3 Days in Paris: A Perfect Paris Itinerary for Any Budget

If you’re looking to plan the perfect 3 days in Paris, then you’ve come to the right place! Of all the cities in Europe I’ve travelled to, Paris was one of the best. I think people underestimate just how much there is to do there. Trust me, there’s a LOT more to see than just the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre!

I first visited Paris in 2018 and I fell in love with it. We took my little sister for her 18th birthday and we had a fantastic time. Although, we didn’t see a lot of the sights on our first time (we were those people who just wanted to see the Eiffel Tower!), we saw much more on our second time.

Although it’s not the most affordable city in the world, it’s truly stunning. And there are ways to make it more affordable if you make a few small sacrifices (taking the stairs at the Eiffel Tower for example).

No matter your budget, you really can’t go wrong with Paris!

So, I’ve created this list of all of my favourite things to do in Paris and ordered them into the perfect 3-day itinerary for a first-time visit. I’ve also included admissions costs for each, so you know exactly what you’ll be spending.

Follow this, and you’ll have the most amazing time in the French capital!

What should you not miss in Paris?

There are plenty of things you shouldn’t miss in Paris, especially for first-time visitors. Despite it being super touristy, the Eiffel Tower is usually high on any itinerary.

If you’re planning the perfect trip, the iconic landmark is a must-see. Also, don’t forget to explore the history of the city, the infamous Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Top Tip: If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, the Museum Pass can save a lot of money. You can buy a pass for 2-6 days and it gives you skip-the-line access to over 60 of the top museums and attractions in the city including the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Crypt, and Sainte-Chapelle. Click here to purchase your Paris Pass for Museums.

The Ultimate 3 Days in Paris + 4 bonus Attractions

So, if you’re wondering what to see in Paris prepare for a weekend jam-packed with sights, museums, history and delicious food! Here’s the ultimate itinerary to help you plan and see the best of the beautiful city!

Day 1: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and More!

On day one of this three-day Paris itinerary, we’ll cross all of the classic sights off of your bucket list!

1. Climb up the Eiffel Tower

Cost – €11.30 (with stairs), €28.30 (with elevator)

You gotta start with a classic, right? A must-see on your first day in the French capital, the Eiffel Tower is an iconic gem in the city. You’ve probably already seen it on every possible to-do list, postcard and tourist guide. But it’s an absolute must-see.

You can get to the top via the lift or the stairs. Taking the stairs costs about half the price but over double the effort! You can also purchase a combined ticket with the stairs up but the lift back down again (or vice versa), This costs €21.50.

The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is as early in the morning as possible. It’s less likely to be crowded with tourists and you’re consequently less likely to be standing in long lines for ages and jostling for a good photo spot at the top. 

The Eiffel Tower opens at 9:00 am in summer and at 9:30 am in winter. If you want to learn a little more about the Eiffel Tower whilst you’re up there, then I recommend a guided tour. They sometimes start as early as 8:45 am which is even better because you’ll be guaranteed to be one of the first up there. 

From the top, you’ll have fantastic views over the city and the surrounding areas of France. But there are plenty more photo opportunities in the city, where you can include the Eiffel Tower in the shot.

✅ If you hate reeeeeally long queues, book your tickets in advance!

2. Admire the Mona Lisa at the Louvre

Cost – €17 to book online

You simply cannot see the city and not pay a visit to one of the most famous art museums in the world.

It’s also the most well-known museum in the city. Its signature glass pyramid makes it a gorgeous sight to see from both the outside and the inside.

Centrally located in the city, the most scenic way to get to the Louvre from the Eiffel Tower involves a scenic walk along the River Seine. I highly recommend this. You get some beautiful views across the river and it’s a great place to take some photographs of the Eiffel Tower. 

The Louvre boasts an impressive collection of artwork from all over the world. This includes pieces depicting the ancient world to Islamic masterpieces and art from Western Europe dating back to 1848.

Featuring Medieval ruins, artefacts from around the globe, and a Napoleon III Apartment, the Louvre is more than just a collection of art; it’s the largest museum in the world.

Of course, the creme de la creme of the Louvre is the celebrated Mona Lisa. It’s a painting that has been reproduced countless times and is known worldwide.

However, also be sure to check out the Seated Scribe, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo as well as plenty of other exhibits.

To make the most of your 3 days in Paris, it’s also worth booking a skip-the-line ticket to the Louvre.

Top Tip: Although booking online guarantees you a spot, you can get a ticket at the door for slightly cheaper at €15. However, there’s a limited number of these available, so you’d be risking it. Also, if you’re a resident of the EEA, you can get free admission with a valid ID.

✅ For two of the best Paris attractions in one, check out these tickets.

