How to Spend Three Days in Paris France – Detailed Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to France and wondering how much time to spend in Paris?
What are the best things to see and do? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Use this guide to plan your three-day adventure to Paris, France!
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A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the capital city of Paris. Here you will find plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy. A nicely thought-out itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time, have a realistic plan and stay within budget. You’ll also be able to book entrance tickets and reserve accommodations in advance.
As tempting as it can be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s best to prioritize must-see destinations. Give yourself enough time to discover the highlights, but remember you won’t be able to see everything Paris has to offer. Have some flexibility built in to your itinerary for unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or longer than expected queues at popular attractions.
This guide is structured to provide an overview of the best activities, historical sites, museums as well as dining and shopping experiences that can be accomplished during a 3-day visit. Adjust accordingly to suit your own travel timeline, budget and personal preferences.
How Many Days to Spend in Paris
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Paris can be seen in three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors. Paris is an essential stop if you are visiting France or if you are continuing on to see other parts of Europe during an extended stay.
Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary. This guide assumes travellers have three full days available to explore. Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Paris for a few days will certainly be worthwhile.
Paris – Three Day Itinerary
This itinerary has been created with the must-see highlights presented in a logical, geographical order. Follow this route to maximize your travel time and make the most of your budget. Some destinations you may choose to enter, typically by paying an admission fee. Others, your preference may be to view for free from the outside and just snap a quick photo.
Decide ahead of time which attractions you want to explore in more detail so that you can book entrance tickets prior to arrival. This will help you to better organize your day and to figure out if your itinerary is going to be jam-packed or more easy-going. Some travellers prefer the non-stop pace, while others would rather have a little down-time.
Paris is known for being an expensive city, so it’s best to have an idea of how much things cost before you arrive. Costs for airfare, accommodation, meals and entertainment add up quickly if you are not prepared. Planning in advance is the best way to save money and to have an unforgettable experience. With so much to see in Paris, let’s get started!
Day 1 – Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe
The majority of travellers arrive in Paris either by air through Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or train via Gare du Nord. From the airport, you can take a free shuttle to get to the metro. Pay to board the metro which will transport you into the city. The whole trip should take about 1 hour. Once you have arrived in Central Paris, check into your accommodation.
If you have arrived prior to check-in, ask your hotel/hostel staff if there is a secure place to store your belongings. It’s time to start exploring the capital city!
Paris is a very walkable city with its famous landmarks located reasonably close to each other. One of the best ways to see the city is on foot, but there are bike rentals, taxis, buses and underground/metro options available as well. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours offer safe, affordable and convenient transportation around Paris.
Today you will cross items off your bucket list visiting both the Musée du Louve and the Eiffel Tower. Spend time in some of the most famous arrondissements (neighbourhoods) of Paris. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe at sunset to watch the City of Lights come alive.
Start today’s adventure by making your way to the Musée du Louve. Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre is the closest metro station.
Musée du Louve
Formerly home to French Kings, the Louvre has been converted from a palace into one of the largest museums in the world. When you see the large glass pyramid in the courtyard, you’ll know you’re in the right place. This exquisite gallery houses some of the best masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours browsing the museum’s main highlights. Purchase entrance tickets online in advance to reserve a time slot and guarantee your admission. Otherwise, you may find yourself waiting for hours in very long line.
Opening Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday/Sunday – 9:00am-6:00pm. Friday – 9:00am-9:45pm. Closed Tuesday.
Cost: €17 – Purchased online; €15 – Purchased at the museum (limited tickets available during off-peak times).
Jardin des Tuileries
After spending time at the Musée du Louve, escape the tourist crowds by taking a relaxing stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. This expansive, beautifully landscaped garden connects the Louvre complex with the Place de la Concorde. As you continue walking west, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. For those who admire the work of Monet, the Musée de l’Orangerie can be found in the south-west part of the Tuileries. The gardens are free to visit and open year-round.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is a major public square in Paris located adjacent to the Jardin des Tuileries and at the eastern end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This area was known historically as the site of many public executions that took place during the French Revolution. Today you will find the famous Luxor Obelisk and two monumental fountains – Fontaine des Mers & Fontaine des Fleuves. Remember to watch for traffic and only cross the street at marked pedestrian pathways.
Make your way towards the Eiffel Tower by walking across the famous bridge, Pont Alexandre III. Paris has several bridges that cross the Seine River, but Pont Alexandre III is considered the city’s most beautiful and opulent construction. This bridge connects the Champs-Élysées and the Grand Palais (right bank) with the Hôtel des Invalides (left bank). It is easily recognized by its numerous lanterns, sculptures and decorative bronze statues.
If you need a break from walking, purchase a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour ticket. Board the bus outside the Grand Palais. The route will cross the Pont Alexandre III, before heading towards the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively take the metro from Invalides Station to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel Station.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most-recognized symbol of Paris and one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. Purchase an entrance ticket (preferably in advance) and make your way to the top of the tower for incredible, panoramic views. There are different costs depending on which level you access and whether you take the elevator/lift or climb the stairs.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am – 10:45pm.
| Access Level | Cost |
| 2nd Floor – Elevator/Lift | €18.10 |
| Top – Elevator/Lift | €28.30 |
| 2nd Floor – Stairs | €11.30 |
| Top – Stairs + Elevator/Lift | €21.50 |
When you are back on the ground, crossover to the left bank of the Seine River to reach the Jardins du Trocadero. This area provides incredible views of the tower for free and is the perfect spot for a picnic or late lunch. Every night after sunset the tower is illuminated and sparkles for 5 minutes (every hour on the hour). This is a must-see for anyone visiting Paris for the first-time!
