The Perfect 3 Day Paris Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Bonjour! If you’re planning your very first trip to Paris, buckle up because you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Paris is a city that has it all: history, art, romance, and, of course, some of the best food you’ll ever taste (I, for one, think about the salted caramel banana crêpe at Breizh Cafe that I ate earlier this year more than I probably should).
Planning a trip to Paris for the first time can be overwhelming because of the size of the city and the sheer amount of things to do. To help you out, I’ve crafted a 3 day Paris itinerary for first time visitors like you that will help you make the most of your time in Paris, zip around town on the Métro, explore many different neighborhoods, and see several iconic Paris sights. You won’t be able to see it all, but you’ll see a lot! (And you’ll just have to come back to Paris to see the rest… darn, another trip to France, right?) So, add comfy walking shoes to your packing list and allons-y!
(A short note about advance ticket purchases: while it can be more expensive to purchase timed “skip the line” type tickets for attractions, to make the most of your 3 days in Paris and avoid waiting in interminable ticket or entry lines, I would recommend doing so when they are available.)
Table of Contents
3 Day Paris Itinerary Day 1: Iconic Paris
Morning: Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
8:00 AM – Eiffel Tower – Start your 3 day Parisian adventure with the quintessential symbol of the city: the Eiffel Tower. You can purchase your tickets in advance here to skip the lines. Take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Yes, it’s a busy, stereotypical tourist attraction, but regardless, trust me, the views are worth it! Tickets tend to sell out so book in advance if you can. Also, if you want a slightly more streamlined visit or hate heights (me!) you can also get a ticket to go to the second level instead of the top which still affords excellent panoramic views of the city (or, if you’re really looking to burn off those croissant and cheese calories, you can climb UP the 674 stairs to the second level!).
Or to get even more out of your 3 day Paris trip, consider a highly rated guided tour that includes skip the line tickets such as this one, this one, or this one – you’ll get a dose of interesting Paris info and history along with the epic views – win win!
Getting There: Take Métro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim station or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station.
10:00 AM – Seine River Cruise – After taking a million pictures at the Eiffel Tower, head to the banks of the Seine River for a relaxing cruise. Bateaux Parisiens offers a one-hour sightseeing cruise that provides fantastic views of the city’s most famous landmarks along the river. You can book your tickets here.
Getting There: The Bateaux Parisiens departure point is a short walk from the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Midday: Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées
11:30 AM – Shop on the Champs-Élysées – Take a quick Métro ride to the Arc de Triomphe where the Champs-Élysées begins. Enjoy some retail therapy during a stroll down this famous broad avenue packed with stores.
Getting There: Take Métro Line 6 from Bir-Hakeim station to Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station, which is where the Champs-Élysées begins.
Lunch suggestions near the Champs-Élysées:
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte – 15 Rue Marbeuf
- Famous for its steak-frites, this restaurant only serves one dish: a perfectly cooked steak with a secret sauce and unlimited fries, with a salad to start. And, if you’re still hungry after all that, they also serve dessert.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: No
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
- L’Avenue – 41 Avenue Montaigne
- Trendy spot with an outdoor terrace on Avenue Montaigne, just off the Champs-Élysées. Perfect for people-watching and enjoying classic French dishes. The tuna tartare is fantastic.
- Price Range: €€€
- Reservations: Recommended, but not required
- L’Avenue
- Chez André – 12 Rue Marbeuf
- A cozy, charming brasserie serving traditional French cuisine. Try the escargots and/or the coq au vin.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Chez André
Afternoon: Louvre Museum
2:00 PM – Louvre Museum – After lunch, make your way to the Louvre Museum, a can’t miss stop in any 3 day Paris itinerary. This iconic museum houses thousands of works of art, including a few you may have heard of – the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Purchase your skip-the-line tickets in advance here to maximize your time. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here; the Louvre is enormous, and there’s so much to see. Head to the Louvre website to download a map in advance and plan your route ahead of time if there are specific pieces of art you don’t want to miss.
Getting There: Take Métro Line 1 from Franklin D. Roosevelt station to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station.
Evening: Dinner in Montmartre and Sunset from Sacré-Coeur
5:30 PM – Head to Montmartre – Take the Métro to Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris and a can’t-miss neighborhood to explore during your 3 days in Paris. Montmartre was once home to famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, and the area still retains its creative spirit and oozes old school charm. Wander through the cobblestone streets, especially Rue de l’Aubrevoir, one of the most iconic locations in this neighborhood. Visit Place du Tertre, where local artists sell their paintings and offer to sketch your portrait.
