If you’re looking to plan the perfect 3-day Paris itinerary, then you’ve come to the right place!

Paris is one of the most magical cities that we have visited. It’s the type of city that people either love or hate. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most romantic cities in Europe. We spent a few days there and absolutely fell in love with the city! Spending 3 days in Paris leaves you with enough time to get to know the city and see a bit more than just the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re visiting Paris and thinking ‘3 days in Paris, what to see?’ then you’ve certainly come to the right place!

Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night and enjoying a croissant and coffee from a French patisserie is truly a magical experience. Although you can’t see everything in 3 days, you can still see a great combination of top attractions combined with exploring some of the wonderful local areas.

No matter your budget, you really can’t go wrong with 3 days in Paris!

If you don’t have 3 days in Paris, 2 full days is the minimum that we recommend to spend in Paris. You won’t be able to see and do it all, but you will be able to see the main spots in 2 days. So, if you’re wondering what to see and do in Paris in 3 days then you’re in the right place.

3 days in Paris, what to see

Where to stay In Paris

Despite being such a popular city Paris isn’t actually that big. Whilst there’s no right answer regarding where to stay, there is an area that’s perfect for everyone. Whether you want to see the big attractions, live like a local or immerse yourself in French culture there is a place to stay in Paris for everyone that is perfect for your Paris 3-day itinerary.

If you love a village feel then Montmartre is where you should stay in Paris. It’s the perfect spot to stay during your 3 day itinerary in Paris France.

We recommend:
Hôtel des Arts Montmartre
Le Relais Montmartre

One of the best spots to stay in Montmartre is Mom’Art Hotel. This place is a short walk from both the Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge.

A family-run boutique hotel, it has rooms with individual decor. Being here allows you to live like a local in Paris. You can book the hotel here.

Some other options if you’re wondering Where to stay In Paris then our favourites include:

Best Budget Hotel – Wit Hotel
Best Hostel – St Christopher’s Inn Paris
Best centrally located hostel – St Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord
Hotel with the best view of the Eiffel Tower – Hôtel Plaza Athénée – Dorchester Collection

We stayed at St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Gare du Nord and whilst it is a hostel it does also have private rooms. The location is unbeatable, especially if you are getting the train in and out of Paris as it it located right opposite Paris Gare du Nord. The hostel also includes breakfast with prices starting from £37 for a dorm room or £107 for a private room.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

You know the saying – Paris is always a good idea! There really isn’t a bad time to visit Paris.

Springtime between April – May is a wonderful time to visit Paris. The flowers are in bloom, it’s not too busy or too hot and the prices are lower than they are peak summer or around Christmas time. September to October is also one of the best times to visit Paris. The leaves will be turning orange and red and the whole city will be stunning.

The beginning of Autumn (September and October) is also a wonderful time to to visit Paris for those looking to travel in the offseason. The weather will still be wonderful during these months and crowds will of died down after the summer rush.

Summer is certainly the tourist season. But, with that said, it is popular for a reason and Paris truly is wonderful during the hot summer months, despite the crowds. There is a wonderful atmosphere and the city truly does come alive with events like Paris Plage (where they turn the banks of the Seine into a beach).

During our trip we actually visited during winter, just before christmas. Whilst it was crisp and cold Paris was truly beautiful. Plus, the Christmas markets just made it all the more magical. Some of our favorite Christmas markets are Le Village de Noel at Les Halles and Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Christmas Market, Marche de Noel at St. Germain du Pres, and Hotel de Ville Market. The city might not have as impressive Christmas Markets as its neighbours like Germany but, the Paris ones still had a certain charm to them. Plus, there’s not much better than enjoying a Vin Chaud and a French Onion Soup whilst admiring views of the Eiffel Tower.

Getting to and around Paris

If you’re wondering how to get to Paris for your 3 days in Paris, luckily, it’s very easy to travel to from The UK, especially London. The two cities are approximately 260 miles apart and very well connected. You can be in Pairs in as little as 2 hours 15 minutes thanks to the euro tunnel and quick, convenient flight routes.

The top 4 main options to travel from the UK to Paris are:

– Getting a flight
– Travelling via the Eurostar
– Driving from Dover, UK to France
– Taking a coach/bus from London to Paris

The Eurostar train service takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes to travel from London to Paris. It is the quickest way to travel between the two cities and in our opinions, the best. The Eurostar leaves London St Pancras Int’l and arrives into Paris Gare du Nord which is why we love it so much, especially for Paris in three days as you arrive straight into the city and don’t have to worry about travelling from the airport. It is, however, one of the more expensive options. If you keep an eye on The Eurostar then you can sometimes get a ticket for £39 one way. Plus, you get up to 2 large suitcases so don’t have to worry about adding that one.

