Paris Itinerary 3 Days – Perfect Plan for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Below you’ll find a day-by-day breakdown, practical tips on transportation and tickets, suggested time slots, hotel and flight booking links (you can replace them with your own affiliate links), and a helpful FAQ section. The itinerary works well all year round and can be easily adapted to your travel style.

Before you start planning, it’s useful to read these main Paris guides:

• Complete Travel Guide to Paris 2026
• Best Time to Visit Paris (2026)
• How to Get Around Paris (Metro, Buses, Tickets & Tips)

How This Paris 3 Day Itinerary Works (For First-Time Visitors)

Paris 3 Day Itinerary Overview

This itinerary assumes you’ll arrive in Paris the day before or early on Day 1 and leave in the evening of Day 3 or the following morning. It focuses on the most important areas for first-timers:

• Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
• Day 2: Louvre Museum, Tuileries, Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter
• Day 3: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur & classic Paris viewpoints

The route is designed to minimize commuting while maximizing time spent exploring. You’ll rely mainly on the Metro and walking. For detailed transport advice and ticket options, see your guide on getting around Paris.

Overview Table: 3-Day Paris Itinerary

If you follow this Paris 3 Day Itinerary, you’ll save time and avoid unnecessary travel.

Where to Stay for This 3-Day Itinerary

For a short first visit, it’s best to stay in a central, well-connected area so you don’t waste time commuting. Consider neighborhoods like:

• 1st Arrondissement (near the Louvre) – central and convenient
• Latin Quarter (5th) – lively and historic
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) – elegant and charming
• Near the Eiffel Tower (7th) – postcard views and calm streets

For a detailed breakdown of each area, pros and cons, and hotel suggestions, see your dedicated guide:
Where to Stay in Paris (2026): Best Areas & Neighborhood Guide.

Hotel booking link (placeholder):
Find the best hotel deals in Paris here

Tickets, Passes & Practical Bookings

Transport Pass Suggestions

For three days in Paris, consider one of these options depending on your travel style:

For in-depth explanations of each option, zones, and how to buy tickets from machines, refer back to your Paris transportation guide.

Skip-the-Line & Activity Bookings (Placeholders)

• Eiffel Tower guided tour / priority access: Book Eiffel Tower experiences here
• Louvre Museum timed-entry ticket: Reserve Louvre tickets and tours
• Seine River cruise: Find Seine cruises here

Flights & eSIM (Placeholders)

• Flights to Paris: Compare flight prices to Paris
• Travel eSIM for France: Buy an eSIM for Paris with data

Day 1 of Your Paris 3 Day Itinerary: Eiffel Tower, Seine & Champs-Élyséess

Theme of the day: Iconic Paris views and “postcard” moments.

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro

Suggested time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

1. Start early near Trocadéro for one of the best open views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s perfect for photos before the crowds arrive.
2. Walk down from Trocadéro gardens toward the Seine River, crossing the Pont d’Iéna to reach the base of the tower.
3. If you’ve booked a ticket or guided tour, allow at least 2–3 hours for security, elevators, and time at the top.

Pro Tip: Always book your Eiffel Tower entrance in advance to avoid long lines. Same-day tickets often sell out during high season.

Lunch: Near the Eiffel Tower

After your visit, choose one of the nearby cafés or casual restaurants in the 7th arrondissement. Look for places on quieter side streets a bit away from the tower for better prices and a calmer atmosphere.

Afternoon: Seine Walk & Optional Cruise

Suggested time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

From the Eiffel Tower, follow the river east toward Pont Alexandre III and the Invalides area. This walk gives you classic bridges, river views, and plenty of photo stops.

If you want to add a relaxing activity, this is the perfect time for a Seine River cruise. Many 1-hour cruises depart near the Eiffel Tower and give a great introduction to the city’s landmarks from the water.

Late Afternoon & Evening: Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Suggested time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

1. Take the Metro to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile for the Arc de Triomphe.
2. Climb to the top (ticket required) for a fantastic sunset view of the city, including the Eiffel Tower aligned with the Champs-Élysées.
3. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, lined with shops and cafés.

End your first day with a relaxed dinner near the avenue or in a quieter nearby street in the 8th arrondissement.

Day 2 of the Paris 3-Day Itinerary: Louvre & Historic Paris

Theme of the day: Art, history, and classic river-side Paris.

Morning: Louvre Museum

Suggested time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The Louvre is one of the world’s largest and most important museums, and it can easily take a full day. For a 3-day trip, it’s best to focus on a few sections and not try to see everything.

• Arrive with a timed ticket to minimize waiting.
• Prioritize the areas you’re most interested in (Italian Renaissance, Egyptian Antiquities, etc.).
• Allow time to see highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, but don’t rush through the rest of the museum.

If you need official information on exhibitions, opening hours, and current updates, you can check the
Louvre’s official website.

You can also read your article on
top things to do in Paris,
where the Louvre usually appears among the must-see sights.

Early Afternoon: Tuileries Garden & Rue de Rivoli

Suggested time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

When you leave the Louvre, walk into the Tuileries Garden. Grab a quick lunch from a nearby café or bakery and enjoy it on one of the park’s green chairs around the ponds.

