How to Spend the BEST 3 Days in Paris

Planning your first trip to Paris can feel overwhelming. With so much to see and do, narrowing it down to just three days is a challenge. This 3 days in Paris itinerary highlights the city’s must-see sights, iconic neighborhoods, and a few memorable experiences that make Paris special.

Map it Out!

I’ve created a Google Map that visually represents the locations of all the sites mentioned in this itinerary. It is color-coded by day.

Before you leave, don’t forget to download the offline map of Paris in Google Maps so you can always access it, even without cell service.

Also, check out First Time in Paris? 8 Things To Know Before You Go to learn all about where to stay, how to get around, what to book in advance, and a few survival tips.

Day 1 – Paris Icons

Morning: Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro

Start your Paris trip with the city’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. I recommend booking tickets in advance to skip the long lines. You can purchase the tickets on their official site, or if you want to do a guided tour to learn about the history of the Eiffel Tower, I recommend booking one of the tours below. A tour is also a good option if your dates are sold out on their site.

Most tickets are available 60 days in advance if you want to take the lift up. If you prefer to take the stairs, which is a cheaper ticket, those are available 14 days before the visit date. Access to the Esplanade is FREE, but you will need to go through a security check first.

We opted to purchase the 2nd-floor lift tickets. This includes a lift up to the second floor only and the lift back down. You will want to look for Piller North when you get in to redeem your ticket. We actually ended up taking the stairs back down due to the long line for the lift. Other ticket options are a lift up to the summit, which is all the way to the top, or a stairs-only ticket to take the stairs up to the 2nd floor.

There was a champagne and Macaron bar, gift shops, and a food/drink cafe on the 2nd floor. There are also restrooms, but I did notice there was always a line.

After the Eiffel Tower, stop at Trocadéro Square across the Seine for the best photo spot of the tower. There is also a street called Avenue de New York that runs along the Seine and has great views of the Eiffel Tower!

Afternoon: Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées

Next stop, you’re going to walk or take a quick metro ride to the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the city and the star-shaped street layout below. There are lots of stairs to get to the top, 284 to be exact. A lift is available only to those who need it.

Individual ticket prices are €22 in the summer months from June to September, except if you’re visiting on a Wednesday, when they are €16. Prices from October to March are also €16. It’s best to purchase your tickets in advance on their official site.

We decided to go on a Wednesday in August for the cheaper ticket option. The stairs up to the top are brutal on a hot summer day, but they did have a water refill station toward the top by the boutique. I liked the views here more than at the Eiffel Tower. It also didn’t seem as crowded.

From there, stroll down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. You’ll find luxury shops, cafés, and patisseries along the way. If you want a lighter lunch, grab a croissant sandwich or stop at Ladurée for macarons.

Evening: Seine River Dinner Cruise

End your first day with a Seine River Dinner Cruise. This dinner cruise with Bateaux Mouches was my favorite thing we did! You get to see lots of landmarks as you make your way down the Seine River.

We booked the Prestige dinner option, and it included champagne to start, followed by 4 courses and wine. We were also seated right by the window! The best part was getting to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! Many cruises depart near the Eiffel Tower, so after the cruise, you can walk closer to the Eiffel Tower and watch it sparkle every hour until 1 AM.

Looking for a more budget-friendly option? You can book a sunset cruise that includes a drink of your choice! This cruise is about $35 per person, and you still get to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the Seine.

Day 2 – Art and History

Morning: Louvre Museum

Dedicate your morning to the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum. It’s home to thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Timed-entry tickets are best, and I would recommend booking the 9 AM time slot or the last time slot of the day to avoid crowds. They are open every day, except Tuesdays.

I booked my tickets on their official site for a 9 AM time slot. The museum opens at 9 AM, so we were the first group in the museum. The Louvre is really big, and I would advise looking at their website to see what you are interested in. If you’re short on time, focus on the highlights or book a guided tour to cover the essentials.

While we were there, the Louvre Couture exhibit was going on, and it was really cool to see all the name-brand fashion. Napoleon’s Apartments are also a very popular section.

