PARIS FRANCE: THE PERFECT 3 DAY ITINERARY TO THE CITY OF LIGHTS

Europe, France, Paris

Welcome to Paris! This 3-day itinerary is designed to help you explore the city's most iconic landmarks, enjoy its delightful cuisine, and experience the unique charm of its neighborhoods. Whether it's your first visit or you're a seasoned traveler, these recommendations will ensure you make the most of your time in the City of Light.

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Eiffel Tower Views from Ave. de Camoens

DAY 1: CLASSIC PARISIAN CHARM

You are most likely arriving this day so take some time to check into your hotel and settle in before exploring! 

Afternoon:  Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) Start your Paris adventure with a peaceful stroll through the Tuileries Garden. This historic garden, nestled between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, offers beautifully landscaped lawns, vibrant flower beds, and impressive sculptures. Enjoy a coffee or sandwich at one of the garden’s cafes and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Pavillon de Flore in Tuileries Garden

Afternoon:  The Louvre Museum Next, head to the Louvre, one of the world’s largest and most famous museums. With its extensive collection of art and artifacts, it’s a must-visit. Focus on iconic pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. To avoid the crowds, consider booking your tickets in advance.

 Outside of The Louvre

Late Afternoon: Palais-Royal A short walk from the Louvre, the Palais-Royal is a hidden gem. Stroll through its peaceful gardens and admire the unique black-and-white striped columns by artist Daniel Buren. It's a great spot for photos and a bit of relaxation.

Evening: Dinner at Perruche For dinner, head to Perruche, a stylish rooftop restaurant on top of the Printemps department store. Enjoy modern French cuisine while taking in panoramic views of Paris. Make sure to make a reservation because this place fills up! 

Strolling through Palais-Royal and drinks as Perruche

DAY 2: ICONIC LANDMARKS AND SCENIC VIEWS

Morning: Breakfast at Carette Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at Carette, located near Trocadéro. Enjoy pastries, coffee, and a cozy atmosphere with views of the Eiffel Tower. This place is very popular so be prepared to wait in a line. It moves fairly quickly though! 

Breakfast at Carrett. Their hot chocolate is decedent!

Late Morning: Jardins du Trocadéro After Breakfast, head to The Jardins du Trocadéro, located across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, for stunning panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. The gardens feature expansive green lawns, ornamental ponds, and the impressive Warsaw Fountains, making it a popular spot for both leisurely strolls and memorable photos.

Afternoon: Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower Picnic Next, head to the Champ de Mars, the expansive green space in front of the Eiffel Tower. Prepare a picnic with treats from a local market or bakery and find a perfect spot to relax and admire the Eiffel Tower.

Afternoon: Latin Quarter In the afternoon, explore the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Wander through its narrow, winding streets filled with bookshops, cafes, and historic sites like the Sorbonne University and the Pantheon.

Paris' chariming Latin Quarter and Shepkspere

Late Afternoon: Notre-Dame Cathedral Next, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Though currently undergoing restoration, its stunning Gothic architecture remains a sight to behold. Explore the surrounding Île de la Cité for a glimpse into medieval Paris.

Evening: Seine River Dinner Cruise End your day with a romantic Seine River dinner cruise. Enjoy a gourmet meal as you glide past illuminated landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame. This experience is a magical way to see Paris by night. Click here to book your Seine River Dinner Cruise.

Romantic dinner on The Seine

DAY 3: MORE OF PARIS' BEST

1. Montmartre Start your final day in Montmartre, a charming hilltop neighborhood known for its artistic history. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for stunning views of Paris, then wander through the cobbled streets, exploring artist studios and cafes. Don’t miss the Place du Tertre, where local artists display their work.

Wandering the charming streets of Montmartre

2. Lunch at Pink Mamma Head to Pink Mamma for lunch, a popular restaurant in Montmartre known for its delicious Italian cuisine and stunning interior decor. Be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Lunch at Pink Mama. Be sure to make a resrvation and try to eat on the fourth floor!

3. Arc de Triomphe After lunch, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and a unique perspective of the Champs-Élysées. The monument itself is an impressive tribute to French history and a must-see landmark. For a seamless experience, book your tickets through Get Your Guide here. 

Views from Arc de Triomphe and shopping along the Seine

4. Sunset at the Eiffel Tower As the day winds down, head back to the Eiffel Tower for a sunset view. The tower is particularly beautiful at dusk when it begins to light up. Grab a bottle of wine and find a good vantage point, either from Trocadéro or the Champ de Mars, and watch as the city transitions from day to night.

5. Climb the Eiffel Tower Cap off your Paris adventure by climbing the Eiffel Tower. Whether you take the elevator or climb the stairs, the views from the top are breathtaking. Seeing the city’s lights from above is a perfect way to conclude your trip. You need to book this experience ahead of time as it fills up quickly. Book through Get Your Guide here for a seamless experience. 

Eiffel Tower Views from Rue Buenos-Ayres and top of the Eiffel Tower

Travel Tips

• Public Transport: Paris has an excellent metro system that makes getting around easy. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel on public transportation.

• Language: While many Parisians speak English, learning a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience.

• Dining: Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants, especially for dinner.

• Dress Code: Parisian style is chic and sophisticated. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking, but dress up a bit to blend in with the locals.

Enjoy your trip to Paris! Bon voyage!