Paris. The city of love and light, the capital of France, and one of the world’s most visited cities. It truly is the perfect holiday destination. With an interesting history still entwined into the streets and buildings today, romantic and bright architecture, exquisite cuisine, impressive monuments, class, and regality, there is something in Paris for everyone.
What’s more, Paris makes for the perfect long weekend. With good transport links, it’s an easy place to get to and travel times will be reasonable. Whether you want to spend 3 days in Paris with friends, family or the love of your life, you’ll fall in love with this city and have an amazing time.
With this guide, you can take all the stress out of planning 3 days in Paris, as the whole itinerary is there for you, with a little bit of leeway for you to suit the trip to your personal preference. On the first of your 3 days in Paris, you’ll explore the city’s most famous landmarks, like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. The second day will take you slightly off the tourist track – still featuring many famous places, but giving you the chance to discover more about Paris away from the massive crowds. On the last day, you can choose from one of three day trip options outside of Paris, or stay in the city and visit some more attractions.
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Is 3 Days in Paris Enough?
3 days is definitely enough time to experience all that Paris has to offer. It’s one of the best weekend city break options in Europe, and perfect for a quick getaway. You could spend only two days in Paris, but the trip may feel rushed with travel on either side, so I recommend spending 3 days in Paris to be able to relax more and really take in the atmosphere.
Of course, you can also spend more than 3 days in Paris. You could easily find activities to entertain you for up to a week in the city. This will allow you to really slow down and have a relaxing break, as well as finding every hidden gem in Paris. You can take a lot of day trips, and spread this itinerary over more days, with many cheese and wine picnics in the park to fill the gaps.
How to Get to Paris
Paris is a really accessible city in Europe and has good air, rail and bus connections. Travelling to Paris by plane is usually the easiest way to arrive from outside France, particularly if you are coming from the U.K.
How to Get to Paris by Plane
Paris has two main airports – Charles de Gaulle in the north and Orly in the south. Charles de Gaulle is the bigger of the two and is Europe’s second busiest airport. In general, Charles de Gaulle is used for international travel and Orly for more domestic routes around Paris, but on a short-haul flight around Europe, you could arrive at either airport. If you’re on a long haul flight, from the US, for example, you will most likely land in Charles de Gaulle.
Top Tip: Paris has a 3rd airport, called Paris Beauvais. It is served by low-cost airlines, like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Although you may be tempted by the cheap prices, this airport is over an hour outside of Paris, and your shuttle bus ticket will likely cost more than the flight itself! Avoid this airport unless the deal is really spectacular.
How to Get to Paris from the Airport
Both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports have a few different ways to get into the city, which vary in price and length of time.
If you purchase an unlimited transport card or city pass for your time in Paris, it might include airport transport, which can be very useful. You can read more about these in the How to Get Around in Paris and Paris City Pass sections below.
Charles de Gaulle
From Charles de Gaulle airport, there are a few different transport options to get into the city. The journey takes around 30 minutes on average.
The first option is to take the RER train, followed by the metro to your destination. This costs around €11. You can get on the RER B train from Terminals 1 and 2. The train stops at both Gare du Nord and Chatelet-Les Halles, where you can switch to many different metro lines to reach your accommodation. You can see the route map and more information here.
Another option is to take the Roissy Bus Shuttle. It costs around €13 and takes 1 hour. It stops at several different parts of Terminal 2 and 3 and goes directly to Paris-Opéra. From here, you can take the metro to your accommodation if needed.
You can also take a taxi or private transfer directly into the city. It will cost an average of €50-60 but will be much easier and more comfortable. It’s a good idea to book your airport transfer in advance to avoid spending ages trying to find a taxi in the busy airport. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, you could book a shared transfer in a large taxi (also available to and from Orly Airport). This is a great way to keep a bit of the comfort and pay less.
Orly
Orly has one of the most budget-friendly public transport options. You can take tram line 7 from Villejuif-Louis Aragon (connected by metro line 7) to and from the airport. It costs the same as a normal public transport journey (around €2), but you will need to buy a separate ticket, you can’t carry it over from your metro trip. The journey on the tram takes 45 minutes so it’s not the quickest option, but great if you want the cheapest option possible.
The Orly shuttle bus costs €9,50 and goes directly between the airport and the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop. You can transfer here to line 4 of the metro (it’s also connected to the RER B line). The journey only takes 30 minutes.
How to Get to Paris by Train
If you are travelling from the U.K to Paris, a great alternative to flying is to take the Eurostar train. The train runs from London St Pancras Station to Paris Gare du Nord and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets can be as low as £40 if you book a month or two in advance, so it’s worth checking prices to see if you can grab a good deal.
