3 Days in Paris: A Classic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to Paris? With its iconic landmarks, romantic streets, and world-class museums, Paris can feel overwhelming at first — but it doesn’t have to be. This 3-day itinerary is designed to help you enjoy the best of the City of Light at a relaxed pace, blending must-see sights with authentic local experiences.

Whether you’re strolling the Seine, sipping café au lait, or catching your breath under the Eiffel Tower, this guide will make your Paris trip unforgettable.

🗓️ Day 1: Paris Icons & Sunset by the Seine

☀️ Morning – Eiffel Tower + Trocadéro Views

• Start at: Trocadéro for the best morning photo of the Eiffel Tower
• Walk down to Champ de Mars for views from below
• Optional: Book a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower summit ticket in advance
  👉 Check Tickets & Availability

💡 Tip: Early morning = fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.

🥐 Late Morning – Breakfast at a Local Café

• Grab a classic Parisian petit-déjeuner (croissant + coffee) nearby
• Recommended: Le Recrutement or Carette

🖼️ Afternoon – The Louvre (or Musée d’Orsay)

• Book timed-entry tickets in advance to skip queues
  👉 Louvre Tickets | Orsay Tickets
• Spend 2–3 hours seeing highlights: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more
• Alternative: Visit the Musée d’Orsay for Impressionist masterpieces

🎧 Add an audio guide or small-group tour to bring the art to life.

🌆 Evening – Seine River Cruise

• Enjoy a sunset cruise (1 hour) with views of Notre-Dame, Pont Alexandre III, and more
  👉 Book Seine Cruise with Wine Option
• Afterwards, stroll through Île de la Cité and grab dinner in the Latin Quarter

🗓️ Day 2: Montmartre Charm & Artistic Paris

☀️ Morning – Montmartre Walking Tour

• Take the Metro to Abbesses
• Visit the Wall of Love, Place du Tertre, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
• Explore cobblestone streets, old windmills, and artist hangouts

📷 Photo spot: Stairs leading up to Sacré-Cœur — especially at sunrise or golden hour

🥖 Lunch – Traditional Bistro in Montmartre

• Try Chez Toinette or Le Consulat for a cozy local meal

🎨 Afternoon – Hidden Gems & Shopping

• Visit Galerie de Montmartre or Dalí Paris Museum
• Stop by vintage shops or chocolate boutiques around Rue des Abbesses

🌃 Evening – Opera Garnier or Rooftop Views

• Book a visit to Palais Garnier (stunning interiors + Phantom of the Opera vibes)
• Or head to Galeries Lafayette rooftop for free skyline views and a drink

🗓️ Day 3: Notre-Dame, Marais & Local Life

☀️ Morning – Notre-Dame Area & Île Saint-Louis

• Visit the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral (interior closed for restoration)
• Explore Saint-Louis Island, grab an ice cream at Berthillon, and enjoy river views
• Optional: Visit Crypte Archéologique or Sainte-Chapelle

🏛️ Book ahead for Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass – a true gem
👉 Buy Skip-the-Line Tickets

🥗 Lunch – Le Marais Cafés

• Head into Le Marais for chic boutiques and falafel stands
• Try L’As du Fallafel or a cozy café like Café Charlot

🛍️ Afternoon – Musée Picasso or Shopping

• Choose between the Picasso Museum, Carnavalet Museum, or some boutique shopping
• Browse Parisian brands or vintage finds

🍷 Final Night – Classic Bistro Dinner

• Book a bistro table with a view, like Le Comptoir du Relais or Bistrot Paul Bert
• Toast to your Paris adventure with a glass of red and a crème brûlée

🎟️ Ticket Tips & Queue-Skipping Hacks

• Book all major attractions online in advance (Louvre, Eiffel, Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle)
• Use a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple sites
  👉 Compare Paris Pass Options
• Visit museums early or late in the day to avoid crowds
• Take guided tours if you want to skip lines and deepen your experience

📷 Best Photo Spots Summary

• Trocadéro (Eiffel Tower)
• Seine River Bridges (especially Pont Alexandre III)
• Montmartre stairways & Place du Tertre
• Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
• Île Saint-Louis river banks

🧳 Final Travel Tips

• Use the Metro + walking combo — it’s efficient and lets you see more
• Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones everywhere!)
• Plan your meals around busy sites to avoid tourist traps
• Take breaks often — café culture is part of the Paris experience

With 3 perfect days, you’ll fall in love with Paris and still leave room to come back. Bon voyage!

👉 Ready to go? Browse Paris Tours, Museum Passes & River Cruises