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3 Days in Paris: Classic Itinerary for First-Timers

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

The essential Paris in three days: the Louvre and the islands, the Eiffel Tower and Left Bank, and Montmartre's village streets — grouped by neighborhood so most of it is on foot.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Louvre Museum

    Musée du Louvre, 1st arrondissement

    The world's most visited museum. Pick a few wings — the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Venus de Milo are a sensible first loop.

    Tip: Timed tickets are required; book online and use the Carrousel entrance for shorter lines.

  2. Tuileries Garden

    Jardin des Tuileries

    Formal gardens between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, with the Orangerie's Monet water lilies at the far end.

  3. Île de la Cité & Sainte-Chapelle

    Sainte-Chapelle, Île de la Cité

    Sainte-Chapelle's upper chapel is almost entirely 13th-century stained glass. Notre-Dame, reopened in December 2024 after restoration, is a short walk away.

    Tip: Sunny afternoons light up the glass; book Sainte-Chapelle tickets ahead.

  4. Le Marais

    Le Marais, 3rd–4th arrondissements

    Medieval lanes, falafel on Rue des Rosiers, boutiques and the arcaded Place des Vosges — great for an evening wander and dinner.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Eiffel Tower

    Champ de Mars, 7th arrondissement

    Go up for the views or picnic on the Champ de Mars. The tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour after dark.

    Tip: Summit tickets sell out — book weeks ahead in summer.

  2. Musée d'Orsay

    Musée d'Orsay, 7th arrondissement

    Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in a former railway station. Don't miss the view through the giant clock on the top floor.

    Tip: Closed Mondays.

  3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

    Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th arrondissement

    Classic Left Bank cafés (Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots), bookshops and galleries, then the Luxembourg Gardens nearby.

  4. Seine River Cruise

    Port de la Bourdonnais

    An hour on the river passes the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower — best just before dark.

Day 3 · 4 stops

  1. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

    Sacré-Cœur, 18th arrondissement

    The white basilica on top of Paris, with one of the best free views of the city from its steps.

    Tip: Watch for bracelet scammers at the foot of the steps.

  2. Place du Tertre

    Place du Tertre, Montmartre

    The painters' square of Montmartre; wander the lanes past the Moulin de la Galette and the last vineyard in Paris.

  3. Arc de Triomphe

    Place Charles de Gaulle

    Climb to the rooftop for views down the twelve avenues, including the Champs-Élysées. Use the underground passage — never cross the roundabout.

  4. Canal Saint-Martin

    Canal Saint-Martin, 10th arrondissement

    Iron footbridges, locks and lively bars along the canal — where Parisians picnic on summer evenings.

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