The Perfect 3 Days In Paris Itinerary

Planning a trip to Paris? Welcome to one of my favorite cities and one of Europe’s most cultured and cosmopolitan spots!

Paris is the star and the backdrop of so much great history, art, and literature. It’s a city that appeals to all different passions — museum lovers, history buffs, epicureans, devotees of royalty and architecture.

I’ve been to Paris many times over the years. With so much practice, I know what to see and how to plan the most efficient visit.

So, I’ve put together a detailed, step-by-step 3 days in Paris itinerary.

view of the Eiffel Tower in spring
view of the Eiffel Tower in spring from Trocadero

The itinerary covers the showstoppers. It takes you to all of the City of Light’s world class museums, beautiful neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and and cafe-lined streets.

3 Days In Paris At A Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can see with this itinerary:

Day 1: Île de la Cite (Notre Dame, La Conciergerie, Saint-Chapelle), Île Saint-Louis, Le Marais, Place des Vosges, Paris Catacombs

Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Museums (Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, or others), Seine River Cruise or Arc de Triopmphe

Day 3: Montmartre, Opera District, South Pigalle, Left Bank, food tour or opera

Notre Dame, the symbol of Paris
Notre Dame, the symbol of Paris

3 Days In Paris Itinerary

1. Morning: Explore the 1st Arrondisment

On your first day, start your morning in Paris’ chronological heart, on Île de la Cité.

You’re officially on the Right Bank, but really between the Right and Left.

Stroll by Notre Dame, the iconic symbol of Paris. After the April 2019 fire, it’s still not open to the public.

But you can cast your eyes on the magnificent landmark and UNESCO site, which will be rebuilt exactly as it was.

view of Notre Dame from the banks of the Seine River
view of Notre Dame from the banks of the Seine River
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole near Notre Dame
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole near Notre Dame

Barely 100 meters from Notre Dame is an adorable spot to get coffee at 24 Rue Chanoinesse, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole.

The other two must see sites on the Île de la Cité are Saint-Chapelle, a medieval wonder, and La Conciergerie.

Completed in 1248 and enshrined within the Palais de Justice, Saint-Chapelle is Paris’ most exquisite Gothic monument. It has one of the most gorgeous cathedral interiors in the world.

There is intricate stained glass and colorful painted wood columns. You need to a purchase ticket in advance, unless you’re in Paris in the dead of winter.

gorgeous stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle
gorgeous stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle

The atmospheric Conciergerie is well worth a visit as well, despite its austere and imposing facadee. Its vaulted Hall of Soldiers is a UNESCO site and it’s a place to re-live the French revolution.

Prisoners were held here before execution during Robespierre’s Reign of Terror. The Conciergerie’s most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette.

While on the Île, don’t miss the beautiful Place Dauphine. It’s a secret leafy courtyard that’s easy to miss, halfway down the Pont Neuf.

If you want to break for lunch here, try Le Bar du Caveau. You could also have the quintessential Paris experience, which is to buy your own bread and cheese and have a picnic.

Place Dauphine
Place Dauphine
Berthillon, Paris' most beloved ice cream shop
Berthillon, Paris’ most beloved ice cream shop on Isle Saint-Louis

When you’re done on the Île de la Cité, head to neighboring Île Saint-Louis. Wander the atmospheric streets. The main lane, Rue Saint-Louis, is filled with boutiques, cafes, fromageries, and bakeries.

Get an ice cream at the beloved Berthillon. You’ll also have a magnificent view of the rear facade of Notre Dame from Île Saint-Louis.

2. Afternoon: 3rd and 4th Arrondissements

When you’re done in the 1st Arrondissement, head over to Le Marais. It’s a chic Parisian neighborhood on the Right Bank that deserves at least a half day.

