Paris France 3 Day Itinerary

Paris, France: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Paris

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Charlot (3 rue de Bretagne, 75003), a classic Parisian café in the Marais district.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Unfortunately, it’s currently under restoration due to the fire, but you can still admire its exterior beauty.

  • Lunch: Head to the nearby Saint-Louis en l'Île (27 quai de la Tournelle, 75004) for a traditional French lunch with a view of Notre-Dame.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Louvre Museum. Don’t forget to see the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

  • Evening: Stroll along the Seine River and end your day at the Eiffel Tower for a stunning sunset view. Have dinner nearby at Le Jules Verne (2 avenue de New York, 75008), if your budget allows, or opt for a more casual meal at Bouillon Chartier (18 rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, 75009).

Day 2: Art and History in the City of Light

  • Morning: Visit the Orsay Museum to see works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, among others. Grab a croissant at Du Pain et des Idées (10-12 rue Yves Toudic, 75018) on your way there.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Le Comptoir du Relais (11-13 carrefour de l’Odéon, 6e), a popular bistro in the Latin Quarter.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Musée d'Orsay to delve deeper into Impressionist art or visit the nearby Musée Rodin.

  • Evening: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Le Marais. Dine at one of its many vibrant restaurants. Don’t miss trying a classic French dish like Coq au Vin or Bouillabaisse.

Day 3: Modern Paris and Shopping

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Bob's Juice Bar (9 rue du Château Rouge, 75018), a popular spot for health-conscious travelers.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Centre Pompidou, home to modern and contemporary art.

  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Halles de Charonne (49 rue de la Fontenette, 75011) or opt for a more upscale lunch at L'Ambroisie (9 place des Vosges, 75003).

  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping in the chic neighborhoods of Champs-Élysées and Saint-Honoré.

  • Evening: Have a romantic dinner at the famous Le Grand Vefour (17 rue de Beaujolais, 75008) or enjoy a casual meal at a traditional French bistro.

Things to Know

  • Paris is known for its beautiful parks, including the Luxembourg Gardens and the Bois de Boulogne.
  • The city’s metro system (Métro) is an efficient way to get around. Consider getting a Navigo Pass if you plan on using it frequently.
  • English is widely spoken in Paris, but knowing a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience.
  • Parisian restaurants often close between lunch and dinner service, so plan accordingly.
  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, especially for good service. A service charge may also be added to your bill.

Transportation

The best way to get around Paris is by the Métro, RER, and buses. Navigo Pass is a smart card that offers unlimited travel on public transportation within designated zones. Single tickets (Navigo Découverte) are also available but are more expensive for multiple journeys.

Tips

  • Visit the official Paris tourist office website (www.parisinfo.com) for up-to-date information on events, attractions, and things to do in the city.
  • Download a reliable offline map app like Maps.Me or Citymapper to help navigate Paris.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches and museums; shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas such as tourist attractions and public transportation.