Are you looking for 3 days in Paris itinerary? Three days seems like such a short time if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.
However, if that’s all the time you have then it’s best to make the most of it. The romantic French capital has a lot to offer that you can add to your France bucket list.
It seems daunting to squeeze all the best sights in three days in Paris. It is quite doable though, and here’s an ideal 3 days in Paris itinerary that takes you through some of the best spots in the city.
Things you'll find in this article
3 Days In Paris Itinerary (Plus Tips and Maps)
Day 1 of 3 Days in Paris Itinerary
Eiffel Tower (1 to 2 hours)
RELATED READ:
- 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
Start your three days in Paris with a visit to its most popular and iconic landmark. Yes, it is touristy but no Paris trip is complete without a photo of you and this tower.
You can opt to view it from afar, from nearby buildings or parks, or climb the tower yourself. Be sure to get here early if you’re planning to climb up. Better yet, book your tickets in advance.
You can take either the stairs or the elevator and there are different prices for each option.
Once on top, enjoy spectacular views of the city as everyone starts their day. Make sure to come back in the evening and marvel at the Eiffel Tower as it literally lights up along with the rest of Paris.
Buy your ticket online here.
Picnic in Champs de Mars (2 hours)
The Champs De Mars is the park right in front of the Eiffel Tower so it’s just a few hops and skips away.
There is a shopping street called Rue Cler nearby lined with cafes and bakeries where you can buy coffee, sandwiches, and pastries to go.
Take your food here and enjoy a late breakfast or brunch with views of the nearby Eiffel Tower. Soak in the sun, the sights and smells of Paris as you enjoy your treats.
Louvre (4 hours)
If you only have three days in Paris and must-visit one museum, make it the Louvre. This is one of the world’s biggest and famous museums and is home to a truly impressive collection of art.
Here, you’ll find masterpieces such as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave.
The Louvre features art from ancient times up to the middle of the 19th century, and constantly adds more to its massive collection.
It is a dream destination in itself whether you’re an art lover or not. It will take a few days to fully explore this museum.
If you only have a few hours, be sure to book a guide that will take you through the museum’s highlights. Be sure to check out the vast square in front of the Louvre as well as the gardens.
Buy your ticket online here
Indulge at Angelina’s (1 hour)
After checking out all that art at the Louvre, you’d definitely have worked up a bit of an appetite. It’s time to indulge in one of Paris’ finest!
From the Louvre, just walk through the Tuileries Garden – one of the best Parisian gardens and then cross Rue de Rivoli to Angelina.
This cafe serves the most decadent Angelina serves decadent hot chocolate and some of the best French pastries. Make sure to buy a bag of chocolate granules that you can take home.
Champs Elysee (1 hour)
From Angelina’s, it’s just a few minutes walk to one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Featured in films, TV, and books, Champs Elysee is lined with the poshest and most iconic brands in fashion.
Sunset from Arc de Triomphe (1 hour)
This unmissable landmark is located at the end of the Champs Elysee. This is another great place to view Paris, this time as the sun sets and the city lights up.
The Arc de Triomphe was constructed as a memorial to those who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
It’s quite photogenic, and the views from it are some of the best in the city. The Arc de Triomphe also features a museum where visitors get to know more about its history.
Buy your ticket online here.
Day 2 of 3 Days in Paris Itinerary
Notre Dame Cathedral (30 minutes to 1 hour)
A visit to this still stunning Paris landmark is a great way to start your second day in Paris. The Notre Dame’s famous spires may have been destroyed by the April 2019 fire, but it remains majestic.
It is closed definitely for now, but you can view the church from afar.
Walk to the corner of Rue de la Cite and Quai de Montebello, close to the Pont de Coeurs. This is an ideal place to take photos of the towers and part of the cathedral’s facade.
Shakespeare and Company (1 hour)
Easily the most popular bookstore in Paris, Shakespeare and Company is just a short walk from the Notre Dame.
This delightful place used to be frequented by Lost Generation writers such as James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway.
The interiors are stunning and the view from the second-floor window over the Seine is something else. The bookstore also has a resident cat that hangs out on the second floor.