The Marais was spared from the extensive Haussmann renovation in the 1800s, which bulldozed much of Paris. Thus, the Marais is a rare medieval area in Paris, with footnotes of antiquity on every corner.

pretty street lined with eateries in the Marais
pretty street lined with eateries in the Marais

The Marias is home to chic boutiques, trendy eateries, and some fantastic museums. It’s a place where the French engage in the pastime of “leche-vitrine,” aka window licking.

If you didn’t grab lunch in the 1st arrondissement, the Marais is overflowing with options.

Try The Broken Arm, Les Philosophes, Wild and the Moon (açaí bowls), or L’As du Fallafel (for the best falafel on Rue des Rosiers). Two seriously cute cocktail bars to try out are Bisou (French for kiss) and La Resistance.

You can also book a foodie walking tour in the Marais. Or a hidden gems walking tour in the district. My favorite Marais tour was this medieval walking tour.

Hotel Soubise, home to France's National Archives
Hotel Soubise, home to France’s National Archives

Wander down Rue des Barres, Rue des Rosiers, Rue Vieille du Temple, the boutique busy Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, and the secret Place Saint-Catherine. Stop and read the historical markers planted on the walls of buildings.

Check out the Hotel de Ville, the gorgeous Hotel Sens, and Eglise-Saint-Paul- Saint-Louis. Linger in the elegant Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.

The Place a beautiful architectural ensemble, the oldest public square in Paris, and surrounded by lovely arcaded shops. Plus, it boasts some of Paris’ best macaroons at Carette.

Tip: If you’re obsessed with Victor Hugo and the grandeur of Les Miserables, visit the writer’s romantic pied-à-terre, now the Musée Victor Hugo. It’s a quirky off the beaten path destination in Paris. The museum is on the second floor of the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée at 6 Place de Vosges.

the elegant and classical Place des Vosges in the Marais
Place des Vosges in the Marais, home to the Victor Hugo Museum
the medieval Hotel de Sens in the Marais neighborhood of Paris
the medieval Hotel de Sens in the Marais

The Picasso Museum, housed in the gorgeous Hotel Sale, is a must visit in the Marais. It’s a remarkable single-artist museum showcasing an extensive collection that spans the entirety of Picasso’s prolific career.

This personal collection, which he meticulously curated and lived with throughout his life, offers an intimate glimpse into his creative journey.

You’ll find representations from every artistic period of Picasso’s life, reflecting the various women he loved and the expansive range of his talent. The museum is home to some of his most iconic masterpieces, many of which were donated by his heirs as a means to circumvent taxes.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket for the Picasso Museum, which you will definitely need. Click here to book a popular guided tour of the museum.

The Marais’ Musee Carnavalet is another must visit Paris institution, especially for history buffs. It’s the oldest museum in Paris, and has recently been renovated. Plus, it’s completely free to visit.

The Carnavalet is the most Parisian of all Paris museums. It’s a repository of quirky artifacts and exhibits covering the entire history of Paris.

You’ll find everything from Roman ruins and Renaissance apothecary signs to Marie Antoinette’s spinning wheel and a lock of Robespierre’s hair.

Musee Carnavalet
Musee Carnavalet
skulls in the Paris Catacombs

3. Evening: Paris Catacombs or Night at the Museum

The evening is the ideal time to tour the Paris Catacombs. The catacombs are Paris’ “Empire of Death,” a spooky 200 mile honeycomb of tunnels. The system is so enormous that no one knows exactly how many tunnels or chambers exist.

The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables’ Jean Valjean both haunted these tunnels. During WWII, the French Resistance used the tunnels. The Catacombs were revivified as a tourist site in 1809 and were immediately popular.

Click here to purchase a must have skip the line ticket to the catacombs, so that you won’t be stuck waiting in a long line. Click here to get a skip the line ticket + guided tour.

Alternatively, you can go to another Paris hotspot, the Palais de Tokyo. The museum is open until midnight.

