Paris fills your senses with beauty. The sound of street musicians, the smell of fresh croissants, and the sight of glowing city lights create magic. Every street hides a story. Every café holds a memory. Three days in Paris can feel short, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can capture its heart.
Day 1: Classic Paris and Iconic Views
Start your morning with a warm croissant and coffee in a small café near the Eiffel Tower. The first light of the day paints the tower gold. Walk around Champ de Mars and enjoy the calm before the crowd arrives. Climb up or take the lift for a full view of the city. From the top, you can see the Seine flowing through the heart of Paris.
After the Eiffel Tower, head to the Arc de Triomphe. Stand in the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle and watch twelve grand avenues spread like spokes. Walk down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in the world. It’s full of luxury stores, perfume shops, and cafés that invite you to pause and people-watch.
For lunch, try a French bistro. Order onion soup, a baguette, and a small glass of wine. Parisians enjoy food slowly, so take your time. After lunch, walk toward the Seine River. Cross the bridges and feel the breeze. In the evening, take a Seine boat cruise. As the sun sets, the monuments light up — Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower shimmer against the night sky.
Finish your first day with dinner in the Latin Quarter. This area is full of life, history, and cosy restaurants. Try escargot or coq au vin. End the night with a stroll past the glowing bridges.
Day 2: Art, Culture, and Parisian Charm
Begin your second day at the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces. Get there early to avoid the crowd. The museum is vast, so focus on key sections — Italian Renaissance, Egyptian Antiquities, and French Paintings. The glass pyramid outside makes a great photo spot.
After exploring art, step out for fresh air in the Tuileries Garden. Sit by the fountains and watch locals read or chat. From there, walk to Place de la Concorde, where history meets beauty. The view toward the Champs-Élysées is breathtaking.
Next, visit the Musée d’Orsay across the Seine. It holds impressionist art by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. The building itself, once a railway station, is stunning.
For lunch, head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This neighbourhood feels elegant and full of Parisian spirit. Eat at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots — famous cafés where writers like Hemingway once sat. Order quiche, salad, or a cheese platter with wine.
In the afternoon, visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. Though under restoration, the area around it remains charming. Walk to the nearby Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Browse through the shelves filled with old books and stories of writers who found inspiration in Paris.
End your day in the Marais District. It’s trendy, filled with boutiques, art galleries, and small bakeries. Try falafel or crepes from a street stall. Sit in a corner café as evening falls. Listen to jazz or watch artists paint in the open air.
Day 3: Montmartre and the Soul of Paris
Your last day reveals the artistic soul of Paris. Start in Montmartre, once home to Picasso and Van Gogh. Walk up the narrow cobblestone streets lined with art studios. The climb to Sacré-Cœur Basilica is worth every step. From the top, Paris spreads below you like a painting.
Visit Place du Tertre, a square where artists display their work. Get your portrait done or buy a small canvas to remember your trip. Walk to Moulin Rouge, the red windmill that symbolises Parisian nightlife. You can watch a show or take photos of this historic landmark.
For lunch, find a small brasserie. Try duck confit or a croque monsieur. After lunch, explore Pigalle, known for its music and nightlife. Visit a few vintage shops or enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk café.
Spend your afternoon at the Montmartre Museum. Learn about the bohemian life of artists who shaped the area. As the sun begins to set, return to Sacré-Cœur for one last look at the city below. The view glows gold and pink. It feels timeless.
For your farewell dinner, choose a rooftop restaurant. The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour after sunset. As you watch, you realise Paris never feels ordinary. It whispers stories even as you leave.
Final Thoughts on Your 3-Day Itinerary
Three days in Paris give you a taste of its art, food, and romance. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre stand as highlights, but the real charm hides in quiet corners — a café near the river, a violin player under a bridge, or a painter at work on the street. Each moment adds a brushstroke to your travel story.
Keep your itinerary flexible. Wander a little. Stop for coffee. Talk to locals. Take photos, but also take time to feel the rhythm of the city. Paris rewards curiosity. It invites you to return.