Getting There: Take Line 7 from Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre to Le Peletier, walk about 4 minutes to the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Line 12 station and get off Line 12 at Abbesses.
Montmartre Dinner Options:
- Le Coq & Fils – 98 Rue Lepic
- Specializes in roasted poultry. The ambiance is cozy, and the food is excellent.
- Price Range: €€€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Le Coq & Fils
- La Maison Rose – 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir
- A picturesque restaurant perfect for a charming, oh-so-French dinner.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: Recommended
- La Maison Rose
- Le Refuge des Fondus – 17 Rue des Trois Frères
- For a fun, social, and certainly unique dining experience, try this fondue restaurant where seating is at long communal tables and your wine will be served in baby bottles.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: No
- Le Refuge des Fondus
Sunset – Sacré-Cœur Basilica – After dinner, head up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The basilica itself is beautiful, and the view from the steps looking out over the city is one of the best in Paris. Watch the sunset and enjoy the city lights coming to life. While generally safe, it’s a busy spot known for pickpockets so keep your belongings close to you at all times.
Getting There: Walk from your dinner spot in Montmartre to the Sacré-Cœur, or if you’re toast from a day of walking, the funiculaire Gare Basse is a great way to skip the 270 step climb. The funiculaire takes regular Métro tickets and is the same cost as a one way Métro ride
3 Day Paris Itinerary Day 2: Art and History
Morning: Musée d’Orsay and Latin Quarter
9:00 AM – Musée d’Orsay – Begin your day at the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station. This museum is home to an incredible collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. You can purchase your tickets here. You can see a good portion of the museum in two hours. Be sure to save time for the top floor Impressionist galleries and the outdoor terrace with excellent views over the city.
Getting There: Take Métro Line 12 to Solférino station or RER C to Musée d’Orsay station.
11:30 AM – Latin Quarter – Next, head to the Latin Quarter, a lively area with a rich history. Wander through the narrow streets and explore the charming bookshops and cafes.
Getting There: Take RER C to Saint-Michel station.
Latin Quarter Lunch Options:
- Le Petit Prince de Paris – 12 Rue de Lanneau
- A cozy bistro offering classic French dishes with a modern twist.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Le Petit Prince de Paris
- Le Procope – 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie
- Bouillon Racine – 3 Rue Racine
- A beautiful Art Nouveau restaurant with delicious and affordable French cuisine.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Bouillon Racine
Afternoon: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
2:00 PM – Notre-Dame Cathedral – Walk over to the Île de la Cité to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although the cathedral is still undergoing restoration, you can admire its stunning Gothic architecture from the outside and visit the nearby archeological crypt.
Getting There: Walk from the Latin Quarter to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
3:30 PM – Sainte-Chapelle – Just a short walk away is Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its magnificent stained glass windows. Purchase your tickets here in advance. The chapel is small, but the experience really is awe-inspiring.
Evening: A Classic Parisian Night Out
Nearby Dinner Options:
- Le Comptoir du Relais – 9 Carrefour de l’Odéon
- A beloved bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés with excellent seasonal French cuisine.
- Price Range: €€€
- Reservations: Not accepted, so there may be a wait.
- Le Comptoir du Relais
- Semilla – 54 Rue de Seine
- Modern French cuisine in a stylish setting. The menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients.
- Price Range: €€€
- Reservations: Required
- Semilla
- Fish La Boissonnerie – 69 Rue de Seine
- A fantastic seafood restaurant with a cozy, rustic ambiance.
- Price Range: €€€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Fish La Boissonnerie
After dinner – Stroll Along the Seine – After dinner, take an evening walk along the Seine. The city’s landmarks and bridges are beautifully illuminated at night, and it’s a magical experience.
Nightcap – Enjoy a Drink at Harry’s New York Bar – End your day with a drink at Harry’s New York Bar, one of the oldest cocktail bars in Paris. It’s a cozy spot with a rich history, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Getting There: Cross the Seine at Pont Neuf, take a quick ride on Métro Line 8 from Pont Neuf station to Opéra station.
3 Day Paris Itinerary Day 3: Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and a sparkling Sendoff
Morning: Museums in Le Marais
9:00 AM – Explore Le Marais – Start your final day in the trendy Le Marais district. Wander through the picturesque Place des Vosges and explore the many boutiques and cafes. Then take your pick of three different museum options:
Getting There: Take Métro Line 1 to Saint-Paul station.
