What to Do in Paris in 3 Days

Paris is a city that never fails to inspire travelers with its beauty, history, and unmistakable charm. Are you planning a short getaway to the City of Light? Exploring Paris in just 3 days may seem like a challenge—but that’s why we at Civitatis have put together the perfect itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. Although it may seem like a short time, it’s enough to enjoy a truly memorable holiday!

From strolling along grand boulevards lined with elegant architecture to uncovering the legacy of kings, artists, and thinkers who have shaped its identity, you’ll fall in love with the city’s culture, romance, and timeless magic. Let the adventure begin!

Day 1: Discover the Must-See Monuments in Paris

The best way to kick off your 3-day stay in Paris is by visiting the most iconic spots in the heart of the city. After all, every plan for visiting Paris begins with seeing its most famous monuments and landmarks! This first day not only takes you through the most photographed sites, but also opens the door to the Parisian spirit and character. Join a free walking tour to get your bearings of the city, or for a more exclusive tour with your own guide, book this private tour of Paris. For a tour that’s both comfortable and eco-friendly, check out this private cycle rickshaw.

Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars

The Eiffel Tower, locally nicknamed “La dame de fer” (“Iron Lady”), is the most famous symbol in Paris and an absolute must-see. Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, it stands over 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall and is the tallest structure in Paris. It’s one of the most visited monuments in the world!

Next to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find the Champ de Mars. This elegant, geometrically designed garden stretches all the way to the École Militaire, a complex of buildings that houses various military training facilities. With these tickets to the 2nd and 3rd floors, you’ll see the Champ de Mars and the best panoramic views of the city, where the Seine River winds between domes, avenues, and slate rooftops.

Treat yourself to a private photoshoot with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop to capture the magic of this Parisian icon! If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower at night, we recommend enjoying a delicious dinner at Madame Brasserie, the restaurant on the first floor. You’ll admire the city illuminated at night while indulging in a 3 or 4-course meal. Sounds romantic, right?

Avenue des Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

The grand Avenue des Champ-Élysées, stretching 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) long and 230 feet (70 meters) wide, is the most important avenue in Paris. It’s lined with theaters, cafés, gardens, and boutiques, concentrating much of the cultural and commercial life of the city. This avenue is known for being the place where the Tour de France cycling race finishes, and where the annual Bastille Day military parade takes place. It’s ideal for strolling and cycling, which you can see for yourself on this bike tour!

At the lower end of the avenue is the Place de la Concorde, the Palais de la Découverte, the Petit Palais, and the Grand Palais, while at the upper end stands the iconic Arc de Triomphe. This colossal monument was built in the 19th century to commemorate Napoleon’s victories and honor those who fell in battle. You’ll love taking in every detail of this magnificent monument. It has sculptured figures on each pillar, reliefs adorning its facades, engraved names of battles and military leaders, and several plaques at its base.

With this ticket to the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll get to visit its exhibition and take in the breathtaking views of the twelve avenues that radiate from the Place Charles de Gaulle from its rooftop terrace. Visit the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and other famous monuments with this complete city of Paris tour. You’ll enjoy a scenic bus tour, a cruise along the Seine, and priority access to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Talk about seeing it all!

Cruise Along the Seine

Stretching 483 miles (777 kilometers), the Seine is the lifeline that breathes life into the French capital. This river elegantly flows through the heart of Paris and has witnessed its evolution for centuries. Its banks frame some of the city’s most captivating settings, where historic bridges and monumental facades create a true open-air museum. There are 37 bridges in Paris across the Seine, with the most famous being the Pont Alexandre II and the Pont Neuf.

One of the most memorable experiences to enjoy in Paris on your first day is joining one of the many boat tours that sail along the Seine. On some of these cruises, you can even learn about this river’s past as a trade route and a source of inspiration for artists. With this lunch cruise on the Seine, you’ll have the chance to indulge in Parisian cuisine while discovering the city’s landmarks. For a romantic plan in the city of love, we suggest this gourmet dinner cruise, where you’ll marvel at the city’s lit-up monuments while savoring haute cuisine.