If you prefer to have your own car or if you plan on visiting other spots whilst you are in France then driving might be a good option. However, if this is the one that you want to opt for then bare in mind that parking in Paris can be difficult and expensive. The drive from London to Paris takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes via the Eurotunnel. On average, the cost can range from £150 to £350 for a round trip, including fuel and tolls.

With potential to be the cheapest option you can easily fly from London (or most other UK airports) to Paris. The flight takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and if you are lucky then you can get return trips for as little as £20 with budget flight providers such as Ryanair. Flights into Paris land into Charles de Gaulle Airport. From here you have a range of transport options to travel into Paris centre including train, bus, taxi or hire car.

There are many coach companies that run a service between London and Paris. The journey takes approximately 9 hours 30 minutes so it is the longest route. However, it is also usually the cheapest. If you are visiting Paris on a budget then getting a bus to the city of love might be the best option. Most of the buses offer overnight options so you don’t lose a whole day in Paris. You can check the bus/coach times using BusBud here.

Travelling around Paris

Travelling around Paris couldn’t be easier. In our opinions, the best way to see a city is to walk around it.

However, as you only have 3 days in Paris, you might not see all of it if you only walk around the city of love. Luckily, The Métro has a network of 16 lines. This connects every corner of the city, making it easy to hop from one iconic landmark to another. If you’re looking for a more scenic journey, the RER trains offer express routes to destinations beyond the city limits. Taking a bike around the city is also a great way to explore the city of Paris.

RATP (Régie Autonome des Transport Parisiens) is the name of the entire transport system, which includes trains, the metro, trams, and buses. It’s all really easy to use and far cheaper than getting taxis around the city!

A single-use metro/bus ticket costs €1.90 if you purchase it beforehand or €2 if you buy it on the bus. A “carnet” of 10 single-use tickets costs €16.90. You can get a one-day to five-day pass (a Paris Visite) for all modes of public transport (RATP) for between €13.20-42.20. It also gives you discounts to some major Parisian landmarks. You can buy your tickets at any metro station before getting on the bus/train.

We use Google Maps in pretty much every city that we have been to and Paris was no different! We highly recommend downloading it for your trip. It has all the public transportation schedules built in. Just enter your location and where you need to go, and it’ll show you the different options for getting there, including the easiest and the fastest route. You can also download ‘offline maps’ if you’re low on data. You won’t be able to search things but, it will help you to understand where you are and which direction you are going in.

You can also purchase the Paris Visite pass for your trip. It is a card you can pre-load that includes all public transport for the city. We both love walking and find it one of the best parts of exploring a new city, so we didn’t do this. However, if (when) we were to return again and if we have specific areas that we want to visit then we would be highly inclined to purchase it.

If you rely solely on taxis in Paris then you will end up spending A LOT of money. They’re also not the quickest way to get around and because of the traffic you can end up wasting a lot of your precious three days in Paris sat in traffic. We really don’t recommend using them unless you have to.

3 Days in Paris, France The Perfect 3 Day Paris Itinerary

So, let’s get to it! If you’re wondering what to see during three days in Paris – well prepare for a long weekend jam-packed full of wonderful sights, views, history and delicious food! Here’s the ultimate guide for 3 days in Paris to help you plan and see the best of the beautiful city of love!

Hopefully, you have arrived in Paris nice and early for your first day. Start your morning, by walking through Champ de Mars and past the Grand Palais Éphémère to Kozy Bosquet for a well-deserved brunch.

One day in Paris

Take a trip to the Eiffel Tower

After brunch head to the main event of Paris: the Eiffel Tower! You can’t visit Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Spend your first afternoon walking through the Trocadéro Gardens to climb the Eiffel Tower. There are three viewpoints on the Eiffel Tower: the 1st floor, the 2nd floor, and the summit.

The best view over Paris can be found on the 2nd floor. You can either choose to walk up the stairs (674 steps) or take the lift up. Book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance as the queues can be very long, especially in peak summer periods.

The Eiffel Tower opens at 9:00 am in summer and at 9:30 am in winter. Entrance costs – €11.30 (with stairs), and €28.30 (with lift). From the top, you’ll have incredible views over Paris and the surrounding areas of France.