3. Explore the Champs Elysees

Cost – Free

Possibly the most famous Parisian Street, a stroll down France’s grand boulevard simply can’t be missed. The perfect place for a spot for shopping, the street is lined with pricey designer brands like Sephora, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas. You can also find high-street stores like H&M.

It’s a great place to find some traditional snacks if you’re starting to feel like lunch. Brioche Dorée on the right side of the street sells delicious baguette sandwiches, patisserie cakes, and many other scrumptious treats.

At the end of the street, you’ll find the fascinating Arc de Triomphe which is our next stop!

4. Visit the Arc de Triomphe

Cost – €13

the French capital is one of those gorgeous European cities with an almost uncountable amount of beautiful photography spots. One of the best ones is from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. 

Located on Place de l’Etoile at the western end of the Champs-Elysées, the Arc was built in astylar style architecture. It was created as a memento for the victims of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Each side of the arch is decorated with carvings and sculptures and engraved with names.

For €13, you can climb the spiralling staircase to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Inside there is a small museum with artefacts from the war. If you climb further, you’ll find the observation deck at the top of the arch. You can also purchase a guided tour of the Arc for €20.

From here, you’ll be treated to the best panoramas in the city; the best views of the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Coeur, and the Louvre, as well as the tree-lined Champs-Elysées.

Prepare to witness some pretty bonkers driving too as the Arc is in the centre of one of the busiest roundabouts in the city. You can also buy tickets for the Arc de Triomphe in advance which saves more time queuing.

Top Tip: An evening visit will give you even more glorious views of the sun setting and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

✅ For one of the most iconic views in Paris, you can’t miss this!

Day 1 total activities cost – €41.30 (€58.30 if you take the lift at the Eiffel Tower)

Day 2: The Notre-Dame, Sainte Chapelle, and Seine River

Your second day calls for spending some time around the beautiful Seine River and exploring some timeless historical sites.

5. Visit the Notre Dame-De Paris Cathedral

Cost – Free entry to the cathedral (tower €8.50, crypt €6)

France’s most famous Cathedral, the Notre Dame is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Paris. Located in Île de la Cité, it’s a truly beautiful building that was constructed between 1163 and 1345. A visit inside the intricately decorated Cathedral is well worth it.

However, on April 15th 2019, the Cathedral suffered a devastating fire and remains closed. It aims to re-open by the Olympics in 2024. 

While you’re nearby, check out the incredible views from the corner of Rue de la Cite and Quai de Montebello, near the Pont de Coeurs.

From here, you can photograph the tops of the towers and get some semi-normal shots of some of the front of the cathedral. But, unfortunately, the damage is extensive. The inside of the Notre Dame Cathedral is currently inaccessible.

6. See the Île de la Cité and sainte-chapelle

Cost – €11.50 for Saint-Chapelle, €18.50 for combined Saint-Chapelle and Conciergerie

The beautiful island region of Île de la Cité is home to some other wonderful sights. After you’ve visited the Notre Dame Cathedral, be sure to pay a visit to the nearby Sainte Chapelle.

In my opinion, it is prettier inside than the Notre Dame and home to one of the world’s most beautiful stained glass windows. 

It can be a little busy though so, once again, if you purchase your tickets in advance, you’ll get in quicker. The entrance fee is €11.50 but it’s also included in the Paris Museum Pass if you decide to buy that.

Whilst in Ile de la Cité, you should also pay a visit to the La Conciergerie; it’s the oldest part of the Palais de la Cité. Also, wander around some pretty flower markets, explore the boutique shops and stores on the island, or, see the oldest clock in the city.

Top Tip: If you visit in the Spring, Île de la Cité (specifically Square Jean XXIII). It’s possibly the best place to see cherry blossoms.

7. Explore Ile Saint Louis

Cost – Free

The small, central island is within easy walking distance of the Sainte-Chapelle and the Île de la Cité. The little neighbourhood is home to one of the most gorgeous cafes in the city. This includes the Insta-famous Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, which is the perfect place to stop for a cup of coffee.

Whilst you’re there, check out the nearby, Rue de Chartres. It’s one of the narrowest streets in the city. It’s also one of the few remaining locations where you can get a sense of the city’s medieval past.

8. Go on a Seine River Cruise

Cost – Between €10 and €200 depending on the type

In my opinion, river cruises are always a great idea. I’ve been on some great river cruises and the water is a great way to see any city.

Plus you get some tremendous photography opportunities of some of the city’s top landmarks. You can book a Seine cruise below.

Whether you want to take in the sights with a bottle of champagne or prefer to use the hop-on-hop-off service for glimpses of the waterways, there’s a Seine cruise out there to suit all tastes and budgets.

✅ For the most perfect way to see Paris, I recommend this river cruise.