Les Invalides

Very close to the Avenue des Champes-Élysées, just across the Pont Alexandre III, lies the Hôtel des Invalides, commonly called Les Invalides. This 17th-century Baroque complex was commissioned by Louis XIV as a hospital and residence for retired soldiers. It houses the Cathedral of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, the national cathedral of the French military, as well as museums and monuments all about France’s military history.

Here, you’ll find the Musée d’Histoire Contemporaine, a museum specializing in 20th-century history; the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, a museum of military models; and the Musée de l’Armée, an army museum with one of the most comprehensive military collections in Europe. Its exhibitions span from the Middle Ages to World War II, which you can explore if you book tickets to the Musée de l’Armée.

Les Invalides is famous for its church with a monumental golden dome, known as the Dôme des Invalides, the tallest church building in Paris, standing at 351 feet (107 meters). It’s visible from various points around the city and is considered one of the masterpieces of French classical design. Inside, important figures of history rest, with the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte being the most notable. Beneath the grand dome, the red marble sarcophagus is striking both for its scale and symbolism.

The Hôtel des Invalides also offers immersive experiences, like the Aura Invalides. This unforgettable nighttime show takes place beneath the most renowned dome in Paris, combining captivating music, video, and light effects. Why not see the Aura Invalides experience to make the most of your trip in Paris?

Notre-Dame de Paris

To end your first day in Paris on a high note, head to the Île de la Cité, one of the two natural islands on the Seine River where the majestic Notre-Dame de Paris lies. Built in the 12th century, this Gothic masterpiece has witnessed coronations, state funerals, and defining moments in France’s history.

Its main facade, with three grand and intricately sculpted portals, depicts biblical scenes rendered with extraordinary artistry and realism. The monument’s twin towers rise at 226 feet (69 meters) high, and were once the tallest point in the city for centuries. On this private tour of Paris, you’ll have the chance to admire the Notre-Dame’s architecture and enigmatic sculptures of gargoyles, chimeras, and strixes.

Despite the 2019 fire that severely damaged its roof and central spire, Notre-Dame remains an undisputed icon in Paris. Inside, you’ll find three enormous and colorful rose windows, considered the most renowned features of the cathedral. Notre-Dame is also known for its three pipe organs and its 13 immense church bells. Did you know each bell has a name?

To fully appreciate this emblematic monument’s beautiful details inside and out, book this ticket to Notre-Dame. Not only will you explore the cathedral at your own pace with an audio guide, but you’ll also enjoy a guided walking tour of the Île de la Cité and embark on a scenic Seine River cruise!

Day 2: Explore Paris’ Iconic Art & Neighborhoods

On your second day in Paris, it’s worth diving into the city’s incredible artistic heritage and its charming historic neighborhoods. From renowned museums that house universal treasures to winding streets steeped in history, every step invites you to admire the cultural richness that has earned the City of Light its timeless fame.

Louvre Museum

Once a royal palace, today, the Louvre Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world. It’s home to approximately 500,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, Egyptian antiquities, and art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Across its three main wings, you’ll find important artworks, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The best way to enjoy its vast collection is with a guided tour of the Louvre. Or, if you want to experience the magnetic allure of the Mona Lisa while avoiding long lines, check out this skip-the-line ticket, which includes priority access.

After visiting the largest museum in the world, what better way to continue exploring Paris than through its flavors? Just a 20-minute walk away is the popular Galleries Lafayette, where you can take part in a macaron workshop. You’ll learn how to make one of France’s most famous sweets and savor this delicious treat as you head to your next destination. Perfect for those who love baking!

Musée d’Orsay

Located in the former Garde d’Orsay railway station, the Musée d’Orsay stands as a symbol of the French capital’s cultural refinement. This museum was inaugurated in 1986 after an ambitious restoration. However, it preserves the Beaux-Arts architecture of the original station, with its glass clock streaming natural light into its grand central hall.

The museum holds mainly French art, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It’s home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, featuring work by Monet, Renoir, van Gogh, Gauguin, among others. Discover the Musée d’Orsay and immerse yourself in this historic building’s art.

