, check out this further article and find out what to do in Paris in 5 days. And, if you have less time, here is a full guide to get to know the best of Paris in one day!
Discover Paris like never before with our amazing Free Tours!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course it is! The best itinerary to visit Paris in 3 days features the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Montmartre, to which you may add a cruise along the Seine and several food experiences.
The Paris Pass includes more than 90 monuments and landmarks in the city, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
If you wish to know how much it costs to visit Paris on a short trip, bear in mind a range of between 150 and 300 euros per person and day.
