CityTouring
Paris3 days in Paris
Paris overview

3 days in Paris

France
Fall in love with Paris as you explore its most iconic landmarks, soak up centuries of art and history along its grand boulevards, and wander the charming hilltop streets of Montmartre. This itinerary captures the very soul of the City of Light in just a few unforgettable days.

Day #1

Iconic landmarks and the heart of Paris

08:00

Breakfast at a classic Parisian café near the hotel

09:30

Paris Eiffel Tower

Visit the Eiffel Tower and enjoy panoramic views

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark, built in 1889 for the World's Fair. Standing 330 meters tall, it offers three levels to explore, with the top floor providing sweeping panoramic views across the city. Visitors can reach the upper levels by elevator or stairs. The tower is particularly stunning at night when it sparkles with thousands of lights every hour after dark.

11:30

Stroll along the Champ de Mars gardens

The Champ de Mars is a large public greenspace in the 7th arrondissement, stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the École Militaire. Once a military training ground, it is now a popular park for picnics, leisurely walks, and relaxation. The wide lawns offer excellent views of the Eiffel Tower, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists throughout the year.

13:00

Lunch at a brasserie in the 7th arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement offers classic Parisian brasseries serving traditional French cuisine in relaxed yet refined settings. Expect dishes like steak frites, croque monsieur, onion soup, and seasonal specials, paired with house wine or a carafe of water. The neighborhood, home to the Eiffel Tower and Musee d'Orsay, attracts both locals and visitors, making it a reliable spot for an authentic midday meal.

14:30

orsay

Visit the Musée d'Orsay and explore Impressionist art

Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station on the Seine's left bank, the Musée d'Orsay holds one of the world's finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, and Cézanne fill its galleries. The museum covers French art from 1848 to 1914, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in this transformative period in art history.

17:00

pont des arts

Walk along the Seine River and admire the bridges

The Seine River winds through the heart of Paris, flanked by tree-lined quays perfect for a leisurely stroll. Along its banks you'll find 37 bridges, each with its own character, from the ornate Pont Alexandre III with its gilded sculptures to the historic Pont Neuf, the city's oldest bridge. The walk offers views of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower.

18:30

saint germain

Explore the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of Paris's most iconic Left Bank neighborhoods, known for its literary and intellectual history. Once home to Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Hemingway, its famous cafes including Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots remain popular landmarks. The area features the oldest church in Paris, boutique galleries, independent bookshops, and upscale fashion stores, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

20:00

Dinner at a traditional French bistro in Saint-Germain

22:00

Evening Seine River cruise with illuminated landmarks

A Seine River cruise at night offers a relaxed way to see Paris from the water. As the boat glides past illuminated landmarks including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, you gain a distinctive perspective on the city. Most cruises last around an hour. Dinner and champagne options are available through various operators, including Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens.

Day #2

Art, history, and the grand boulevards of Paris

08:00

Breakfast at a local boulangerie

09:00

Paris Louvre

Visit the Louvre Museum and see the Mona Lisa

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. Home to over 35,000 works, its most famous exhibit is Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Housed in a grand former royal palace, the museum also contains works like the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues at the iconic glass pyramid entrance.

12:30

Lunch at a café near the Palais Royal

The area around the Palais Royal offers several reliable café and bistro options. You can eat outside in warm weather with views of the palace gardens or find a table in one of the covered arcades nearby. The Galerie de Valois and Galerie de Montpensier host a handful of restaurants ranging from casual French fare to more refined cuisine, all within steps of the gardens.

14:00

palais royal

Explore the Palais Royal gardens and arcades

The Palais Royal is a former royal palace near the Louvre, now home to peaceful gardens framed by elegant arcades. The colonnaded galleries house independent boutiques, antique dealers, restaurants, and cafes. The central garden is a calm retreat from the busy city. The courtyard features Daniel Buren's striped columns, a contemporary installation that has become a landmark in its own right.

15:00

tuileries

Walk through the Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde in central Paris. Laid out in formal French style in the 16th century, it features tree-lined paths, fountains, and open lawns. The garden is a pleasant place to walk, rest on green chairs beside the central pond, and visit the Orangerie and Jeu de Paume museums located within its grounds.

16:00

Stroll down the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the world's most famous avenues, stretching 1.9 kilometers from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Lined with luxury boutiques, cafes, theaters, and restaurants, it draws millions of visitors annually. The boulevard hosts major events including Bastille Day military parades and the Tour de France finale. It remains a symbol of Parisian elegance and French national identity.

