Paris rewards a plan. This 3-day itinerary groups the city by area so you spend your time seeing Paris rather than crossing it — with a complete day-by-day schedule below, plus where to stay, eat and get around for every budget.
Day 1 Grandeur, Art, and Riverside Elegance
The Louvre Museum Experience
Begin your Parisian adventure with a pre-booked, timed-entry visit to the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Focus on key masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace, allowing at least 3-4 hours to appreciate its vast collections. Consider a private guide for an enhanced, focused tour.
A Walk Along the Seine
After the Louvre, step out onto the riverbanks. The stretch of the Seine around the Tuileries and Ile de la Cite is made for an unhurried walk past bridges, bouquinistes and grand facades, the gentlest way to reset between art and the evening ahead.
Gourmet Bistro Dining in Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Conclude your day with a superb dinner in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. This historic intellectual district is renowned for its charming, high-quality bistros. Seek out a restaurant offering classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist, accompanied by excellent wine pairings.
Day 2 Bohemian Rhythms, Grand Views, and Evening Romance
Montmartre's Artistic Charm and Sacre-Coeur
Spend the morning climbing the artistic streets of Montmartre, the village-within-a-city that drew Picasso and Van Gogh. Wind up to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica for one of the best free panoramas in Paris, then explore the lanes around Place du Tertre where painters still work in the open air.
Eiffel Tower Illumination & Refined Dinner
Experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower. Pre-book tickets to ascend to the summit for breathtaking evening views (or the second floor for a more intimate experience). Afterwards, find a refined dinner in the 7th Arrondissement, perhaps with a view of the sparkling tower, or in a sophisticated restaurant nearby known for French classics.
Day 3 Royal Opulence, Garden Serenity, and Intellectual Heritage
Majesty of the Palace of Versailles
Dedicate your final day to the majesty of Versailles, an easy RER ride from the city. Pre-book a timed entry to walk the Hall of Mirrors and the royal apartments, then give yourself unhurried time in the gardens, where the fountains, the Grand Canal and the Trianon estate reward those who linger.
Where to stay, eat & get around
Paris works on every budget. Here is how it breaks down across three tiers.
🛌 Where to stay
🚉 Getting around
🍽 Where to eat
💰 Estimated daily cost
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Get the free appParis in 3 days: common questions
Is 3 days enough to see Paris?
Yes — 3 days covers the main highlights of Paris when you group attractions by area to cut travel time, which this day-by-day itinerary does.
How much does 3 days in Paris cost?
Plan on roughly $203 per day for this trip, excluding international flights. Costs vary with your choice of hotels, dining and transport.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
The itinerary above includes a transit strategy for Paris across budget, mid-range and luxury options — from public transport to private transfers.
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