A dream destination for travellers all around the world, Paris also known as the ‘City of Light’ is one of the best places to plan your next trip to. Dotted with renowned museums, iconic landmarks the city of Paris offers perfect blend of history, art, and culture. While deciding what places to visit on your trip can be challenging, here is a comprehensive 3 days in Paris itinerary that covers everything, from best places to visit, top things to do and much more. Read further before planning your next trip to this iconic city.
3 Days in Paris Itinerary
From the world-famous Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe and other famous attractions, this 3 days Paris itinerary covers all!
Day 1: Exploring the Classic Paris
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Your first day in Paris must start with exploring the iconic Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy this stunning site in peace. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. For a less crowded experience, visit the second floor to enjoy stunning views. After visiting this, head to the Trocadéro Gardens, located just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. This garden offers great background for pictures and is a lovely place to relax and unwind.
Later head towards the Champs-Élysées, Paris’s most famous avenue. Walk along the street that is dotted with shops, cafes, and theatre to reach the Arc de Triomphe. This monumental arch honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Climb to the top for another fantastic panoramic view of the city, including the twelve grand avenues radiating from the arch.
Paris is known for its café culture, stop at one of the cafes on the Champs-Élysées Street or the nearby neighbourhood like Saint-Germain-des-Prés. You can enjoy delectable local dishes such as croque-monsieur, quiche Lorraine, or a fresh baguette sandwich. Pair your meal with a class for a wine for the classic Parisian experience.
After your lunch head to the world-famous and largest art museum, the Louvre. Enjoy a large collection of art, including the famous Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. This museum is a treasure trove of masterpieces and is among the must-visit places in Paris. You can also opt for a skip-the-line Louvre Museum ticket and get more insights into each artwork with a guide along. Spend your few hours exploring the museum and end your day with enjoying the Seine River Cruise.
This cruise offers stunning views of the city and is a great chance to see the city’s landmarks illuminated at night. You will glide past famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, all beautifully lit up against the night sky. You can also go for a Senie River Cruise with audio guide for a more enriching experience.
Day 2: Artistic and Cultural Paris
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Start your day 2 in Paris in the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre. It is famous for its artistic history and was once home to renowned artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Wander through the street and explore the nearby cafes, art studios and boutiques. You can also book a Montmartre walking tour and explore the history and culture of the most famous neighbourhood of Paris with a guide.
Continue uphill to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a stunning white basilica that sits atop Montmartre Hill. The interior of the basilica is equally impressive, with its grand mosaics and serene atmosphere. Climb to the dome for a spectacular view of Paris, stretching all the way to the Eiffel Tower. You cannot complete your Paris trip without attending the famous Moulin Rouge show, the world-famous cabaret. Enjoy the dazzling performances and iconic windmill. Book a Moulin Rouge ticket with complimentary champagne for the added experience and take a moment to appreciate the exterior of this landmark.
Stop at the Le Marais district for lunch, which is known for its vibrant food scene and historic architecture. You can enjoy a meal at one of the nearby cafes or bistros. It is also famous for its falafel shops particularly along Rue des Rosiers.
Head to the Le Marais district for lunch, known for its historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant food scene. Enjoy a meal at one of the many bistros or cafes in the area. Le Marais is also famous for its falafel shops, particularly along Rue des Rosiers. After lunch, visit the Centre Pompidou, Paris’s premier modern art museum. The building itself is a work of art, with its distinctive high-tech architecture. Inside, you will find an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art, including works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp. The Centre Pompidou also offers a rooftop terrace with fantastic views of the city.
In evening explore the Paris’ oldest and the most charming neighbourhoods, the Latin Quarter. Wander through its narrow streets and stroll through the bookstores, cafes, and historic landmarks. For all the booklovers, do not miss visiting the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. During sunset make you way to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cathedral is closed for renovations, but you can still admire the stunning Gothic architecture from the outside.
Day 3: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences
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Your last day in Paris must be a special one. Indulge in more local experiences today and know more about the city’s culture and history. Begin your final day in Paris with a visit to Sainte-Chapelle, a breathtaking Gothic chapel known for its stunning stained-glass windows. Next visit the nearby Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison. Explore the historic halls and learn about the building’s fascinating history.
For a relaxing day, head to the Luxembourg Gardens and take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful parks. It is ideal for picnics or just for unwinding and relaxing after a full day of sightseeing. The gardens also feature picturesque fountains, statues, and sculptures, adding to the beauty of the place. You can also visit the Luxembourg Palace, which houses the French Senate.
Take a stop in between for lunch in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood. Lunch in at one of the historic cafes such as Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, and soak in the literary atmosphere. After this visit the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station on the left bank of the Seine. The museums house an impressive collection of masterpieces by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh. The architecture of the museum itself if worth admiring, with a grand central hall and an iconic clock.
Conclude your adventure by visiting the Île Saint-Louis, a charming island. Wander through its quaint streets and enjoy a delicious Parisian meal at one of the traditional French restaurants. For a more unique experience you can also opt for Seine River cruise with dinner and enjoy your meal while soaking in the stunning views of the city at night.
Conclude your three-day Paris adventure with a visit to the Île Saint-Louis, a charming island in the Seine River. Wander through its quaint streets, lined with boutiques, ice cream shops, and traditional French restaurants. Treat yourself to a delicious ice cream from Berthillon, a legendary Parisian ice cream parlor.
Travel Tips for 3 Days Trip to Paris
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- English is widely spoken but learning a few French phrases can go a long way in enhancing your travel experience and interacting with the locals on your 3 days in Paris.
- Paris has a great transportation system to visit places within the city. But you can also opt for Paris Hop-On, Hop-Off tours for a hassle-free experience. Visit places at your own pace at the same time get insights with the audio commentary onboard.
- While picking your accommodation look for stay options in central neighbourhood like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or the Latin Quarter for easy access to major attractions and landmarks of the city.
- Do not miss out to try different cafes and restaurant, it is the best way to know about Paris’ local culture and a wonderful way to try some of the most unique foods options. Do not hesitate to ask for recommendations from locals or hotel staff.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Paris experiences varying weather, so layers are a good idea, along with comfortable walking shoes.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to embark on an unforgettable 3 days in Paris adventure. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to charming streets and delightful cuisine, Paris offers an array of experiences that will leave you enchanted and longing to return. Make sure to check and book different Paris tours and attractions tickets before finalizing your travel plans.
