Paris, a city that needs no introduction! Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, craving a deep dive into art and culture, or just want to introduce yourself to the richness of French cuisine—Paris fits every type of itinerary. Straight from the pages of glossy travel magazines, movies, shows and nowadays trending web series, Paris offers magic in every step you create. Here’s a comprehensive day-by-day Paris itinerary for 3 days along with food recommendations, day trip suggestions and unique experiences. Read on, get inspired, and start planning your Parisian adventure!
Day 1: Classic Paris – Monuments, Gardens, and the Eiffel Tower
Morning: Île de la Cité and Notre Dame
Begin your 3-day itinerary in Paris, France, with a visit to Île de la Cité, one of the natural islands on the River Seine. It is home to Notre Dame Cathedral, which reopened in December 2024 after being closed for some years due to its restoration. The intricate Gothic architecture and the breathtaking views from the Petit Pont Cardinal Lustiger nearby cannot be missed while visiting this place. To discover it more, you can opt for a walking tour with a guide who can give you more insights into this place. If you have some more time to be here, don’t miss the kaleidoscopic beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, which is renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows.
Lunch Recommendation
For your first day lunch in Paris, head to the nearby Latin Quarter and try out a classic Parisian meal. You can go to Le Procope, the city’s oldest café, or sample fresh oysters at Huitrerie Régis in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens and the Pantheon
An ideal Paris travel itinerary for 3 days must include Luxembourg Gardens. It’s not just as an attraction, but as a place to relax among its fountains and statues. Use a ticket for a guided tour and discover the garden’s history, architecture, and sculptures.
After having a relaxing time in Luxembourg Gardens, visit the Pantheon. It is a neoclassical mausoleum which houses the remains of France’s most renowned citizens.
Evening: Eiffel Tower and Seine River
If you’re making a complete Paris itinerary for 3 days or 5 days, you should never miss the Eiffel Tower to visit. The Paris Eiffel Tower is a symbol of the city, and no trip is complete without seeing it. What you need to do is reserve a ticket to ascend the tower and soak in the panoramic views of the city. As dusk falls, go for a romantic Seine River cruise to see Paris’s illuminated landmarks from the water.
Dinner Recommendation
If you’re opting for a Seine River dinner cruise, then no problem; if not, then head towards a classical bistro like Chez Paul in the 11th arrondissement for some comforting and satisfying French dishes. For a contemporary experience, you can try Le Mermoz, popular for its market-fresh cuisine and an excellent wine list.
Day 2: Art, Shopping, and Chic Neighbourhoods
Morning: The Louvre and Palais Royal
One of the must-visit attractions in Paris, the Louvre must be your first destination on the second day of your Paris itinerary for 3 days. Do the first thing: get a skip-the-line ticket to enter this museum, as it always gets crowded. Then enter into this marvellous place and see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. After this, stroll through the elegant Palais Royal gardens, which is just 450 metres away.
Lunch Recommendation
For a quick lunch, head to Marché des Enfants Rouges in Le Marais. It’s a covered market, and you’ll get plenty of choices like Moroccan, Italian, Japanese, and French cuisine. However, if you love sandwiches, then you have to try the famous XXL sandwiches at Alain Miam Miam.
Afternoon: Le Marais and Place des Vosges
Reserve a spot for the charming streets of Le Marais on your Paris itinerary for 3 days. The streets are filled with boutiques, art galleries, and historic mansions, showcasing a blend of all cultural sides of Paris. Top things to do here in Paris are to relax at Place des Vosges, one of Paris’s most beautiful squares, and second, visit Maison de Victor Hugo for a literary touch.
Coffee Break
Enjoy a coffee break at La Caféothèque or The Broken Arm, two popular cafés in Le Marais. They are special for aromatic brews and their homemade pastries.
Evening: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
End your afternoon with a walk along the world-famous Champs-Élysées, which stretches about two kilometres. An avenue known for its beauty (the street looks magical in spring), history, and iconic statues, it starts from the Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe is located. Visit this monument and learn about its history. For an exceptional experience, climb to its top for a stunning view of the city.
Dinner Recommendation
Savour buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes at Breizh Café in Le Marais, and pair them with Breton cider to get the authentic taste of Brittany. If you want to spend more money on your dinner, then book a table at Comice for a Michelin-starred experience featuring inventive French cuisine.
Day 3: Bohemian Paris, Markets, and Montmartre
Morning: Le Marais Markets and Local Flavours
Start your third day of your day tours in Paris with a visit to the bustling Marché des Enfants Rouges. You can also explore the Bastille Market, which is one of the favourites of locals to buy fresh produce and regional specialities. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or a hostel, you can stock up on cheese, bread, and fruit from here.
Lunch Recommendation
You cannot conclude your Paris itinerary for 3 days without trying the iconic falafel sandwich at L’As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers, renowned for its crispy chickpea balls and tangy tahini. For an alternative option, you can go to Bistrot des Tournelles near Place des Vosges to enjoy classic French dishes.
Afternoon: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Take a transport and reach Montmartre, the historic artists’ quarter of the city. Wander through its cobblestone streets, visit the Place du Tertre where artists display their work, and climb the steps to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views. Other best things to do in Paris are to explore the area’s quirky boutiques and stop by the Moulin Rouge for a photo, a famous Parisian cabaret, the namesake of a popular movie and musical.
Evening: Picnic at the Eiffel Tower or Unique Dining Experience
For the last evening in Paris, you have two options. Either you can have a sunset picnic on the Champ de Mars. You have to take a Paris hop-on hop-off bus and return to the Eiffel Tower area for that. Another option is to book a unique dining experience such as a wine and cheese tasting, food tour, or even a cooking class with locals for an authentic Parisian evening.
Dinner Recommendation
You can end your Paris trip of three days with a cosy meal at Les Arlots near Gare du Nord. The sausage and mashed potatoes are popular here. You can also opt for tapas and fine ham at Bellota-Bellota in the 7th arrondissement.
Day Trip Suggestions to Include in Paris Itinerary for 3 Days
There are beautiful places in the outskirts of Paris, which you can easily add to your Paris travel itinerary for 3 days. Some of the suggestions are:
- Versailles: Explore the opulent Palace of Versailles and its gardens, just a short train ride from Paris.
- Giverny: Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens, the inspiration for his famous water lily paintings.
- Fontainebleau: Discover the historic Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by a picturesque forest.
Some important Paris travel tips to make the most of your trip:
- Get Around: Use the hop-on hop-off bus in Paris for quick and easy transportation between the landmarks.
- Book in Advance: Paris is always crowded with tourists. You have to book in advance to skip the line at the sights.
- Embrace Café Culture: Take time to relax at a sidewalk café and watch the world go by.
- Take Guided Tours of Paris: If you’re visiting Paris for such a short time, like three days, you’ll be in a hurry to complete your Paris itinerary for 3 days. It’s better to take a guided walking tour to delve into your exploration.
- Night Tours: Go for a night tour and experience the magical nightlife of Paris.
- Cooking Classes: Learn about French cuisine in a cooking class to learn about the culture of Paris.
Conclusion: Your Complete 3-Day Itinerary of Paris, France
With this 3-day Paris itinerary, you’ll experience the city’s most iconic landmarks, walk along the world-famous avenues, take coffee breaks at renowned cafés, savour incredible food, and create memories for a lifetime. If you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, Paris will never disappoint you. Pack your bags, book your tickets, and start your journey. Bon voyage!
