Day 1: Iconic Paris — Eiffel Tower, Seine, and the Latin Quarter
Start your first morning at the Eiffel Tower. Book tickets online in advance (they sell out weeks ahead) for either the second floor or the summit. Arrive early — the 9 AM slot has the shortest lines. After descending, walk along the Champ de Mars toward the Seine and cross the Pont d'Iéna. Take a Seine river cruise from the nearby Bateaux Mouches dock (about 1 hour). The afternoon perspective from the water — passing under bridges with Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay gliding past — is unmatched. After the cruise, cross to the Left Bank and explore the Latin Quarter. Walk along Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris's oldest market streets, and stop at a terrace cafe for a croque-monsieur and a glass of wine.
Day 2: Art and Le Marais
Dedicate the morning to the Louvre. With 35,000 works on display, you cannot see everything in one visit — and you should not try. Book a timed entry ticket, head straight to the Denon Wing for the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo, then explore the Egyptian antiquities or Italian Renaissance galleries at your own pace. Two to three hours is the sweet spot. After the Louvre, walk through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde, then along Rue de Rivoli into Le Marais. This is one of Paris's most charming neighborhoods — narrow medieval streets, independent boutiques, excellent falafel on Rue des Rosiers (L'As du Fallafel is legendary), and the beautiful Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. End the day with dinner at a traditional bistro — try Chez Janou for their famous chocolate mousse served from a giant bowl.
Day 3: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and Hidden Paris
Begin at Sacré-Cœur basilica in Montmartre, perched on the city's highest hill. The panoramic view of Paris from the steps is breathtaking and free. Wander the cobblestone streets of Montmartre — visit the Place du Tertre where artists paint portraits and landscapes, peek into the Espace Dalí museum, and find the Wall of Love (Mur des Je t'aime) in the small Square Jehan Rictus. For lunch, walk down the hill to the South Pigalle neighborhood (SoPi), where a new wave of excellent bistros and natural wine bars have opened. After lunch, choose your own adventure: the Musée d'Orsay for Impressionist masterpieces, the Palais Garnier opera house for jaw-dropping interiors, or simply wander through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, browsing bookshops and stopping at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots for a final Parisian coffee.
Where to Stay in Paris for 3 Days
For a first visit, stay in the 1st through 6th arrondissements (central Paris) or Le Marais (3rd/4th) for walkability to major sights. The 10th and 11th arrondissements offer lower prices with excellent metro connections and vibrant local neighborhoods — Canal Saint-Martin and Oberkampf are great areas. Budget $120 to $200 per night for a decent hotel in central Paris, or $60 to $100 for a well-reviewed studio apartment. Book 2 to 3 months ahead for the best selection. The Paris Metro is excellent and covers the entire city — buy a carnet (book of 10 tickets) or use the Navigo Easy card for convenient transit.
Paris Tips: What Most Guides Don't Tell You
Restaurants serve lunch from 12 PM to 2 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM onward — arriving at 6 PM means most kitchens are closed. Always say "Bonjour" when entering any shop or restaurant; not greeting people is considered rude in French culture. Tipping is not expected (service is included) but rounding up or leaving 1 to 2 euros for good service is appreciated. Museum passes save money only if you visit 3 or more museums. The first Sunday of the month is free entry at most national museums (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou) — but expect longer queues. Paris tap water is safe and free at restaurants (ask for "une carafe d'eau"). Want a full, customized Paris itinerary? Use Periplo to generate a day-by-day plan tailored to your exact dates, interests, and pace. For a longer stay, see our [Paris 5-day itinerary](/itinerary/paris-5-days). Planning to combine with London? Check our [London 4-day itinerary](/itinerary/london-4-days).