11:00 AM – Picasso Museum – Visit the Picasso Museum, located in the beautiful Hôtel Salé. The museum houses an extensive collection of Picasso’s works, showcasing his evolution as an artist. You can purchase tickets here in advance.
OR
11:00AM – Musée Carnavalet – The free, recently fully renovated Musée Carnavalet, located in a beautiful Renaissance-era mansion, is a museum dedicated to the history of Paris, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts, paintings, and memorabilia that tell the story of the city from its earliest days to the present. Admission is free and does not require advance booking. Plan your visit and get more information here.
OR
11:00AM – Centre Pompidou – Visit the Centre Pompidou before it closes in 2025 for renovations. It’s a striking building known for its high-tech architecture and impressive collection of modern art. The exterior of the building, with its colorful pipes and exposed structural elements, is as much a part of the experience as the art inside. Inside, you’ll find works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp, among others. You can buy tickets here.
Lunch Options in Le Marais:
- L’As du Fallafel – 34 Rue des Rosiers
- Renowned for its falafel sandwiches, this casual spot is a staple in Le Marais. Some claim it is the best falafel they’ve ever had. While that’s a pretty high bar, I can say from personal experience the falafel is excellent.
- Price Range: €
- Reservations: Not accepted; there will likely be a line but it moves quickly.
- Breizh Café – 109 Rue Vieille du Temple
- Offers a variety of traditional sweet and savory crêpes and galettes made from scratch. The caramel au beurre salé crepe with banana is my favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Breizh Café
- Chez Janou – 2 Rue Roger Verlomme
- A charming, cozy bistro specializing in delicious Provençal cuisine and also known for its extensive pastis selection.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Chez Janou
Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
2:00 PM – Luxembourg Gardens – After lunch, head to the Luxembourg Gardens for a relaxing afternoon in the park. Stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, grab a chair or bench, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. It’s a wonderful spot to unwind, people watch, and soak in the Parisian lifestyle.
Getting There: Take Métro Line 4 to Saint-Sulpice station and walk to the gardens.
4:00 PM – Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Next, explore the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. This area is known for its literary history and vibrant cafe culture. Explore the charming streets, visit local bookstores, and enjoy a coffee at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, both are iconic Parisian cafes.
Getting There: Walk north from Luxembourg Gardens through Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Evening: Farewell Dinner and Eiffel Tower Light Show
Dinner Options in Saint-Germain:
- Le Christine – 1 Rue Christine
- A highly regarded restaurant in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with exceptional French cuisine focused on local, seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting.
- Price Range: €€€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Le Christine
- Restaurant Allard – 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts
- A charming French bistro with a cozy atmosphere, serving delicious French cuisine.
- Price Range: €€€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Restaurant Allard
- Les Antiquaires – 13 Rue du Bac
- Also a charming French bistro with a cozy atmosphere, serving delicious French cuisine.
- Price Range: €€
- Reservations: Recommended
- Les Antiquaires
9:00 PM – Eiffel Tower Light Show – End your Parisian adventure with the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling light show. Every hour on the hour after sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes, which is simply magical and I never get tired of seeing it. It’s really a perfect way to end your 3 day Paris itinerary. Head to either Champ de Mars or to Trocadero on the opposite side of the Seine for some of the best, classic views (and excellent photo ops!).
Getting There: For Champ de Mars, take Métro Line 10 from the Odéon or Mabillon stations to La Motte-Picquet Grenelle. For Trocadero, take Métro Line 4 from the Saint-Michel or Saint-Germain-des-Prés stop to Raspail, transfer to Line 6 and ride Line 6 to Trocadero station.
Final Thoughts
Paris is a city that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. From iconic landmarks to charming neighborhoods and epic food and wine, there’s something for everyone in this magical city. Whether you’re marveling at the Eiffel Tower, exploring world-class museums, or simply enjoying a café au lait at a classic Parisian cafe, every moment in Paris is a memory in the making. I genuinely can’t wait for you to experience the beauty and charm of Paris for yourself – it’s one of my favorite places on earth!
There you have it, a perfect 3 day Paris itinerary for your very first visit to the city. For more travel tips and advice to help you plan your Paris vacation, check out my Ultimate Paris Travel Guide!