The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary To Paris For First Time Visitors

Fall in love with Paris with this perfect 3-day itinerary to Paris. Paris, especially the iconic Eiffel Tower, is a trip everyone feels they must experience at least once in their life.

I’ve visited Paris many times, it’s only a four-hour drive from my hometown in the Netherlands. And I had the privilege to see Paris through the eyes of a local (the perks of dating a French guy).

The beautiful French architecture, walking the streets of le Marais, the delicious food (I could eat pain aux chocolate all day, every day), the exquisite wine, and the romantic ambience Paris exudes all draw me in.

I still crave those quiet moments on a patio, sipping my ‘vin chaud’ to stay warm. Observing people rushing to cafes to meet friends after work, everyone enjoying a glass of wine, and the quintessentially Parisian habit of smoking their cigarettes is a sight that never gets old.

It’s a typical Parisian scene that captures the essence of the city. With this perfect three-day itinerary to Paris, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with Paris!

However, the city can also feel chilly, and a bit gritty, and there’s the unmistakable Parisian demeanour that many might interpret as rudeness. I have a love-and-hate relationship with Paris.

The Perfect 3-day Itinerary to Paris

Day 1: Classic Paris

Breakfast in Paris

Start your day with a simple but typical Parisian breakfast! Find a café near your hotel and indulge in a croissant au beurre, pain au chocolat, or a simple piece of baguette with butter and jam. Pair it with a cup of real coffee (skip the awful Americanos, sorry!), tea, or a jus d’orange frais!

There’s no better way to kick off your first morning in Paris! From here, we’re heading straight to the iconic sights, starting with the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower

Pro tip: The earlier, the better to avoid the crowds! You can choose to go all the way up, but there are better viewpoints in the city, so I suggest skipping it. There are several great photo spots around the Eiffel Tower, one of which is Place de Trocadero. Sure, it’s touristy, but hey, we are tourists! The view from Place de Trocadero and Jardins du Trocadéro is iconic, and you’ll find more cool spots around for great photo opportunities.

From Champs de Mars, make your way to Rue Saint-Dominique and Rue de l’Université. These streets are known for their beautiful buildings and picturesque views of the Eiffel Tower.

Arc de Triomphe

After exploring these lovely streets, it’s time to tick off the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc is famous for its chaotic roundabout, but don’t worry—you’ll survive! Instead of taking the subway, I recommend a 30-minute walk across the Seine to the Arc de Triomphe. Along the way, you’ll pass the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Next, we’ll head to the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. If you love fancy shopping, this is your paradise! Designer bags? Get them in Paris! The prices are unbeatable, especially with the euro being so low right now. Spend hours here, strolling and shopping. Don’t forget to check out Ladurée for the best macarons and the famous Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées.

You can walk out to Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau.

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

For the evening, head to Montmartre, a charming neighbourhood famous for the Sacré-Cœur. Be prepared for some steps, but the area is quintessentially French. Wander through the quaint streets and enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many bistros.

The view from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur is truly amazing, especially at sunset. Relax on the steps and take in the breathtaking view over Paris. The basilica sits atop Montmartre hill, providing one of the best panoramic views of Paris. There are also many great dining options in Montmartre, making it the perfect spot for dinner.

End your first day in Paris with a sunset in Montmartre. The famous Moulin Rouge theatre is nearby and is best seen after sunset when the lights are on! The Moulin Rouge is iconic for a Parisian cabaret show.

Day 2: Art and Culture in Paris

The Tuileries Garden

We’ll kick off our second day at the beautiful Palais Garnier, made famous in the novel “The Phantom of the Opera.” It’s a perfect spot to start a quiet morning in Paris.

From Palais Garnier, we’ll head over to Place Vendome and The Tuileries Garden. I love these neighbourhoods! Rue de Rivoli and Rue Saint-Honoré are both gorgeous streets to wander. You’ll find a great place for lunch in this area.

The Louvre

After lunch, it’s time for another iconic Parisian landmark: the Louvre! If you’re keen on seeing the Mona Lisa, be prepared for long lines with other tourists. However, I suggest skipping the entrance to the Louvre this time.

Instead, head over to Domaine National du Palais-Royal for some amazing photos! You could even book a photographer for a true Parisian photoshoot at this iconic landmark. Why not have a shoot that looks like it was pulled straight out of French Vogue?

Le Marais

Next, we’re heading to my favourite neighbourhood: Le Marais! This area is a must-visit in this 3-day itinerary in Paris for anyone wanting to experience the best of the City of Lights. From delicious boulangeries to bustling street markets, amazing restaurants, and unique boutiques, Le Marais is the most authentic part of Paris to me.

Le Marais is meant to be strolled and enjoyed like a true Parisian! It’s best not to have a set goal—just let the streets guide you. Wander around, get lost, and stop at a few bistros or wine bars to refresh and rest.

There are so many fantastic restaurants in Le Marais for a great dinner! End your evening with a walk along the Seine, if you’re still up for it!

Day 3: Dinner under the Eiffel Tower

The Panthéon

On the third day, start your morning with a visit to a local boulangerie for a fresh baguette and pastries. There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly baked bread to kick off your days in this 3-day itinerary in Paris.

After breakfast, head to the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter. This magnificent building serves as a mausoleum for distinguished French citizens. The architecture is awe-inspiring, and the interior is equally impressive.

Next, take a short walk to Jardin du Luxembourg. I love Jardin du Luxembourg! These gardens are a beautiful and peaceful place to begin your day.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

From here, we’ll head to another major Parisian landmark: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. As you probably know, the Notre-Dame was severely damaged by a fire in April 2019. The fire was a significant blow to this UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Christianity that welcomed 12 million visitors each year.

Though the Notre-Dame is still closed for restoration, you can visit the square of the cathedral and snap some fantastic photos! You really can’t tell from the outside that there was a fire, so definitely include Notre Dame on your to-do list.

The Notre Dame is surrounded by the Seine, making the area perfect for a leisurely walk and lunch! Don’t forget to check out Pont Neuf, a famous bridge across the Seine.

After the Notre-Dame, head back to the Eiffel Tower! One thing you can’t miss in Paris is seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle. This happens after sunset on the hour. The best view is from Champ de Mars.

Anywhere around the Eiffel Tower will give you a great view, but how about a final sunset dinner picnic under the Eiffel Tower before leaving Paris? Seems like a no-brainer to me! And remember, you’re in Paris, so a glass of champagne is a must!

Having visited Paris numerous times (because of a former French boyfriend), I still find new delights every trip. While many Europeans might try to avoid Paris, often because of the Parisians, I’ve come to appreciate its charm.

Especially in the fall, when the weather turns crisp and the patios are heated and shielded from the wind, Paris has a unique appeal.

Paris is great, but just like any other major European city, you have to be careful. Check out this guide from the Parisian Tourism Board on how to stay safe in Paris!

If you’re not sure what foods to explore in Paris, I have to perfect guide to help you on your way in the world of the best foods to eat in Paris.