Perfect Paris Itinerary for 3 days (+ Add-ons for Longer Stays)
The city of lights is a classic destination filled with beautiful sites, good food, and endless culture. So a Paris itinerary for 3 days is nigh on perfection for first time visitors.
Romantic buildings string along the Seine River and poke above the tenements of Montmartre. Masterworks of the Renaissance and Romanticism await in world-class museums. And, of course, there’s a ton of wonderful food that you’ll never want those uber-long lunches to end. Paris has plenty of activities for kids and family-friendly options. Paris is truly the perfect spot for a long weekend trip or an extended vacation.
But that’s barely scratching the surface of what Paris can offer. Beyond the buildings and the exhibition rooms, you’ll catch moody neighborhoods famed for their café culture. You’ll get to see the graves of poetic heroes in age-old cemeteries. You can taste wine in chic bistros with views of the Eiffel tower.
A lot can be seen in 3 days, but 5 days or a week will provide you with time for immersive experiences or excursions outside the city.
This guide includes everything you need to know when planning the perfect Parisian getaway from 3 days to a week. You can also check out my practical tips for visiting Paris for additional information.
Getting to & around Paris
You can get to Paris by plane and arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) Airports, both are international. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take a bus, train, or taxi. A regional (RER) train will take less than an hour and only cost 10 EUR.
If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Europe, you can also consider taking the Eurostar train. You can also rent a car and drive into the city, but there is lots of traffic and parking may be a challenge.
The Paris metro is extensive and utilizes a zone system. Buses, taxis, and Ubers are also available transportation options, but the metro will provide the easiest access for the best price. If you plan to travel by metro a lot, or for an extended period, consider a day or weekly metro passes.
It’s important to note that arrondissements refer to the municipal districts of Paris, and there are 20 of them. General knowledge of the arrondissements can help you determine how centrally located a destination is, and if it’s near other sights.
When to Visit Paris
According to Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea” and her sentiments ring true during any season.
Enjoy Paris in late spring or early fall for mild weather, spend winter in Paris for holiday attractions and decor, or summer for warm and romantic evenings.
Winter is the cheapest, and summer has the most crowds. If you choose to go in the summer, double-check that your hotel has air conditioning!
What to Pack
Pack clothes depending on the season, but it would be smart to bring layers and one or two fancier outfits for going out to dinner or a show. In case you forget something, Paris is an international metropolitan destination, which means you can find or purchase pretty much anything you could need there.
Good walking shoes are essential. Parts of Paris are hilly, and the city is very large and spread out. While the metro is extensive, you will still want to experience walking along the Seine or throughout the Parisian streets.
A portable umbrella and a secure bag (beware of pickpockets!) are also good items to have on hand.
Paris Itinerary for 3 days
Because there are more things to see and things to do in Paris (from famous Paris photo spots to bucket-list paintings) than you can shake a smelly Camembert cheese at, we thought we’d help out first-time visitors with a curated trip.
We’ve made it accessible and packed with a diverse range of attractions, but also suitable for anyone after a Paris on a budget itinerary (though you might want to skip the ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower and a few other things if you’re on a tighter budget!).
If you’re not on a budget, you can always through
Each day has been organized so that you’re using those feet as much as possible. Of course, you can choose to hop on the metro if you like (the French capital has an uber-efficient public transport network). If not, a good pair of shoes is a lifesaver.
There are so many sights to see in the lovely City of Lights. If you only have a few days (3 or less) make sure to take a Seine River Cruise, see the Eiffel Tower, and visit Montmartre.
If you have more time, check out the Champs Elysees, Notre Dame, and the Paris museum scene. Staying in Paris for a week or more? Explore sights outside of the city or immerse yourself in French cuisine!