Skip to content
AIFlyTrip

Paris in 3 days: an itinerary for first-time visitors

This plan covers the essential sights over three days while keeping travel time down by grouping each day around neighbourhoods. It assumes a moderate pace with time for long meals; swap or drop items to suit your interests, and book timed tickets for the big museums before you go.

3 daysFirst visitsArt and historyWalking-focused trips

New to Paris? Start with our Paris travel planning guide for when to go and how to get around.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1

    The Seine and the historic heart

    Morning
    Start on the Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame and the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle, then walk along the river through the oldest part of the city.
    Afternoon
    Cross to the Right Bank for the Louvre. Choose two or three collections in advance rather than trying to see everything, then rest in the Tuileries Garden.
    Evening
    Walk west along the river or through the Palais-Royal gardens, and have dinner around the Louvre or in Saint-Germain on the Left Bank.

    Tip: Book a timed Louvre entry for early afternoon so the morning around the islands isn't rushed.

  2. Day 2

    Left Bank art and the Eiffel Tower

    Morning
    Visit the Musée d'Orsay for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, ideally right at opening when the galleries are calmer.
    Afternoon
    Wander Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Luxembourg Gardens, stopping at a café, then head towards the Eiffel Tower area along the river.
    Evening
    See the Eiffel Tower around sunset from the Champ de Mars or the Trocadéro across the river, and go up if you've booked a slot.

    Tip: If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, book a time slot in advance and allow for security checks.

  3. Day 3

    Montmartre and Le Marais

    Morning
    Climb to Montmartre for the Sacré-Cœur and views over the city, then explore the quieter lanes away from the busiest square.
    Afternoon
    Take the metro to Le Marais. Visit the Place des Vosges, browse the boutiques and choose a smaller museum such as the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris.
    Evening
    Stay in Le Marais for dinner, or finish with an evening river walk to see the bridges lit up.

Practical notes

Where to stay for this itinerary
A central base keeps each day's start simple. Le Marais, the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are all within walking distance or a short metro ride of the places in this plan. If you prefer quieter evenings, look for streets slightly away from the busiest squares rather than further out of the centre.
What to book before you go
Book timed entry for the Louvre and, if you plan to go up, the Eiffel Tower, as these are the visits most likely to sell out. The Musée d'Orsay and Sainte-Chapelle also sell timed tickets. Booking these first lets you arrange the rest of each day around fixed times, then keep everything else flexible.
Getting between stops
Most of this itinerary is walkable within each day, using the metro only to jump between areas, such as from the Eiffel Tower back to the centre or from Montmartre to Le Marais. Check the RATP website for current ticket options before you arrive, and keep a little time in hand for station changes.
Pacing the days
Each day has one big museum or landmark and plenty of walking. If you start to feel tired, drop the afternoon item rather than the morning one: mornings are when the major sights are calmest and your energy is highest.

Want this itinerary tailored to you?

Our AI trip planner adapts the days to your dates, budget, pace and interests, and suggests flight options and a budget breakdown.

Create your personalized trip plan

Ways to adapt this itinerary

Add Versailles
With a fourth day, take the RER to the Palace of Versailles and spend the day in the palace and gardens. It is a long but rewarding visit.
Travelling with children
Swap a museum for the Jardin d'Acclimatation or a river cruise, and plan picnic breaks in the parks to keep the days relaxed.
A slower pace
Drop one major museum and spend the time in neighbourhood cafés and markets; Paris rewards unhurried days as much as busy ones.

Frequently asked questions

Is three days enough for Paris?

Three days is enough to see the main landmarks and get a feel for a few neighbourhoods at a steady pace. You won't see everything, so prioritise the museums and areas you care about most and save the rest for a future trip.

Should I buy a museum pass for three days in Paris?

It depends on how many paid sites you plan to visit. Compare the current price of any pass with the individual tickets for the places on your list, and check whether you still need to reserve time slots with a pass.

Which day of this itinerary is best for a rainy day?

Day one and day two are built around the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, so they adapt well to rain. Swap the outdoor parts of a day, such as the Luxembourg Gardens, with a covered passage walk or an extra museum.

More itineraries

Travel planning guides

Official sources and further reading

Practical details such as entry requirements, prices, timetables and opening days change. Always confirm them with the official sources below before you travel. Last reviewed by the AIFlyTrip editorial team on .