9. Admire the Panthéon

Cost – €11.50 (extra €3 to enter the upper parts)

Standing proud in the Latin Quarter, on top of the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, The Panthéon is a gorgeous monument. The resting place of historic Parisian patriots such as Marie Curie and Voltaire, the Panthéon is the perfect balance of culture, history, and beautiful architecture. 

You can book a self-guided tour of the structure in advance, which is ideal if you only have 3 days in Paris. It means you get to skip the queues and ascend to the top of the beautiful building. From there, you’ll get to see more beautiful panoramic views across the city. 

A couple of other highlights of the Pantheon include many murals depicting Saint Genevieve (the city’s patron Saint) and the rather impressive Fouque pendulum.

✅ Check out this guided tour if you want to learn more about the Pantheon

Day 2 total activities cost – €47.50 (excluding the River Cruise)

Day 3: Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre

On the final day, we’ll explore some more of Paris’s cultural gems and take a peek underneath the city.

10. Visit the Sacré-Cœur

Cost – Free (€8 to go up to the dome)

One of the things that should be on your itinerary, is a visit to the Sacré-Coeur. If you make it to the top, it provides yet more breathtaking panoramas across the city. The Sacré-Coeur is located at the highest point in the city – 130 meters above sea level. 

Situated in the neighbourhood of Montmartre, the Sacré-Coeur is a surprisingly new construction having only been completed in the 1900s. The pearl-coloured stone of the basilica’s exterior has remained spotlessly white, despite the over 11.5 million people that visit it annually. 

It’s free to enter the church, although if you want to climb the 300 steps to the top of the dome (there is no lift) then you will have to pay. But it’s worth it for the stunning views.

Top Tip: The Sacré Coeur is one of the most popular sights in Paris. it also opens at the crack of dawn (literally) at 6:30am. If you want tourist-free photographs, be sure to get there early.

11. Explore Montmartre

Cost – Free

Next on this Paris itinerary is a stroll around Montmartre. It’s the lively neighbourhood that is home to the magnificent Sacré-Coeur. You can easily spend all afternoon soaking up the 18th arrondissement’s ambience and discovering some hidden gems.

It’s one of those areas that spawn creativity and has been the haunt of many actors, writers, and artists for decades. You can still see artists painting out on the streets today – everything from caricatures to impressive oil landscapes.

Expect to find quirky vintage antique shops and winding cobblestoned roads. Montmartre has a unique vibe that you just won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Top Tip: If photography is your thing, check out the corner spots of La Maison Rose and La Consulat Restaurant for some great photo opportunities.

12. visit Luxembourg Gardens

Cost – Free

Most impressive in the spring or summer months when they are alive with wildflowers and buzzing with bumblebees, the Luxembourg Gardens are a wonderful spot to relax and get away from the city chaos for a while.

With a distinctly Parisian feel, the gardens are just one of the many gorgeous city parks in the city. But if you have limited time, then Luxembourg Gardens should be your top choice.

Some of the garden’s hidden gems include the Medici Fountain and Luxembourg Gardens’ very own beehives. Bring a picnic lunch or grab a baguette and some fruit from a nearby cafe and chill out amongst the flowers.

13. Enter the Paris Catacombs

Cost – €29

If you’re interested in seeing a completely different side of the city from what you’ve experienced so far, then the next stop will be right up your street. The Catacombs are a little spooky and unusual, but, unless you hate bones, they are a must-see.

Located in Paris’ former quarries, the catacombs hold millions of skeletons. They were moved there during the 18th-19th century as people were worried that the cemeteries would cause health issues. 

Once you’ve passed the slightly alarming sign across the entrance that reads “Stop! This is the empire of the dead”, then you can wander down into the creepy tunnels. They bury under the city for over 200 miles! 

However, the Catacombs are another rather popular attraction, so I recommend buying skip-the-line tickets to make the most of your time.

Top Tip: If you’re travelling outside of peak season, you can buy a last-minute Catacombs ticket on the day for a reduced rate of just €18 on the official website. If you’re under 26, you can also get a reduced rate on the price.

✅ This is a great way to see the creepy side of Paris!

14. Visit the Musee d’Orsay

Cost – €16 (free on the first Sunday of every month and to 18-25-year-old EU residents)

Not quite as popular as the Louvre but, in my opinion, just as impressive, the Musee d’Orsay is another of Paris’s most visited museums.

Located a 20-minute metro ride from the Catacombs, not only is the Musée d’Orsay home to the largest collection of impressionist art in the world. It features many incredible artists such as Van Gogh, plus, the building itself is also a bit of a crowd-pleaser.

Almost resembling Grand Central in New York, the museum is set in a gorgeous former train station, Gare d’Orsay, which was built at the end of the 19th century.

