How to see Paris in 3 days
Paris feels like a huge city, but it's surprisingly small (almost the size of Houston, Texas) and with a little planning, it’s definitely possible to hit most of the must-sees in three days. We’ve got the perfect itinerary to get you started.
To give you a good feel for the city, we’ve packed each day with famous sights and lesser-known attractions. And because no trip to Paris would be complete without (lots of) food, we’ve highlighted some of the best spots to grab a bite. We’ve also included top-rated recs from the Tripadvisor community, so you can trust that each stop is worth your time.
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DAY ONE
MORNING: Time travel to old Paris
Start your day in the Latin Quarter, where the cobbled alleyways, narrow streets, and historic architecture will make you feel like you traveled back in time. This neighborhood, located on the Left Bank of the Seine River, is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, La Sorbonne (the original scholars spoke Latin!).
Grab breakfast at award-winning bakery La Maison d’Isabelle—they make their croissants with organic French butter and flour, and it’s one of the few places where you can still get pastries at a reasonable price. Then, walk around the Latin Quarter, soaking up the scene in one of Paris’ oldest and most atmospheric arrondissements.
LATIN QUARTER TOUR OPTIONS
- Learn from a local guide about the Latin Quarter’s hidden gems and historic landmarks on this 2.5-hour small-group walking tour, which also covers neighboring Île de la Cité.
- To see a more local side of the Latin Quarter, opt for this four-hour bike tour, which skips the major monuments in favor of quiet courtyards, ancient Roman ruins, street art, and cozy bookstores. Bonus: a snack break away from the crowds is included.
- If you’re craving a more personal experience, book this two-hour private Latin Quarter walking tour. A local guide will take you to the landmarks, like the Luxembourg Gardens and the Panthéon, as well as lesser-known sights like the College of Bernardins and the Arenas of Lutetia.
AFTERNOON: Stop and smell the roses
Make your way to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with a stop at Jardin du Luxembourg to wander 60 lush acres inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés attracts intellectuals, celebrities, and travelers from all over the world, and is a great area for lunch. Stop at popular oyster bar Huîtrerie Régis, or Michelin-starred Semilla for elevated French fare. If you want a taste of old Paris, try Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore, where famous writers and artists like Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso used to hang out in the early 20th century.
Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping on Boulevard Saint-Germain, or checking out iconic sights like St. Sulpice Church, the Musée Delacroix, and the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe. Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also worth a visit—it’s the oldest abbey in Paris, dating back to the 6th century.
EVENING: Sparkles in the sky
The Eiffel Tower is a must-do and can be visited any time of day, but it’s extra special to see at night. Starting at dusk until 11 p.m., it lights up on the hour and sparkles for five full minutes. For an epic view—plus dinner and live music—hop on a Seine River cruise with Bateaux Mouches. You’ll enjoy four delicious courses and wonderful entertainment while taking in the city lights from the water.
Worthy detours along the way
DAY TWO
MORNING: A garden tea (or hot chocolate) party
Wake up with treats from Boulangerie Eric Kayser, which specializes in croissants, pain au chocolat, and rustic bread. After breakfast, head to Jardin des Tuileries—dreamed up by Catherine de' Medici in 1564 and opened to the public after the French Revolution, it’s a prime example of intricate Parisian landscaping. If you’re short on time, download a self-guided audio tour, which will take you straight to the highlights while teaching you the history of the gardens.
In the southwest corner of Jardin des Tuileries is the Musée de l'Orangerie, built by Napoleon III in 1852 to store citrus trees during the winter and now home to several Impressionist masterpieces. There’s also the Jeu de Paume photography museum in the northwestern corner of the gardens and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the northeastern tip. Hungry after all that museum-ing? Refuel at Angelina, a tea room that’s famous for its hot chocolate and pastries.
AFTERNOON: An island in Paris
Head to Île de la Cité, home to the famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. It’s one of two tiny islands—the other being Île Saint-Louis—in the middle of the Seine and features everything from parks and boutiques to cafes full of history. Browse the beautiful Marché aux Fleurs; marvel at the exquisite stained-glass windows in Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel built by Louis IX in the mid-13th century; visit La Conciergerie, the palace where Marie-Antoinette was held before her execution; and shop on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île.
For lunch, enjoy traditional French fare like entrecôte (rib-eye steak) and escargots at Comme Chai Toi, which has next-level views of Notre-Dame.
EVENING: Explore Le Marais
In the early evening, explore the trendy Le Marais district, with its charming streets full of hip cafes, boutiques, and bookstores. It’s also home to major attractions like Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest public square; Maison de Victor Hugo, the former home turned museum of 19th-century author Victor Hugo; Église Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, the first church in Paris to be built in the Baroque style of the Jesuits; and Village Saint-Paul, a 13th-century building complex that now houses art galleries, antique shops, and several restaurants and bars.