Exhibition halls brim with contemporary art exhibitions. There’s an excellent bookstore for bibliophiles. You can have drinks or dinner at Monsieur Bleu, the onsite chic restaurant.

the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero
the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero

1. Morning: Eiffel Tower & Musee Marmottan Monet

On day 2 of your 3 days in Paris itinerary, try to get up early.

The Eiffel Tower is a fantastic spot to see the sun rise over Paris.

The graceful iron giant can be well photographed from other cozy areas — the Champs de Mars (with cherry blossoms in springs) and Avenue de Camoiens.

When you zip to the top, you’ll have a 360 panoramic view of Paris. Be forewarned, it’s a cramped experience with a narrow observation deck. Be prepared to queue up for the popular spots with the best views.

 If you don’t want to wait in line, click here for a skip the line ticket with a lift to the top. .

fountains at Trocadero, a great place to view the Eiffel Tower
fountains at Trocadero, a great place to view the Eiffel Tower

If you don’t want to wait for the lift and you’re a fan of Monet and the Impressionists, instead take a 10 minute walk down Rue de Passy to the Musee Marmottan Monet.

Because of its out-of-the-way location in the 16th Arrondissement, the small museum is truly a Paris hidden gem.

The Marmottan has more Monet paintings than the Musee d’Orsay. Or any other museum in the world. This is where you come to can feast your eyes on Monet’s gorgeous water lilies, painted at his estate in Giverny.

Click here for a skip the line ticket + guided tour of the Marmottan. You can also book a private tour with an art historian.

view of the Eiffel Tower from Avenue Camoens
view of the Eiffel Tower from Avenue Camoens

If you want to indulge in some fine dining for lunch, there’s an excellent restaurant in the 16th arrondissement, Prunier. You can sample caviar amidst an Art Deco decor by architect Louis Hippolyte Boileau.

2. Afternoon: Customized Museum Choices

Hop on the metro (La Muette on the number 9 line from the Marmottan Museum) and head back to the center of the city to visit one of Paris’ vaunted museums.

Choose either the Louvre (classics and old masters), the Musee d’Orsay (Impressionism), or the Pompidou Center (modern art) depending on your artistic preference.

It’s difficult to do more than one of these large museums in a single day without museum fatigue.

the Louvre Museum and I.M. Pei Pyramid
the Louvre Museum and I.M. Pei Pyramid

Louvre

The Louvre houses the classics — Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Vermeer’s The Lacemaker.

There are also plenty of underrated masterpieces there, if you don’t want to vie with selfie sticks.

Need more Louvre details? I’ve written several helpful guides to the Louvre:

It’s essential to pre-book a timed entry ticket or you will waste time standing in a long queue.

Because the Louvre is so massive, you might also consider booking a guided tour of the museum.

There are myriad options that vary in length:

If you decided to brave the Louvre, afterward take a stroll in the gardens of the Palais-Royal. The Palais-Royal was built in 1633-39 by French architect Jacques Lemercier.

Eugene Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People, 1830
Eugene Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People, 1830

Initially, the palace was the personal residence of Cardinal Richelieu, the evil trickster from Alexandre DumasThe Three Musketeers. It’s since been the venue for centuries worth of Parisian history.

The tranquil gardens are the perfect spot to linger, picnic, or settle down with a good novel. In a city where green space can be scarce, there are plenty of trees, roses, and even some grass.

You should also poke into the palace courtyard.

the art installation La Fontaine des Spheres at Palais Royal
the art installation La Fontaine des Spheres
Les Deux Plateaux
Les Deux Plateaux

The courtyard contains Les Deux Plateau, nicknamed the Colonnes de Buren. The Colonnes are a controversial candy striped art installation by Conceptual artist Daniel Buren.

The ultra modern art makes an interesting contrast to the historic elegance of the Palais-Royal, though I love the daring duality.

After photographing the beautiful installation, just around the corner is one of Paris’ beautiful passages, Galerie Vero-Dodat. Peak in for a quick look.

