Visit Paris in 3 days: a guide to the French capital

Paris, city of light and capital of love, opens its doors to you for an unforgettable weekend. Discovering Paris in 3 days may seem ambitious, but with a well-thought-out itinerary, you can admire the emblematic monuments, stroll through the historic districts and savour the Parisian art of living. This guide accompanies you day by day to make the most of your visit to Paris in 3 days, combining the must-sees with the hidden gems of the capital.

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1. Day one: the must-sees in central Paris

Your first day in Paris in 3 days starts with the capital’s most emblematic monuments. This day’s itinerary will take you from the Champs-Élysées to the Eiffel Tower, passing through some of Paris’s most beautiful gardens.

Morning: the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées

Start your discovery of Paris at the Arc de Triomphe, a majestic monument erected by order of Napoleon. Climb to the top to admire the unique view over the twelve avenues that radiate out from the Place de l’Étoile. The panoramic view over Paris from this vantage point will give you an exceptional insight into Haussmann’s urban planning.

Then head down the Champs-Élysées, “the most beautiful avenue in the world”. This legendary two-kilometre thoroughfare is home to luxury boutiques, legendary cafés and prestigious theatres. Take time to stroll along and observe the constant bustle of this emblematic avenue, which is the beating heart of Paris.

Lunch: Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Gardens

Join the Place de la Concorde, one of the largest in Paris, dominated by the Luxor obelisk. This square is steeped in history and was the scene of many of the events of the French Revolution. Take a lunch break in the Tuileries gardens, a veritable green setting in the heart of the capital, where you can enjoy a picnic or a bite to eat in one of the cafés in the park.

Afternoon: the Trocadero and the Eiffel Tower

The afternoon takes you to the Trocadero, famous for its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. The Trocadero esplanade is the most photographed viewpoint in Paris and the perfect place to immortalise your trip. Then cross the Pont d’Iéna to get closer to the Iron Lady.

Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own

Our audioguided itinerary of Paris takes you on a tour of 18 of the capital’s major places of interest. Thanks to interactive navigation and historical commentary, you can explore Paris on your own, while benefiting from fascinating anecdotes and insider tips to make the most of your visit.

Finish your first day by climbing the Eiffel Tower at sunset. The view from the top floors of this Parisian landmark will give you an exceptional panorama of the capital as it gradually lights up. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues.

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See also the Paris guide :

• 20 must-see museums in Paris
• 10 things to do in the Marais district of Paris
• The most beautiful parks and gardens to discover in Paris
• 15 free things to do and see in Paris
• Cruises on the Seine in Paris: itineraries, fares and advice
• Top 7 best hotels in Paris
• 10 things to do in the Marais district of Paris

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2. Day two: Parisian art and culture

Your second day in Paris in 3 days will be devoted to the capital’s exceptional cultural wealth. Between the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the banks of the Seine, you will discover the artistic and spiritual soul of Paris.

Morning: the Louvre Museum

Start your cultural day with a visit to the Louvre, the largest museum in the world, housing almost 35,000 works of art. Arrive as soon as it opens at 9am to avoid the crowds, and make sure you book your tickets in advance. Concentrate on the must-see masterpieces: Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Victory of Samothrace.

Allow at least 3 hours for this visit, which will take you through centuries of art and history. Don’t hesitate to explore the less-frequented departments such as Oriental Antiquities or Decorative Arts for more intimate discoveries.

Lunch: Ile de la Cité and Sainte-Chapelle

Take a lunch break on the Ile de la Cité, the historic birthplace of Paris. Take the opportunity to visit the Sainte-Chapelle (1 place du Palais, 75001 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews), a jewel of radiant Gothic art famous for its exceptional 13th-century stained glass windows. These 15 15-metre-high stained glass windows tell the story of the Bible in a dazzling kaleidoscope of colours.

Afternoon: Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter

Head to Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, currently undergoing restoration following the fire in 2019. Although the interior is not accessible, you can admire the progress of the work from the forecourt and discover the temporary exhibition dedicated to the reconstruction.

Then explore the Latin Quarter, Paris’s legendary student district. Stroll through the cobbled streets around the Sorbonne, discover the Shakespeare and Company bookshop (37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 12,000 reviews) and finish with a stroll along the bouquinistes along the quays of the Seine, a Parisian tradition listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The evening can end with a cruise on the Seine to admire Paris illuminated from the water. This unique perspective will allow you to see the monuments you have visited from a totally different and romantic angle.

3. Day 3: Montmartre and authentic districts

Your last day to visit Paris in 3 days takes you to the heights of Montmartre and the capital’s most authentic districts. This day will combine art, bohemia and the discovery of the Parisian soul far from the beaten track.

Morning: Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur

Start by climbing the Butte Montmartre, either on foot via the stairs or by taking the funicular. At the top, the Sacré-Cœur basilica awaits you, with its iconic white silhouette and panoramic view over the whole of Paris. This Romanesque-Byzantine basilica, built between 1875 and 1914, has one of the best views of the capital from its dome.

Then explore the village of Montmartre, with its cobbled streets and unspoilt bohemian atmosphere. On the Place du Tertre, painters carry on the tradition, offering visitors portraits and caricatures in the spirit of the great masters who lived here: Picasso, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec.