Latin Quarter & the Sorbonne

One of the most appealing plans for your second day in Paris is visiting the Latin Quarter of Paris, located on the left bank of the Seine. This historic district is known for its many universities, and here, you’ll see how it still preserves the intellectual atmosphere that has shaped generations of students, philosophers, and writers.

At its heart stands the beautiful 13th-century Sorbonne, the University of Paris, a true symbol of knowledge in Europe. Join a free tour of the Latin Quarter to admire the Sorbonne’s monumental facade and feel the pulse of a neighborhood that has witnessed debates, social movements, and cultural revolutions.

While exploring the Latin Quarter, it’s also worth visiting the Panthéon, a Neoclassical monument with a stone dome that’s actually composed of three domes, one inside the other. This fascinating mausoleum houses the tombs of great French figures, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo. See its outstanding wall paintings and sculptural masterpieces with this ticket to the Panthéon.

10 minutes away from the Latin Quarter, on the Île de la Cité, you’ll find two of the city’s architectural gems: the Sainte-Chappelle and the Conciergerie. The Saint-Chappelle is a Gothic-style royal chapel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to a stunning set of polychrome stained glass windows and a wide collection of sacred art.

The Conciergerie was originally part of the royal palace, but during the French Revolution, it was turned into a prison. Its most notable prisoner was Marie Antoinette, who was imprisoned, tried, and sentenced here before she was executed. With this ticket to Saint-Chappelle and the Conciergerie, you’ll visit both monuments in one day, saving you time and money.

Fun fact: the Latin Quarter is where Giacomo Puccini’s tragic opera, La Bohème, takes place!

The Marais

After exploring the Latin Quarter, you should head to the historic district of the Marais (Le Marais). It’s one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Paris, where you’ll find medieval heritage coexisting with modernity. Here lies the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in the city, which was one of the most stylish and expensive places to live back in the 17th and 18th centuries. This square helped shape the neighborhood’s elegant reputation among the Parisian elite.  

Home to many buildings of historic and architectural significance, the Marais was once an aristocratic district. Today, it’s one of the most fashionable areas of Paris, known for its museums, art galleries, and exclusive restaurants housed in the 17th-century noble mansions. It’s also the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ community, celebrated for its open and welcoming atmosphere.

Take a trip back in time on this free tour and uncover the district’s past, including a stop at the Place de la Bastille. Once home to the fortress that was stormed in 1789, this historic square sparked the beginning of the French Revolution.

If you have time, we recommend a plan as elegant as the Marais district: visiting a typical Parisian wine cellar. Savor exceptional French wines and cheese while learning how to distinguish the flavors and characteristics with this cheese and wine tasting! 

Day 3: Enjoy Scenic Views & Local Experiences

Welcome to day 3 in Paris! On this last day, we’ll head to the upper part of the city and discover a different side of the French capital. Among hills, viewpoints, and quiet corners full of character, you’ll experience the city’s local life and enjoy a slower pace.  

Montmartre Neighborhood

One of the most authentic things to do in Paris is to explore the Montmartre neighborhood. Perched atop a hill, Montmartre is famous for its artistic history and the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This basilica is the second most popular tourist destination in the capital after the Eiffel Tower. From here, you can see the entire city and its suburbs!

During the Belle Époque, many artists lived, worked, or had studios in Montmartre, including Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, and van Gogh. It’s also the setting for many popular films, such as Midnight in Paris and Amélie, where one of the film’s key scenes takes place in the gardens below the basilica.

This charming neighborhood has cobbled streets, steep stairways, and ivy-covered facades, making every corner historical and magical. Only a few streets away from the Sacré-Cœur, lies the bohemian Place du Tertre. This small square is often called the “Painters’ Square,” as painters and caricature artists have set up their easels outdoors since the 19th century. Enjoy a free walking tour to soak up Montmartre’s artistic atmosphere!

In this district, you’ll also find the Musée de Montmartre, the home to several famous artists in the past. It’s surrounded by Renoir’s Gardens and overlooks a vineyard, which you can visit if you book this ticket to the Musée de Montmartre.