The SNCF is the French national train operator. This is a great option if you’re travelling to Paris from other French cities. There is also the option of some Thalys trains, which run through the neighbouring countries of France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.
Read Next: How to Spend a Weekend in Nice, France
How to Get around in Paris
Paris is a fairly walkable city, but due to its size, it’s likely in your best interest to take public transport occasionally. Mix the two, walking as much as possible, and perhaps hopping on public transport to start and end your day, as well as to any attractions that are on the other side of the city.
When in a new city, it can be fun to use the tourist-focused hop-on-hop-off transport that’s available. You can use the buses as means of transport whilst learning about the city and landmarks thanks to the audio guide. The stops are frequent, focused on the centre of the city, and easy to find. Paris even has the unique attraction of a hop-on-hop-off boat that runs along the Seine.
Book your hop-on hop-off tickets now!
The easiest public transport system in Paris is the metro. They have one of the most well-connected systems that stretch all over the city, and can quickly get you where you need to go. Throughout this itinerary, I give metro details for each point of interest.
A single journey on the metro costs €1,90. You can purchase a carnet of 10 tickets which costs €16,90. The tickets aren’t tied to one person, so this carnet is a perfect option to split between two people when you spend 3 days in Paris. The tickets are available at machines inside the metro stations. If you plan to use the metro a lot, you can check out the Paris Visite Pass for unlimited public transport between 1 and 5 days. Prices range from €13-72 and can include transport to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airport, as well as Disneyland Paris and Versailles.
Paris City Pass – Are They Worth It?
Almost all major cities across Europe offer city passes, which offer you entry or discounts to countless different attractions across the city. Paris is no different, and they offer the Paris Pass, as well as the Paris Museum Pass.
The Paris Pass covers almost every major attraction in the city, including entry to The Louvre, The Orsay Museum, The Arc de Triomphe and Versailles Palace. There are many more attractions included, and you can also opt to take some free walking tours. Your ticket also includes tickets for a hop-on-hop-off bus and a Seine boat tour. Passes can be booked from 2-6 days and start from €130
The Paris Museum Pass is a more budget-friendly option that only includes museums. There are still over 60 museums included in the price and this is a great option if you want to explore the cultural side of Paris by visiting as many museums as possible. These passes are available for 2,4, or 6 days and start from €57.
City passes can be a costly purchase, especially if you travel on a budget. However, if you like to visit many attractions during your city trips, they can be worth it. I always recommend that you plan the attractions you want to visit and their entry costs, to decide if purchasing a pass is worth it. With the added public transport access and the ease of not having to book individual tickets and queue for attractions, these tickets can be perfect for some!
3 Days in Paris Day 1 – The Main Attractions
On your first day in Paris, make your way around all the famous landmarks that Paris is known for. You’ll see Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll also have a fun evening seeing the city at night, and discover a different perspective of Paris from a boat tour on the Seine.
Notre-Dame
Once you’ve arrived, make your way to one of the most famous churches in Europe. The Notre Dame de Paris (translates as Our Lady of Paris) was built in the 11th century. The French gothic architecture has been renovated and restored throughout the years and became known worldwide after the publication of the Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, and the subsequent Disney adaptation.
Unfortunately, Notre Dame suffered a devastating fire in 2019 and has been under restoration ever since. Previously, you could tour the church but, of course, that is no longer possible. There is still major works surrounding Notre Dame, but it is still possible to see large sections of the exterior and definitely worth visiting. Hopefully, in the coming years, the church will be restored to its former glory.
The Notre Dame is actually located on a small island called Île de la Cité. It’s completely connected by bridges so it doesn’t feel much like an island, but it’s a cool place to wander around. Along the riverbanks, you’ll find many stalls selling books, art and souvenirs. The famous sellers are known in the city as the Bouquinistes of Paris.
Just across the river, you’ll find a wonderful independent English bookstore called Shakespeare and Company. You can browse the cosy store, or enjoy a coffee and their adjoining café.
Depending on what time of day you start your adventure in Paris, you might want to grab a fresh pastry from a French boulangerie. Try a croissant or pain au chocolat from Boulangerie Saint-Michel, a few minutes walk from Notre Dame.
