How to Spend 3 Days in Paris Without Wasting Time or Money
There’s no shortage of Paris itineraries online, but many are either unrealistic, too rushed, or miss the small details that make a visit smoother.
This 3-day plan keeps the icons, skips the chaos, and helps you actually enjoy the experience. Landmarks, neighborhoods, food stops – here’s how to make it all fit without wasting hours in lines or zigzagging across town.
Day 1: Classic Paris
Morning: Eiffel Tower & City Views
Start your trip with the most iconic sight, La Tour Eiffel. Get there early to beat the lines and either take the elevator to the top or climb the stairs if you’re up for it.
The second-floor view is often enough and saves time. Either way, the panorama sets the tone for your whole trip.
Late Morning: Walk the Seine
Walk through Champ de Mars after your visit, then head toward the Seine. Follow the riverbanks or cut through Quai Branly. You’ll pass beautiful bridges and get great views of the city.
It’s a calm and scenic route, especially between Pont de l’Alma and Pont Alexandre III.
Lunch: Classic Parisian Bistro
Grab lunch at Les Deux Magots, a Saint-Germain classic. Once a favorite of writers and philosophers, it’s now a mix of locals and visitors. Try a croque monsieur or duck confit and enjoy the open-air tables.
Afternoon: The Louvre Without the Burnout
The Louvre is huge, don’t aim to see everything. Focus on highlights like the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, or Venus de Milo.
Even if you’re short on time, the building itself, especially the glass pyramid and the galleries of the Denon wing, is worth wandering through.
Evening: Seine River Cruise
End your first day with a cruise. Boats depart near Pont Neuf and Pont de l’Alma. It’s one of the best ways to see landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower without effort, especially when they’re lit up at night.
Bring a jacket, even in summer.
Day 2: Art, Culture, and Hidden Gems
Morning: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Begin your second day in Montmartre. This historic neighborhood has kept its village feel, with narrow streets and artists painting on the squares.
Head to the top of the hill to visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, then pause on the steps for one of the best panoramic views of Paris.
Late Morning: Musée d’Orsay
Next, make your way to the Musée d’Orsay, set in a grand former train station. The collection includes masterpieces by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh. It’s compact enough to enjoy in a couple of hours without feeling overwhelmed.
Lunch: Café in Le Marais
Stop for lunch at Café des Musées in the Marais. It’s a dependable spot for hearty French dishes: steak frites, quiche Lorraine, and a glass of wine in a warm, relaxed setting.
Afternoon: Centre Pompidou
Spend the afternoon exploring the Pompidou Center. The building’s industrial design with its colorful pipes and exposed staircases is a sight on its own.
Inside, you’ll find a rotating selection of modern and contemporary art, and sweeping views from the top floor.
Dinner: La Coupole (Montparnasse)
For dinner, head to La Coupole in Montparnasse. This classic brasserie has been serving French favorites since 1927. The art-deco interior adds to the experience. Go for escargots, beef bourguignon, or tarte Tatin if you want a full traditional meal.
Day 3: Offbeat Paris and Relaxation
Morning: Luxembourg Gardens
Start slow in the Luxembourg Gardens. Parisians come here to walk, read, or sit in the sun. Stroll past fountains and flowerbeds, or just grab one of the green chairs and enjoy the calm.
Late Morning: Sainte-Chapelle
Next, walk over to Sainte-Chapelle. This Gothic chapel is easy to miss from the outside, but inside you’ll find one of the most spectacular stained-glass displays anywhere. Arrive before noon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Lunch: Open-Air Market
For lunch, head to the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the northern Marais. It’s the city’s oldest covered market and has a mix of global food stalls – Moroccan, Italian, Japanese, and classic French. Order what looks good and grab a spot to eat nearby.
Afternoon: Belleville
In the afternoon, explore Belleville. It’s grittier and more local than central Paris, with street art, casual cafés, and multicultural energy.
Walk along Rue Dénoyez for murals and pop into Parc de Belleville for sweeping city views – including the Eiffel Tower from a very different angle.
See also 7 cool spots in Belleville
Coffee Break at Café de Flore
Take a break at Café de Flore, back in Saint-Germain. It’s historic, stylish, and a good place to rest and reflect over a café crème. Sit outside if you can, it’s half the experience.
Dinner: Parisian Dining Experience
Finish your trip at Le Procope, Paris’s oldest restaurant. Open since 1686, it’s where Voltaire and Napoleon once dined. The food is classic – try the coq au vin or crème brûlée – and the space still carries centuries of history.