When you’re inside, look for the famous gigantic clock on the top floor. It provides a unique view of the city and a perfect photography opportunity.

Top Tip: You can save money by purchasing tickets at the entrance to the museum, but you will have to wait in line. Tickets purchased at the museum are €14 or a discounted rate of just €11. Check their website for the estimated waiting time to see if it’s worth it.

If you have more than 3 days in Paris…

If you find yourself with a few days extra in the City of Light, here are a few additional activities to add to a 4 or 5-day itinerary.

15. Take a Day trip to the Palace of Versailles

Cost – €28.5 (for Palace, Estate, gardens, and Louis XV exhibit access on a fountain show day)

If you have slightly longer than 3 days in Paris it’s the perfect opportunity for a visit to the Palace of Versailles. Potentially the most famous chateau in the world, you can easily reach Versailles from Paris with a quick trip on the RER C Line.

The journey is only 9 miles (but will still take around 45 minutes). Public transport is the cheapest way to get there with a return ticket costing just €7.30.

The Palace is the largest royal domain in the world, so aim to get there early. When you arrive at the Palace, grab an audio guide and explore the intricately decorated mansion. Once you’ve spent quality time inside, head to the gardens for a leisurely stroll.

The total area of the gardens is a rather large 230 acres, so it’s unlikely that you’ll see every inch of manicured greenery. But make sure you see the most popular gardens near the palace.

They’re also home to the ornamental fountains of Versailles, where you can watch a spectacular night show if you pick the right day.

✅ This is a great way to see one of the most beautiful French Palaces

16. Explore the Museums

Another of the best things to do in Paris is to explore the museums. We have already covered the Louvre and Muse d’Orsay. However, there are plenty of other museums that are well worth exploring if you have more time.

A few of the highlights include:

17. Visit Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is a famous cabaret nightclub in the French capital and is one of the best things to do in the city. It was opened in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler.

The Moulin Rouge is known for its iconic red windmill on the roof and its extravagant shows featuring dancers, singers, and other performers. It has a rich history and is considered a symbol of the bohemian culture.

If you enjoy theatre and elaborate performances, you’ll love it here.

✅ Check out this fancy Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show

18. Explore the Surrounding Villages

Cost – Free

One of the best things to do if you have longer than three days in Paris is to explore a little outside of the main city and see some gorgeous villages surrounding the capital. You see, the city used to be much smaller than it is now.

The neighbouring hills were once full of small village communities of farmers and bakers. These areas are now part of the capital but many have retained their authentic charm and are some of Europe’s cutest hidden gems. 

Where to stay in Paris

The capital of France is a vast, fancy, and pretty expensive city. Finding a place to stay, particularly if you’re on a budget, might be challenging.

If you’re on a budget, check out my guide to the most affordable parts of Pairs to stay in. I also have a list of the top Paris hotels for budget travellers.

✅ Check out my full review of the best places to stay in Paris for any budget. 

Is 3 days in Paris enough?

In my opinion. 3 days is enough to see the central sights of the city. If you have more time, you can dig a little deeper into the lifestyle, explore a few of the local hotspots, and find some of the city’s hidden gems.

This will also give you time to visit places like Versailles. Plus, if you want to visit Disneyland, you can spend 3 days there alone!

But for the average traveller looking for a long weekend city break, 3 days is enough time.

What is the cheapest way to get around Paris?

Paris is a pretty walkable city, which is ideal if you’re travelling around Europe on a budget. However, if you only have a few days, then using the public transport system is a reliable way to save yourself some time. 

There are buses, under and overground trains, taxis, trams, and even a funicular. Many City Passes also include free public transport as well as discounts on tourist attractions.

However, the Metro is the quickest way to get around the city. You can find a metro station near most of the city’s top attractions.

A single ticket costs €1.90 and can be used for one journey, including all connections. You can also buy monthly, or weekly tickets. If you’re under 26 (classed as a youth), you can also purchase a weekend pass for €4.

If you’re looking to get to the city by train from elsewhere in Europe, travelling from Paris to Disneyland, or planning on taking a few trips from the city, I recommend using Omio to book train tickets. It’s easy to use and very affordable.

✅ You can easily book transport in advance here.

Overall…

3 days in Paris is the ideal amount of time to see the top attractions in the City of Light.

The city is one of the most visited and romantic cities in the world and, once you’ve seen just how much there is to do there, it’s really no wonder why.

If you only have 2 days, I would focus on the main sights in the city centre, and perhaps skip the final day on this itinerary. Also, check out my 1-day Paris itinerary if you only have 24 hours.

But, if you’re planning a trip to Paris then, I hope this itinerary has helped you plan the perfect getaway!

👉 Still need somewhere to stay in Paris? Check out my favourite hotels to stay at if you’re on a budget.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.