Visit the Louvre

If you only have 3 days in Paris then you simply cannot miss visiting the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa. Its signature glass pyramid makes it a gorgeous sight to see from both the inside and the outside. If you don’t plan on going inside the Louvre then just visit the area to see it from the outside, it’s a really beautiful spot with incredible historic surrounding buildings with cafes and restaurants beneath them where you can grab a coffee and pasty and soak up the atmosphere.

If you also have time after visiting the Louvre, then follow the exit signs for the Jardin de Tuileries. This is a gorgeous garden right outside the grounds of the Louvre.

You can grab a quick bite to eat from one of the vendors in the park or just sit and take a moment to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Take a moment to relax during your 3 days in Paris France.

Entrance to the Louvre costs €17. But, If your day 1 in Paris is a Friday then head to the Louvre after 6 p.m., and you get in for free! It’s a great way to save money as long as you don’t mind waiting in line.

Admire the Arc de Triomphe – a must-see during your 3 days in Paris

Next, catch the Line 1 subway to the Arc de Triomphe. This takes 20 min and costs €2. The Arc de Triomphe is absolutely gorgeous and well worth a visit (Paris really does have incredible architecture!) You can either opt to go inside or just admire it from the outside. The 

Arc de Triomphe costs €16 to go inside and is open between 10 am – 11pm every day.

 Watch the sunset from Galeries Lafayette Rooftop

Galeries Lafayette Rooftop has one of the most breathtaking views of the capital, from the Eiffel Tower to the Montmartre district and the beauty of the city’s rooftops all spread out in front of you. This spot is a must if you want wonderful city views. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset and finish your first day in Paris. Watch the sun dip behind the Eiffel Tower

The terrace is open between 10 am to 8 pm every day.

Day 2 of your 3 days in Paris itinerary

Spend the day exploring the area of Montmartre

Start the day off by heading to the beautiful area of Montmartre. It’s the perfect place to spend the morning and it actually feels completely different from the rest of Paris. Montmartre can be found on the north edge of the city centre, the name Montmartre comes from Mons Maris, or Mount of Mars, and refers to the hill at the centre of the neighbourhood.

Montmartre was our favourite area of Paris so it is well worth spending a morning here exploring the beautiful area. Spend your morning exploring the gorgeous little streets here with a coffee and pain au chocolat whilst soaking up the atmosphere and watching the artists get to work.

The Basilica

After you’ve enjoyed your coffee, visit the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Perched on top of the hill, you’ll find one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris). Thanks to its hilltop location, the beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart is visible across Paris and is one of its most famous landmarks. This also means that from it you’ll have wonderful views across Paris. It can get busy here later in the day, so if you want to visit without so many crowds, we recommend getting here in the morning.

The Basilica is open daily from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm and admission is free.

To the west of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica lies the lively Place du Tertre. This little cobblestoned square is the beating heart of Montmartre and is truly one of the most wonderful spots in the city and should be included in any Paris three-day itinerary. You can feel the rich artistic history in Montmartre’s Place du Tertre. This square, just a few blocks from Sacré Coeur, is packed with artists painting and selling scenes of Paris. There is a staggering 10-year waiting list for artists to be able to paint here, it’s that popular!

Interesting fact: The Chez la Mère Catherine (currently La Mère Catherine) brasserie on Place du Tertre is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris, established in 1793. It is believed to be the birthplace of the term ‘bistro’.

Visit Square Louise Michel

Established in 1927, this popular terraced garden in front of the Sacre Coeur Basilica is a great place to sit and enjoy the city views and soak up the ambience. Square Louise Michel is built on a slope and has a monumental staircase leading up toward the basilica. There are often street artists here performing making it a wonderful place to spend some time.

If you don’t fancy climbing the stairs to the top then you can also take the Montmartre funicular to the top. You can simply use your metro ticket for this to reach the top of the hill.

Visit the Moulin Rouge

Technically still in Montmartre, no visit would be complete without catching a glimpse of the iconic Moulin Rouge, located on the southwestern side of the neighbourhood, at the bottom of the hill. This famous Parisian cabaret with a red windmill on its roof is one of the most famous spots in Paris.

The original Moulin Rouge venue was built in 1889 and was opened by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, the owners of the Paris Olympia. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1915 and rebuilt and reopened in 1921.

