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3 Days in Paris: A Stress-Free Itinerary to Maximize Your Experience
Cecilia Rinaldi
Only have 3 days in Paris? That’s just enough time to get it wrong… or exactly right! We’ve run thousands of tours in the city and spent even more time scouting cafés, skipping lines, and figuring out what’s worth your time. This itinerary doesn’t try to do everything. It’s about doing the right things with the time you have. Here’s how to spend three days in Paris like someone who’s been here before.
Pro tips:
Bookmark this in your browser, you’ll want to circle back later. Trust me.
🧭 Day 1 – Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Left Bank Stroll, Le Marais Food Tour
Day 1 in Paris is all about soaking in the culture, hitting some major monuments, but not getting overwhelmed by crowds. You have three days in the city and we’re going to plan things out based on that.
Why this tour? Because you get summit access, skip-the-line entry, and a local guide to explain how Parisians once hated the tower.
💡 Pro Tip: Champagne bar opens at 10:30 AM. Be there.
INTERESSANTE Fact: The Eiffel Tower, now an iconic symbol of Paris, was initially met with resistance. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair and was intended to be a temporary structure. Its unique design and towering presence were controversial at the time.
Why settle for one meal when this expert-led food tour gives you six courses, local legends, and a crash course in Le Marais culture?
🥂 After Dinner: Chez Nous Wine Bar
📍10 Rue Dauphine Let the waiter pick the wine. There’s no menu, and that’s the magic.
🧭 Day 2 – Versailles, Garden Stroll, Night in Le Marais
Day 2 is all about Versailles. We’ve engineered this tour to take you out of Paris without the guesswork.
We used to use buses, and now we use a train. Why? You’re going to want free time in the gardens, which are massive, without an agenda or deadlines. You can stay and explore as long as you like and come back to Paris on the train at your own leisure.
Grab a refresh at your hotel or café-hop around Saint-Germain.
INTERESSANTE FACT: Paris’s café culture is deeply rooted in its history. In the 17th century, streetlights were installed, making nighttime strolls fashionable. Cafés began turning chairs outward, allowing patrons to observe passersby—a tradition that continues today.
📍69 Rue des Gravilliers Moroccan-lounge cocktail bar hidden behind Derrière. Funky, vibey, fun.
🧭 Day 3 – Louvre, Catacombs, Montmartre Evening
Day 3 is all about the Louvre which is arguably the greatest museum on Earth. The morning is a perfect time to go inside so you can enjoy the afternoon sun outside at a caffe.
As it gets hot, a stop off at the Paris Catacombs is a great way to cool off. This an incredible ossuary unique to Paris.
In the evening, get romantic and ideally lost in Montmartre. You’ll find Paris’ best views, maybe second to the Eiffel Tower, and stumble into some great dining!
The Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory—hit the top pieces with context.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive 15 min early. Book the 2-hour morning slot and beat the rush.
🍽️ Lunch: Café Lapérouse Concorde
📍12 Pl. de la Concorde Meander over to this fancy venue, just steps from the Louvre, for beef tartare, truffle pasta, or even a hamburger if you need a break from culture.
Stock up on wine, cheese, and chocolate for souvenirs
INTERESSANTE FACT: In the late 18th century, Paris faced a dire issue: overflowing cemeteries leading to health hazards. King Louis XVI initiated a project in 1776 to relocate the remains to underground quarries, giving birth to the Paris Catacombs. This subterranean ossuary now houses the bones of over six million Parisians.
🍽️ Dinner: Sacrée Fleur (Montmartre)
📍50 Rue de Clignancourt Avoid Montmartre tourist traps. This one’s the real deal for meat-lovers.
📍12-14 rue Joseph de Maistre A 20-minute walk or an 11-minute metro ride brings you to this perfect late-night spot, complete with epic views over Paris.
Is It Worth It to Go to Paris for 3 Days?
Maybe you’re tacking Paris onto a longer European adventure, or planning a quick getaway—either way, can three days really be enough?
Short answer: Absolutely! And you can guarantee yourself some unforgettable memories.
You can’t see all of Paris in three days, but you can absolutely feel like you’ve experienced it. Start with a few thoughtfully chosen tours to help you understand what you’re looking at, then let the rest of your time unfold slowly—long lunches, afternoon strolls, unplanned detours. The city has a way of revealing itself when you stop trying to see everything.
How Much Money Will You Need For 3 Days in Paris?
The cost of a 3-day trip to Paris can vary greatly depending on your travel style, preferences, and activities. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs for 3 different budgets ranges:
Budget: €400-€600
Mid-range: €700-€1,100
Luxury: €1,200+
When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Paris?
If, like me, you dislike being either super cold or super hot, I highly recommend visiting Paris in the spring or autumn to avoid extreme temperatures. April, May, September, and early October offer a great balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Although I must confess, Paris can sprinkle a bit of extra magic in December, twinkling with all its festive Christmas lights and adding an extra dash of romance to the air!
✔️ Final Thoughts
Three days in Paris is just enough time to do it right—if you know how to balance structure with spontaneity. This itinerary blends guided tours with long meals, big sights with quiet moments, and just enough flexibility to let the city surprise you. You’ll skip lines, eat well, and leave feeling like you actually experienced Paris, not just raced through it.
With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.
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