Itineraries for Your Trip to Paris
3 Days in Paris for First Timers
I first visited Paris just after my 18th birthday—my first solo international trip. That first trip lasted just three days, but inspired a later move to the city. My trip was financed on a meager student budget, and so I spent much of my time exploring on foot, checking out free or low-cost attractions, and taking the occasional metro ride for longer distances.
I quickly learned that Paris is more compact than meets the eye—meaning you can cover a lot of ground in just three days, particularly if you’re strategic about visiting attractions that are clustered together. Here’s my suggestion of how to do it.
Be prepared for scorching summers—heat waves are common in Paris.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Louvre Museum.
Spend your first day in Paris checking out the city’s best-known attractions. You can easily spend your whole first morning in the Louvre, but if you don’t book ahead, you may end up spending much of that time standing in a long line. A private tour with skip-the-line access is ideal for seeing museum highlights with someone who knows the way around.
In the afternoon, head over to the Eiffel Tower, a 20-minute bus ride (or leisurely 45-minute riverside stroll) away. Again, you'll want to prebook your tickets to avoid wasting time standing in line.
On your second day, grab fresh pastries from a local boulangerie before setting off to explore Le Marais, one of Paris's oldest and most charming neighborhoods. This area is known for cobbled streets and pre-Haussmannian architecture and is easy to explore on foot.
In the afternoon, head up to another fantastic neighborhood—Montmartre—home of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Although this area has long been known for its artist communities, it’s also a great place to try out French fare. Join a guided food tour to get an insider’s take on what to eat.
On your final day, head out to the Palace of Versailles, a majestic palace built by Louis XIV. This massive royal residence can be reached by the RER commuter train from Paris, though you may find it easier to book a tour package that includes tickets, skip-the-line access, and round-trip transfers from your hotel.
Once you’ve had your fill of Versailles, head back to Paris and freshen up for a magical last night in Paris aboard an evening dinner cruise along the Seine River, complete with live music.
- What are the must-see attractions in Paris for a 3-day visit?
Three days in Paris gives you enough time to check off a number of must-see attractions. You can summit the Eiffel Tower, stroll the Champs-Élysées, and venture to the Louvre. You can even head to Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, before staying in the area to catch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge.
- What are the top foods and drinks to try in Paris?
There’s so much to try in this most culinary of cities, from croissants and baguettes to duck confit and boeuf bourguignon—all washed down with French wine, of course. And since this is Paris, it’s worth booking a classic bistro meal—or even a fancy tasting menu dinner—to get the full gourmet experience.
- Which Paris neighborhoods should I stay in if I’m in town for three days?
Staying central is a good idea if you’re seeking a convenient Paris base for your 3-day trip. The options are ritzy in the well-located 1st arrondissement and 8th arrondissement, while Le Marais offers plenty of chic options. Don’t neglect the Latin Quarter if you’re after a sociable experience.
- What’s the best way to get around Paris on my first visit?
Paris’ robust public transit network—including the Métro, buses, and more—is a fast and hassle-free way to get around town. The French capital is also exceedingly walkable and bike-friendly (make use of the local Vélib’ bikeshare service). Don’t forget that you can see the city by boat on a Seine river cruise.
- Where can I go on a day trip from Paris?
The Palace of Versailles is a popular day-trip destination if you’re staying in Paris. Many tours additionally head to Giverny to see where Claude Monet once lived and painted. For a full day out, venture to Champagne, the Loire Valley, Normandy D-Day sites, or even Mont-Saint-Michel.