Then consider grabbing a delicious (and legendary) cup of hot chocolate at Angelina on the Rue de Rivoli.

Musee d’Orsay

You next option is the Musee d’Orsay.

It’s housed in the glamorous Gare d’Orsay train station, itself an Art Nouveau architectural showplace. It’s a fan favorite, one of the most popular museums in the world.

Why? The Orsay is home to France’s national collection of works from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Art Nouveau movements from 1848 to 1914.

Here’s where you’ll get your Monet and Van Gogh fix. The d’Orsay houses 24 Van Gogh paintings!

Claude Monet, Detail of The Water Lilies: Morning With Wllows
Claude Monet, Detail of The Water Lilies: Morning With Wllows — at the Orangerie

For an overview, I have a guide to 25 artworks at the Musee d’Orsay and tips for visiting the Musee d’Orsay. Click here to book a must have skip the line ticket for the Orsay. You can also book a 2 hour guided tour with an expert.

Right next door to the d’Orsay is its sister museum, the Musée de l’Orangerie. It’s often overlooked, though it shouldn’t be. You can buy a combined ticket for both museums.

At the much smaller Orangerie Museum, the marquis attraction is Monet’s luminous water lilies. Afterward, take a stroll in the elegant Jardin des Tuileries to clear the museum fatigue.

the Pompidou Centre, Paris' modern art museum
the Pompidou Centre, Paris’ modern art museum

Pompidou Centre

The Pompidou Center is your third choice of Paris’ large museums. It’s Paris’ modern art museum, in the lively Beaubourg neighborhood on the Right Bank.

Opened in 1977, it’s known for its radical architecture. There are Fauvist, Cubist, Surrealist, Pop Art, and contemporary works on display. Don’t miss the spectacular Paris views from its rooftop.

The center also offers a public library and panoramic views of the city from its upper floors

Tip: If small quirky museums are more your thing, check out my guide to the small secret museums of Paris. If you’re on a budget, you should check out my guide to 10 free museums in Paris.

cafe on the Seine
cafe on the Seine

3. Evening: Seine River or Arc de Triomphe

At night, the Seine is beautiful with the surrounding buildings lit up. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll. Stop and have a cocktail or a pitcher of chardonnay at Peniche Marcounet. It’s a docked centuries old barge along the quay overlooking Île Saint-Louis.

For dinner, you could reserve at Le Vent d’Armor. It’s a hideaway along the Seine specializing in seafood.

If your legs are tired, take a Seine River Cruise. There are so many different options available, including:

visiting the Arc at sunset
visiting the Arc at sunset

Alternatively, take a classic stroll down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s open until 10:15 pm.

Do not attempt to cross the busy roundabout directly! Instead, look for the underground pedestrian tunnel on theChamps-Élysées.

The Arc de Triomphe stands majestically at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, a symbol of French national pride and triumph.

Climbing the 284 steps to the top of this iconic monument rewards visitors with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Paris, offering a unique perspective of the city’s grand avenues radiating outwards.

>>> Click here to book an Arc de Triumph rooftop ticket

beautiful Montmartre, La Maison Rose is the pink house on the right
beautiful Montmartre, La Maison Rose is the pink house on the right

1. Morning: Montmartre

On the final day of your 3 days in Paris itinerary, head to the beautiful neighborhood of Montmartre.

Steeped in history and immortalized in art, Montmartre is one of Paris’ most beautiful districts.

With the steep stairs of Rue Foyatier tumbling down, and Sacre Coeur standing guard, the time warp 18th arrondissement is a wonderful place to wander away from the Haussmann architecture.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour

Maison Rose on Rue de l'Abreuvoir
Maison Rose on Rue de l’Abreuvoir

Originally known as the “hill of the martyr,” Montmartre is where Saint-Denis was beheaded in 250 AD for his attempts to bring Christianity to the region.

