Paris in 3 Days (2025): The Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect City Break in the City of Love

There is a precise, magical moment when you first encounter Paris, typically when the city’s light hits a limestone façade or you inhale the scent of freshly baked bread. One moment you are planning a trip, the next you are standing amid a flurry of elegant movement, crimson awnings, and the soft, historical murmur of the French language. This is Paris, the City of Light, an enduring global benchmark for romance, culture, and high cuisine.

If you are seeking the quintessential city break Europe has to offer, a journey to Paris is an absolute delight. It effortlessly blends monumental history with a vibrant, modern heartbeat. This expert-crafted 3 days in Paris itinerary is designed for maximum impact, guiding you through the Louvre’s masterpieces and up the Eiffel Tower. It provides clear, actionable logistics using Paris's excellent transport network, ensuring your trip Paris is memorable no matter where you stay. It is the practical, inspiring Paris travel guide for first-time visitors and the perfect Paris weekend itinerary for those planning exactly what to do in Paris in 72 glorious hours.

A cosy spot to enjoy Parisian flavours just a short stroll from Montmartre.

Day 1: Grand Icons and the Seine's Sparkle

Day one is dedicated to conquering the monumental sights, crossing off the bucket-list heavy-hitters that define Paris for the world, from the artistic treasures of the Louvre to the city's iron lady. Start early to make the most of the day.

The Louvre and Tuileries Garden Stroll

Begin your day by taking the Métro or RER into the city centre, aiming for the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre station. Arriving before the doors open at 9:00 AM is essential for the Louvre Museum. Even if you are not an art fanatic, the Louvre is an unmissable part of any itinerary Paris. Head straight for the big three: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. By tackling the most famous works first, you avoid the main flood of later tourists.

Once you have had your fill of Renaissance masterpieces, exit and take a relaxed stroll through the adjacent Jardin des Tuileries. This beautiful, formal French garden connects the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, offering a perfect, tranquil transition back into the bustle of the city.

Lunch and the Arc de Triomphe

For lunch, we suggest a quick but classic Parisian café near the Rue de Rivoli or the Rue Saint-Honoré. Look for a simple bistro offering a Formule midi (lunch special) for great value.

In the afternoon, take the Métro Line 1 (or the RER A) toward the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing to the viewing platform atop the Arc offers one of the city's most spectacular perspectives, with the twelve avenues radiating outwards and, crucially, a perfect view down toward the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Walking down the majestic Avenue des Champs-Élysées beforehand is the perfect preparation for this grand, triumphal structure.

Evening: Dinner, Eiffel Tower, and the Grand Finale

For your first Parisian evening, you must experience the Eiffel Tower. Take the Métro or RER to Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel or the Trocadéro side for the best views.

Time your visit to the Champ de Mars to coincide with the sunset. Bring a bottle of wine, some cheese, and bread from a local fromagerie and boulangerie for a classic, affordable Parisian picnic dinner. The real magic happens after dark. At the turn of every hour, from dusk until 1:00 AM, the tower bursts into a five-minute display of sparkling lights. Sitting on the grass, sharing a bottle of wine as the Eiffel Tower glitters above you, is the defining romantic moment of any trip Paris.

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Transport to Central Paris	8:15 AM – 8:50 AM	€2.15 avg	£1.90 avg	Take the nearest Métro/RER toward Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre.
The Louvre Museum	9:00 AM – 1:00 PM	€22	£19.15	Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. Book timed-entry tickets online here.
Lunch – Café/Bistro	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€20 avg	£17.50 avg	Look for a Formule midi near Rue de Rivoli.
Arc de Triomphe (Climb)	4:00 PM – 5:30 PM	€16	£14	Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris. Skip the line by booking ahead.
Dinner – Eiffel Tower Picnic	7:00 PM – 9:00 PM	€15 avg (per person)	£13 avg (per person)	Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €8.60 (4 single tickets average)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 2: Culture, Charm, and the Artistic Heart

Day two explores the artistic heart of Paris, taking you from the grandeur of Impressionism to the cobblestone streets where legends like Picasso and Van Gogh once lived.

Art History on the Left Bank

Begin your second day by taking the Métro/RER toward the Left Bank, aiming for the Musée d'Orsay. The museum is housed in a former railway station, and the building itself is a work of art, with a magnificent vaulted ceiling and the iconic massive clock. This museum focuses primarily on French art from 1848 to 1914, making it the world’s premier collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. This is an essential stop for any comprehensive Paris travel guide.

After soaking up the Impressionists, take a short walk through the Latin Quarter, the historic student district, toward the Île de la Cité. Stop at the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore near Notre-Dame Cathedral. This legendary English-language shop is a literary haven and perfect for a quick, charming break before lunch.

Lunch and the Marais Quarter

For lunch, take the Métro across the river to the historic Le Marais district. This area, known for its elegant architecture, offers some of the best affordable culinary choices. We recommend grabbing a classic falafel from the famous spots on Rue des Rosiers, providing a flavourful and filling lunch.

The afternoon is for wandering. The Marais is a treasure trove of hidden courtyards, trendy boutiques, and high-end galleries. Walk through the beautiful Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, and explore the boutiques around Rue Vieille du Temple. This is essential what to do in Paris for those who appreciate boutique shopping and historical architecture.

Evening: Dinner and Montmartre's Heights

For the evening, we journey north to the romantic, hilltop district of Montmartre. Take the Métro to Abbesses station. The area retains the charm of a quieter, village-like Paris. Take the funicular up (or brave the stairs) to the dazzling white dome of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The panoramic view of Paris at sunset from the steps is priceless.

For dinner, explore the small, quaint restaurants near the Place du Tertre. While some are tourist traps, others, tucked away on side streets, offer classic bistro fare. Enjoy a traditional French dinner before descending the hill, perhaps passing the iconic Moulin Rouge on your way back to your accommodation.