Nearest Metro stop to Notre Dame and Shakespeare and Company : Cité (Line 4)
Shakespeare and Company Website (with opening hours) | Notre Dame Website
Arc de Triomphe
Follow the Seine and the Champs Elysées all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. This walk takes around an hour, but it is the perfect way to discover a lot of the beauty found on the streets of Paris. You’ll walk along the Seine, past the Louvre, through the Tuileries Garden and along the Champs Elysées. If you prefer to take public transport, take the 1 Metro from Hotel de Ville to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. Alternatively, you could walk part of the route and then get on the metro. I recommend walking along the Seine until you reach the Louvre, then get on the metro line 1 as before, at either Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre or Concorde.
Top Tip: This is the perfect time to try a world-famous Ladurée Macaron from their store on the Champs Elysées. The sweet almond meringues are one of France’s most famous confectionery items, and Ladurée has made a name for itself as one of the most luxurious vendors of these treats, loved by many, including Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf. The ornate exterior and interior is an experience in itself, and the macarons are divine.
The Arc de Triomphe is a large triumphal arch dedicated to the Frenchmen who fought during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The Arch stands proudly in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle Roundabout, with its neoclassical architecture and detailed carvings.
You can climb to the viewpoint on the top of the Arc de Triomphe, which sits 50m tall. Most people rush to climb the Eiffel Tower (which I still encourage you to do), but the view from the Arc de Triomphe is arguably better, as you get to see the Eiffel Tower. What’s more, entry is free for under 26s who are from or live in the EU. Normal entry tickets cost €13.
The Eiffel Tower
It couldn’t be a trip to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower! Trocadéro is the best place to see the Eiffel Tower so this should be your first stop. Make your way from the Arc de Triomphe to Trocadéro (a 20-minute walk or 10-minute metro journey on line 6).
Easily the symbol that encapsulates all of France, and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, the iron structure of the Eiffel Tower was built back in the late 1800s for the 1889 World’s Fair. Like the Atomium in Belgium, it was intended to be a temporary structure at first, but it was allowed to remain by the City of Paris after the expiration of the permit in 1909. Now it’s an integral part of the city, with an estimated 7 million visitors a year (not including those who just look at it!).
Trocadéro (pictured above) is a large esplanade with uninterrupted views of the Eiffel Tower right in front of you. From here, you can do a small tour around the Eiffel Tower. Head down from Trocadéro and through the gardens below. Then cross the Seine, pass the tower, and walk through the Champ de Mars park on the other side of the Eiffel Tower. On a sunny day, Champ de Mars is a great place to relax for a while.
After, you may want to climb the Eiffel Tower. At over 300m high, it’s not a trip for the faint-hearted, but luckily it doesn’t require too much exertion, as there are elevators that can transport you to the different levels. The second level is only 100m off the ground, so this can be a great option for those with an aversion to heights but still want the experience. Prices range from €5-25 depending on age a price, and you can see and book tickets online. Make sure you book your tickets in advance to ensure the quickest and smoothest experience at the Eiffel Tower. Being the biggest attraction in France, the tower is always busy, and I’m sure that no one wants to queue for hours at the ticket office and then queue again to enter the tower.
River Seine Boat Tour
One of the best things to do to see the city in a unique way during your 3 days in Paris is to take a boat tour along the Seine. There are many different options, and most will offer an audio guide to talk you through the different monuments and landmarks you pass. Following this itinerary, the best place to start your boat tour is next to Pont d’Iéna at the Eiffel Tower. The boat tour options below all start from here. Tours do vary in length but they tend to be a minimum of one hour, and you could enjoy a nice lunch or wine tasting aboard the boat. If you are able to spend a little extra on the tour, I’d recommend one that includes a meal or drinks, as it will be more private and peaceful (the standard tours can get a little cramped with tourists).
Many of Paris’ landmarks and attractions are visible from the water, so you can expect to see the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Orsay Museum and Notre Dame.
You’ll also have the chance to see many of the ornate and impressive bridges along the Seine up close. Ones to look out for are Pont Alexandre III, known for its gold details and statues, Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, Pont des Arts, the old love lock, and Pont de Bir-Hakeim, with its covered roof.
Relaxing Afternoon
It has been a busy day so far and the time you have to spare before dinner will depend on the queue times from the previous activities. I recommend slowing right down for the rest of the afternoon. Enjoy a bottle of wine at the Champ de Mars park or at a nice bistro, grab a coffee in a chic café, or sit on the banks of the Seine and watch the world go by. This is how the locals like to spend their free time, so you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to be a real Parisian.
If you’re still restless and full of energy, you could head up Montparnasse Tower for some more panoramic views over Paris, or visit the Orsay Museum.
Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower at Night
When the sun sets, it’s time to see the landmarks of Paris brighten the city. Grab dinner somewhere near the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. You could grab something simple on the Champs Elysées and enjoy the bustling atmosphere and lights, or try something traditionally French at a bistro.