Pro-tip: If you love music, you can’t miss the red-light district of Pigalle, located at the foot of Montmartre. It’s known today for its many stores specializing in music instruments and concert halls used for rock music. Plus, the iconic Moulin Rouge theatre is here!

Belleville District

Considered one of the city’s top street art districts, you’ll find Belleville, a lively, multi-ethnic neighborhood with a strong local identity. In fact, one of the city’s two Chinatowns is found here! There’s a large and popular outdoor market here, where many local farmers sell their produce. The neighborhood is also known for the Parc de Belleville, rising 354 ft (108 m) above the city. It’s the highest park in the city, where you’ll take in fantastic scenic views of the Paris skyline. 

Its colorful murals and street art reflect its creative spirit, while its cafés and bistros invite you to savor the flavors of traditional French cuisine. Speaking of food, why not join a food tour of Belleville? You’ll get to enjoy Parisian specialities like freshly baked bread, cheeses, and other local delicacies in the neighborhood.

Nearby is the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Paris, set among tree-lined avenues. This solemn yet fascinating site is the resting place of legendary figures such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Frédéric Chopin, and Édith Piaf. Did you know this French singer grew up in Belleville? Explore the most visited cemetery in the world with this guided tour of Père Lachaise.

Travel Tips for 3 Days in Paris

Along with your itinerary of Paris in 3 days, it’s important to have the basics organized before traveling. In this section, we’ll cover the most practical travel tips to make sure you’re ready for your trip. For starters, we recommend taking out travel insurance for added peace of mind, as well as purchasing a Civitatis eSIM card and booking your necessary transfers in the city.

Transport & Tourist Cards

With the right options, getting around the City of Light is easy and hassle-free! If you want to comfortably explore Paris’ main landmarks in a short time while learning about their history, we suggest the Paris sightseeing bus. You’ll be able to hop on and off at any of its stops as often as you like. There’s also a ticket option that includes a cruise along the Seine.

Another great option is to board the Batobus, the city’s panoramic boat. This option allows you to disembark at any of its stops. Not only is it an efficient way to move around Paris, but it also offers beautiful views of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Musée d’Orsay.

When it comes to tourist cards, the Go City Paris Pass is your best bet. This pass helps you save time and money, granting access to 75 of the city’s museums and attractions. It even includes access to the popular Paris Aquarium and the comic-book-inspired Parc Astérix. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll definitely make the most of your 3 days in Paris with this pass!

Where to Stay in Paris?

When planning your trip, one of the most important parts is choosing the right place to stay. Location is key, so it’s best to look for options near metro or RER (the Paris regional express train) stations. It’s also a good idea to book in advance—prices tend to rise and availability is limited, especially during high season.

We recommend you try to find neighborhoods that have nearby amenities such as supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants. Another important factor is to check what’s included, as some hotels in Paris offer very small rooms. You can’t go wrong with reading reviews from other travelers to avoid any surprises!

For more guidance, take a look at our blog on the best places to stay in Paris. This practical guide will help you make the best choice, with neighborhoods for history buffs, those looking to shop, party animals seeking a fun night out, and more.

Experience Paris at Night

The City of Light truly lives up to its name once the sun goes down. Whether you prefer peaceful evening strolls while admiring the illuminated landmarks, romantic cruises along the Seine, or dazzling cabaret shows, there’s something for everyone in Paris. Ready to experience the lively spirit of Parisian nightlife?

To wrap up our Paris in 3 days guide, we’ve gathered a selection of activities that will turn every night in the city into an unforgettable moment:

• Paris Open-Top Big Bus Night Tour
• Moulin Rouge Official Tickets
• Paris City Night Tour & Moulin Rouge Show
• Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket
• Classical Music Concert at Saint-Sulpice
• Pub Crawl Paris
• Paris Night Tour

Exploring Paris in 3 days may go by in a flash, but it’s more than enough time to fall in love with its art, cuisine, and irresistible charm. With its grand, historic landmarks and its magical corners, Paris is a city that never ceases to amaze. After this short getaway, you’ll probably find yourself already dreaming about your next trip to the French capital! For more inspiration, check out our complete catalogue of tours, tickets, and activities in Paris. Au revoir!