Paris 3 Day Itinerary: A Practical Guide
Maximize a short trip by clustering activities by neighborhood to reduce transit time.
Paris is a city that rewards walking. You can navigate most of the central districts on foot, provided you plan your days by neighborhood. May and September are the best months to visit. 15°C to 20°C is the typical temperature in May, and crowds are 20% lighter than in June. September is similarly warm, with temperatures between 18°C and 24°C, and hotel rates often dip 15% from July prices.
Day 1: The Historic Center
You will start your trip in the heart of the city, focusing on the 1st and 4th arrondissements and the Left Bank.
Morning
Begin at the Louvre to see the vast halls of art. After the museum, cross the river to the Left Bank. You'll want to visit Shakespeare and Company, the independent English-language bookstore.
Noon
Head to the Marais. This neighborhood is known for its falafel stands and classic bistros. For a more formal meal, $45 per person is the average cost at Le Comptoir du Relais on Rue Saint-André, where you can try the duck confit. If you prefer a snack, $8 is the price for a pistachio scoop at Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis.
Evening
Finish your day with a view or music. $15 is the price for a cocktail at Le Perchoir, a rooftop bar in the Marais. Alternatively, $20 is the cover charge for Caveau de la Huchette, a historic jazz cellar in the Latin Quarter.
What to skip: Skip the rush to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. The crowds are often overwhelming. Instead, spend your time in the Musée de l'Orangerie to see Monet's water lilies in a quieter setting.
Day 2: Landmarks and Museums
Day two focuses on the 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements.
Morning
$30 is the cost for the Eiffel Tower Summit ticket. 2 hours is the typical time spent here. You'll get the best panoramic views of Paris from the top.
Noon
Visit the Army Museum at 129 Rue de Grenelle. $12 is the full entry fee, and 90 minutes is the average visit duration.
Evening
$13 is the price to climb the roof of the Arc de Triomphe. 1.5 hours is the time needed to take in the 360 degree sweep of the Champs-Élysées.
What to skip: Skip the luxury shopping walk down the Champs-Élysées. It is heavily commercialized and crowded. You will find more authentic atmosphere by walking through the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is free and takes about 1 hour.
Day 3: Local Life and Bohemian Views
Your final day takes you to the 18th, 10th, and 20th arrondissements.
Morning
Head to Montmartre. You can visit the Sacré-Cœur and explore the streets. If you stay at Le Village Montmartre, the staff can point you toward the best crêpe stalls on Rue des Abbesses.
Noon
$5 is the cost for a coffee during a Canal Saint-Martin walk. 1 hour is the typical duration for a stroll along this tree-lined waterway.
Evening
Move to the 20th arrondissement for dinner at Fami. €15.50 is the price for the starter-main-dessert menu. If you prefer the 1st arrondissement, €19 is the cost for an anti-inflation lunch deal at Bistrot Mee.
What to skip: Skip the restaurants located directly in the main square of Montmartre. They are overpriced and designed for tourists. Instead, seek out the unassuming eateries in Belleville for cheaper lunch menus.
Logistics and Budget
Getting into the city center depends on your arrival point. 35 minutes is the duration of the RER B trip from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Châtelet-Les Halles. 45 minutes is the time from Orly (ORY) using the Orlyval tram and RER B. 2 hours 15 minutes is the travel time from London via Eurostar to Gare du Nord.
Estimated Activity Costs
| Activity | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower Summit | $30 | 2 hours |
| Arc de Triomphe Roof | $13 | 1.5 hours |
| Army Museum | $12 | 90 minutes |
| Canal Saint-Martin Coffee | $5 | 1 hour |
| Caveau de la Huchette | $20 | 2 hours |
Where to Stay
Your hotel choice should depend on your budget and preferred neighborhood.
Budget ($100 to $150)
Hotel Marignan is located in the 11th arrondissement (Montparnasse) and costs $110 to $130 per night. Le Village Montmartre is in Montmartre and costs $120 to $150 per night.
Mid-range ($180 to $260)
Hotel Henriette is in Le Marais, costing $210 to $250 per night. CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon is in the 12th arrondissement and costs $180 to $220 per night.
Luxury ($500 to $1,200)
Le Bristol Paris is in the 8th arrondissement and costs $650 to $800 per night. Le Meurice is in the 1st arrondissement (Tuileries) and costs $800 to $1,200 per night.
Final Takeaway
The biggest mistake visitors make in Paris is trying to see every museum in one trip. You will find more satisfaction by picking one major site per day and spending the rest of your time walking through neighborhoods like the Marais or the 5th arrondissement. Prioritize May or September to avoid the brutal heat and peak prices of July.