For dinner, take a food tour of Le Marais, or visit Paris’ oldest food market, Marché des Enfants-Rouge, to sample food from all over the world, including the Mediterranean, North Africa, and East Asia. For something more straightforward, watch the sunset over cocktails and snacks at Le Perchoir Marais (the rooftop bar at the BHV Marais department store, open late spring through early fall), then go to Chez Omar for authentic Moroccan food like lamb and couscous at good prices.
LE MARAIS FOOD TOUR OPTIONS
- Come hungry for this three-hour small-group food tour of Le Marais, which includes stops for favorite Parisian foods like fine cheese, oysters, falafel, and crêpes, plus a sit-down dinner of boeuf bourguignon and crème brûlée at a traditional brasserie.
- On this four-hour Le Marais walking food tour, you’ll pop into the neighborhood’s best markets, bakeries, and brasseries to discover the local culinary scene.
- This 3.5-hour Le Marias tasting tour includes 10 stops at fine foods and specialty stops to meet local artisans and vendors and sample everything from wine and cheese to macarons.
DAY THREE
MORNING: See the sunrise from Montmartre
Mornings in Paris are calm and quiet. Take advantage of this peaceful time to catch the sunrise from the highest point in Paris: Montmartre. Take the funicular from the Place Saint-Pierre or walk up from the Square Louise Michel to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, which has the largest mosaic in France, and watch the sun come up over the city.
Nearby, Boulangerie Les Deux Frères serves buttery viennoiseries (pastries) with pistachio, chocolate, and other fillings, as well as tasty crêpes. Boulangerie Raphaëlle is another popular spot for its reasonably priced croissants and baguettes.
AFTERNOON: Stroll the Champs-Élysées
Next up: L’Arc de Triomphe. The impressive landmark, modeled after the great arches of antiquity, was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to honor the victories of his Grande Armée. Go up to the terrace for amazing views of the city; just be sure to book a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time (it includes quick entry, plus a scenic boat cruise on the Seine).
From L’Arc, take a walk down the Champs-Élysées. The mile-long shopping strip stretches all the way to Place de la Concorde, Paris’ largest square, and is lined with boutiques from both French luxury and affordable brands.
For lunch, drop by Le Fouquet’s, a chic brasserie with sophisticated French fare. A 10-minute walk away, Hotel Raphaël has a killer terrace for cocktails and snacks.
EVENING: City lights and the Louvre
For a magical experience, visit the Louvre Museum at night, when it’s less busy and the famous pyramid is illuminated. It stays open until 9:45 p.m. on Friday nights. Afterward, walk 10 minutes north to La Bourse et La Vie for dinner. The bistro serves refined French fare like steak frites and foie gras. Make reservations ahead of time (the space is tiny) and don’t miss the giant gougères (cheese puffs).
LOUVRE AT NIGHT TOUR OPTIONS
- Get into the Louvre after it’s closed for the evening on this private night tour, which covers highlights like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo as well as the little-known stories behind some of the museum’s most famous works.
- On this two-hour guided Louvre tour at closing time, you’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry and the chance to see famed works without the daytime crowds.
- This three-hour private Louvre tour by night includes priority admission and a knowledgeable guide, who will point out works by Italian artists like Raphael, da Vinci, and Caravaggio as well as French sculptures lit up in the museum courtyards.
Know Before You Go
There’s never a bad time to visit Paris, though the weather can be rainy and cold in the spring. Late summer and early fall bring the warmest temps, plus a range of cultural activities, from new museum exhibits to lively festivals. For a festive experience, go in December or January, when Christmas markets and twinkling lights take over the city.
Wednesday through Friday is the best time of week to be in Paris, as many restaurants are closed on Mondays and several key sites are closed on Tuesdays.
Restaurants in Paris are typically open from 12 to 2 p.m. for lunch, then again from 7 p.m. until late (though most Parisians don’t eat dinner until 8 p.m. or later). Bars and cafes open early, around 7 or 8 a.m., and stay open until at least 2 a.m. Shop hours are generally from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For affordable and well-located hotels, stay near the Eiffel Tower. Great options include Hôtel 33 Marbeuf and Hôtel de l'Avre. The trendy district of Le Marais offers stylish lodging like Hôtel du Petit Moulin, Hotel Bastille Speria, Hotel Jules & Jim, and Solly Hôtel Paris. Staying near the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement is also a fool-proof option, with plenty of places to suit different budgets. Check out Hotel du Louvre, Le Relais du Louvre, Le Pradey, Hôtel Cambon, Hotel Louvre Saint Honore, and Timhotel le Louvre.
Walking is the best way to see Paris, but to save time (and energy), the metro, hop-on-hop-off buses, e-scooters, and e-bikes are also great ways to tour the city.