3-Day Paris Itinerary + Best Things to Do
This itinerary captures the essence of Paris through its most magnificent landmarks and most beloved neighborhoods. From the world's greatest art collections at the Louvre to the bohemian cobblestone streets of Montmartre, you'll experience both the grand monuments that define the city and the intimate bistros and hidden passages where Parisians actually live.
- Day 1: Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower
- Day 2: Musée d'Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Day 3: Montmartre, Le Marais
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Paris
Morning
Start your Parisian adventure at the world's most visited museum. The Louvre Museum opens at 9 AM, and you'll want every minute to tackle this labyrinthine treasure house without feeling completely overwhelmed by its 35,000 artworks.
• Louvre Museum — Book timed entry tickets online in advance (€17 for non-EU visitors); allow 3-4 hours minimum; closed Tuesdays
Afternoon
After your museum marathon, continue exploring the Louvre's magnificent courtyards and glass pyramid before making your way through the Tuileries. The vast palace complex itself is architectural theater — even without entering another gallery, you can easily spend an hour marveling at the exterior alone.
Evening
No first day in Paris is complete without the iron lady herself. The Eiffel Tower transforms as darkness falls, sparkling every hour on the hour until 11 PM — a magical finale to your introduction to the City of Light.
• Eiffel Tower — Elevators run until 11 PM; book summit tickets online (€29.40) to avoid long queues; spectacular views are worth the climb or ride up
Paris
Saint-Germain-des-Prés embodies intellectual Paris at its most seductive — a neighborhood where Hemingway wrote, Sartre philosophized, and jazz first took root in France. Today it remains the city's most sophisticated quarter, all tree-lined boulevards, legendary cafés, and that unmistakable Left Bank sophistication.
Morning
Begin your art-focused day at the former Belle Époque railway station that now houses the world's finest collection of Impressionist masterpieces. The Musée d'Orsay feels refreshingly manageable after yesterday's Louvre marathon, yet contains absolute treasures by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
• Musée d'Orsay — Opens 9:30 AM (closed Mondays); €16 entry; Thursday evenings open until 9:45 PM; allow 2-3 hours
Afternoon
Drift into the heart of literary Paris, where the historic church of Saint-Germain anchors streets lined with art galleries and antiquarian bookshops. Settle into the legendary Café de Flore for people-watching and that perfect café au lait — the atmosphere remains as intoxicating as when Simone de Beauvoir held court here.
• Café de Flore — Open 7:30 AM-2 AM; morning hours are quieter; famous hot chocolate with cream
• Jardin du Luxembourg — Free entry; perfect for afternoon strolls among statues and flowerbeds
Evening
As the sun sets, stake out a table at Les Deux Magots — Café de Flore's historic rival across the street. The literary ghosts are palpable, the wine is excellent, and you'll understand why this corner of Paris has seduced so many writers and artists over the decades.
• Les Deux Magots — Reservations recommended for dinner; cozy atmosphere; open until 1 AM
Paris
Montmartre perches above Paris like a village that time forgot — cobblestone streets wind past artists' studios, accordion music drifts from café terraces, and the white dome of Sacré-Cœur crowns it all. Yes, it's touristy, but the bohemian magic that drew Picasso and Renoir still flickers in the morning light.
Morning
Climb the winding streets to the magnificent Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, whose bright white exterior gleams against the sky. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the sweeping views over Paris — on clear days, you can see for miles across the city's rooftops and monuments.
• Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre — Free entry; open 6:30 AM-10:30 PM; climb dome for €7; expect 45-minute queues later in day
• Place du Tertre — Artists sketching portraits; lively restaurant terraces; classic Montmartre atmosphere
Afternoon
Descend into Le Marais, the former swampland turned aristocratic quarter that's now Paris's most eclectic neighborhood. Medieval streets house everything from kosher bakeries to cutting-edge galleries, vintage boutiques to centuries-old synagogues — it's compact, walkable, and endlessly fascinating.
• Place des Vosges — Paris's oldest planned square; perfect symmetry of red-brick architecture; free to wander
Evening
End your village Paris tour with the city's most famous falafel at L'As du Fallafel on rue des Rosiers. The special with its tahini, aubergine, and spicy sauce has achieved legendary status among both locals and travelers — arrive hungry and prepare to queue.
• L'As du Fallafel — €8-10 for the special; closes 3:30 PM Fridays, closed Saturdays; cash preferred
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