There is so much to experience in Paris that a year wouldn't be enough to see it all. However, 3 days in Paris puts you in a comfortable spot to check out all the main highlights and popular attractions in Paris. Check out our 3-day travel itinerary to help you plan your stay in Paris. From the Catacombs and Louvre Museum to the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, 3 days should provide you with enough time to experience the magic of Paris.
3 Days in Paris - How To Spend Your Day
Paris In 3 Days - Detailed Itinerary
A Slice of Quintessential Paris
Eiffel Tower
Seine Sightseeing Cruise
Centre Georges Pompidou
Start your 3-day trip the right way: at Paris' most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower. This attraction needs no introduction- it is the international symbol of love and recognised world-wide as a defining moment of the industrial era in the country. The Eiffel Tower attracts close to 7 million visitors in a year, making it the most-frequented monument in the world. Peruse your Eiffel Tower tickets options and book them before visiting.
- Views of the Eiffel Tower by day and by night are entirely different. While you visit during the day, make sure to carve out some time at night (on any of the 3 days) to experience the Eiffel Tower by night.
- The elevator lines are pretty long, so we recommend you take the stairs to save time.
- Consider reserving a prepaid ticket to skip the tiring ticket line.
Seine River Cruises begin at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and are, therefore, perfect after you are done visiting the Eiffel Tower. This leisurely, hour long cruise takes you past some of the most iconic Parisian monuments afloat. Admire prestigious landmarks such as Assemblee Nationale, Musee d'Orsay, Institut de France, Pantheon, Cite de la Mode, Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame, Conciergerie, and more. The mesmerising cruise also allows you to enjoy an exhilarating experience from on top of the boat’s terrace and passageways.
Perhaps most-often recognized for its oddly-structured building, Centre Georges Pompidou is a must-visit in Paris for the quirk-lovers. It holds a vast collection of modern art that will leave you dumbfounded, and more importantly, inspired. It also houses a massive library (about 500,000 books) and can accommodate up to 2,000 reads at a time. You'll also find 50,000 artworks, including sculptures, drawings, photography, and paintings. Head over to its rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city.
- We highly recommend you buy your tickets ahead of time online as there are many visitors on a daily basis.
- The best time to visit would be anytime after 4 PM when the evening rush begins to die down.
- Don’t miss out the Le George restaurant on the 6th floor that promises a meal with a view.
Where History Meets Culture
Versailles Day Trip
Paris Cabaret
Your second day calls for some actual sightseeing- only a slight ways from Paris. Sign up for a visit to the Palace of Versailles- a mere 30 minutes away from Paris. Whether you choose the guided tour or drive down there yourself, you're in for a real treat. Stroll along cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Explore the striking highlights in the castle, including the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Don't miss out on the iconic Hall of Mirrors before you leave!
- Whether or not you opt for pre-purchased tickets, we recommend you start your tour early (around 9 AM). This is to avoid the crowds that begin to trickle in by 10 AM.
- If you are not a morning person and only get to the Palace in the afternoon, begin your tour in the gardens- they'll be less crowded.
After all the heavy sightseeing, it's time to head back to Paris for a night of excitement and debauchery. Take your pick of the many cabaret venues in Paris and attend a cabaret show! Choose from Moulin Rouge situated in the heart of the lively Montmartre district, Crazy Horse - one of Paris’ racier cabarets, Le Lido - located at Champs-Elysees best know for its burlesque and cabaret shows or Paradis Latin, the oldest cabaret in Paris and a temple of the performing arts. Sip on a glass of champagne and delight in a delicious dinner while witnessing the French can-can come to life in a colorful explosion of costumes, decorations and dazzling set designs.
An Exciting Day On Your Feet
Louvre
Arc De Triomphe
Paris Catacombs
Start your last day in Paris at the biggest and arguably most famous museum in the world - The Louvre Museum. Here, you will be able to enjoy the collections of the museum in relative peace. This iconic landmark is on every tourist's list and is worth your time. The timeless glass pyramid is one of the most photographed monuments in Paris, and for good reason. The museum receives crowds from across the globe to see the famous Mona Lisa — painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
- For the not-so-early-risers, we recommend switching up this attraction with a visit to the Catacombs. Visiting the Louvre after 10 AM is stampede-like.
- It is best to chart your visit according to a map of the museum, as it is nearly impossible to cover every exhibit of the Louvre.
- If you are not fluent in French, it is best to pick up an audio guide to help navigate your way through the museum.
Your next stop for the day is Arc de Triomphe. Another well known monument of the city, the Arc de Triomphe stands tall at the western end of the famous Champs Élysées. The arch honours those who fought valiantly and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. With names of military soldiers engraved on its walls, the magnificent centrepiece is one of the biggest arches of the world. Visitors can benefit a panoramic view of Paris from atop this monument during the day and night. There is also a museum within the arch that retraces the history of Arc de Triomphe which is a must-visit for those interested to delve deeper into the roots of Paris.
- Fancy a Louis Vuitton handbag? An Hermes scarf? The Champs-Élysées sidewalks are littered with stores: from designer label goods to French souvenirs, you'll find them all.
- Most people prefer walking through Champs-Élysées, but you can also hop on a public bus or ride a taxi to get around.
- There is no queue for those only visiting the exterior of the monument, so do not confuse yourself with the same.
- It is best to book a museum pass or an online ticket to cut the queues.
- The Arc de Triomphe has one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, so make sure to carry your camera for plenty of photo ops.
For a spooky end to your time in Paris, head to the legendary Paris Catacombs. Although often referred to as the city of lights, there is a dark, almost enigmatic past of the city that is retold within the Catacombs of Paris. The underground ossuaries hold the remains of more than 6 million people. Did you know that these quarries were built to eliminate the city's overflowing cemetaries? The Catacombs are recognized as a museum today and makes for a perfect visit to those vying for an eerie touch to your trip to Paris.
- Keep a flashlight handy as the tunnels can be dark.
- It is advisable to wear covered shoes or boots as the quarry is prone to muck during the rains.
- Show up at least 20 to 30 minutes before they open as the museum is prone to long queues.
3 Days in Paris Under €260
Day 1 : Eiffel Tower, Sightseeing Seine Cruise, Centre Georges Pompidou
€64
Day 2 - Palace of Versailles, Paris Cabaret
€130
Day 3 - Louvre Museum, Arc De Triomphe, Paris Catacombs
€64
Total
€258
Book your Paris Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend just €258 on your one day vacation in Paris! Hit up all the prime attractions in the city and save more while you explore more. Read on to see our detailed 3 day Paris Itinerary and learn more about visiting each of these attractions.
More Paris Itinerary Options?
Read more about how to spend 1 day in Paris if you're short on time or 5 days in Paris if you're planning a longer trip to the City of Lights!
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