In the early 19th century, Montmartre became a haven for struggling artists and lively cabarets. Famous spots like Le Chat Noir and Moulin Rouge were the heart of this scene.

Artists like Picasso, Utrillo, Dali, Modigliani, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec were regulars here, leaving an indelible mark on France’s cultural heritage with their work.

To get to Montmartre, hop on the metro to Abbesses station. When you step out from underneath the Art Nouveau canopy, turn around.

the Sacre Coeur, a landmark in Montmartre
the Sacre Coeur, a landmark in Montmartre

You’ll see the famous Wall of Love in Jehan Rictus garden.

It’s a 40 square meter art installation, made of enameled lava, with hundreds of ways to say “I love you.” The red bits are strategically broken hearts.

The lower and western parts of Montmartre are the most quaint areas. So it’s really best to start your walking tour near at Rue des Abbesses instead of the calamitous Rue de Steinkerque.

After you check out the Wall of Love, pop into the Eglise Saint-Jean de Montmartre. It has a tranquil beauty and quietude.

Unmissable sites in Montmartre include the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur, the sinking house of Montmartre, and the Instagrammable La Maison Rose on Paris’ prettiest street Rue de l’Abeuvoir. Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali frequented the adorable pink house.

The ice-white Sacre-Coeur is one of Paris’ most iconic attractions. It sits atop Montmartre Hill, they highest point in Paris, overlooking the city.

But the Sacre-Coeur isn’t ancient Paris. It’s surprisingly new.

The church was only completed in the early 1900s, as an act of contrition after the events of the Paris Commune (the 1871 insurrection against the government).

I wasn’t terribly impressed with the lackluster interior or the crowds. But one must do is climbing the dome of the basilica.

If you take the 300 steps, you’ll have an incredible view of Paris. If you tilt your camera, you can glimpse the “sinking house” of Montmartre.

For lunch, right near Sacre-Coeur is one of Paris’ most beautiful cafes, Le Consulat.

Rue de l'Abreuvoir, Paris' prettiest street
Rue de l’Abreuvoir, Paris’ prettiest street

You can also eat at La Maison Rose, with a hipsterized vegan-friendly menu. There’s also the French deli Grenouilles, serving up delicious sandwiches and charcuterie plates.

The neighborhood museum, Musee de Montmartre, is incredibly charming. The museum is housed in an elegant 17th century mansion.

It provides a fascinating look at the life of the Montmartre artists. You can see the recreated studio of Suzanne Valadon. And take a twirl on the Renoir Swing in the idyllic museum garden.

Here’s my complete guide to the top must visit attractions in Montmartre. Montmartre is so pretty and storied that you may want to book walking tour, an art walking tour, a gourmet food and wine tour or a Montmartre hidden gems tour.

If you’re craving some greenery, head to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the adjacent 19th Arrondissement. Buttes-Chaumont spans over 20 hectares. It boasts green pastures, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and a hilltop temple with nice views.

facade of the Opera Garnier, designed by Charles Garnier
facade of the Opera Garnier, designed by Charles Garnier

2. Afternoon: The Opera District and/or the Left Bank

In the afternoon, hopefully you can squeeze in both the Opera District and the Latin Quarter. But depending on your pace of travel, you may have to pick a neighborhood.

Opera District

The elegant Opera District is just a short stroll from Montmartre. The more buttoned up and manicured 9th arrondissement is not all grand Haussmann architecture though.

It’s also crammed with secret museums and quirky galleries, a bohemian neighborhood, and some super concentrated shopping. It’s got some creative juice along with the glitz.

The key sites are the Opera Garnier, the Eglise Madeleine, the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, and Paris’ famed covered passages.

The Opera Garnier might be the most beautiful building in Paris. Especially if you’re in the mood for gold. It’s built in a Beaux-Artes style with eclectic Neo-Baroque elements.

Inside you’ll see the jaw-dropping Grand Staircase. It’s made entirely of marble, and surrounded with arches, hidden nooks, statues, and gold — gold everywhere.