Afterwards, stroll along Rue de Rivoli, which offers shopping arcades, souvenir shops, and easy access to several Metro lines.

Late Afternoon: Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Area

Suggested time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM

• Walk or take the Metro toward Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris.
• Admire the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral and check the latest information on restoration and access; the area is still beautiful even when parts are under renovation.
• Explore nearby sights such as the Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning stained glass.

Evening: Latin Quarter & Seine at Night

Suggested time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Cross the river into the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement, one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Paris. It’s filled with small streets, bookshops, cafés, and restaurants catering to both students and visitors.

After dinner, you can:

• Walk along the Seine to see the city lights.
• Browse the famous riverside bookstalls (bouquinistes).
• Enjoy relaxed views of illuminated monuments without needing to rush.

Day 3 in Your Paris 3 Day Itinerary: Montmartre & Viewpoints

Theme of the day: Artistic hilltop village vibes and panoramic city views.

Morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Suggested time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Take the Metro to Anvers or Abbesses, then walk up through the winding streets to reach the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. From the steps, you’ll get one of the best free views of Paris.

• Visit the inside of the basilica (entry to the church is usually free; the dome may require a ticket).
• Explore the famous Place du Tertre, where artists display their work and offer portraits.
• Wander through Montmartre’s quieter backstreets to see the remaining village atmosphere and small squares.

Lunch & Early Afternoon: Exploring Montmartre

Have lunch in Montmartre, then continue exploring:

• Seek out less crowded viewpoints over the city.
• Discover small local shops and bakeries.
• Take photos of picturesque streets and staircases.

Optional Afternoon Ideas

Suggested time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Depending on your departure time and energy levels, you can:

• Return to a favorite area from earlier days for more time.
• Visit a smaller museum (for example, the Orsay or Orangerie) if you enjoy art and still have the energy.
• Do some last-minute shopping in central Paris.

If you’re flying home the same evening, make sure to leave enough time to pick up luggage and travel to the airport. Always check the latest airport transfer options and schedules.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Best Time to Follow This Itinerary

You can follow this 3-day plan at any time of year, but your experience will feel different in each season. For detailed month-by-month advice on weather, crowds, and what to pack, see:
Best Time to Visit Paris (2026).

2. Safety & Common Scams

• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Be cautious of anyone trying to distract you, ask you to sign something, or tie bracelets on your wrist near tourist sites.
• Use ATMs inside banks when possible and avoid showing large amounts of cash.

3. Money & Cards

Most places accept credit and debit cards, including contactless payments. Still, it’s useful to have a small amount of cash for bakeries, markets, or small local shops.

4. Getting from the Airport

Paris has several main airports. Always verify your arrival airport and choose your transport accordingly:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG): RER B train, airport buses, or pre-booked shuttles.
• Orly (ORY): Orlyval + RER B, tram + Metro, or shuttle services.

Airport transfer booking (placeholder):
Book an airport transfer in advance

5. Packing Basics for 3 Days in Paris

• Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk a lot).
• Layered clothing to adapt to changing weather.
• Compact umbrella or light rain jacket outside summer months.
• Portable power bank for your phone (maps, tickets, photos).
• Copy of your important documents stored in the cloud.

Paris Itinerary 3 Days – FAQ

Is 3 days enough to see Paris?

Three days are not enough to see everything Paris offers, but they are sufficient for a strong first impression. With a smart itinerary, you’ll visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine, Montmartre, and several key neighborhoods without feeling overwhelmed.

Should I buy museum passes or individual tickets?

If you plan to visit several major museums and monuments in a short period, a city or museum pass may save money and time. However, for this 3-day itinerary, many travelers prefer booking individual skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to keep the schedule flexible.

Where is the best area to stay for this itinerary?

Staying in the 1st, 5th, 6th, or 7th arrondissement helps you stay close to most stops on this itinerary and reduces daily commuting. For pros and cons of each neighborhood, read your detailed guide:
Where to Stay in Paris (2026).

Do I need to speak French?

You can absolutely enjoy this 3-day plan with only basic French. Many people in central Paris speak some English. Still, learning a few phrases such as “Bonjour,” “S’il vous plaît,” and “Merci” is appreciated and makes interactions smoother.

Is public transport safe at night?

The Metro and buses are generally safe, especially along main lines and central areas. However, as in any big city, it’s wise to avoid empty carriages late at night, keep valuables out of sight, and follow local advice. If you feel uncomfortable, consider using a licensed taxi or a ride-hailing app.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your 3 Days in Paris

A short trip to Paris doesn’t have to feel rushed. By organizing your days around specific areas and booking key tickets in advance, you can see the city’s highlights while still enjoying time to sit in a café, watch the streets, and soak up the atmosphere.

Use this Paris 3 Day Itinerary as a flexible framework. Swap activities between days, add extra museums, or slow the pace if you prefer. For more inspiration, don’t forget to check your:

• Complete Travel Guide to Paris 2026
• Top 20 Things to Do in Paris – A Complete Traveler’s Guide (2026)

With a solid plan, comfortable shoes, and a bit of curiosity, your first 3 days in Paris can turn into a trip you’ll always remember.