If you’re planning a trip to Paris and only have three days to explore the city, you may be wondering how to make the most of your limited time. Fortunately, we’ve put together the ultimate itinerary for first-time visitors to help you experience the best of Paris in just three days. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary has it all.
During your three days in Paris, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. You’ll also have time to explore charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, and indulge in delicious French cuisine at local cafes and restaurants.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends and family, our three-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Paris. So grab your walking shoes, your camera, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with the City of Light.
Day 1: Exploring the Iconic Landmarks
Paris is a city that never fails to impress. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you make the most of your three days in Paris. On Day 1, we’ll take you to some of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
Morning: Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Get there early to avoid the crowds and take in the stunning views of the city from the top. From there, head over to the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. Take a stroll down the avenue and browse the luxury shops and cafes.
Afternoon: Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral
After lunch, head over to the Louvre Museum, home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. Spend a few hours exploring the museum’s vast collection before heading over to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and take a stroll around the Île de la Cité.
Evening: Seine River Cruise and Montmartre
End your day with a relaxing Seine River cruise, which will take you past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. After the cruise, head over to Montmartre, a charming neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe and stunning views of the city. Take a stroll around the Place du Tertre and admire the artists at work before heading to a cozy restaurant for dinner.
Day 2: Immersing in the Parisian Culture
Morning: Sainte-Chapelle and Le Marais
We suggest starting your second day in Paris by visiting the stunning Sainte-Chapelle. This Gothic-style chapel is known for its breathtaking stained glass windows that cover almost every inch of the upper level. It’s a short walk from the Notre-Dame Cathedral, so you can easily combine these two attractions. After visiting Sainte-Chapelle, head to the Le Marais district. This trendy neighborhood has a mix of medieval and modern architecture, and it’s known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes. Take a stroll down the Rue des Rosiers, which is the main street in the Jewish Quarter. You’ll find plenty of delicious falafel restaurants and bakeries here.
Afternoon: Musée d’Orsay and Luxembourg Gardens
In the afternoon, visit the Musée d’Orsay, which is one of the most popular museums in Paris. It’s housed in a former train station and has an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Monet, Manet, Degas, and Van Gogh. After the museum, take a relaxing stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens. This beautiful park is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. You can rent a chair and soak up the sun, watch the kids sail boats on the pond, or take a walk through the manicured gardens.
Evening: Moulin Rouge and Pigalle
In the evening, experience the famous Moulin Rouge show in the Pigalle district. This iconic cabaret has been entertaining audiences since 1889 and is known for its can-can dancers, elaborate costumes, and lively music. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. After the show, take a walk around Pigalle, which is also known as the red-light district. While it may not be for everyone, it’s an interesting and historic part of Paris. You’ll find plenty of bars, nightclubs, and adult shops here. Overall, day 2 is all about immersing yourself in the Parisian culture. From the stunning architecture to the world-class art and lively entertainment, you’ll get a taste of everything that makes Paris so special.
Day 3: Discovering the Hidden Gems
As we wrap up our 3-day Paris itinerary, we’ll be exploring some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. Get ready to discover the hidden gems of Paris!
Morning: Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville
Our first stop is the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin. This charming waterway is lined with quaint cafes and shops, making it the perfect place to grab a coffee and croissant while watching the boats go by. Afterward, we’ll head to the trendy neighborhood of Belleville. This multicultural area is home to some of the best street art in Paris, as well as a bustling market that’s great for picking up souvenirs.
Afternoon: Père Lachaise Cemetery and Catacombs of Paris
Next, we’ll pay a visit to the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of many notable figures including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf. From there, we’ll head to the Catacombs of Paris, an underground ossuary that contains the remains of over six million people. This eerie attraction is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth a visit for those who can handle it.
Evening: Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
For our final evening in Paris, we’ll explore the bohemian Latin Quarter. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and is home to many bars and restaurants. We’ll also make a stop in the nearby Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, which is famous for its jazz clubs and literary cafes. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and reflect on our amazing 3-day adventure in Paris.