Here’s my complete guide to the Opera Garnier. Click here to book a ticket to the Opera Garnier. Click here to book a guided 2 hour tour.

If you want glamorous upscale shopping, head to Galleries Lafayette or Printemps. Both have nice rooftop cafes. You can also get your sugar fix at Fauchon, a gourmet food shop and cafe.

Pink Mamma restaurant in the Pigalle district of Paris
Pink Mamma restaurant in the Pigalle district of Paris

South Pigalle

If you want something a bit more on trend in the 9th arrondissement, head to South Pigalle, or SoPi as it’s affectionately known.

In fin de siecle Paris, SoPi was a scandalous red light district, filled with brothels and absinthe-addled artists.

SoPi has smartened up and become a hotbed for Paris’ “bobos,” or bourgeoise bohemians. It’s a must see Paris neighborhood if you like buzzy culture, gourmet snacks, vintage speakeasies, and tony boutique shops.

If you didn’t eat lunch in Montmartre, you should try the incredibly pretty Pink Mamma. It’s a plant filled Italian-centric cafe.

the lovely garden of the Musée de la Vie Romantique, where you'll find Rose's Bakery if you need a snack
the lovely garden of the Musée de la Vie Romantique

If more museums are on your agenda, there’s some lovely quaint ones in the 9th Arrondissement.

You can choose between:

photogenic spot in the Latin Quarter, with Odette Bakery
photogenic spot in the Latin Quarter, with Odette Bakery

Left Bank: Latin Quarter and Saint-German-des-Pres

When you’re done in the 9th arrondissement, cross the Seine and take a stroll in the iconic the Left Bank.

The two quintessential neighborhoods of the Left Bank are Saint-Germain-des-Pres and the Latin Quarter.

Most tourists are enchanted by the cobbled streets of the Left Bank. You may want to book a walking tour to get oriented. If you’re a literary fan, you can also book a writers of the Left Bank tour.

The Left Bank is where you can experience the “je ne sais quoi” of Paris. With its twisty lanes and fabled history, the Left Bank is quaint and artsy.

Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens

It was a place for thinkers and dreamers like Hemingway, Sartre, and de Beauvoir.

It’s a great place to get lost, stumble down cobbled lanes, admire facades, shop for antiques on Rue Jacob, and people watch at the many quaint cafes.

There are some landmarks you should be sure to see: Arenes de Lutece (an ancient Roman amphitheater), the 13th century College des Bernardins, and take a stroll through Luxembourg Gardens.

The gardens are one of Paris’ ever-so-pretty green spots, full of architectural delights. They’re essentially an outdoor sculpture museum. If you want to combine art and nature, you can book a 2 hour tour of the gardens.

Marie de Medici Fountain in Luxembourg Gardens
Marie de Medici Fountain in Luxembourg Gardens

If you want to visit a museum on the Left Bank, I recommend the the Musée Cluny. The museum is dedicated to all things from the Middle Ages.

The Cluny’s pièce de résistance is the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. It’s considered the Mona Lisa of tapestries and is one of the greatest surviving medieval relics.

Once Paris’ religious center, the Left Bank also has a number of Paris’ most beautiful churches, including Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Saint-Severin, and Saint-Sulpice, that you shouldn’t miss.

Eglise Saint-Sulpice
Eglise Saint-Sulpice

Saint-Séverin is one of my favorite Paris churches. 

It’s a quirky ancient church, dating from the 6th century. Saint-Séverin was rebuilt in 13th century and named after a devout hermit

If you’re peckish, just steps from Saint-Severin is the famous Odette Pastry Shop. The bakery is a famous instagrammable spot in Paris, right next to a rare green half-timbered building.

