Three days in Paris? These are your must-sees

Three days in Paris means you’ve got time to explore the classics, wander the neighbourhoods and still leave room for flaky pastries and café breaks. Whether you're planning a long weekend or adding a Paris stop to a European adventure, this itinerary balances world-famous landmarks with a few unexpected delights. You’ll soak up the skyline from above, cruise along the Seine, dig into seasonal French dishes and lose yourself in cobbled streets that feel pulled from a painting. All timed to keep things relaxed, local, and irresistibly Parisian. 

🗓️ Day 1: Big Sights and River Vibes 

Morning at the Eiffel Tower 

Start your Paris adventure at the Eiffel Tower. If you want to skip the queues, admire it from below and save your energy for better skyline views later (we’ve got a few coming up). The Champ de Mars park behind the tower is perfect for a morning stroll, especially when the city’s just waking up. 

🛣️ Getting there: Take Métro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim or RER C to Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel. 

Walk to Trocadéro for the best view 

From the tower, walk across the Seine to Place du Trocadéro for one of the best photo ops in the city. The steps give you a picture-perfect view and plenty of space to linger. 

Seine River cruise 

Head down to the quay at Port de la Bourdonnais and hop on a 1-hour Seine cruise. It’s a chilled way to get your bearings, and you’ll glide past the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Musée d’Orsay with commentary to guide you. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise. 

Lunch at Café de l’Homme 

Right by Trocadéro, Café de l’Homme offers chic French dining with Eiffel Tower views. The vibe is stylish but not stuffy. Try the sea bass or burrata with peach if it’s in season. 

Afternoon at Musée d'Orsay 

Cross the river and head to the Musée d'Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, it’s home to the world’s best Impressionist collection. Don’t miss Monet’s dreamy landscapes, Van Gogh’s starry skies, and the enormous clock window overlooking the Seine. 

🛣️ Getting there: Walk or take Métro Line 12 to Solférino. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Musée d’Orsay entry. 

Stroll through the Latin Quarter 

After your art fix, wander across the Pont Royal and into the Latin Quarter. The streets around Rue Mouffetard are filled with cafés, bookshops, and creperies. It’s a lively, bohemian area perfect for exploring on foot. 

Optional nightcap: Bar Hemingway at the Ritz 

If you’re in the mood for something special, swing by Bar Hemingway near Place Vendôme. It’s tiny, atmospheric, and steeped in literary history—perfect for an old-fashioned with a side of Parisian charm. 

🗓️ Day 2: Museums, Markets and Montmartre 

Morning at the Louvre 

Arrive early and enter via the main pyramid entrance. Stick to a highlights route to avoid museum fatigue—think Venus de Milo, The Raft of the Medusa, and of course, the Mona Lisa. 

🛣️ Getting there: Métro Line 1 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Louvre Museum entry. 

Coffee break in Palais-Royal 

Head to Café Kitsuné in the Palais-Royal gardens for a flat white and people-watching. The tree-lined courtyard is a peaceful break from the buzz of the museum. 

Midday shopping at Galeries Lafayette 

Take Métro Line 7 to Chaussée d’Antin–La Fayette. Even if you're not buying, the stained-glass dome at Galeries Lafayette is worth a peek. Head to the rooftop terrace for a panoramic city view—for free! 

Lunch at Crêperie Gigi (Opéra) 

This tiny crêperie near Opéra Garnier is perfect for a quick, delicious lunch. Order a savoury galette with ham, egg and cheese, and finish with a caramel beurre salé crêpe. 

Head to Montmartre 

Hop on Métro Line 7 then Line 2 to Anvers. Take the funicular up or enjoy the short climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from the top rivals the Eiffel Tower, and the atmosphere is electric with local buskers and artists. 

💡 Free to enter: Sacré-Cœur. 

Explore Montmartre’s winding streets 

Stroll through Place du Tertre, peek at the Moulin de la Galette, and visit the Espace Dalí if you’re into surrealism. For something quieter, wander Rue de l’Abreuvoir and swing by the pastel-pink La Maison Rose. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Espace Dalí. 

End the evening with cabaret at La Nouvelle Eve 

For a fun and colourful Paris night out, La Nouvelle Eve offers an old-school cabaret with feathers, sequins, and dancing. It’s close to Moulin Rouge but less touristy—and just as dazzling. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: La Nouvelle Eve show. 

🗓️ Day 3: Churches, Cheese and Canal Views 

Morning at Sainte-Chapelle 

Begin your final day at Sainte-Chapelle, a gothic masterpiece filled with 15-meter-high stained glass. Morning light makes the colours pop—get there as close to opening as you can. 

🛣️ Métro Line 4 to Cité. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Sainte-Chapelle. 

Notre-Dame and Île Saint-Louis 

Walk a few steps to see Notre-Dame’s ongoing restoration and then cross to Île Saint-Louis for a quieter, elegant vibe. Stop for a coffee at Café Saint-Régis, known for its Art Deco interiors and buttery croissants. 

Lunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges 

Take Métro Line 11 to République and walk to Le Marais. At this hidden gem of a covered market, you can pick from Japanese bento, Moroccan tagines or French cheese plates. There’s something for every palate and it’s perfect for a casual lunch. 

Explore the Marais 

Wander through the 17th-century arcades of Place des Vosges, browse local boutiques, or step inside the Picasso Museum to see the artist’s many phases. 

💡 Included with the Paris Pass: Musée Picasso. 

🧳 Ready for your 3-day Paris adventure?

With just three days in Paris, it helps to have a plan—but there’s still room to let the city surprise you. This itinerary gives you a taste of the classics while leaving time for long lunches, gallery detours, and lazy strolls down cobbled streets. Whether it’s your first time in the City of Light or a return trip, we hope these three days are filled with great food, gorgeous views, and that unmistakable Parisian charm.

Want some more options? Check out our 2-day Paris itinerary for more inspiration. Going to Meudon? You'll love our guide to all the great (free!) things you can do nearby.

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