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is an impressive war memorial located in central Paris where twelve boulevards converge, including the western end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Pay respect at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, tour the museum and climb the 284 steps to the rooftop observation terrace. This is one of the best places in the city to see the Eiffel Tower lit up after dark. Safely access the monument through an underground passageway. Do not attempt to cross the traffic in the roundabout!
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am-10:30pm.
Cost: €13.00
The city of Paris is known for its nightlife. Choose to enjoy it tonight or go back to your accommodation to rest and prepare for another full day of exploring tomorrow.
Day 2 – Latin Quarter & Seine River
Start your day with a visit to a local café or bakery. For breakfast (petit dejeuner), try a savoury pastry, such as a croissant or pain au chocolate, paired with a hot coffee. Café au lait is a local favourite. Surprisingly, locals don’t typically eat crêpes for breakfast, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Crêpes filled with Nutella are a must-try while in Paris!
Once you are full, make your way to the Latin Quarter to begin the day’s adventures. Today will be spent admiring some of the city’s most historic buildings and French artwork. Enjoy a peaceful evening with a scenic boat cruise along the Seine River.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame is one of the oldest and well-known cathedrals in the world. Famous for its gothic-style gargoyles and stained-glass windows, Notre Dame has been a prominent landmark in Paris since construction began in the year 1163. Unfortunately, the cathedral is closed for renovations due to devastating fire damage that occurred in 2019. It is set to reopen to visitors in 2024.
Join a guided walking tour to learn about one of Paris’ oldest neighbourhoods. Discover hidden gems in the Latin Quarter that you may never have found on your own.
Panthéon
This historic building in the Latin Quarter was inspired by the Pantheon built in Rome. The Panthéon was originally intended to be a church, but today functions as a mausoleum. The Dome is referred to as the Balcony of Paris offering panoramic views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Luxembourg Gardens. The climb to the top is about 276 steps and is accessible to visitors between April and October.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am-6:00pm.
Cost: €11.50
Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg are beautiful gardens situated on the border between the districts of Saint Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Take a break from the tourist crowds and spend a peaceful afternoon among the blooming flowers and greenspace.
Opening Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Cost: Free
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is the second most visited museum in France, after the Louvre. The museum’s collection is uniquely held in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station. Make sure to add the Musée d’Orsay to your Paris itinerary if you are a lover of both art and architecture. The collection features the work of famous artists including Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
The museum can be found on the left bank of the Seine River, adjacent to the Musée du Louve. Purchase entrance tickets online in advance to reserve a time slot and guarantee your admission. Otherwise, you may find yourself waiting for hours in very long line.
Opening Hours: Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday – 9:30am – 6:00pm; Thursday – 9:30am – 9:45pm. Closed Monday.
Cost: €16.00. Free entry on the first Sunday of every month (reservation is compulsory)
Seine River Cruise
The Seine is the main river in Paris that passes though the centre of the city. The cobblestoned banks and picturesque bridges make the Seine River the perfect place for a romantic stroll or scenic boat cruise.
A relaxing river cruise is the perfect way to complete your second day in Paris. After a few days of exploring, you will now be able to recognize some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks from the water, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 3 – Avenue des Champs-Élysées & Montmartre
Today will be spent browsing shops along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Get a little lost wandering the cobblestone streets of the fairy-tale Montmartre district. Complete your final day in Paris by attending a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a shopping district that stretches nearly 2 kilometres from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. This commercial street is lined with many charming restaurants and luxury boutique shops. On the first Sunday of each month, the Champs-Élysées is closed to vehicles, creating a pedestrian-only experience.
Once you’ve finished shopping, board the metro from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile Station (Arc de Triomphe) to Anvers Station (Sacré-Coeur). From there, you will have an uphill walk to the Montmartre district.
Montmartre Walking Tour
Join a guided walking tour to discover the fairy-tale Montmartre district. This neighbourhood is full of charm with its winding cobblestone streets, quaint sidewalk cafés and inspirational art studios. Enjoy sweeping views of Paris from its hilltop location.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart can be found on the highest hill in Paris in the district of Montmartre. Visitors often arrive in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the city. For even better panoramic views of the nation’s capital, climb the 300 steps to the top of the Dome.
Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00am-10:30pm.
Cost: Free admission to the basilica. €6.00 – Climb to the Dome.
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is an iconic venue located in the heart of the Montmartre district hosting world-famous cabaret shows. Performers take the stage nightly. If you’ve ever wanted to see a cabaret, there’s no better place than Paris.
Cost: Check the official website for show prices. Prices range from €88.00-€420.00 per person depending on the show, show time and whether or not dinner and drinks are included.
Depending on your schedule, you may have a final night at your accommodation before heading off to another part of the county or you may need to prepare for a flight home. Although it was a brief visit, you will leave Paris with memories that last a lifetime!
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