Saint-Sulpice is another must visit church. It has charmingly mismatched towers and houses some lovely restored Delacroix frescos.

the lovely Place de Furstenberg, home to the Delacroix Museum
the lovely Place de Furstenberg, home to the Delacroix Museum

You can also visit the Delacroix Museum, if you’re a fan of the Romantic Period painter. It’s a studio-museum set on the lovely Place de Furstenberg, off the Rue Jacob, and is usually empty.

You won’t see anything as stunning as Delacroix’s famous Liberty Leading the People at his studio.

What you’ll find is lush religious and historical paintings and drawings by Delacroix and others, as well as personal objects and mementos.

the Pantheon, lit up at night
the Pantheon, lit up at night

Don’t skip the Pantheon in the Latin Quarter of the Left Bank. The grand neoclassical basilica dominates the skyline.

It was built after a king’s near death experience and celebrates the greatest dead heros of France.

People tend to walk by and not go into the Pantheon. But the interior is the most fascinating part.

You’ll find beautiful paintings telling the history of France’s most venerated saints and a copy of Foucault’s Pendulum. As an added bonus, the rooftop boasts one of the best (and relatively secret) viewing points in Paris.

 cute bakery in the Latin Quarter
cute bakery in the Latin Quarter

3. Evening: Take In a Ballet or Show at the Opera Garnier

In the evening on your last day in Paris, consider attending a performance at the Opera Garnier.

Another good to top off your Paris visit is to take a guided Paris lights by nights tour. Paris looks different, and even more beautiful in the evening.

Wine lovers can take a wine tour of Paris. Foodies can check out this evening cooking class + dinner.

Tips For 3 Days In Paris

1. How To Get Around Paris

Most of Paris’ main attractions are in the center of the city. So you can certainly walk to many sites.

I’ve tried to cluster this 3 days in Paris itinerary geographically, so you’re visiting attractions that are close together.

pretty cafe in Paris
pretty cafe in Paris

Still, Paris is very large. You’ll inevitably need to use some form of transportation.

You can take Uber or taxis in between attractions. There’s also an excellent and easy to use metro system.

But there many other fun ways to explore Paris, for all different needs and interests. You can book:

2. Paris City Passes

With 3 days in Paris, you should consider purchasing the Paris Pass for 2-6 days.

street in the Latin Quarter
the Latin Quarter

It covers over 75 attractions. You can download to your phone or print your pass and bring it with you.

If museums are more your thing, you can also choose to book a Paris Museum Pass, which covers 50 monuments and museums.

The museum pass is included in the Paris Pass.

3. When To Go To Paris

Paris is a year round destination. There is no bad time to visit Paris, and I’ve visited in every season.

The winter, January through March, are the chilliest months. But they’re also quiet, without the usual throngs of tourists.

In general, I prefer visiting Paris in the shoulder season in spring or fall. The city is in bloom and the weather is, usually, very nice.

In summer, in high season, Paris will be packed with crowds and prices will climb.

the Relais Christine, a boutique hotel on the Left Bank in Paris
the Relais Christine, a boutique hotel on the Left Bank

4. Where To Stay In Paris

Ah, there are endless beautiful and romantic places to stay in Paris. I stay somewhere different every time I visit.

My personal favorite hotel in Paris is a stunning boutique hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Relais Christine. The rooms are beautiful appointed and the location is ideal.

Other fantastic hotels on the Left Bank include the sumptuous Hotel d’Aubusson, the perfectly located Millesime Hotel in Saint-Germain, and the Hotel da Vinci which comes with a pool and spa.

On the Right Bank, you can check out the simply stunning and unique Cour des Vosges, the elgant La Planque Hotel, the Arab-style Maison Souquet.

There are also the elegant classics like the Four Seasons George V, Hotel San Regis, the Mandarin Oriental, or the fabulous Hotel le Crillon.

Fontaine de Observatoir in Luxembourg Gardens

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 days in Paris itinerary. You may enjoy these other Paris travel guides and resources:

If you’d like to spend 3 days in Paris, pin it for later.

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