How to Plan the Perfect 3-Day Trip to Paris

Planning your first trip to Paris? This comprehensive 3-day itinerary will help you experience the best of the City of Light, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. The Paris city guide connects with the broader France overview for side trips.

Day 1: Classic Paris Landmarks

Morning: The Eiffel Tower (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

Start early to beat the crowds at Paris's most iconic monument. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to save hours of waiting.

Why hire a guide: A knowledgeable guide can share fascinating history about Gustave Eiffel's engineering marvel and help you capture the best photos from various vantage points.

Cost: Summit access with guide: €65-85 per person

Afternoon: The Louvre Museum (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Home to the Mona Lisa and 35,000 other artworks, the Louvre deserves at least half a day. Focus on the highlights if time is limited.

Must-see artworks:

• Mona Lisa (Denon Wing)
• Venus de Milo (Sully Wing)
• Winged Victory of Samothrace (Denon Wing)
• The Coronation of Napoleon (Denon Wing)

Pro tip: Book a semi-private guided tour (max 6 people) to skip lines and gain expert insights. Guides know exactly when to visit each gallery to avoid peak crowds.

Evening: Seine River Cruise (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

End your first day with a romantic Seine cruise. You'll pass under historic bridges and see illuminated monuments including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower's sparkling light show.

Where to eat: Try a traditional French bistro in the Latin Quarter like Le Procope or Chez Gladines.

Day 2: Art, Culture & Montmartre

Morning: Musée d'Orsay (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

This converted railway station houses the world's finest collection of Impressionist art. See masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas.

Best time to visit: Right when doors open at 9:30 AM

Afternoon: Montmartre Walking Tour (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Explore Paris's bohemian hilltop neighborhood where Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec once lived and worked.

Highlights:

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica with panoramic city views
• Place du Tertre (artists' square)
• Le Mur des Je t'aime (Wall of Love)
• Moulin Rouge (photo stop)

Why hire a guide: Local guides know the hidden staircases, secret gardens, and authentic bistros tourists miss. They bring Montmartre's artistic history to life with stories about the neighborhood's famous residents.

Cost: Small group walking tour: €25-40 per person

Evening: Dinner in Le Marais (7:00 PM onwards)

This historic district offers excellent dining from traditional French to international fusion. The Jewish Quarter has outstanding falafel and Middle Eastern food.

Day 3: Versailles & Champs-Élysées

Morning: Palace of Versailles (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM)

Take an early train from Paris (35 minutes) to explore Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens.

What to see:

• Hall of Mirrors
• King's Grand Apartments
• Marie Antoinette's Estate
• Gardens and fountains (if visiting Apr-Oct during fountain shows)

Essential tip: Book a guided tour that includes skip-the-line access and transportation from Paris. The palace is enormous and easy to get lost without guidance.

Cost: Full-day guided tour from Paris: €110-140 per person

Afternoon: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Return to Paris and stroll down the world's most famous avenue. Climb the Arc de Triomphe for spectacular 360-degree views of Paris's star-shaped layout.

Shopping stops:

• Louis Vuitton flagship
• Ladurée for macarons
• Sephora Champs-Élysées (largest in Europe)

Evening: Final Night Options

Option A - Casual: Picnic at Trocadéro Gardens with Eiffel Tower views (grab supplies from a local fromagerie and boulangerie)

Option B - Special occasion: Book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Le Jules Verne (in the Eiffel Tower itself)

Essential Planning Tips

Best Time to Visit Paris

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, moderate crowds Summer (June-August): Peak season, long days, busy but festive atmosphere Fall (September-October): Beautiful foliage, comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists Winter (November-March): Budget-friendly, Christmas markets, occasional cold snaps

Our recommendation: Late September to mid-October for the best balance of weather and crowds.

Budget Breakdown (per person)

Accommodation (3 nights):

• Budget: €150-250 (hostels/budget hotels)
• Mid-range: €300-450 (3-star hotels)
• Luxury: €600+ (4-5 star hotels)

Guided tours & admissions:

• Eiffel Tower with guide: €75
• Louvre semi-private tour: €95
• Versailles full-day tour: €130
• Montmartre walking tour: €30
• Arc de Triomphe: €13 Total: €343

Meals:

• Budget: €25-35/day
• Mid-range: €50-70/day
• Fine dining: €100+/day

Transportation:

• Paris Visite travel pass (3 days): €29.40
• Airport transfer: €25-30

Total estimated budget: €650-€1,200+ depending on accommodation and dining choices

Getting Around

Metro: Fastest and cheapest option. Buy a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel on metro, RER trains, and buses.

Walking: Paris is very walkable. Many attractions are close together, especially along the Seine.

Taxis/Uber: Convenient but expensive. Use for late-night returns or when traveling with luggage.

Finding the Best Tour Guides

Official resources:

• Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Licensed guide associations

Booking platforms:

• GetYourGuide (read reviews carefully)
• Viator
• Withlocals (local independent guides)

What to look for:

• Official licensing (required in France for major sites)
• Specialized expertise (art history, architecture, food, etc.)
• Small group sizes (max 8-12 people)
• Skip-the-line access included
• 4.5+ star ratings with 100+ reviews

Packing Essentials

Must-haves:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 10+ miles daily)
• Power adapter (European Type C plugs)
• Light rain jacket (weather is unpredictable)
• Crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack
• Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)

Fashion tip: Parisians dress elegantly casual. Avoid obvious tourist attire like shorts, baseball caps, and loud colors if you want to blend in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not booking tickets in advance: Major attractions sell out weeks ahead in peak season
2. Underestimating walking time: Paris is bigger than it looks on maps
3. Eating near major tourist sites: Prices triple, quality drops
4. Attempting too much: Three attractions per day is plenty with travel time
5. Skipping lunch breaks: Restaurants stop serving between 2-7 PM
6. Not validating metro tickets: You can be fined €60 for an unvalidated ticket

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to speak French? A: Basic phrases help, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Guides are fluent in English.

Q: Is Paris safe for tourists? A: Generally yes, but watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on metro trains. Keep valuables secure.

Q: Can I see everything in 3 days? A: You'll see major highlights but Paris deserves a week or more. This itinerary prioritizes must-sees for first-time visitors.

Q: Are tour guides worth the cost? A: Absolutely. They save time with skip-the-line access, provide context that enhances appreciation, and help you navigate efficiently.

Q: When does the Eiffel Tower sparkle? A: Every hour on the hour after sunset for 5 minutes. Best viewed from Trocadéro Gardens.

Related Guides

For more Paris travel planning resources, check out:

• Best Time to Visit Paris - Month-by-month guide
• Paris Food Tours - Culinary experiences and tastings
• Hidden Gems in Paris - Off-the-beaten-path attractions

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Final thoughts: Paris rewards careful planning. Book guided tours for major attractions to skip lines and gain deeper understanding. Leave room for spontaneity – some of Paris's magic happens when you wander aimlessly through charming neighborhoods. With this itinerary as your foundation, you're set for an unforgettable first visit to the City of Light.

Have questions about planning your Paris trip? Contact us for personalized recommendations and expert tour guide connections.