3 Days in Paris Itinerary

with Top Sights Hidden Gems and Travel Tips

Paris simply has that magical appeal. Even if you only have three days, this city steeped in history, culture, fashion, and delicious food can completely enchant you. With this little guide, you can see the classics, do a little shopping, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and still have enough time for relaxation. Of course, you can mix and match the days according to your preferences and opening hours, but this will give you a really nice overview of the city.

Day 1

After arriving, it’s worth exploring your neighborhood first. Paris comes alive in its streets, small cafés, and bakeries. Grab a croissant, a macaron or a coffee and stroll through the streets, or head straight to one of the many gardens in Paris to enjoy your sweets there.
The Jardin Luxembourg is one of the many parks in Paris that invites you to linger. The flower beds, fountains, and old trees immediately give you that typical Parisian feeling. From there, you can easily walk to Notre Dame Cathedral (or take public transportation, of course). The cathedral is open until 7.00 or 7.30 p.m. We arrived there around 6 p.m. and were able to go straight in without waiting. Admission is free. To the opening times
Afterwards, you can head to the Eiffel Tower to watch the sunset and later experience the Eiffel Tower at night. The lights sparkling over the city are simply unforgettable and a perfect end to the first day.

Day 2

On your first morning, take advantage of the energy of a new city and go on an excursion. How about a shopping trip to La Vallée Village, a designer outlet near Disneyland, or a half-day trip to the Palace of Versailles?
In the afternoon, continue on to Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur. From there, you can enjoy the beautiful view over Paris, stroll through the charming alleys, and discover small boutiques. After a short walk, you’ll reach the big department stores such as Galeries Lafayette or Printemps Haussmann. Even if it’s a bit expensive for shopping, you can easily enjoy the stunning rooftop views for free.
In the evening, you can visit the Louvre. In my experience, it’s less crowded in the evening and we were even able to walk straight to the Mona Lisa without queuing. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre is open until 9 p.m., but it is closed on Tuesdays. To the complete opening hours

Day 3

The last day starts early in the morning with sunrise at Place du Trocadero behind the Eiffel Tower. You won’t forget this view anytime soon. Avenue Georges Pompidou also offers a great view of the sunrise, including the Eiffel Tower.

Then it’s on to the Arc de Triomphe, where you can take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées, perhaps with a little shopping thrown in.

In the afternoon, you can write a letter to your future self in the charming atmosphere of Cafe Pli, which you will receive in 1, 5, or 20 years. You can linger a while at the Canal Saint Martin and enjoy the sunshine before a relaxing Seine River Cruise offers the perfect opportunity to experience Paris from the water.

Then, unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye and start your journey home.

Tips for your Paris trip

Plan activities early in the morning or in the evening to avoid large crowds, for example, visit the Eiffel Tower early in the morning or the Louvre and Notre Dame in the evening.
Be sure to try delicious French dishes such as macarons or croque monsieur in one of the many small bakeries.
Take the bus instead of the metro. It may take a little longer, but you can see the city at the same time.
If you have time, it’s also worth visiting the Atelier des Lumières. The changing themes and impressive projections are a real highlight.