3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Paris is one of the best first-time city trips in Europe, combining world-famous monuments, museum classics, and elegant walkable neighborhoods. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want the classic Paris experience without unrealistic pacing.

Quick Summary Box 📅

• Ideal for: First-time visitors and short city breaks
• Pace: Balanced
• Budget level: Medium to high
• Best area to stay: 1st arrondissement, Le Marais, or Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Transport tips: Use Metro for longer moves and walk within each arrondissement cluster

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Eiffel Tower and Seine Core 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Eiffel Tower.
• Champ de Mars.
• Trocadéro viewpoints.

Lunch 🍽️

• Café de l'Homme area options.

Afternoon 🌇

• Seine riverbank walk (optional river cruise).
• Tuileries Garden.
• Champs-Élysées.

Dinner 🍷

• Brasserie Lipp.

Day 2 - Louvre and Historic Center 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• The Louvre (timed entry).
• Palais Royal.

Lunch 🍽️

• Le Fumoir.

Afternoon 🌇

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior).
• Sainte-Chapelle.
• Conciergerie.
• Latin Quarter walk.

Dinner 🍷

• Le Procope.

Day 3 - Montmartre and Left Bank Classics 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Sacré-Cœur.
• Montmartre streets.
• Place du Tertre.
• Galeries Lafayette rooftop.

Lunch 🍽️

• Bouillon Pigalle.

Afternoon 🌇

• Musée d'Orsay.
• Luxembourg Gardens.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Dinner 🍷

• Les Deux Magots area options.

Where to Stay in Paris 🏨

• 1st arrondissement: Very central for first-timers; usually expensive.
• Le Marais: Great food and atmosphere; some areas can be lively at night.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Classic Paris feel and walkability; premium pricing.
• Latin Quarter: Practical and lively; room sizes can be smaller.
• Budget guidance: Consider outer central zones near Metro hubs for better rates.

Getting Around Paris 🚇

• Paris Metro is the fastest way to move between major sightseeing zones.
• Navigo pass can be useful for multi-day intensive transit use.
• Paris is very walkable by neighborhood, but distances between landmarks can be larger than expected.
• Airport overview: CDG via RER B or airport transfer options; Orly via Orlyval/Metro connections and buses.

FAQ 💡

Is 3 days enough in Paris?

Yes. Three days is enough to cover the most iconic highlights and classic first-time experiences.

What is the best month to visit Paris?

May, June, September, and early October are usually best for weather and sightseeing comfort.

Is Paris expensive?

Paris can be expensive, but area planning and advance reservations help control costs.

Is Paris walkable?

Yes, especially within each arrondissement area, with Metro for longer jumps.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Paris?

1st arrondissement, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter are strong options.

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