If you’re eligible to climb the Arc de Triomphe for free (under 26 and living in the European Union) I recommend climbing to the viewpoint again to see the view of Paris at night. If not, you can choose whether you prefer to see Paris in the daytime or nighttime.
Then, the main event – the beautiful Eiffel Tower. The whole tower is illuminated throughout the night, and once an hour the tower sparkles for a few minutes. It’s a wonderful experience and not to be missed. After seeing it once, you’ll want to visit every night of your 3 days in Paris! Head to either Trocadero or Champ de Mars and enjoy the spectacle.
The tower is occasionally illuminated in different colours or designs to mark specific events. You may be lucky enough to see this.
Book your Day 1 Paris Activities!
3 Days in Paris Day 2 – A Few Hidden Gems
Now that you’ve seen a few of the city’s most famous monuments, the second of your 3 days in Paris will be spent exploring some slightly lesser-known spots, that the average tourist might not come across during their trip. The main tourist attraction of day 2 is the Louvre Museum, with the rest of your day spent immersing in some French history and wandering around Montmartre.
First of all, enjoy a slow morning with croissants in bed. If you’re more of a breakfast on the go kind of person, try Boulangerie Bo. It’s well-loved, the shop facade is old fashioned and beautiful, and it’s just a few minutes walk from your first stop of the day.
Place de la Bastille
The square of Place de la Bastille marks where the Bastille prison used to stand. The storming of the prison was one of the most important events in the French Revolution and the day of the event, the 14th of July, is now France’s national day. Although no parts of the prison building still exist (save a few stones scattered around the city), the square, and the July column that stands in the middle, stand to commemorate the events of the Revolution. The names of those who died during these events are inscribed on the column.
It won’t take long to visit Place de la Bastille, but given its cultural and historical significance, it’s definitely something to see.
Nearest Metro Stop to Place de la Bastille: Bastille (Lines 1, 5 & 8)
Rue Cremieux
Whilst in the 12th arrondissement, why not take ten minutes to visit the most instagrammable street in Paris? Rue Crémieux is a residential street with houses painted every colour of the rainbow.
This is a great spot to see something a little different in Paris in terms of architecture, and it will certainly brighten your day.
Read Next: The Most Instagrammable Places In Paris: 10+ Must-See Spots
The Covered Passages of Paris
Around the centre of Paris, you’ll find many old arcades. They were once enjoyed by the bourgeoisie and the famous Parisian flaneur, to shop, socialise, and shelter from the rain. The number of covered passages across the city decreased greatly as the city was modernised, but there is still a handful standing today, ready to transport you back to the past.
I recommend visiting Passage du Grand Cerf, Passage de Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne, based on the expert recommendations of Sophie (SoloSophie) in her guide to the covered passages of Paris.
Inside the covered passages today, you’ll find a mix of boutiques and niche stores, and cosy little cafés and restaurants that spill out into the arcades.
The Louvre Museum
Now for the main event of day 2 – The Louvre. This is the world’s largest and most visited art museum, which most famously houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s, Mona Lisa. There seems to be an endless amount of art and sculptures in the mammoth museum, with everything from historic relics and Greek busts, to royal heirlooms, and over 7,500 paintings.
The most famous symbol of the Louvre is the glass pyramid in the centre of the museum square, which acts as the museum’s main entrance. It’s very striking to see the modern pyramid contrast with the traditional architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Nearest Metro station to the Louvre Museum: Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 & 7)
For a luxurious (but expensive) lunch, try to get a table at the Angelina Paris café, where you’ll be privy to a wonderful view of the Louvre courtyard and the pyramid. Alternatively, grab a more reasonably priced meal at a spot like Cafe Ragueneau. They have some good French classics to try, like onion soup or a Croque Monsieur.
Jardin du Palais Royal
After the Louvre, enjoy some fresh air for a while. Head along to the Jardin du Palais Royal across the road, and enjoy the picturesque and ornate surroundings. You can grab a nice place to sit by the fountain and watch the world go by.
Make sure you also check out Les Deux Plateaux (also known as the Colonnes de Buren). It’s a fun outdoor art exhibit, featuring many striped columns of differing heights. Definitely a unique sight to see in Paris!
Montmartre
Dedicate your late afternoon and evening to getting lost in the picturesque streets of Montmartre, just like many of the creative souls that came before. The area of Montmartre is known for being the home of many artists during the Belle Époque period of French history. Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Van Gogh are just a handful of the most famous names who made this neighbourhood their home.