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Transport to Musée d’Orsay	8:30 AM – 9:30 AM	€2.15 avg	£1.90 avg	Take the Métro/RER to the Musée d'Orsay station.
Musée d'Orsay	9:30 AM – 12:30 PM	€16	£14	1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris. Book timed tickets here
Lunch – Le Marais Falafel	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	€12 avg	£10.50 avg	Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris.
Le Marais Wandering	2:30 PM – 5:00 PM	Free	Free	Explore Place des Vosges and side streets.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur	6:30 PM – 7:30 PM	Free (€6 for dome climb)	Free (£5 for dome climb)	Métro to Abbesses (Line 12), then Funicular/stairs.
Dinner – Montmartre Bistro	7:30 PM – 9:00 PM	€35 avg	£30.50 avg	Explore the small side streets off Place du Tertre.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €8.60 (4 single tickets average)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Day 3: History, Glamour, and Departure

Your final day, the perfect conclusion to your city break Paris, delves into the city's earliest history and provides a final moment of Parisian glamour.

Île de la Cité and Sainte-Chapelle

Start your morning at the literal birthplace of Paris: the Île de la Cité. Take the Métro or RER to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame. While Notre-Dame Cathedral is undergoing its restoration, its sheer presence and historic importance are still captivating.

The true gem of this island, and a must for any 3 days in Paris itinerary, is the Sainte-Chapelle. This 13th-century Gothic chapel is simply stunning. Go early to experience its upper chapel, a soaring space almost entirely enveloped by fifteen towering stained-glass windows. When the morning light streams through, the effect is genuinely ethereal.

Lunch and Parisian Glamour

For lunch, head towards the Opera district, known for its opulent department stores and architectural showpieces.

The afternoon is reserved for a final taste of Parisian glamour: visiting the Palais Garnier Opera House. While seeing a full opera can be expensive, taking a self-guided tour of this gilded, opulent 19th-century masterpiece is an experience in itself, complete with the famous Chagall ceiling and grand foyers. Afterward, visit the nearby Galeries Lafayette department store. Do not miss the spectacular Art Nouveau glass dome and head up to the rooftop terrace for a free, magnificent panoramic view across Paris, a wonderful final photo opportunity for your Paris weekend itinerary.

Departure

After your final moments of glamour, return to your hotel to collect your luggage, taking the most convenient Métro/RER route for your final departure to the airport or train station.

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (EUR)	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Transport to Île de la Cité	8:15 AM – 9:00 AM	€2.15 avg	£1.90 avg	Take the Métro/RER to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame.
Sainte-Chapelle	9:00 AM – 10:30 AM	€15	£13	8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris. Book timed tickets here
Lunch – Opera District Café	12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	€25 avg	£22 avg	Bistro near the Opera House.
Palais Garnier Tour	2:00 PM – 3:30 PM	€15 (Self-guided)	£13	Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris. Check tour times/availability.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop	3:30 PM – 4:30 PM	Free	Free	40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris. Excellent final views.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: €8.60 (4 single tickets average)

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of €1.00 = £0.87, for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

Choosing the right base for your Paris adventure is crucial for a successful city break Paris. While this itinerary is designed to work from anywhere with easy transport access, here is a highly recommended option that balances comfort, space, and convenience:

Novotel Suites Paris Issy les Moulineaux

• Location: Located just outside the central area, this hotel is positioned directly next to the RER C station (Issy – Val de Seine) and the Tram T2 line. This proximity makes trips to the Eiffel Tower (just 15 minutes by RER C) and the Palace of Versailles very efficient.

• Amenities: Suites are spacious (typically 30m²), offering excellent value, especially for families or those on a longer stay. Suites often include a microwave and a refrigerator.

• Rates: Rates for a Standard Suite start around €125 (£109) per night. A buffet breakfast is available for an additional €20 (£17.50) per person.

Tips and Local Insights

Your dream trip Paris is ready to go. These expert tips will help ensure your city break Europe runs as smoothly as possible, regardless of your final accommodation.

Mastering the Parisian Transport Network

The efficient transport system is key to maximizing your time in Paris.

• The Ticket t+: For a short visit, purchase a carnet (a pack of 10 single-use tickets, currently around €17.30). A single Ticket t+ costs around €2.15. These tickets cover the Métro, RER (within the central zone), bus, and tram.

• Contactless is Recommended: The easiest way to travel is by tapping your contactless credit or debit card directly on the reader. The system will automatically cap your daily spending at the price of a day pass, providing both convenience and the best value.

• RER vs. Métro: The RER (Réseau Express Régional) is faster for long distances, like getting from the suburbs or airports into the city centre, while the Métro (subway) is better for navigating within the core districts.

When to Visit and Securing Your Spot

The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer the best combination of pleasant weather and slightly reduced tourist numbers.

• Museum Closures: Be mindful that the Louvre is typically closed on Tuesdays, and the Musée d'Orsay is closed on Mondays. Plan your days accordingly.

• Pre-Book Everything: For the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sainte-Chapelle, you must book tickets online and reserve a timed entry slot. This is the only way to avoid queues that can cost you hours of your valuable 3 days in Paris.

Further Afield: Extensions

If you have an extra day, consider these popular extensions:

• Palace of Versailles: Easily reachable via the RER C line, this is an astonishing look into royal opulence. Plan for a full day.

• Giverny: For Monet enthusiasts, a visit to his house and water lily gardens is a serene and colourful escape (especially in the spring and summer).

  
  

Paris is a city that delivers on its promises of beauty, history, and culture. It is the ultimate city break Europe has to offer. Use this guide to plan your adventure, and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the French capital.