Lunch: the historic Marais

Head down to the Marais, one of the most unspoilt and authentic districts in Paris. This historic district combines medieval architecture, 17th-century town houses and trendy boutiques in a maze of picturesque alleyways. Enjoy lunch at one of the district’s many gourmet restaurants, which combine French tradition with international influences.

Let theNavaway itinerary guide you throughParis, and you’ll discover the best-kept secrets of the Marais and make the most of your visit with personalised audio advice.

Afternoon: Place des Vosges and Centre Pompidou

Discover the Place des Vosges, the oldest royal square in Paris and one of the most beautiful in the world. This perfectly symmetrical square, lined with red brick and blonde stone facades, is a haven of peace with its arcades housing art galleries and historic cafés.

Round off your stay in Paris with a visit to the Centre Pompidou (Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 45,000 reviews), the temple of modern and contemporary art. Its bold, colourful architecture contrasts with the surrounding buildings, and its collections feature works by the greatest artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

4. Practical tips for visiting Paris in 3 days

Transport and travel

To make the most of your trip to Paris in 3 days, opt for a Navigo Weekend Pass or a book of metro tickets. Paris’s public transport network (metro, RER, bus) means you’ll have easy access to all the sights. Download the Citymapper application to navigate efficiently around the capital.

Walking is still the best way to discover the soul of Paris. Make sure you bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking several kilometres every day. The distances between the monuments in the centre are often short, and the walk reveals unsuspected architectural treasures.

Accommodation and catering

To visit Paris in 3 days, opt for accommodation in the 1st, 4th, 6th or 7th arrondissements, so you’re right at the heart of the action. These central districts will enable you to walk to most of the major attractions and take full advantage of the Parisian atmosphere.

When it comes to eating out, alternate between traditional brasseries, neighbourhood bistros and local markets. The Enfants Rouges market in the Marais district or the Place des Abbesses market in Montmartre will let you discover the authentic flavours of Paris on a budget.

Reservations and ticket sales

Anticipate your visits by booking tickets in advance for the major sites: the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle and Arc de Triomphe. These tickets will save you precious time, especially during peak periods. Consider buying a Paris Museum Pass to save money and gain priority access to over 60 sites.

5. Budget and good addresses for 3 days in Paris

Estimated budget per person

To visit Paris in 3 days, allow between €200 and €500 per person, depending on your standard of living. This budget includes accommodation (€60-150/night), meals (€30-80/day), transport (€25 for 3 days) and admission to monuments (€50-100 total). Shopping and gastronomy enthusiasts will need to budget extra.

Not-to-be-missed restaurants

Take a look at some emblematic addresses: L’Ami Jean (27 rue Malar, 75007 Paris, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 2,500 reviews) for exceptional bistro cuisine, Breizh Café (109 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 3,200 reviews) for revisited crêpes, and Du Pain et des Idées (34 rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 4,800 reviews) for the best Viennese pastries in Paris.

Free and alternative activities

Paris offers plenty of free activities: stroll along the Seine, discover the covered passageways of the 2nd arrondissement, explore the village of Montmartre, visit historic churches such as Saint-Sulpice or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or enjoy free concerts in the parks and gardens during the summer.

In conclusion, visiting Paris in 3 days requires meticulous organisation but offers an authentic immersion in the Parisian art of living. Thanks to this optimised itinerary and the Navaway audio tours, you’ll discover the many facets of the French capital, from its emblematic monuments to its bohemian districts and its cultural and gastronomic treasures. Paris reveals itself around every corner, and these three days will be just the beginning of a lasting relationship with the most beautiful city in the world.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Paris in 3 days?

The best times to visit Paris in 3 days are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, the gardens are magnificent and tourist numbers are moderate. If possible, avoid July and August, which are very busy times, and opt for weekends outside the school holidays to make the most of the sights.

How to get around Paris efficiently in 3 days?

Combine the metro, walking and vélib’ to make the most of your journeys. Buy a Navigo Week-end or Easy Pass for unlimited transport. The centre of Paris is very compact: most attractions can be reached on foot or in 2-3 metro stations. Download Citymapper for real-time itineraries.

Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit Paris?

Yes, absolutely! Make sure you book for the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Arc de Triomphe. These sites often sell out or require long waits. The Paris Museum Pass can be worthwhile if you visit more than 4 paying sites. Book online 1 to 2 weeks before your visit to guarantee your preferred slots.

What’s the budget for 3 days in Paris?

Expect to pay €200-300 per person for a well-balanced stay: accommodation in 3-star hotels (€80/night), meals in brasseries (€40/day), transport (€25) and sightseeing (€60). For a more luxurious stay, with gourmet restaurants and 4-5* hotels, expect to pay €500-800. Tight budgets can get by on €120-150, with a focus on hostels, markets and free sites.

What to do in Paris if it rains for 3 days?

Paris is full of covered activities: museums (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou), historic covered passages (Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas), department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps), churches (Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle), the Opéra Garnier and the many Parisian cafés for gourmet breaks. The rain even adds a special charm to the reflections on the Parisian pavement!