The Cabaret’s biggest claim to fame is its status as the birthplace of the French Cancan – a dance that was considered rather scandalous at the time!

You can still see the cancan performed there today with a meal or glass of champagne. It is very much a tourist attraction and the prices are expensive, however, it’s well worth a visit to see the turn-of-the-century decor, colourful costumes, and dazzling shows. It is really high on our bucket lists to do – we’ll report back once we have watched it!

PRO TIP: Book your tickets for the Moulin Rouge show well in advance! This is a very popular attraction and the shows sell out all the time.

Some other spots to not miss in Montmartre include:

– La Maison Rose
– Le Consulat
– The Staircases of Montmartre
– Wall of Love

Sunset Seine River Cruise

Finish off your second day out of your 3 days in Paris with a sunset Seince River cruise. Paris has plenty of different cruises on offer from 1-hour trips with audio commentary to all-inclusive dinner cruises. There’s one to suit everyone and it really is a wonderful end to your second day in Paris.

The boat cruises along the Seine, first south towards Notre Dame and the Louvre. If you book the sunset Seine River Cruise then you’ll then be graced with a wonderful orange sky as the sunsets. The boat is then timed perfectly so that the Eiffel Tower is right in front of you just as it is about to light up and sparkle. A truly magical experience.

The boat docks back around 10:30pm-11:00pm.

Day 3 in Paris

Whilst wondering what to do in Paris, France in 3 days? You have 2 options for your day 3 in Paris depending on what interests you have. Either spend the day visiting some museums or leave the city and visit The City of Versailles.

Spend your day exploring the museums of Paris

Paris has so many museums and art galleries to explore you could easily spend your whole 3 days in Paris just exploring them. If you have the time then we recommend spending at least 1 day in Paris admiring the art and history of the city. Here are some that we recommend:

Visit Musée de l’Orangerie

Musée de l’Orangerie is in the south-west corner of the Jardin Des Tuileries. Nestled in Paris’ Tuileries Gardens, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a treasure trove of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Home to iconic works by Monet, Cézanne, and Picasso, its highlight is Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies series. Beyond Monet, the museum has a diverse collection spanning Renoir to Modigliani.

Expect to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here. Tickets cost €12.50 and can be booked beforehand here.

Musée d’Orsay

Nestled in a former railway station along the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay showcases an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Home to works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas, its highlights include Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” and Degas’ captivating ballet dancers.

With its convenient location near the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to explore its galleries. Tickets cost €14.00 and can be booked beforehand here.

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is renowned for its avant-garde collections of modern and contemporary art. From Picasso to Kandinsky, its galleries showcase groundbreaking works that challenge conventions and inspire creativity. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace, and the museum’s location in the vibrant Marais district makes it a perfect stop for art lovers exploring Paris.

Expect to spend around 2 to 3 hours here appreciating its innovative exhibitions. The entrance costs €15 and you can book your tickets in advance here.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Located in a wing of the famous Louvre, this museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of decorative arts, including various periods from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Plus, wonderful pieces showcasing Art Nouveau, and Art Deco.

The vintage haute couture outfits of the iconic French designers shouldn’t be missed if you’re visiting!

To visit you have to purchase tickets for a specific exhibition with tickets costing around €15.

A day trip to Versailles

Versailles is a royal chateau located on the outskirts of Paris. In 1682, King Louis XIV moved the Royal Court from the Louvre to the Palace of Versailles. For a little more than 100 years, this was the seat of government for France. That ended in 1789 with the French Revolution. The Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors, ending World War I. When considering what to do in Paris for 3 days if you find yourself having some spare time then we recommend visiting Versailles and exploring the palace and grounds.

How to get from Paris to Versailles

To get from Paris to Versailles you can take the RER C train line, which directly connects central Paris to Versailles. You can hop on the train from stations such as Saint-Michel or Invalides, the RER C train which typically takes around 30-40 minutes. You can also opt for the bus. The RATP bus line 171, offers a direct route from Paris to Versailles

Once you arrive at the Versailles Train Station (River-Gauche), just follow the crowds! Nearly everyone will be headed to the same place. There is a small little town outside the palace with shops where you can grab some snacks for the day.

You can easily spend a day in Versailles the gardens and the palace are both beautiful. There’s so much to see and do and an organised tour can be a great way to really get a feel for the place and learn about the history. If you prefer to book your tickets online first then you can do that here.

Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle

If you have time and if you didn’t already catch it during the Sunset Seine River Cruise then end your 3 days in Paris watching the Eiffel Tower. It’s truly wonderful experience and one that is the perfect way to end any time in Paris. The Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour, every hour as soon as it gets dark with the last time it lights up being at 11pm. Then, on the first hour after dusk (9:00pm, 10:00pm, etc.) the Tower sparkles for 5 minutes, so don’t miss it!

If you can then we recommend arriving around an hour before sunset so you can see the Eiffel Tower in various stages: golden hour, sunset, blue hour etc.

Remember the time of sunset will depend on what time of year you are visiting!

The Paris Pass – Is it worth it?

You might of heard of The Paris Pass previously, but, if you haven’t it is a Paris city pass that includes all of the attractions in Paris for an unlimited amount of time. It is a great way to visit Paris without having to book individual attractions and wait in line. However, it might not be the one for you if you are spending 3 days in Paris, France on a budget. The Paris Pass offers 2, 3, 4 or 6 day passes and includes attractions such as the Eiffel Tower Guided Climb, Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off 1-Day Tour, entrance to the Louvre Museum and even Champagne Gourmand in Montmartre.

With tickets costing €214.00 for Paris in three days it’s not a cheap option. However, if you make the most of all that it offers then it can be a really great way to have all of your trip organised for you without having to worry about booking tickets. The Paris Pass is certainly worth it IF you make the most of the pass and utilise all of the attractions that it offers.

The Museum Pass

An alternative to those interested in seeing as many museums and monuments as you can while in the city, the Paris Museum Pass is for you. It is much cheaper than The Paris Pass and might be better if you looking to enjoy your 3 days in Paris on a budget, with prices starting from €62.00 and provides you with access to over 50 museums and monuments.

Conclusion on what to do in Paris France in 3 days

We really hope that you’ve enjoyed our 3 day Paris itinerary! We hope that this guide helps you plan your trip. In our opinions, 3 days in Paris is the perfect amount of time to see the best parts of the city and to get a feel for this wonderful city that we absolutely love.

If you only have 2 days, I would cut out the trip to Versailles and focus on the main parts of the city, if you only have 1 day in Paris then prioritise the classic spots such as the Eiffel Tower and start planning your trip back!

Tips to help you enjoy your time in Paris and to save some money

Learn a little French

Speaking a little of the local language always helps when in a different country and Paris is no exception. The locals might speak English but, this doesn’t mean that they don’t appreciate if you throw in some French words. Try and learn the basics such as ‘Hello’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Please’ and your favourite drink and food order. At a bare minimum, say bonjour when walking into a restaurant or shop and bonsoir if it’s the evening.

Plan your itinerary according to Museum closures

When planning what to do in Paris in three days it’s worth noting that several museums close on either Monday or Tuesday. You may need to adjust the order of your trip if you will be in Paris on a Monday or Tuesday.

CLOSED ON MONDAY:

• Musee d’Orsay
• Versailles
• Musee Rodin

CLOSED ON TUESDAY:

• Louvre
• Musee de l’Orangerie
• Pompidou Centre

It is also worth noting that places that are closed on Monday will have larger than normal crowds on the Sunday and Tuesday. Places that are closed on Tuesday will have larger crowds on Monday and Wednesday. If visiting the Museum’s in Paris is high on your to-do list then it is worth noting this when planning what to do in Paris in 3 days.

All national museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

If you’re visiting Paris on a budget then this is something to make note of to keep the cost of your trip down. Just be aware of potentially large crowds and long lines.

Leave some time to just wander

The streets of Paris are beautiful and so charming if you only get public transport or take taxis everywhere then you will miss out on this part of Paris. Most landmarks in Paris can be found in the city center, making it the perfect place to wander around and never get bored.

Watch out for pickpockets

Paris is a relatively safe city and your chances of being a victim of violent crime are very low. However, just like most other large cities pickpockets can be quite common. Pickpockets in Paris are known for their creativity so just make sure that you take every measure that you can to prevent them such as using a money belt, not showing off your phone/ money and keeping your passport at your hotel.

Enjoy lunch out instead of dinner

One of the easiest ways to save money whilst visiting Paris is to eat out at lunch instead of dinner time. Most restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu for around €10-€20, which is much less than it would cost you to eat the same meal during dinner.

Enjoy a free walking tour 

A walking tour is a great way to get to know a new city. They help you get your bearings, will advise you on the best places to eat and things to do! The best thing about the walking tours? They’re free! Just remember to tip them at the end.