Afternoon: Notre Dame

Walk or take the metro to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s open to the public with no entry fee, unless you want to do a guided tour. To reduce your waiting time at the entrance, you can, however, book your visit before you go. Keep in mind, you can only reserve 4 visitors with one reservation. This is optional and meant to make things easier and faster for everyone.

We did not go inside because the line was extremely long when we got there. If you can book your visit in advance, I would highly recommend it!

You can also visit Sainte-Chapelle nearby, known for its stunning stained glass windows. You need to book this in advance, as it does sell out! If you bought the Paris Museum Pass, this is included with that!

If you have some extra time after this, walk over to Île Saint-Louis and try the famed ice cream shop, Berthillon. Or if you’re a book lover, make sure to stop by the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore. You can also swing by the Panthéon for a quick photo!

Evening: Traditional French Dinner

After a full day of art and history, slow down with a traditional French dinner. Two great areas for dining are the Latin Quarter and Le Marais, both packed with cozy bistros and lively streets. Try Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, or Le Petit Pontoise for homestyle roast meats, grilled fish & regional wines.

After dinner, you can take a stroll down the Seine for a more relaxed evening, or stop by a terrace for a nightcap before heading back to your hotel.

This mix of classic French food and local nightlife gives you a true taste of Parisian evenings.

Day 3 – Neighborhoods and Shopping

Morning: Montmartre

Head north to Montmartre, a historic district known for it’s cobblestone streets and artistic legacy. Start at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for the best panoramic views of the city. This is one of the highest points in Paris, so be prepared for a lot of steps! There is a funicular that you can take instead of the 222-step climb, which is a quick, 90-second journey to the top. You can use standard Metro tickets and passes for entry. 

We came up here late afternoon, and it was very crowded! I would recommend going here in the morning to try and avoid this. We waited in line to go into the Basilica for about 10 minutes. The line goes relatively fast. It is free to enter, but if you want to go to the top, there is a small fee.

If you are looking to purchase some art in Paris, then wander through Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels and sell their work. You can also walk by the Wall of Love or grab a drink or lunch at Le Maison Rose restaurant. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance.

Or, there is a very popular food tour in Montmartre where you can taste chocolates, cheeses, wines, fresh breads, and more! It’s a great way to sample all the French delicacies and get a tour!

Montmartre is perfect for slow strolling, photography, and soaking in Paris’s creative side.

Afternoon: Galeries Lafayette and Opera District

Take the metro toward the Opéra Garnier and Galeries Lafayette, one of Paris’s most beautiful department stores. Even if you’re not a big shopper, the architecture is worth the visit. There is also a huge souvenir store located on the sixth floor.

We ended up eating lunch here at The Wine Gate. They have a lunch special for €39 that includes a main, dessert, and a glass of wine. The food was great, and so was their wine selection. Also, don’t miss the rooftop terrace for a free view of the Eiffel Tower. Nearby, you can also explore Printemps, another luxury department store, which offers another great rooftop view.

If you are a Phantom of the Opera fan, you might consider buying tickets to go to the Opera Garnier. This 19th-century Opera house is stunning! To avoid crowds, look into buying The Mysteries of the Palais Garnier tour that starts right after the building closes for the day.

Evening: Cabaret Show

End your last night in Paris with a cabaret show! The most popular option is seeing Moulin Rouge for the classic Parisian cabaret experience. We had a lot of fun at this event! Tickets sell out quickly, especially for the 9pm showing. There is a show only ticket that includes a half-bottle of champagne, and a dinner show ticket that includes a 3-course meal.

We decided to go with just the show ticket with champagne. It was very entertaining, and they kept the champagne flowing all night. If you want good seats, I would try to get to the venue as soon as the doors open for your showing. You will also have to coat check any large bags or jackets, which is included.

If Moulin Rouge is sold out, Crazy Horse Cabaret Show is another popular pick! This show is more elegant, intimate, and adult-oriented. Some also say this is a less “touristy” show. You can’t go wrong with either show!

Final Thoughts

Three days in Paris gives you just enough time to see the highlights while leaving room for leisure. From the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, this 3 days in Paris itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic Parisian experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick return, you’ll leave wanting to come back for more.