Wandering Montmartre can be a lovely way to escape the crowds of Paris. Although spots like the Sacre-Coeur will likely still be very busy, there are so many side streets to slip down and find yourself in peace.
Things to Do in Montmartre:
- Visit the Sacre-Coeur Basilica
- Look out over Paris
- See Le Mur des Je T’aime
- See some interesting facades like Le Moulin de la Galette, La Maison Rose and Le Consulat
- Take a photo of the Sinking House, a secret photo spot in Paris
If you’re interested in learning more about Montmartre and its history, book a walking tour with an expert.
Sunset at Montmartre
As the evening arrives, head back to the Sacre-Coeur and the panoramic viewing area over Paris. This is one of the best places to watch the sunset, and there is usually a very chilled atmosphere of everyone enjoying a relaxing evening.
Look out over the city and see how many landmarks you can recognise.
Dinner at Dame Tartine
For your second night, enjoy a traditional meal at Dame Tartine. Sit outside if possible to enjoy people watching around the square it sits in. At Dame Tartine, they specialise in tarts and nice charcuterie. It’s well priced for Paris and doesn’t feel too touristy.
Nearest Metro Stop to Dame Tartine: Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 & 11)
3 Days in Paris Day 3 – Day Trip Time
There are several great day trips from Paris that aren’t too far from the city and are great options for your last of 3 days in Paris. For Day 3, there are 3 different day trip options: Chateau de Versailles, Disneyland Paris, and a visit to Champagne for wine tasting. They are all very different day trips, so you can choose which one suits you best. If you prefer to stay in Paris, you’ll also find a few more activities in the city to fill your final day.
Day Trip Option 1 – Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a royal palace to the west of Paris, which was the main residence of Louis XIV, King of France, until the French Revolution. Today, the palace, with its immense grandeur, is on display for the public.
One of the most notable rooms in the Palace is the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. There is a lot more to discover, including beautifully kept gardens and fountains.
Since Versailles is only about an hour outside of Paris, you could organise a visit to Versailles as a half-day trip, and finish your time in Paris with some of the other city activities below. Make sure you book your tickets in advance. Getting to Versailles isn’t too difficult, but to make things as straightforward as possible, you may want to purchase an entry ticket that includes a bus transfer from Paris.
To get to Versailles using public transport, take the RER C train. It goes directly from many stops in the centre of Paris to the Palace of Versailles. See the route map and plan your journey.
Day Trip Option 2 – Disneyland Paris
Many people spend full holidays at Disneyland Paris, but it’s completely possible to enjoy the theme park in just a day. Disneyland is found in the town of Marne-la-Vallée, around an hour east of Paris.
At Disneyland Paris, you can enjoy Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. There are rides for kids and adults alike, themed restaurants and food, and parades to see your favourite Disney characters.
A day trip to Disney will be long and tiring. Make sure you are prepared to get up early and arrive for opening and stay until closing, to really make the most of your day there. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re determined to go to Disney, you can make it work.
Getting to Disneyland is simple – take the RER A from the city to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy Station. RER A train details can be found here.
Book your Disneyland Paris tickets today!
Day Trip Option 3 – Wine Tasting in Champagne
Another option for a day trip during your 3 days in Paris is to head south to one of the most famous wine regions, Champagne. The best option for this kind of day trip is to book a tour. They’ll either take you from Paris or Reims to the vineyards or cellars, where you can learn all about the history and process of these world-renowned wines, as well as partaking in many tastings, of course!
Check out some Champagne Wine Tasting Tours Below.
Prefer to Stay in Paris?
If you prefer to stay in Paris, there are many more things you can do for your last day. Here are a few options:
- The Panthéon: Famous monument to celebrate notable historical figures who are buried in the crypt
- Explore the Paris Catacombs
- Climb Montparnasse Tower
- See another Grand Arch at La Défense
- Père Lachaise Cemetery, where many famous figures, like Oscar Wilde, are buried
By the time your three days are up, you’ll have spent a wonderful time in Paris. You’ve had the chance to explore all the main tourist attractions, as well as some more quaint spots that show the true charm of the city. I hope this Paris 3-day itinerary will be helpful should you follow it exactly, or just take some inspiration. Happy Travels!
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This is a perfect Paris itinerary! I’ve done all this except the Shakespeare bookstore (which I’m dying to do!!).
Oh wow! So glad you wrote this because Paris just sounds overwhelming to me. Like, what to see first? That wall of love looks pretty sweet, though!
Paris is such a beautiful city and I can’t wait to visit again. Great itinerary. Those macarons look so delicious!
Such a beauty! Both the place and you. Thanks for your inspiring smile. Keep it up!