Are you planning a visit to Paris in the near future? If so, you may be wondering how best to spend your time in this beautiful city. The following article provides a suggested program and itineraries for visitors who want to make the most of their three days in Paris. Included are tips on where to stay, what to see, and where to eat. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for everyone!
We propose here a 3-day program in Paris (also feasible in 2 days) which mixes discovery of the city’s districts, main cultural places, architecture and, of course, shopping. Three days that will undoubtedly make you want to come back for more!
DAY 1 – SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE AND DISCOVER THE CITY
To soak up the unique charm of Paris, start your first day by heading to Châtelet, in the center of the city (you can take the superb bus line 72 to get there). From there, walk along the banks of the Seine either towards the Hôtel de Ville and the Ile Saint-Louis (about a 20-minute walk) or towards the Place de la Concorde (about a 1-hour walk). A superb introduction…
- Walking along the Seine and the many bridges that cross it, you will discover the exceptional architecture that has made Paris world famous, as well as its incomparable atmosphere.
- From the Concorde or the City Hall, go to rue de Rivoli, one of the most important shopping streets in Paris. Here, shopping is king! At lunchtime, go to the Montorgueil district (behind Les Halles). This pedestrian area is full of bars, cafes and restaurants and is a great place to shop, with a mix of big names and designer boutiques.
- To rest after so much walking, visit the Tuileries Gardens, built in the 19th century on the site of a former Royal Palace burned down in 1871.
- Then visit the Louvre Museum, which adjoins the Tuileries garden. Allow 2 to 4 hours for a complete visit of at least one wing of the museum.
DAY 2 – THE OLD PARIS
- Paris is a city that can be visited on foot. So reserve most of your second day for walks in the different districts of the city
- When you think of Paris villages, you think of course of Montmartre. To enjoy the incomparable atmosphere of the place, try to go there early in the morning (around 9am). After this hour, some places like the Place du Tertre are crowded and lose some of their charm.
- To learn more about the history of Montmartre, you can visit the Montmartre Museum, housed in one of the oldest houses in the neighborhood. Alternatively, you can visit the Dali Museum, which holds a superb collection of this unique artist. –
- Then go down to Pigalle and visit the district called “la Nouvelle-Athènes” (located in the 9th arrondissement). The facades of private mansions abound in this district where many 19th century artists and writers lived. Go to rue des Martyrs, the main shopping street of the district, to appreciate this “village” of Paris.
- Let’s go to the south of Paris and the village of Butte aux Cailles. Less known than Montmartre, this hillock has kept its Parisian authenticity and remains of an absolute charm. In the evening, have a drink in one of the many bars of the Butte aux Cailles street.
DAY 3 – THE MUST-SEES – Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre
- Go to the Musée d’Orsay as soon as it opens to avoid the huge queue. Count on 4 hours for an in-depth visit of this superb museum.
- After the museum, visit the Saint-Germain-des-Près district, a historical district of Paris converted in the 20th century into the cultural and literary center of the capital. An exceptional charm (see Stroll in Saint-Germain-des-Près).
- Now it’s time to go to the Eiffel Tower! Is it indeed possible to spend 3 days in Paris without visiting this monument? For many, no… Beware, once again, of the long lines… For a beautiful panoramic view of Paris, you can also go to the panoramic terrace of the Montparnasse Tower.
- If you don’t think you have time to visit the Eiffel Tower, go and discover the Opéra Garnier (which can be visited freely outside show times), one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. A marvel of architecture and luxury!
- To finish your stay in beauty, go to the Trocadero, the place that offers the best view of Paris on the Eiffel Tower. Most of the buildings in the area were built during the World Fairs of 1878, 1900 and 1937. Here the choice of activities is wide: you can visit one of the many museums (Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, Musée d’art moderne de la ville de Paris, Musée Guimét, Musée de la Marine, etc.)
To discover the city in more depth, see our program of visits for a one-week stay in Paris.
Come visit lovely Paris and see all the amazing sights this city has to offer. With so much to do and see, you’ll never run out of things to do during your visit. And don’t forget the food! Paris is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, so be sure to sample a few during your stay.
Why it’s a good idea to come visit Paris ?
Well, for starters, Paris is an amazing city with so much to see and do. From the world-famous Eiffel Tower to the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And of course, let’s not forget the food! Paris is home to some of the best cuisine in the world, so be sure to visit a few of the city’s many restaurants during your stay.
Have a nice visit!
Hi, I’m Julien. I was born in Paris, France in 1985. I grew up in a lovely neighborhood in the city, and I’ve always loved Paris. It’s a beautiful, vibrant city with so much to see and do. I’ve been lucky enough to visit many other cities around the world, but there’s nothing quite like Paris.