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Are you planning 3 days in Paris? Here’s my personal itinerary covering landmarks, hidden streets and top sights, with advice for stress-free transport.
Paris and I go back quite a bit. My first visit was years ago and I completely fell in love with the place. It was that awkward kind of love where you plan your return before the plane has even landed. I’ve been here more times since then than I probably care to admit. It is still one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. Hey, I even love the grumpy locals who glare at everyone.
There’s something about Paris that makes you feel like you’ve landed on a film set every time you visit. Maybe it’s because I’m obsessed with Emily in Paris (hey, I’m only watching it because Chloe sees it…) One moment you’re strolling down a quiet side street past a bakery, the next you’re standing under the Eiffel Tower watching it glitter at sunset. It’s a city that rewards slowing down, even if, like most visitors, you only have a few days to play.
That’s exactly what this guide is for. I’ve put together a three-day Paris itinerary that covers the big sights and a few quieter corners without you wasting half your trip trying to decipher the subway map. Read on for my daily schedule and a few practical tips I picked up along the way.
Day 1: Discover the landmarks of central Paris
I always start a trip to Paris the same way: with the Eiffel Tower and always early. There is a version of the Eiffel Tower that exists in every mind, in every crowd and queue. And then there’s the experience at eight in the morning, when it’s just you, a few joggers and the tower looming over a nearly empty Champ de Mars. Get there early. You won’t regret it. Alternatively, I always find it nice and empty when you drunkenly stroll back to your apartment late at night. I think this is a classic Parisian moment.
From here I prefer to walk rather than jump directly underground. Cross the Seine toward the Trocadéro and you’ll get one of the most photographed views in the city. I’ve taken this photo so many times and I still find it breathtaking. Continue following the river banks instead of diving into the subway. You’ll pass grand old bridges, ornate architecture, and more cafe terraces than you could ever sit on.
At lunchtime you make your way to the Champs-Élysées. I’m not a big shopper, but a stroll down the avenue is worth it to get a good glimpse of the grander side of Paris. Continue to the Arc de Triomphe and climb the observation deck. The views from these wide boulevards are some of the best in the city.
Save the evening for Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Classic cafes, independent bookstores, art galleries and relaxed restaurants make it my favorite spot for a first dinner in the city, ideally with a glass and no particular plan. I know it all sounds like a lot, but you’ll find that it’s easy to just follow your own feet and tick off the big landmarks of Paris. Even though it’s a big city, it’s meant to be seen on foot!
Day 2: Art, History and Hidden Streets
The second day is all about the historic heart of the city and I would dedicate the whole day to it if possible. Start at the Louvre Museum. I’ll be honest, I don’t always go inside, even though I know that’s borderline sacrilegious in a city like this, but seeing the glass pyramid up close and strolling through a handful of galleries is worth a visit alone. If you have the time and stamina, pick a few collections and really browse through them rather than trying to see everything.
From the Louvre, walk through the Tuileries Gardens towards Place de la Concorde and then cross the Seine into the Latin Quarter. This is where Paris completely switches gears. The grand avenues give way to narrow streets, centuries-old buildings and busy squares that invite you to stroll around aimlessly. I’ve spent entire afternoons here just following whichever street seemed most interesting, which is honestly my favorite way to explore a city.
Make time for Notre-Dame Cathedral and a walk around the Île de la Cité. Restoration work has continued in recent years, but it remains one of the most striking corners of Paris.
Continue to the Panthéon before finding a spot for dinner in the Latin Quarter. There are traditional bistros alongside small wine bars and family-run restaurants, and you really can’t go wrong.
Day 3: Montmartre and Paris
Montmartre feels like a completely different city and is one of my favorite areas to photograph. Start at the Sacré-Cœur and leave early here too. The view over Paris is breathtaking at first glance, before the tour groups arrive in droves. I’ve stood on these steps at sunrise more than once with a coffee in hand and it never gets boring.
From there, throw away the map and just explore. The winding streets, hidden staircases and quiet residential areas of Montmartre seem like a world away from the busy inner city districts. You’ll come across local bakeries, artist studios, and small boutiques, and this is exactly the kind of neighborhood where I recommend you write down your itinerary and just wander around.
After lunch, it’s worth visiting the Musée de Montmartre for a few hours, or you can just linger somewhere with a coffee. Definitely save some energy for the evening as I would always show you the way to Canal Saint-Martin to finish the trip.
There is significantly more local crowd down by the canal. Residents gather by the water, friends meet for evening drinks, and the restaurants offer a real glimpse into everyday Parisian life away from the busiest attractions. This is how I like to end most trips to Paris: somewhere quiet, having a drink and observing the city that surrounds me.
Why transportation can shape the entire experience
By the end of the third day, your legs will know exactly how much walking this route entails. Many first-time visitors assume that Paris is entirely walkable and that many neighborhoods are perfect for exploring on foot. But the distances between the main attractions add up quickly, especially over three jam-packed days.
The subway is efficient, I’m not saying that, but changing trains, navigating busy stations, and lugging luggage around can be tiring, especially after a long flight or a full day of sightseeing.
I’ve found that the best approach is to combine walking with pre-arranged transportation for longer trips around the city. This eliminates unnecessary transfers and gives you more time to actually enjoy the places you want to see. This is just as important on the way out of town as it is while traveling.
After three days on your feet, the last thing you want is to drag your luggage through the subway trying to catch a flight. Booking a private transfer back to the airport is one of the easiest ways to ensure you actually enjoy your final hours in Paris and don’t have to worry about connections.
An easy way to ensure a three-day itinerary runs smoothly is to plan longer trips in advance. I would recommend you take a look at what Kar Go Paris has to offer before you arrive. This makes airport pickups and intercity transfers much easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Enjoy Paris at your own pace
Three days will never show you everything Paris has to offer, but they are more than enough to get a feel for the diversity. From the world-famous monuments and museums to the quieter neighborhoods with all the local character, this is a city that rewards travelers who slow down and enjoy the drive between sights.
Organize your itinerary in nearby districts, simplify longer transfers and spend a lot less time struggling with public transport and a lot more time actually enjoying what makes Paris so special. Some of the best travel memories come not from checking off multiple places, but from experiencing each one without feeling rushed.
If you have any questions about Paris, let me know! It’s a city I love, so just let me know in the comments below. Alternatively, let others know about your favorite things to do in the city!