When you buy any book, they’ll stamp it with their seal on the title page so that’s a great souvenir.
Remember though that they don’t allow visitors to take pictures inside. You may snap a photo of the shop’s facade from across the street.
Explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés (1 to 2 hours)
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a stylish Parisian neighborhood that you can easily reach from Shakespeare and Company on foot.
This is the place to go if you want to shop for some wearable souvenirs. This picturesque neighborhood has streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and luxury hotels.
This is also where you’ll find and visit the church of Saint Sulpice (which was featured in the Da Vinci Code).
Relax and enjoy Coffee and Pastries (1 to 2 hours)
You can’t be in Paris without indulging in some of its finest treats. There’s the decadent hot chocolate from Angelina on your first day, now it’s time to try something else.
Close to Notre Dame is this beautiful building that houses Odette, famous for its cream puffs.
Try the classic, chocolate, coconut or maybe try at least a dozen different types of delicious pastry. You won’t be judged.
Meanwhile, Shakespeare & Co. Cafe is located right next to the bookstore and is home to affordable and delicious coffee,
If you like taking photos while enjoying your food, there’s the Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. It’s also close to Notre Dame and known as among the best places to eat in Paris with charming interiors.
Montmartre (3 hours)
After your meal, take the metro that will take you to the Montmartre neighborhood. It may not be as old and stately as the other places in Paris, but it’s definitely a must-visit. It’s charming and fun, with a variety of things to do and see. Stroll through its streets and check put the quaint cafes and bakeries, cute shops, and quirky bars (including a dueling piano bar!).
While you’re in Montmartre, visit Sacre Coeur and perhaps climb the tower for more great views of the city. Be sure to see the artists at work at the Place du Tertre, and check out the art shops.
Moulin Rouge (2 to 3 hours)
If you have more time and want to splurge a bit for dinner and entertainment, head towards the Moulin Rouge. It is located in Montmarte, and home to the most popular cabaret show in the world. Enjoy the fantastic set done in belle époque style, complete with elaborate costumes and music.
Day 1 of 3 Days in Paris Itinerary
Château de Versailles (4 to 5 hours)
Your third day in Paris can be spent a bit away from it, with a quick day trip to the Versailles Castle. It is easily reached via a shuttle service from Paris.
There are those that offer skip-the-line options do be sure to book in advance.
In Versailles, you get to enjoy the massive gardens, and the palace’ many rooms and opulent decor.
Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, where you get to be in a hallway full of glass and chandeliers. The place is huge and there’s a lot to see so wear comfortable walking shoes.
The town of Versailles where the palace is located also has some good cafes and eateries you can go to for a meal.
Quartier Latin (2 hours)
Back to Paris from your morning in Versailles, it’s time to check out the Quartier Latin or the Latin Quarter.
It is called such because of the colleges surrounding it where the old language was taught.
This picturesque neighborhood has charming streets such as the Boulevard Saint Michel, the beautiful University of La Sorbonne , and the Pantheon building.
Panthéon (1 hour)
While in the Latin Quarter, be sure to visit another iconic Parisian landmark. The Panthéon was originally built as a church and had foundations laid in 1758.
Today, it is known as the final resting place of some of the most important people in French history such as Marie Curie and Victor Hugo. From its tower, you can also enjoy stunning views over Paris.
Rue Mouffetard (30 minutes to 1 hour)
The Rue Mouffetard is another easy walk from the Latin Quarter. It is basically a narrow street filled with food. It is lined with cute cafes, eateries, crepe stands, and a market.
Buy some that you can take in homes such as wine, cheese, and chocolates. Then buy food and drinks to go that you can take to your last stop on your third day in Paris.
Luxembourg Gardens (1 to 2 hours)
An easy walking distance from Rue Mouffetard is the Luxembourg Gardens. There are lots of places to sit spread around the park, so just pick a spot.
You may also walk around and enjoy the lovely gardens, check out the statues and fountains.
When you get tired, sit, and relax. Enjoy your food with a distant view of the Eiffel Tower, which you’ll see for the last time – for now.
Check out our other itineraries in Paris:
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.