17:30

arc

Visit the Arc de Triomphe and climb to the top

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor his armies. Visitors can climb 284 steps to the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of Paris, including the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. The monument also houses a museum detailing its history and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at its base.

19:30

Aperitif at a rooftop bar in the 8th arrondissement

The 8th arrondissement is home to some of Paris's most glamorous rooftop bars, offering sweeping views of the city skyline, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Elysees. An aperitif here, typically enjoyed between 6 and 8pm, is a classic Parisian ritual. Sip a glass of champagne, a Spritz, or a classic French cocktail while taking in the golden hour light over the rooftops.

21:00

Dinner at a gourmet restaurant near the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées area is home to several acclaimed gourmet restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments offering classic French cuisine alongside contemporary interpretations. Dining here means experiencing refined dishes crafted from quality seasonal ingredients, paired with carefully selected wines. The surrounding neighborhood adds to the occasion, with elegant Haussmann architecture and the lively atmosphere of one of the world's most famous avenues just outside the door.

Day #3

Montmartre, culture, and Parisian farewell evening

08:00

Breakfast at a café in the Marais district

The Marais is one of Paris's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely breakfast. The area is filled with charming cafés serving classic French morning fare including croissants, tartines, and café au lait. The neighborhood's medieval streets, beautiful architecture, and proximity to landmarks like Place des Vosges create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for starting the day.

09:30

le marais

Explore the Marais neighborhood and Place des Vosges

The Marais is one of Paris's oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its medieval streets, Jewish quarter, and concentration of art galleries and museums. At its heart sits Place des Vosges, the city's oldest planned square, built in 1612. Surrounded by elegant red-brick arcaded buildings, the square offers a symmetrical beauty and a peaceful garden, making it a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

11:00

pompidou

Visit the Centre Pompidou and modern art collections

The Centre Pompidou in the Beaubourg district houses one of the largest modern and contemporary art collections in Europe. The building itself is iconic, with its exposed structural systems and colored pipes. Inside, the Musée National d'Art Moderne spans the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, and Duchamp. The outdoor plaza regularly attracts street performers and visitors.

13:00

Lunch at a falafel shop on Rue des Rosiers

14:30

montmartre

Head to Montmartre and explore the artistic quarter

Montmartre is a hilltop neighbourhood in northern Paris, long associated with artists such as Picasso, Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec. The area retains a village-like atmosphere with cobblestone streets, independent cafes and the Place du Tertre, where painters still work outdoors. The landmark Sacre-Coeur Basilica sits at the summit, offering sweeping views across the city. It remains one of Paris's most atmospheric and visited districts.

15:30

sacre

Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy the view

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica sits atop Montmartre hill, the highest point in Paris. Built in Romano-Byzantine style and completed in 1914, its white travertine exterior gleams over the city. The hilltop offers sweeping panoramic views across Paris. Inside, visitors can admire the grand mosaic of Christ in Glory. The surrounding Montmartre neighbourhood features charming streets, artists, and cafes worth exploring.

17:00

Browse artist studios and souvenir shops in Montmartre

Montmartre's steep streets are lined with artist studios and souvenir shops, reflecting the neighborhood's long creative history. Place du Tertre is the central square where painters work outdoors and sell their work directly to visitors. Nearby shops stock prints, postcards, and handmade crafts. The area retains a village-like atmosphere distinct from central Paris, and its hilltop position offers good views over the city.

18:30

Enjoy a glass of wine at a Montmartre wine bar

Montmartre is home to one of Paris's last working vineyards, the Clos Montmartre, which produces a small annual harvest celebrated each October. The neighborhood's wine bars offer a relaxed atmosphere to sample French wines, particularly natural and regional varieties. Spots like La Fourmi and various cave a vins on Rue des Abbesses provide locals and visitors an authentic setting away from the more touristy parts of the city.

20:00

Farewell dinner at a charming Montmartre restaurant

22:00

Final evening walk and Eiffel Tower light show

End your Paris visit with an evening stroll along the Seine, taking in the illuminated city skyline. The Eiffel Tower light show runs for five minutes every hour after dark, with thousands of sparkling lights covering the iron structure. The best viewing spots include Trocadero square, Champ de Mars park, or Pont d'Iena bridge. The show runs until midnight, or 1am in summer months.

Search for hotels: